A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer
Ayrshire
Troon, Ayrshire
Plate I — Links course — coastal exposure, firm running turf
Private Ayrshire links between Royal Troon and Western Gailes. Open qualifying venue.
From the Notebook
Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club is a private links between Royal Troon and Western Gailes on the Ayrshire coast — the third course on this densely packed strip of seaside links. Founded 1887, the Barassie Links has hosted Final Qualifying for the Open Championship and is regarded by those who know the Ayrshire courses well as one of the most underplayed of the group.
Par 72, around 6,600 yards. The course has a more traditional out-and-back routing than some of its neighbours, which means the wind is directly in play for most of the outward and directly behind for the inward (or vice versa). The 7th, a long par 5 played into the prevailing westerly with the Firth of Clyde to the right, is the defining hole. Conditioning is consistently very good for a private club of this scale.
Visitor access is available on weekday visitor days; contact the club directly by phone to book. Handicap certificate required. Green fee is £75–100. For golfers working the Ayrshire strip — Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes, Barassie, Royal Troon, Prestwick — Barassie provides an excellent mid-range round between the premium venues, and at the visitor green fee it represents the best value serious links golf on the north Ayrshire coast.
The Full Scorecard
Plan This Round
Where to Stay
Hotels, lodges and self-catering near the first tee. Map-style search via Stay22 covering Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and Vrbo.
How to Get There
Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) is 20 minutes away by car. Train + onward taxi works for the carless visitor.
Insure Your Round
Most home contents policies don't cover golf clubs in transit. The picker matches you to the right kind of cover in two minutes.
Played here? Consider
Course-tuned recommendations, not generic gear lists.
Outerwear
Wind off the firth changes club selection two irons. A breathable, fully-waterproof shell that's light enough not to swing in is the single biggest upgrade for Scottish links golf.
Layer
Scottish-made merino — the locals' choice for shoulder-season rounds. Warm enough for a 7am tee time in October, light enough for the back nine when the sun comes out.
Tech
Handles blind tee shots and exposed-coastal yardage cleanly. Battery lasts a 36-hole day; the wind-direction overlay justifies the price on its own.
★ The Sunday Post ★
One short Scottish-golf email every Sunday. Free PDF on signup: The Open Coast in Three Days, Under £400. No sales pitch.
The Sunday Post
One email, most Sundays. No sales pitch.
Stays Nearby
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering within easy reach of Troon. Tap any property to check rates.
Rates and availability via Stay22. We may earn a small commission if you book — at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work.
Frequently Asked
Nearby courses
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