Ayrshire is home to some of the finest golf courses in Scotland, from testing championship Links courses to scenic Parks courses.

Turnberry and Royal Troon are the most recognized golf courses in Ayrshire with them hosting the Open and Seniors Open.

Old Prestwick is another world renowned Links course as the first ever Open was played there when the tournament began in 1860.

Western Gailes and Irvine Golf Club are testing Links courses in Ayrshire used for Open golf qualifying.

Other fine Links golf courses in Ayrshire are St Nicholas/Prestwick, Kilmarnock Barassie/Troon, Glasgow Gailes/Irvine, West Kilbride/Seamill and Loch Green & Darley/Troon.

Parks golf courses throughout Ayrshire also attract many visitors. Belleisle on the south side of Ayr is exceptionally popular with its scenic setting and location.

St Cuthbert at Prestwick and Brunston 16 miles southeast of Ayr are also popular Ayrshire Parks golf courses.

Other fine Parks golf courses that attract many visitors in Ayrshire are Ballochmyle, Loudoun, Annanhill and Largs.

New for late 2007/early 2008 is the Colin Montgomery designed Rowallan Golf Course. This course is set in the scenic Rowallan Estate north of Kilmarnock.

Under construction is the Jack Nicholas designed Dalquharran Golf Course southeast of Ayr with the Robert Adam designed Dalquharran Castellated Mansion being restored to serve as a five star hotel and golf complex.