Dundonald Links

Just a few short years after his masterpiece at Kingsbarns debuted, architect Kyle Phillips found himself in familiar territory. Once word got around of this spectacular modern links just a stone’s throw from The Old Course, it was only a matter of time until Phillips was called upon to try and replicate that magic. Such was his task at Dundonald Links.

The similarities between Dundonald and Kingsbarns are numerous. Both are located on what was once a dull and lifeless piece of land, which was shaped almost entirely by man to create the links we play today. Both were built on property that was once home to another course, neither of which survived to the present day. In Dundonald’s case, the old course was requisitioned to practice landing exercises for the D-Day invasion. Finally, both Dundonald and Kingsbarns are located in two of Scotland’s richest regions for golf, where crafting a modern links worthy of its location was a monumental undertaking.

Although the two share plenty of similarities, there is one stark difference between Kingsbarns and Dundonald: the sea. At Kingsbarns, the golfer is treated to ocean views on every single hole. At Dundonald, we catch it with mere fleeting glimpses. Yet despite its absence, the winds off the sea remain ever-present, giving Dundonald a links-like feel even if removed from true linksland.

Two par-3s on the back-9 are likely to provide some of the round’s highlights, albeit at the possible expense of the scorecard. On the 11th, the player that goes long may find a pot bunker among the deepest in all of Scotland. Be advised: take one less club, and avoid it at all costs. On the other hand, the 15th hole will likely require everything in the bag. Measuring in the vicinity of 150 yards, this par-3 typically plays directly into the teeth of the wind. One should feel no shame in coming up short with a driver.

Perhaps the most memorable component of a round at Dundonald is the level of service encountered during the visit. This culture of service stems from the course’s ownership - Loch Lomond Golf Club - who stepped in to save the project early on, and added Dundonald to the portfolio for its international membership.

Just as he did at Kingsbarns, Kyle Phillips succeeded in creating a modern links which feels as though it’s been around for a century or more. He also succeeded in crafting a course that’s enjoyable for both amateurs and professionals alike. A feat that was proudly displayed when Dundonald hosted the 2017 Scottish Open. The unavoidable comparison to Kingsbarns may be a bit unfair, so too is its location in the heart of golf-rich Ayrshire, yet Dundonald Links takes it all in stride.