South Ayrshire: the real hidden gem of Scottish Golf. This corner of Southwest Scotland is kissed by the Gulf Stream and is blessed with a temperate climate and a coast line that is good for only one thing, Golf.

The first thing you notice is that Ayrshire Golfers, good players all of them, sit and watch the eager beaver golf tourists queue to play on some of the best Open Championship venues in the world then quietly take themselves off for a game on one of the many municipal courses. They know something.

When playing major venues, cost is a consideration, but, where else can you find community run golf courses that the top touring professionals take time out to go and play to hone their game and sharpen their skills (and their pencils!).

South Ayrshire Council operates eight such venues, open to everyone who plays the game. Costs are moderate and you can pay and play, although it is always advisable to book in advance. You can even play here at weekends as an individual or as part of a visiting society, but beware, weekend golfers in Scotland like to get round 18 holes in good time to get back for the shopping, there's no time to dawdle.