Your ultimate guide to golfing "Scotland in Miniature"
Flick through the flipbook (be sure to click the [ ] icon for full screen mode) or read below for an inspiring look at golfing on the Isle of Arran
Welcome to the enchanting Isle of Arran, a hidden gem off the west coast of Scotland. Nestled between the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Bute, Arran offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, a rich history... and 6 golf courses. Arran has a rich and varied history that spans thousands of years, intricately tied to the broader history of Scotland, and the island's landscapes hold the echoes of its past. From rugged mountains and rolling hills to picturesque beaches and dense forests, the island boasts a stunning array of natural wonders.
Golf courses on the Isle of Arran often offer a unique experience, with a perfect mix of 9, 18 and, uniquely in Shiskine, 12 hole options. Combined with a variety of links and parkland holes, golf on Arran will challenge all facets of your game!
Each course offers panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty as standard, including breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde from many a tee box across the island.
This guide will help whet your appetite for a golf trip to Arran, providing you all you need to know about where to play, where to stay, and where to après golf.
If you want more info on how to go about booking this kind of trip, please get in touch!
P L A Y
The 18's
Brodick 1st tee view
Arran's 3 "big" courses are all situated on the East coast of the island within easy reach of the ferry terminal. Brodick Golf Club, situated against the backdrop of the majestic Goat Fell mountain, offers golfers a challenging 18-hole course with panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde. Lamlash Golf Club, on the other hand, presents a unique coastal layout where players navigate undulating fairways amidst breathtaking vistas of Holy Isle and the Ayrshire coast. Meanwhile, Whiting Bay Golf Club, nestled on the southeast coast, provides a traditional 18-hole course set on a hillside with views of the rugged coastline. Each of these courses offers a distinct golfing experience, while still retaining the charm of Scottish island golf.
The 12
Shiskine from Drumadoon Point
Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club's stunning location offers majestic views across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Kintyre peninsula, on golfing ground of such purity, owing only the barest influence to the hand of man, that to play here is to enjoy a unique sporting experience. Its 12 holes can only be described as idiosyncratic, where the modern school of golf course architecture would cringe at many of its features. However, the course is a shrine to the way in which the game used to be played by the golfing greats of yesteryear. Expect numerous blind shots, either from the tee, for the approach to the green or, in some cases, both. And because of this tortuous terrain, there are numerous stop/go signals and markers to help golfers navigate their way around the course.
Nevertheless, it’s fun golf and immensely enjoyable. The 3rd and 4th holes, called “Crows Nest” and “The Shelf”, offer real excitement, nestling underneath the Drumadoon Cliffs. This is a links that needs to be played more than once. Only then will you begin to understand and appreciate its quirks.
The 9's
Corrie 2nd hole backdrop
Arran's 9 hole offerings rank among the best golf on the island, despite their shortened routings. Corrie Golf Club is a nine-hole golf dreamscape nestled at the bottom of Glen Sannox between the mighty peaks of Cir Mhor and Goatfell. Expect blind shots, criss-crossing fairways, greens gouged out of hillsides and panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde, especially from the 7th tee at the highest point on the course.
Machrie Bay is a small but intriguing nine-hole course with a community feel, where the Machrie Bay Tearoom serves as the de facto clubhouse. Some fun holes await, none more so than the 9th where the fairway and green are split by…the A841 main road around the island. Keep a watch for cars as you play your approach over the road to the beach-side green.
Also worth a mention is the 11-hole Lochranza Pitch & Putt course, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk among great scenery and wildlife (watch out for the deer that roam the course!) all while keeping your short game up to scratch.
S T A Y
Getting there
Arran can be accessed via ferry from the West coast town of Ardrossan, with around 9 sailings per day from to Brodick in the summer months (April – September), the earliest departing Ardrossan at 7.00am and the latest return leaving Brodick at 7.20pm. Ferry bookings fill up very quickly so it is advisable to book in advance.
Ardrossan is easily accessed via the M77 heading South from Glasgow, around 45 minutes drive. Both Glasgow (GLA) and Prestwick (PIK) airports connect to Ardrossan Ferry Terminal by a regular train service.
Car travel is recommended to get you around the island, although it is possible to hire transport. Drive times to courses from Brodick ferry terminal:
Brodick 3mins
Lamlash 6mins
Whiting Bay 15mins
Corrie 18mins
Machrie Bay 20mins
Shiskine 24mins
Arran is made up of 6 main towns/villages each with their own unique features and amenities. The gateway to the isle of Arran, Brodick, has all the amenities you’ll need for your trip, with the ferry port, supermarkets and excellent accommodation, culture, food and drink options all situated here.
Lamlash is well populated with accommodation options and some pleasant cafes and eateries dotted along the shorefront, overlooking Holy Isle.
Whiting Bay is traditionally known as the arts centre for the island has fewer hotel-type accommodations here, you will not be short of cosy B&B or well-equipped self-catering options.
As you drive along the main circular route around the island, the A841, the picturesque villages of Corrie and Sannox have some lovely accommodation options along the way, including some large stone bungalows and the acclaimed Corrie Hotel (with probably the best beer garden on the island!).
On the West side of the island, blessed with beautiful sunsets and views across the Kilbrannan Sound, lies the coastal village of Blackwaterfoot which is home to Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club. A picturesque harbour, long sandy beach and various local retailers and producers make for a vibrant community and a nice option away from the hustle and bustle of the East side of the island.
The small community of Lochranza on the North tip of the island, is worth considering as a base as it hosts the other ferry terminal, with regular crossings to Claonig on the Kintyre coast, as well as Arran Distillery, Lochranza Castle and the Lochranza pitch & putt course.
Accommodation
The luxurious retreat of the Auchrannie Resort & Spa blends contemporary comfort with timeless charm in its elegant accommodations, hospitality and leisure facilities, with 2/3 bedroom luxury lodges and motorhome pitches also available on site.
The multiple award winning Douglas Hotel is ideally placed in Brodick a stone’s throw from the ferry terminal with generous sized rooms and balcony suites offering breathtakingly beautiful sea views. It has an excellent bar and bistro and a superb outdoor drinks area overlooking the Firth of Clyde which is perfect for those post-round refreshments.
The Corrie Hotel sits on the seashore in the idyllic village of Corrie, surrounded by beaches, forests, glens, lochs and mountains. Even if not staying at the hotel, it is worth a visit to sample the food, drink and beer garden alone. Formerly the village croquet lawn, it has been voted one of the best in the UK - it’s clear to see why!
Situated on the West coast of the island in Blackwaterfoot, the Kinloch Hotel is the ideal place to stay if golf at Shiskine is your focus. A perfect place to relax, unwind and invigorate, with uninterrupted views across to the Mull Of Kintyre, the hotel is perfectly situated on the seafront with serene beaches and coastal paths within walking distance.
There is an abundance of self-catering options on the island, perfect for larger groups of golfers. Drumadoon Cottage in Blackwaterfoot is a spacious holiday cottage with beach access and only a 9 iron distance from Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club where you can base yourself for the week. On the outskirts of Brodick, Strathwhillan Cottage is a lovingly restored and enlarged crofters’ cottage with stunning views of Goatfell and Brodick Bay, sleeping up to 10 people and has its own private, fenced garden.
Drumadoon Cottage
A P R È S
Food & Drink
The food and drink on Arran reflects the island's commitment to quality and local sourcing, with the island boasting a range of locally produced food and drink that showcases its rich agricultural heritage.
The fine dining options of Cruize Bar Brasserie, Brambles (both Auchrannie Resort) and La Truff Noire offer traditional favourites alongside innovative modern dishes. A nice mix of seafood and local favourites can be found at the more relaxed Wineport and Drift Inn, the latter being a fantastic spot for outdoor dining with stunning views across the bay to the Holy Isle.
The Drift Inn, Lamlash
The clubhouses at Shiskine (The Tee Room) and Machrie Bay (Machrie Bay Tearoom) golf clubs offer the perfect spots to fuel up before, between, or after your rounds with excellent range of breakfast items, pies, pastries and cakes on offer. Little Rock (Brodick) is a large, usually bustling, café overlooking Arran’s “8th” golf course – the Mini Golf. A wide variety of sandwiches, toasties and delicious home made soup is on offer, as well as teas, coffees and milk shakes.
Mara Fish Bar & Deli takeaway in Corrie offers a mouth-watering selection of seafood dishes including classic fish and chips, hearty seafood chowder and succulent prawn and lobster rolls. The Shack & Grill is a mobile takeaway food trailer which pops-up at varying locations on the island, serving up tasty burgers, pizzas, fish and chips and changing specials.
For self-catering or even gifts, The Arran Cheese Shop and Arran Butcher offer a huge selection of locally produced cheeses, deli goods and specially selected meats and fish - everything you need if lighting up the BBQ during your stay.
Lagg Distillery
Arran is perfect for whisky lovers, with Arran Distillers now operating two venues on the island – Lochranza Distillery and the recently-opened Lagg Distillery at the Southern tip of the island. Both offer a selection of tasting, tour, shop and café options making them a great place to visit and break up your time on the course
From an unassuming rustic beach shack, Arran Botanical Drinks is a unique drinks production and hospitality venue, making Gin, Cassis and Botanical Beers all derived from hand-foraged plants around the island. With tours, tastings, a cocktail bar, events and masterclasses it’s an eclectic place to spend some time away from the course.
The Isle of Arran Brewery produce and sell a wide range of styles from blondes to bitters to stouts can be bought or sampled, with tours and tastings running throughout the day. Situated next to the Wineport Bar, a lazy afternoon or evening can be spent enjoying the goods on offer at both of these establishments.
Cultural & Outdoor
The Isle of Arran offers a variety of outdoor activities, historical sites, and natural beauty to help fill your time in between rounds (if you have any energy left!). Its rich history dates back thousands of years, marked by various cultural influences and historical events some of which are visible today.
Brodick Castle has gardens, woodland and waterfalls as well as the Castle itself packed with treasures and interactive experiences, while The ruins of Lochranza Castle can be explored, carefully, at your leisure during the summer months.
Brodick Castle
Arran also boasts an impressive collection of prehistoric sites, including stone circles like the Machrie Moor Stone Circles, worth a visit while on the West side of the island as it lies in between Shiskine and Machrie Bay golf courses.
Arran boasts a variety of low-level walks, with Fisherman's Walk in Brodick and the slightly more challenging Kings Caves walk proving popular choices, the latter offering stunning clifftop and beach views. For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, exploring the Arran hills is a must with the island home to four Corbetts - Goatfell, Cir Mhor, Caisteal Abhail, and Beinn Tarsuinn - all towering above 2,500 feet.
Arran Heritage Museum is a great way to find out about the history of Arran, made up of a variety of buildings, each carefully renovated and playing its part in telling the story of Arran. As well as a café onsite, there are regular themed event days throughout the summer months.
The Arran Arts Heritage Trail is marked out by twenty hand carved stones at key locations around the island, which celebrates and documents Arran’s rich cultural arts heritage. Each stone has a simple number relating to an artist or artists on the Trail map, where you can click on the trail map locations on the website and link to biographies and examples of the relevant artists’ works.