Trip Planner: The Isle of Arran
Where to play
Sure, you can pay as you go on Arran, and if you're only planning to play a round or two, that's the way to do it. But if you have the time and the inclination, the Arran Golf Pass can't be beat—it gets you one round at each of the island's seven courses for a mere $190. The pass can be purchased at each of the courses as well as at hotels and guest houses; it's also available at the Isle of Arran Tourist Information Centre in Brodick and from Fiona Crawford at 011-44/1770-830-270.
Brodick Golf Club
A short walk from the ferry terminal, this lowland layout is an attractive antidote to Arran's hillside courses. Don't expect a pushover, though: It offers plenty of risk-reward opportunities and two of the tougher par threes you'll ever come across.
Architect: George Laidler, 1913. Yardage: 4,747. Par: 65. Greens Fees: $48-$52. Contact: 011-44/1770-302-349, brodickgolf.com.
Corrie Golf Club
No need to book in advance at this workingman's nine-holer—just show up. Anything goes in the attire department as well: cargo pants, blue jeans, you name it.
Architect: Unknown, 1892. Yardage: 1,915. Par: 31. Greens Fee: $30. Contact: 011-44/1770-810-606.
Lamlash Golf Club
With stunning views that are earned by hiking over hill and dale, this is the best eighteen-hole course on the island. A friendly staff and congenial members further enhance the experience.
Architect: Willie Fernie, 1889. Yardage: 4,510. Par: 64. Greens Fees: $44-$56. Contact: 011-44/1770-600-296, lamlashgolfclub.co.uk.
Lochranza Golf Course
An unusual layout that crosses the same fast-moving stream no fewer than eight times. It closes with the longest (of just three) par fives on the island, a 542-yard brute aptly named Warrior. Sorry, no relief is granted for balls that end up in the hoof marks left by the red deer that frequent the course.
Architects: Unknown, 1898; Iain Robertson, 1991. Yardage: 5,487. Par: 70. Greens Fees: $36-$48. Contact: 011-44/1770-830-273, lochranzagolf.com.
Machrie Bay Golf Course
Not a blind shot to be found on this utterly flat nine-holer, with sheep grazing contentedly in the fields all around you. Save time for a lemon-curd meringue in the wonderful tea room.
Architect: Willie Fernie, 1900. Yardage: 2,278. Par: 33. Greens Fee: $30. Contact: 011-44/1770-840-329.
Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club
This twelve-hole gem is a must; each hole offers hidden delights. Make time to play it more than once. Be forewarned, however: Some twenty-thousand visitor rounds were played at Shiskine last year. The moral of the story: Book in advance.
Architects: Willie Fernie, 1896; Willie Park, 1911. Yardage: 2,996. Par: 42. Greens Fees: $36-$44. Contact: 011-44/1770-860-226, shiskinegolf.com.
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