Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club in Dumfries & Galloway. Top golf courses of Scotland.
Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club: Located on cliffs overlooking the fishing village of Portpatrick, the Dunskey course is not overly long, but still a delightful layout to play, and one that occupies a very natural setting.
The gently undulating and open terrain, with its crisp turf, might have you believe you are on a coastal links course, rather than perched up on cliffs above the sea. There's plenty of room to work the ball, with penal rough kept at a good distance from the fairways. The few clumps of gorse bush that are dotted around are not dangerously in play, most of the time. The smallish tilting greens are good to putt on, and not too heavily bunkered. Especially on the back-nine there are several short par-4s that add to your chances of carding a respectable score, even on a first outing.
This wonderfully quiet and natural setting provides some beautiful sea views, not least from the holes that come after the par-4 10th. The best time to get out the camera comes at the 13th tee, where you'll look down onto Sandeel Bay, with the sea lapping (or crashing) against its craggy cliffs.
The course: 18 holes. Clifftop links.
From Stranraer follow the A77 direction Portpatrick. After approx 8 miles, and just before entering Portpatrick, turn right into Heugh Road. After o.6 miles turn right into Golf Club Road.
2015 visitor fee, 18-holes in high season: Mon-Thur £32; Fri-Sun £37. [Contact club for full details, discounts, day tickets, packages, etc]. Credit cards accepted.
In 1902 Charles Orr Ewing MP realised the possibility of establishing a golf course in Portpatrick. In the autumn of that year he surveyed the ground with Charles Hunter of Prestwick. The Club - Dunskey Golf Club - was founded the following year. In 1912 the course was realigned to provide for the creation of an additional Ladies course, a nine-hole par-3 layout, now called the Dinvin course. | The warmer air of the Atlantic gulf stream ensures Portpatrick's courses are playable virtually all year round.
Located very close to Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Course.
The hotel is located opposite the harbour in Stranraer, the main ferry port between Scotland and Ireland, and many rooms boast wonderful views over the harbour and Loch Ryan beyond.