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The South West

The Ayrshire coastline on Scotland’s West coast is famous worldwide for producing some of the most beautiful and challenging links courses imaginable. The “jewels in the crown” of this particular part of the world are undoubtedly Royal Troon and Turnberry (Ailsa Course) both of which are renowned Open Championship Venues. The former is synonymous with one of the most famous holes in golf – the 8th – which is one of the shortest holes in major championship history and is lovingly referred to as ‘The Postage Stamp’. Turnberry hosted the Open again in 2009 after a 15 year hiatus and almost produced the most amazing story in golfing history but alas the great links champion Tom Watson narrowly failed in his quest to become the oldest major winner ever.

Apart from the two Open Championship courses the west coast also has an array of other fine layouts including the challenging Glasgow Gailes, the ‘true links’ that is Western Gailes and Prestwick – the birthplace of The British Open - and home to one of the most splendid trophy rooms to be found anywhere on earth.

Accommodation on Scotland’s West coast is of a very high standard with the newly refurbished Westin Turnberry Hotel and the picturesque Lochgreen House Hotel always proving to be popular locations.

The West coast of Scotland is steeped in history and has strong links to historical figures such as Robert the Bruce, Robert Burns and of course William Wallace aka Braveheart – the man who was immortalised as a warrior poet in Mel Gibson’s Oscar winning epic. The area is also well-known for its array of breathtaking castles including Stirling Castle and Culzean Castle.

Another feature of this region is its relatively close proximity to Glasgow. Overflowing with style and culture, Scotland's biggest city and former European City of culture is a revelation to its growing number of visitors. Its blend of internationally-acclaimed museums and galleries, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, fabulous shopping and superlative wining and dining prove irresistible.