Golf on Arran

Arran may only be a small island (20 miles long and 9 miles wide), but it’s something of a hidden gem when it comes to golf. Not only do you get to enjoy a round of golf whilst admiring stunning stretches of coastline, rugged terrain and lush greenery, there is also no shortage of courses to choose from. In fact, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down where you’d like to play first.

Golf courses on Arran

There are seven courses on Arran, catering to players of all skill levels: three 18 hole courses (Brodick, Lamlash, Whiting Bay), two 9 hole courses (Machrie Bay, Corrie), an 11 hole course in Lochranza, and a 12 hole course at Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club. All offer a unique and challenging experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. What’s more, if you buy an Arran Golf Pass (valid for 12 months) you can play all 7 courses - including two 9 hole rounds at both Machrie and Corrie  - for just £140.

Let’s look in more detail at the courses.

Brodick Golf Club

Step off the ferry from Androssan with your clubs and you can be on the first tee in a matter of minutes. Dating back to 1897, Brodick Golf Club is a picturesque course with beautiful views towards Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak, and out over Brodick Bay. The par 65 course is relatively short at 4,332 yards, but provides a stern test in precision from tee to green. 

Brodick Golf Club boasts a rich heritage and a warm welcome to golfers of all abilities.

Corrie Golf Club

Founded in 1892, Corrie Golf Club is a 9 hole course in a beautiful setting at the bottom of Glen Sannox with views of the surrounding mountains. This tricky course is a mix of par 3’s and par 4’s. No booking is required so you can just turn up and play. 

Lamlash Golf Club

Situated on the hillside above the village of Lamlash, Lamlash Golf Club boasts stunning views of the Clyde Estuary and over to the Ayrshire Coast, including the famous courses of Turnberry and Royal Troon. With undulating terrain, strategically placed hazards, and a mix of long par 3’s and tricky par 4’s, each round promises to test even the most seasoned players.

Lochranza Golf Course

Lochranza is an 11-hole (can be extended to 18 holes) par 3 pitch and putt course that is positioned around the Chalmadale Burn. Suitable for all ages and abilities, the course is in a stunning and tranquil setting. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer and hill sheep, as quite often they like to roam around the course. There is also an 18 hole putting green which is ideal for the whole family. 

Machrie Bay Golf Club

Founded in 1900 and designed by Willie Fernie, Machrie Bay Golf Club is a 9 hole course on the west coast of Arran, boasting incredible views over the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Kintyre Peninsula. The course is a fairly flat, traditional-links style design but the proximity to the sea means that it can quickly become challenging if the wind picks up. 

If you play the course, then you’ll be following in some famous footsteps; Walter Hagen, winner of 11 major championships, played here in 1937. 

Shiskine Golf Club

Founded in 1896, Shiskine Golf Club is a charming 12 hole seaside links course tucked away on the west coast of Arran. This quirky course features two burns and — as a result of the undulating terrain — the occasional blind shot, evidenced by the name of holes including  “Crows Nest” and “Himalayas”!

Whiting Bay Golf Club

Established in 1895, Whiting Bay Golf Club is a community amateur sports club that welcomes visitors all year round. Located on the southeast coast of Arran, above the village of Whiting Bay, the course overlooks the Firth of Clyde and Holy Isle — a small island in Lamlash Bay with a spiritual heritage that dates back to the 6th century. 

The course is only short, but the hilly terrain means that accuracy is key if you want to shoot under par. 

After a round, or a weekend of golf, why not visit us at Lagg Distillery and finish off in style? Located on the south side of the island, the distillery is only a few miles further down the coast from Shiskine Golf Club and Whiting Bay Golf Club. We offer a range of whisky tours and tasting sessions and we also have a cafe, and a bar serving grazing boards, snacks and whisky experiences.