A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer
Isle of Arran
Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran
Plate I — Links course — coastal exposure, firm running turf
12-hole links on Arran. Blind holes, stunning views, unforgettable.
Shiskine, on the western coast of the Isle of Arran, is one of the most distinctive courses in Scotland for the simple reason that it has only 12 holes. The original layout was designed by Willie Fernie in 1896; an extension to 18 holes was attempted in the 1920s, but was lost to coastal erosion in the 1930s and never replaced. Twelve has remained the course's count for nearly a hundred years, and the local view (correctly) is that no one would now wish to alter it.
What you play is a links of staggering visual character — five par 3s, six par 4s, a par 5, and a routing that climbs onto the cliffs above Drumadoon Beach for a stretch of holes with views across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Mull of Kintyre. Several holes are blind from the tee; the 3rd, 'Crow's Nest', plays to a green tucked behind a 50-foot rock face and is reached by a stroke played to a target marker on the headland. The course is short — just over 2,800 yards for the 12 holes — but the setting is the round.
Visitor green fee is £30–£35 for the full 12 holes. The clubhouse is a small wooden pavilion with tea, scones and a friendly welcome. Tennis courts are also on the property, in case anyone in the party doesn't fancy the round. Getting there is the small adventure: ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick (55 minutes), then a 30-minute drive across the island to Blackwaterfoot. Combine with the Holy Isle ferry trip from Lamlash for a full Arran day.
The Full Scorecard
Fields marked “Contact club” aren’t public-facing in a way we’ve been able to verify. Call the club directly for these — we’ll update the entry when we have it from source.
Conditions This Week
Scored 0–10 for golf — wind, rain, conditions · Full 7-region forecast →
Location
Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran · KA27 8HAOpen in OpenStreetMap →
While They Golf
Isle of Arran isn't only for the golfers. Walks, drives, distilleries, castles, a long lunch — five picks within thirty minutes of the first tee.
The Isle of Arran companion guide →★ Pair This Round ★
Three things within an hour of the first tee. Each open to visitors; each chosen for what suits a golfer's pace, not a tour bus's.
Distillery · 50 min north
Lochranza · Founded 1995 (the original Arran distillery)
Arran's original modern distillery on the north of the island, in a fjord-like setting with red deer that wander into the car park most mornings. The Lochranza single-malt expressions are among the better younger Highland malts.
Distillery · 15 min south
Lagg · Founded 2019 — Arran's second distillery
The peated counterpart to Lochranza, on the south coast of Arran 15 minutes from the course. Modern visitor centre and warehouse tasting; the peated single malt is bottled as Lagg.
Castle · 30 min east
Brodick · Hamilton family seat from the 13th century
NTS-managed sandstone castle on the east coast above Brodick Bay, with formal Victorian gardens and a country park rising into Goatfell. Combine with the ferry crossing as the half-day on either side of the round.
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 (GLA) or Inverness (INV) is 240 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
Picked for links rounds on the Scottish coast.
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.
Stays Nearby
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering within easy reach of Blackwaterfoot. 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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