“The courses you want to play, reviewed by the golfers you actually play like”
Most golf course reviews are written by pros or marketing interns who haven’t hit a real-world shank in years, that’s not us.
Golf Sherpa isn’t your traditional tour operator; we want to provide unforgettable golf trips to Scotland’s best venues built on real experiences, and the only way to know what to recommend is to experience it first-hand. That’s why we created ‘The Sherpa Guide’, our all-access, honest review series where we tackle Scotland’s top courses from the perspective of everyday golfers. We play the courses and tell you how it really went, warts and all, scores included.
Dundonald Links – A Qualifying Offer
We kicked of the series in true Sherpa style by jumping in at the deep end. Dundonald Links is a regular host of world class events, and we were fortunate enough to tee it up the week of final qualifying for The Open and while they were making final arrangements for hosting the Scottish Women’s Open.
With tournament pins and slick greens, the course was playing arguably the hardest it would all year and we knew it was going to be a true test of golf. We are anything but world class, just three casual (aka inconsistent) golfers having a crack at a pro-level set-up. Spoiler: it didn’t go easy on us and that’s why we loved it. Hopefully, our trial an error (there were so much error) will give you insights on how to get the most out of your trip.
Jamie (19 Handicap) - 28 Stableford points
“I’ve never had more fun shooting over 100"
As someone who plays golf less than 15 times a year and is more accustomed to average local courses than playing one of Scotland finest, this was a true treat. As tricky and challenging as the course can be, there are no barriers to entry for a high scoring golfer. There are no forced carries from tee, even the shortest hitter will find their ball trickling somewhere to hit their second shot… even if it’s just after the red tees. I regularly had par putts which made me feel as if I could actually score well and keep up with my more skilled playing partners.
The 9th hole is usually shadowed by the courses more signature holes yet was by far one of my favourite holes on the course and deserving of more love than it gets. The blind tee shot, and green surrounded by a watery moat in full view of onlookers from the clubhouse bar and halfway house results in one of those approach shots you’ll want to get the camera out for ‘just in case.’ How you played the hole will take up most of the conversation over the halfway house pies (a must have).
I have never had more fun playing a round, and especially an 18th hole, when my score was in tatters. The green isn’t visible from the tee so you get a feeling of suspense, wondering ‘can I go for it’ as you walk to your ball and see the approach you’ve been dealt.
It was the opening par 5 3rd and stroke index 1 16th holes which were my downfall combining for a +16 across them, ballooning my what should have been a respectful <100 into the score I’m not exactly pleased to print online. However, I’m writing this still with a smile on my face, as it wasn’t a case of ‘I really shouldn’t be playing here’ experience, which I have felt at other courses (I’m looking at you Kingsbarns).
Dundonald is scorable and extremely enjoyable if you manage your way around it effectively. After my round, I was staring longingly out onto the course from the clubhouse bar, desperate to get back out there and have another crack at redemption, plotting how I would play holes differently.
Ben (7 Handicap) - 26 Stableford points
“Every hole’s a chess match”
The opening two holes are a gentle introduction to links golf with decent length, wide open fairways and less than challenging greens. However, this is just to lure you into a false sense of security. Once it has your attention, Dundonald Links challenges you with the opening par 5 3rd hole with its snaking burn across most of your prime landing spots. Taking it on instead of bailing out to the left resulted in a lost ball and return to the tee for me, an eye-opening reminder that the head needs to be dialled in as much as the swing.
The 3rd, like so many of the holes, is designed to be a chess match, where one choice provides you with a ever challenging decisions ready to be made… this course is not for the indecisive golfer. Throw in ever changing winds and you have yourself a course that rewards extensive mental gymnastics on the tee to work out the best way to plot yourself round the course, helping each hole feel different and infinitely repayable.
The remaining holes on the front nine were varied and expertly built for competition. Our group were playing Stableford, but I already can’t wait to return for a Ryder Cup match-play golf trip later this year.
The par 3’s are especially full of character and require huge swings of risk and reward. Whatever format you’re playing on your next golf trip its going to be a thrilling finish as the closing three holes are perfectly designed for down to the wire match-play. Whether you’re chasing the leaderboard or a celebratory drink, this course is going to give you all that you ask for and some.
Steven (11 Handicap) - 32 Stableford points
“You’ll get so distracted you won’t even think about your swing thoughts”
Singling out a signature hole for Dundonald is a difficult ask, as there are far too many iconic holes that fill you with anticipation as you walk to the tee box. This is amplified by the feeling of isolation on the course, as the high walled dunes mean you can go hours without seeing anyone else on another hole.
This also means you’re often challenged with either hitting blind shots over mounds into unknown landing spaces or taking the safe scenic routes and giving yourself longer approach shots into undulating greens. It’s a perfect example of how Dundonald rewards smart golf. Play the right shot, and you unlock the most scenic angles and satisfying routes as you wind your way round the course. You’ll certainly never be short of something to talk about on the walk to the tee box.
The back nine is certainly challenging, and where you feel more open to the elements but also the views. Even when you will the ball to go where you want against wind, there are usually strategic pot bunkers waiting to gobble up your ball (ones I got closely acquainted with, don’t cut the corners kids). These bunkers force you to play all manner of interesting unique shots that I can be certain you don’t use at your weekly parkland course. The benefit of this is you find yourself very present, focused on the where more than the how of the swing.
The stroke index 1 16th doesn’t look the toughest holes on paper but played into a prevailing wind and with one of the narrowest fairways on the course it really challenges which side of the hole you want to take on. Pick well and I promise you you’ll stand on the green, look back down the fairway you’ve just navigated successfully, and think to yourself “that was proper golf”.
They really knew what they were doing when designing Dundonald Links, it’s a course that you are desperate to have another crack at immediately when you walk off the 18th green.
Final thoughts: Dundonald Links deserves a spot on your next golf trip
Whether your handicap is 5 or 25, Dundonald Links strikes a rare balance. It challenges without intimidating, impresses without trying too hard, and leaves you reminiscing about your experience for months after. And it’s not just about the course:
- Luxury lodges with private short-game areas
- Modern clubhouse with a steam room, sauna, and high-class restaurant/bar with panoramic views
- Free range balls, EV charging, top-tier practice facilities
- All just 40 minutes from Glasgow
It’s a complete experience. One that delivers for serious golfers, casual players, groups, and even couples looking to mix golf with luxury and leisure.
Want to experience the trip for yourself? Here are our latest Dundonald Links experience packages
Want to play it better Dundonald Links better than us? Read our blog on the “5 Golf holes at Dundonald Links that will make or break your round… and how Golf Sherpa can help you play them to perfection”.
