Golf on Arran – 7 Courses, 1 Island

Arran is often described as “Scotland in Miniature”, and nowhere is that more evident than on its golf courses. Seven very different courses are scattered around the island, each with its own character, views, and challenges.

From Gille Ghagaich, you are perfectly placed to explore them all. Whether you are planning a dedicated golfing holiday or simply fancy a round or two between walks and beach days, Arran’s courses make it easy to mix golf with everything else you love doing on the island.

Blackwaterfoot – Your Local Links

Your nearest course is Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club at Blackwaterfoot, less than a mile away. This is no ordinary club; Shiskine is a world-famous, 12-hole links that tumbles along the shoreline with wide sea views and a wonderfully old-fashioned feel. Famous for its blind tee shots—like the “Crow’s Nest”—it is quirky, friendly, and unforgettable.

Many guests walk down from the cottage across the fields and along the shore, enjoy a round and a bite to eat at the clubhouse, then wander back in time for an evening by the woodburner.

The Big Three: Scenic 18-Hole Layouts

If you are looking for a full round, Arran boasts three distinct 18-hole courses, all within an easy drive:

• Brodick Golf Club: Situated right under the towering peak of Goatfell, this course offers a beautiful mix of flat parkland and seaside turf. It’s a great place to start your week with classic views of the castle.
• Lamlash Golf Club: A short drive to the east coast takes you to this hillside course. It is famous for its breathtaking views across the water to the Holy Isle—distraction is a real hazard here!
• Whiting Bay Golf Club: Further south, this hidden gem sits high on the hill. It is a shorter, tricky course that demands accuracy, rewarding you with panoramic vistas across the Firth of Clyde.

The 9-Hole Gems

For a quicker game or a relaxed afternoon, Arran’s nine-hole courses are full of character:

• Machrie Bay: Just up the west coast from the cottage, this flat seaside course sits alongside the famous Machrie Moor standing stones. It is perfect for a breezy, scenic round.
• Lochranza: Head north to play among the wildlife. This glen course is famously home to herds of red deer that graze the fairways while you play, with the Distillery and Castle ruins just next door.
• Corrie: On the northeast coast, this quirky hillside course offers a fun challenge with steeper slopes and immense charm, often operating on a relaxed honesty-box basis.

Planning Your Golf from Gille Ghagaich

Because everything on Arran is so close, you can comfortably play several different courses during a week’s stay without spending your holiday in the car. Many guests choose a rhythm that suits the weather and their energy levels—perhaps a morning round at Machrie followed by a lazy afternoon in the garden, or a day exploring Brodick Castle combined with a tee time nearby.

Non-golfers are rarely left out. Most courses sit beside good walking, beaches, or village facilities, so it is easy for the rest of the party to enjoy their own plans while you are on the fairways, then meet up afterwards for a meal or a stroll along the shore.

A Golfer’s Base on the Quiet West Coast

At the end of the day, you return to the peace of Achavoulin. There is ample space to leave clubs and shoes, a well-equipped kitchen for simple suppers, and a glass-fronted woodburner in the living room for cooler evenings.

With seven unique courses to choose from and a cosy, comfortable base to come back to, Gille Ghagaich makes Arran feel like your own private golfing island.

The Insider’s Guide to Arran Golf


The Arran Golf Pass
If you plan to play more than three or four times, the Arran Golf Pass is essential.
The Deal: For approximately £175, you get one round on each of the island’s seven courses.
The Perk: It is valid for 12 months, so you don’t have to rush to play them all in one week.
How to buy: You can purchase it online at golfonarran.com or pick one up at the first club you visit (just call ahead to ensure they have physical passes in stock).

Best “19th Holes”
After the final putt drops, here is where to head for the best post-round rewards:
Best Views: Shiskine Clubhouse. Their “Tee Room” is legendary. Even if you play a terrible round, a scone and a coffee here while looking out toward Kintyre fixes everything.
Best Food: The Drift Inn (Lamlash). A short drive from the Lamlash course, this is widely considered one of the best spots on the island for fresh seafood and a pint.
Best for Wildlife: The Stags Pavilion (Lochranza). Located right opposite the golf course. You can eat lunch while watching the red deer grazing on the fairway you just played.
Best Atmosphere: The Pierhead Tavern (The PHT). If you are finishing a round in Lamlash or Brodick on a weekend, this is the place for live music and a lively local vibe.
Don’t Forget…
Cash is King: While most clubs take cards, smaller courses like Corrie or Machrie sometimes operate honesty boxes for green fees or snacks during quiet hours. It’s always smart to keep some cash in your golf bag.
The “Local Rule”: On courses like Lochranza, if your ball lands in a deer hoofprint, most locals would agree you are entitled to a free drop!