Hello folks,
Following on from last weeks introduction, I couldn’t think of a better place to start my course reviews – where it all began. Dalmilling golf course was where I played my golf growing up & where I gained my first ever handicap – 19, from memory.
Situated in the North end of Ayr, not far from the racecourse, this Par 69 parkland track offers plenty of challenge for golfers of all ability levels. Opened in 1961, it plays 5,686 yards from the medal tee’s.
The course is split into 2 sections, separated by a small access road which leads to some properties. After Hole 1 – a relatively short Par 5 – 464 yards from the medal tee’s – you then take a walk over to the other side of the country lane, which hosts holes 2 through 8.
Of these 7 holes, my favourites are the 3 Par 3’s – Numbers 4, 6 & 8. 4 is 166 yards long, played to an elevated green & normally plays into a stiff breeze with the prevailing wind. With the adjacent A77 running parallel left & knee high grass on the right, any wayward shots either side spells disaster.
Hole 6 gets my vote as the courses signature hole. An extremely short hole, 120 yards, it plays to a long, narrow island green, protected by a wee burn, or as the Americans say, a small creek. There really isn’t much to aim at off the tee & I’ve fished my ball out that water on many occasions.
Hole 8 plays from an elevated tee box, down the hill to the green. A pretty straight forward 134 yards, however the green is protected by a huge back bunker & a killer front pot bunker. On days when the pin is tucked behind said pot bunker, it takes a pin point tee shot to get close to the flag.
I would genuinely put the front 9 holes on this course high up my list in terms of difficulty. There really isn’t much in the way of ”good misses”, with narrow fairways & O.B. areas lurking on pretty much every hole.
After coming back over the country lane & negotiating the dog leg 9th hole, we then move onto the back 9. This is where the course opens up a bit & becomes slightly easier, certainly in terms of ”good misses”. Being completely honest, I find the back 9 drags a little, especially the stretch from 12 – 14 & even more so if you are not playing well! 17 & 18 are tough finishing holes. 17 is a tough 450 yard Par 4 & if you don’t manage a decent tee shot, you are almost always looking at a bogey at the very least.
As I mentioned earlier, this was the first golf course I ever played. I learned the game on a pitch & putt Par 3, which is sadly not around any more (perhaps a story for another blog), but Dalmilling was where I gained my first ever handicap & Dalmilling Golf Club was the first club I was ever a member of. My Father is still a member there to this day & for all of those reasons it will always hold a special place in my heart. I have fond memories of some fun rounds there, particularly with my Dad & younger Brother & will continue to make more in the future.
Off the course –
Practice putting green: Situated before the 1st tee, it is in prime location for anyone wishing to warm up the putter before teeing off.
Pro Shop: Small pro shop where you can purchase a selection of golfing equipment & clothing.
Tea Room/Bar: Ran independently by a local gentlemen, it is a perfect 19th hole for golfers & the general public alike. A decent pint, lovely food & a friendly atmosphere. It is also equipped with a pool table, fruit machine & televisions showing sporting events etc.
Booking a round:
Telephone – 01292 263893
Cost – £24 Adults, £12 Consessions
http://www.golfsouthayrshire.com/
Affordable Golf 