Hidden gems of Ayrshire

Few golf fans visiting the Open at Turnberry realise that there are many courses just down the coast in Dumfries & Galloway offering fantastic golf at great value in stunning surroundings.

That’s where Hidden Gems Golf Tours comes in. The company, run by keen golfer Jamie McCubbin, enables golfers to explore courses such as the spectacular clifftop course at Portpatrick with its views across to the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland, the championship course at Southerness and the course at Stranraer, the very last one designed by James Braid.

Jamie McCubbin said: “The South West of Scotland has many Hidden Gems golf courses where you can escape the crowds and rediscover golf at its best.”

Although relatively undiscovered, Dumfries & Galloway is easy to reach. It is under an hour’s drive from Turnberry and the M6, a couple of hours from Scotland’s major airports and has a Northern Ireland ferry crossing (Belfast-Stranraer).

The area’s courses are quiet, beautifully maintained and have hosted prestigious tournaments, such as the Scottish Amateur Championships. Visitors receive a warm welcome at the clubhouses and comfortable B&Bs and hotels, handpicked by the company for its customers.

One lucky golfer and three friends could win a Hidden Gems holiday in the area. During July and August all those subscribing to Hidden Gems Golf Tours’ e-newsletter will be entered into a competition to win a package holiday for four, including two nights’ accommodation and three rounds of golf.

Hidden Gems Tours are self-drive, although drivers can be provided if required, and are designed by Jamie to give a varied and interesting golf experience. Day trips are possible and packages start at just £250 for three days – a great deal including accommodation and rounds of golf on different courses each day. They can also be tailored to fit budgets, preferences and requirements. In addition to Dumfries & Galloway, the company also offers holidays to play golf in other parts of Scotland and Northumbria, Northern England.

Jamie continued: “With high prices abroad in the euro zone many golfers are thinking about taking their holidays within the UK. With great courses in unspoilt areas now’s the time to step off the beaten track with Hidden Gems Golf Tours and make the most of what Scotland and Northumbria have to offer.”