What Dundonald Links lacks in history it more than makes up for in quality. Being chosen to stage the Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open in 2017 underlined what many already knew – that Dundonald was a new course to be reckoned with.
While the front nine is very good, it is perhaps from the turn where the course goes up another notch. The 11th is the shortest on the course, but far from easy – good distance control is vital to avoid the pot bunkers protecting the green. The 13th is a memorable par 4 running parallel to the railway line with a meandering burn in front of the two-tiered green.
Number 15 completes the set of excellent par 3s – at around 170 yards and with a fairly small green and a large bunker guarding it, only the best of tee shots will do if you want to head to the next tee with a good score on the card.
The home hole is the longest and another demanding one. There is plenty to contend with on your way back to the clubhouse, including numerous well situated fairway bunkers, a dogleg and a curving ditch. It is always a three shotter – unless of course your name is Rafa Cabrera-Bello.
Play Dundonald Links as part of our Links Golf Cup Ayrshire and Mixed Pairs Cup Ayrshire.
