The Irvine Golf Club

Just returned from an outing at Irvine Bogside and I have to say it is fantastic. After spending maybe a bit too long in the club house and talking to a few local members they say that the course has never been in better condition after last seasons very bad greens as noted below. Well worth a visit.

Irvine (Bogside)was the second venue on our 2010 annual MAGI golf tour to Scotland from Matlock GC, now in our eighth year. As the ex-pat Scottish organiser I always worry that my selection - based on golfing memories 25+ years old - may prove faulty. In terms of layout (a typical links enigma if you've never played it before) and welcome from the members, it was outstanding. Sadly, the once mighty Bogside greens were a disappointment, patchy and bald in many places. I do sympathise with the club - it's down to the winter and spring weather. Although other local courses that similarly aren't protected by being immediately next to the sea seem to have handled the problem better, e.g. Barassie (see separate review). To a degree we had to force ourselves out for the second 18 holes. No one scored well all day. On the face of it Irvine is a bargain for this class of course, but I'd recommend you check that the greens have recovered before booking.

A truly impressive test of golf, perfectly true greens, typical Links course features of punishing gorse and heather for wayward shots. Most of the holes a memorable for one feature or another. Very welcoming staff, great value clubhouse.

A beautful course which is set back from the sea on a great stretch of links land. The staff and members were incredibly welcoming and friendly and the drinks and food are probably the cheapest in the country (e.g. £1 for a Bacon Roll). The 4th and 5th may look short on the card but provide a great challenge with the 2nd shot (or the 1st if you're really brave) to the 4th being one of the trickiest you'll ever face. Beware the drop on the 6th hole since if you drive over the brow of the hill there is a good chance you'll end up in a bunker. The 17th was also very tight with no room for error of the tee. All of the holes have a lot of character and I personally thought this was the best of the Open Qualifier's we played on our vist.

I have played Bogside twice, the last time in 1997 so a return visit is long overdue. However, I have been fortunate enough to play some wonderful golf courses around the world including all on The Open rota, Kiawah Island and even Pebble Beach last year. In my honest opinion, the greens at Irvine Bogside are the best i`ve played on. This as well as it being the most friendly of clubs you could wish for, should make it a desirable course to play for anyone who enjoys this greatest of sports.