The conception and birth of Irvine Golf Club must be credited to a man called Robert Adam who in 1884 came to work in Irvine. Originally from Leven he joined the Ardeer Golf Club at Stevenston but due to problems transporting himself and his clubs to and from Ardeer, Adam was largely restricted to playing on an area of land to the East of Irvine. Robert Adam looked around for a suitable site on which a new golf course could be laid out and he saw the potential in the land at Bogside which then formed part of the estate of the 14th Earl Of Eglinton. Adams inspiration was the main factor in the creation of Irvine Golf Club but it was the experience and leadership of a fellow golfer James Stewart, which would turn this dream into reality. On Friday 18th March 1887, some 13 men gathered at a meeting in the Kings Arms Hotel, which saw the establishment of Irvine Golf Club.
A traditional links course comprising just one par five and two short holes, Irvine Golf Club owes much of it's present day character to the design work of James Braid in 1926. With no two holes even remotely similar, the course provides a challenge to all with its subtle changes in direction. The stature of the course can be gauged by the fact that it plays host to Final Qualifying for the British Open Golf Championship when it is played at either Turnberry or Royal Troon and most recently had the honour in 2004.
As you would expect of an Open Qualifying venue, Irvine Bogside offers a stern test. Boasting greens which run fast and true, its fairways are divided by gorse and heather and this puts a premium on accuracy. There is no easy introduction and having negotiated your drive down a trouble-lined fairway on the 418-yard opener, you are then faced with a blind approach to a saucer type green, defended by formidable bunkers on the right. Not that there ae any particularly easy holes here but two of the tougher propositions are the 411-yard 6th hole and the huge 465-yard par four, 11th. The 6th requires a careful tee shot along a narrow ridge, with the approach played to a small green, worryingly close to the river; while your best chance of making the green in regulation on the 11th is by cutting the corner on the dogleg.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Not one of the more famous Scottish links courses but the fact that it is a venue for Final Qualifying for the Open Championship speaks volumes about the quality of the course.
Situated just off the A737 route, about two miles north of Irvine and 27 miles southwest of the city of Glasgow.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Braidwoods, Drumastle Mill Cottage, Dalry KA24 4LN
Tel: + 44 1294 833544. Email: keithbraidwood@btconnect.com.
Situated north of Irvine, this unfussy restaurant is housed in 200-year-old whitewashed former millers' cottages. The menu is simple, while open fires add to the intimate ambience.
Lochgreen House, Monktonhill Road, Southwood, Troon KA10 7EN
Tel: + 44 1292 313343. Email: lochgreen@costley-hotels.co.uk.
The service tends to be formal but the overall atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. With flair in evidence throughout, cooking is in a classic vein, while the dishes can be quite elaborate.
Parkstone Hotel, Esplanade, Prestwick KA9 1QN
Tel: + 44 1292 477286. Email: info@parkstonehotel.co.uk.
The kitchen's enthusiasm and commitment to quality local ingredients is much in evidence.
The lamb is tender, while the warm banana pancakes with toffee sauce is a must.
Fouters Bistro, 2A Academy Street, Ayr KA7 1HS.
Tel: + 44 1292 261391. Email: qualityfood@fouters.co.uk.
Freshly caught fish along with meat and game from the hills and pastures of Scotland are the essential ingredients of the distinctive cuisine of this excellent basement restaurant.
The conception and birth of Irvine Golf Club must be credited to a man called Robert Adam who in 1884 came to work in Irvine. Originally from Leven he joined the Ardeer Golf Club at Stevenston but due to problems transporting himself and his clubs to and from Ardeer, Adam was largely restricted to playing on an area of land to the East of Irvine. Robert Adam looked around for a suitable site on which a new golf course could be laid out and he saw the potential in the land at Bogside which then formed part of the estate of the 14th Earl Of Eglinton. Adams inspiration was the main factor in the creation of Irvine Golf Club but it was the experience and leadership of a fellow golfer James Stewart, which would turn this dream into reality. On Friday 18th March 1887, some 13 men gathered at a meeting in the Kings Arms Hotel, which saw the establishment of Irvine Golf Club.
