Turnberry Kintyre

Turnberry is simply one of the world’s great golfing venues and though the Kintyre plays second fiddle to its superstar nieghbour, the Ailsa, it remains  a class links act in its own right. If it was virtually anywhere else in the UK, the Kintyre would be given a higher profile. It’s the Kintyre’s misfortune that it happens to have a superstar venue as a sister course. The Kintyre was fairly recently upgraded and is now even better than before. Even on a dank winter’s day it is a spectacular golfing setting with stunning views of Kintyre, Arran and, of course, Turnberry lighthouse. The sensational coastal views take the edge off any high scores.

The Ailsa has held The Open four times – but many locals will tell you the Kintyre is a tougher, more demanding track with the narrow fairways regularly running between swathes of prickly, ball-grabbing gorse bushes. So you must be deadly accurate with every club. In addition to the dense gorse-lined fairways, narrow landing zones, a constant sea breeze, deep pot bunkers and super-quick greens combine to make the Kintyre a stiff challenge. 

You’ll love every minute, every shot and every single hole, especially the dramatic front nine finale where you’re firing at oceanside greens (8th and 9th). It arguably boasts the most dramatic hole at Turnberry – and that’s saying something! The incredible short par-4 8th is a worthy contender for this title. This magnificent signature hole starts with a climb up the small hill from the 7th green to the 8th tee to provide an unforgettable view. Scenery taken in, you must decide whether to try to get close to the ‘blind’ beach-side green – surrounded by pot bunkers – or take the safe lay-up option.

You’ll do well to avoid the myriad bunkers on the par-4 4th and you also have to take special care at the stroke index one 5th – it’s the best part of 450 yards and there’s a whole heap of trouble to negotiate. There’s a cracking finale too – another demanding par-4 (17th) and a par-5 climax featuring 13 bunkers.

Built over much of what was the old Arran course, Donald Steel has created a very challenging layout which has matured fast. The project was made possible when a plot of farm land adjoining the famous Ailsa course came up for sale, and some of the new holes get even nearer the beach than the Championship course.

The 8th is a short risk/reward par-4 measiring 298 yards off the very back tees. If the longest hitters take it on, there’s lots of trouble around the green in the form of deep pot bunkers. And, of course, the views over Ailsa Craig and Arran are spectacular.

There’s absolutely no doubt whatsoever you’ll love every minute, every step and shot on every single hole of the Kintyre.

While it sits in the shadow of it's more famous neighbour, the Kintyre is great in it's own respect as well. The par-72, 6,200-yard course has a spectacular yet difficult front-nine with the 8th and 9th having oceanside greens. The signature par-4 8th has an unforgettable blind shot into the green.

Full of changes in elevation and tricky greens, the Kintyre is an excellent test of golf and should soon come out of the shadow of it's neighbour.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 4.5 out of 5 Just lovely. 31 March 2012

  By macim67

  I played here 29/3/12 and there are a run of holes that are simply brilliant and very much like you would expect at Pebble Beach, all members of my 4 ball were very happy playing here and will be returning. Thankfully we had a wonderful days weather, not much wind and no rain, I am sure this would be a really hard test in certain conditions. Many holes have the hotel or the lighthouse as a backdrop and it is a great and worthy second course to the Ailsa.

• 4 out of 5 worth playing 13 May 2010

  By clay

  Okay okay so it's not as good as the aisla... but come on... The run of holes from 5 to 14 are great... the conditioning is superb and it's a challenge. You also get some great views, all areas of your game are tested and you can play now with TG;s 2f1 scheme... It's a must-play. If this course was anywhere else in the land - and not next door to arguably the best course in the UK - it would score very highly...    

• 3 out of 5 Dull of Kintyre 03 November 2006

  By Anonymous

  My pal and I, both 7 handicappers played this course today having played the Ailsa the day before. It gets a good write up and we were chomping at the bit having been spoiled the day before. To be honest though apart from the stunning 8th and 9th next to the shore, and two decent finishing holes we both agreed the rest of the course was flat and dull and we were disappointed. I won't play it again unless the price is reduced considerably, it isn't worth more than £40. The greens are firm, fast and very undulating, with very few flat areas, almost too difficult.

• 4 out of 5 Tough Test 21 March 2006

  By Anonymous

  While it doesn't have the overall attraction of the Ailsa Course, the Kintyre is a true test of golf and has some stunning holes and views. Also has the same great service from all staff at Turnberry.

• 3.5 out of 5 Not as nice as... 09 September 2003

  By Anonymous

  Pretty good, but a lot of money for it and it's not as good as the ailsa. worth playing but only if you can get a deal..