Golf on Bute
A passionately written article by a former Bute resident and golf journalist Keiran Clark, he advocates for all the courses on the island. Summing up that not only will you have one of your best days of scenic golf, but some of the least expensive in Scotland. Can't beat that!
''...several of my favourite holes in Scottish golf are packed within this little corner of Bute, including the second that features an approach shot played over a stone wall with Arran in the horizon, and the sensational par three that follows, which brings into play the rocky beach, a burn, and out-of-bounds. If you do the sums, Rothesay, Port Bannatyne and Kingarth can be played for a combined £50. That is the price to experience three wonderful courses, to take in some of the most captivating views in the country, and to have an excuse to explore the many delights and secrets of the Isle of Bute.
Bute truly is beautiful. I love it - and I expect that you will too.''
Bute Golf Club, Kingarth. A very particular golfing experience awaits close to the sands of Stravannan Bay. This nine-hole Kingarth course provides an opportunity to sample the very origins of the game. Golf has been played here for more than 129 years, making it the oldest course on the island. Players can enjoy the splendour of beachside golf with the dramatic backdrop of the Sleeping Warrior on Arran.
Unique in Scotland, Port Bannatyne Golf Club offers a 13 hole golf course. Players tee it up across the first 12 holes, then repeat the first five holes, with a separate 18th to finish. The club offers a busy social schedule too, and visitors are warmly welcomed. The course is set around the pretty seaside village of Port Bannatyne by the Kyles of Bute and is one of the most scenic in Scotland.
Founded in 1892, Rothesay Golf Club was moved, extended and relaid out by James Braid in 1908. The course circles around Canada Hill giving spectacular views of the Firth of Clyde, the Cowal Hills, Lochs Ridden and Striven, the Mull of Kintyre, the Isle of Arran and the Ayrshire Hills. The great Walter Hagen played the course and said that the views could not be beaten anywhere in the world. Ryder Cup stalwart Eric Brown thought the 4th hole to be one of the most difficult Par 3’s in Europe.