Ayrshire may well be proud that it uniquely has three of its golf courses that have hosted the Open Championship but there's an awful lot more to the golfing product than that throughout the county.

Stretching from the furthest north at Routenburn in Largs to the south at Girvan, on the 52 mile drive you will never find yourself far from a golf course. Other areas may claim to be Scotland's Golf Coast but in Ayrshire you'll find the real thing!

There is in fact an almost continuous stretch of golf courses that runs either side of the main railway line from Irvine Bogside to Western Gailes, Gailes Links, Dundonald, Barassie, Darley, Lochgreen, Fullarton, Royal Troon, Portland and onto Prestwick and Prestwick St Nicholas - it may be pushing it to say you could play them end to end but have a look at a Google Map and it's not far out!

There are however a host of other inland courses to visit and play too - you'll find excellent value and well maintained courses in and around each of the main towns - perhaps the best known of these is the James Braid designed Belleisle but don't overlook Ballochmyle, Girvan, Annanhill or the newer Rowallan Castle.

Sail away from the Ayrshire mainland and you'll find other lands of golfing opportunities! Visit the Islands Golf page to discover what is available just a short sail away.

Whatever budget, standard of play you won't be short of options in Ayrshire and the Islands. There are a number of ways to play the courses, and tour operators and hotels who will advise and book tours for you. Self booking is always possible and there will be season tickets and memberships - including Country Memberships - available at any number of these courses. Have a wee browse for yourself.