Search SGC

Scottish Golf Articles
ARRAN - home to the Magnificent Seven!

There aren’t many places in the world that can boast seven great golf courses all within close proximity to each other - the Isle of Arran can.

The largest island in the Firth of Clyde off the west coast of Scotland spans in excess of 440sq km, yet still manages to find enough space to accommodate seven terrific and challenging golf courses.

Golf, it must be said, is something of a passion on this beautiful island. But before we take a closer look at these layouts, what of the island itself? Well, Arran is sometimes referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ because of its unmistakable landscape. It is divided into both ‘Highland’ and ‘Lowland’ areas by the Highland Boundary Fault which runs north-east to south-west across Scotland.

It comprises many charming towns and villages – the main one being Brodick, the island’s capital – and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and hillwalkers drawn there by Goat Fell, the highest peak of the island’s many mountains. But, of course, it is also a popular venue for golfers. Indeed, Arran is home to more courses per head of population than anywhere in the world and, best of all, the Arran Golf Pass makes it easier than you might think to enjoy a round on each of them - and at an affordable price, too!

Lochranza, for example, is one of the top courses on the island. The much-loved parkland beauty is set in the shadows of The Sleeping Warrior and is a solid test of any golfer’s skills. But, even if your performance isn’t up to much, you can revel in the stunning surroundings.

The same goes for Machrie Bay, the perfect example of a Scottish nine-holer at its very best. Just 12 miles from Brodick, each hole is full of character with magnificent views in every direction.

With the Arran Golf Pass, you can play these two courses plus Brodick, Corrie, Whiting Bay, Lamlash and Shiskine with no fuss and at an affordable price. However, because you can’t play golf all day and all night – though we’re sure you would given the chance – there is so much more to do in Arran than swing your clubs. For example, why not take a helicopter trip around the island with Arran Heli-Tours and see how beautiful a place it is from a birds-eye view? Likewise, you can gorge on some of the finest local produce in any of the top restaurants whilst there are plenty of top-notch hotels to assure you of a warm welcome and sound night’s sleep. The Best Western Kinloch Hotel is one such example. Comfortable, modern, spacious and friendly, its popularity is enhanced by a seafront location which provides stunning views.

Made up your mind to go there? In that case, give Arran HideAways a call. Their local and experienced staff are on hand to help you choose your ideal base while visiting and golfing in Arran.

It might be ‘Scotland in miniature’, but Arran’s big on good times!

Possible Itinerary
Saturday
8.00am: Bacon Rolls at Lochranza Golf Club
9.00am: Golf at Lochranza
2.00pm: Pub Lunch in village of Brodick
3.30pm: Golf at Brodick Golf Club
8.30pm: Dinner in local restaurant

Sunday
7.00am: Full Breakfast at Lamlash Golf Club
8.00am: Golf at Lamlash
2.00pm: Pub Lunch in village of
Blackwaterfoot
4.00pm: Golf at Machrie Bay Golf Club
9.00pm: Dinner in Best Western Kinloch Hotel

Golf is something of a passion on this beautiful island