If you are planning a golfing break in Scotland, then look no further than Ayrshire, as it is your ideal holiday destination.

The whole of Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran is a mecca for golf enthusiasts - professional or amateur - with over 40 outstanding courses spread throughout the area.

Outstanding amongst them are the Open Championship courses of Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick, where the first Open Championship was played in 1860. These prestigious courses are complemented by many fine municipal golf courses.

The Fairfield House Hotel is situated only 10 minutes from Prestwick Golf Club, 15 minutes from Royal Troon and 30 minutes drive from Turnberry, the venue for Open Golf 2009. Fairfield House Hotel is the nearest four star hotel to Turnberry. The hotel is available for exclusive use for parties of up to 80 for the Open Golf, Turnberry 2009.

Ayrshire is world famous for its golf courses and it boasts three Open Championship courses The Ailsa at Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon and it was recently announced that The Open Championship will indeed return to Ayrshire at Turnberry in 2009.

In addition there are a host of quality links courses such as Kilmarnock Barassie, Glasgow Gailes, Western Gailes, The Dundonald, Irvine Bogside, West Kilbride, the Turnberry Kintyre and Prestwick St Nicholas.

In Ayr and Troon you'll find three of the best muncipal courses in the country at Lochgreen and Darley and  Belleisle in addition there are other additional public golf courses run by the local councils the length of the county.

Other inland courses also provide a challenge including the excellent Brunston Castle near Turnberry or Loudoun Gowf Club just outside Kilmarnock. Prestwick also has a third course, the inland layour at St Cuthbert's.

For the James Braid trail aficionados you can enjoy three layouts in Ayrshire - Irvine Bogside, Routenburn and West Kilbride.

Discount Golf Cards

Discount golf cards are also available in both Ayrshire and The Isle of Arran.

For quality and value try the Open Qualifier Card (using the Open Qualifying courses at Barassie, Bogside and Glasgow Gailes) or South Ayrshire Councils Golf Pass for starters and play at Belleisle, Lochgreen and Darley in Troon and the wee gem at Girvan.

On Arran you can avail yourself of the seven course Arran Golf Pass and save up to 20%.

Open Championship Returns to Turnberry 2009