In February 2003, Loch Lomond Golf Club acquired a new links course near Troon in Ayrshire. It was intended to not only enhance the club’s prominence within international circles but also to provide its esteemed international membership with a challenging alternative links venue.

Designed by the highly respected golf course architect Kyle Phillips, best known in the UK for Kingsbarns and The Grove, the 7,100-yard, par 72 course is located about an hour’s drive south west of Loch Lomond and five minutes from Prestwick International Airport. It was inspired by the timeless architecture of the great Ayrshire links courses of Royal Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes, all connected by the historic rail line.

At the time of purchase, the course was known as Southern Gailes and it has since been renamed ‘Dundonald Links’ to reflect the history of the site.

Dundonald means ‘Fort Donald’ and there is a hill near the course upon which fortifications have been located dating back to the period 500 through 200 B.C. Three castles succeeded the original structures and in the early 1900s there was an old golf course named Dundonald on the site of the new course. It was converted to military use during World War II, at which time it was known as Dundonald Camp, and was used to rehearse the D Day landings.

In its short history, Dundonald Links has quickly become recognised as one of Europe’s “must play” new links courses. It has already hosted the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy event, as well as qualifying for the Senior British Open Championship.