In South Ayrshire, Golf is a way of life. Sam Torrance and Colin Montgomerie will testify to that. Both are local lads who trod the links and parkland of Ayrshire before earning international reputations. There are courses here for everyone. What other area boasts the  inaugural site of the Open Championship two current Open venues and a population that knows golf inside out.

However, a fair proportion of golfing pilgrims to the Ayrshire coast may unadvisedly choose to bypass the many public courses on offer, in favour of a visit to their more illustrious neighbours, such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick. If many golfers are somewhat conditioned to expect public courses to be devoid of character, those operated on behalf of the community by South Ayrshire Council are notable exceptions.

Here are some comments from David Whyte, Scotlands famous golf travel writer and photographer on three of the eight courses on offer:

"Belleisle would probably be the best public course in Scotland if it werent for those upstarts, St Andrews and Carnoustie. Tour players like to sharpen their pencils before major competitions here!"

"Lochgreen has been used as an Open Qualifier and is a course of links quality with many holes reminiscent of its close neighbour Royal Troon. You dont get away with anything less than confident driving and commanding second shots."

"Darley is a true links, as in the wildcat variety. It has true feline ferocity and should be approached with extreme caution!"

Judge for yourself, visit South Ayrshire and experience true Scottish Golf.