Jamie Darling of Ayrshire Golf Scotland delivered a sparkling presentation on the aims and challenges of this newly formed business. Explaining his golf pedigree, which included working in Iceland, Jamie advised his audience about the logo and web site launch last year and how the catchy strap line “Our Golf, Your Way” was developed.
He continued by detailing Ayrshire Golf’s efforts to attract golfers to Ayrshire, sighting East Lothian’s success as a benchmark There are close to 50 golf courses in Ayrshire & Arran where golfers can enjoy everything from classic links to majestic inland layouts and most importantly there is a course just perfect for all golfing styles. Whether it is family golf or beginners, luxury tours, championship links vacations, corporate golf days or the annual trip away with golf partners, Ayrshire and Arran will have a layout for all levels. Ayrshire is where the Open Championship was born. The first shots of the inaugural tournament were played at Prestwick in 1860 and although no longer on The Open rota, Prestwick hosted golf’s most famous competition an incredible 24 times.
Jamie Darling of Ayrshire Golf Scotland
The Ailsa Course at Turnberry remains firmly on The Open rota and was the setting for the epic Duel in the Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in 1977 whilst Royal Troon is preparing to welcome the Championship back in 2016. Amazingly, Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick are all situated within half an hour of each other, proving that you don’t have to go far to find golfing greatness in this part of Scotland.
Jamie added that Ayrshire has always been at the forefront of promoting junior, ladies and family golf. It is blessed with great PGA coaches and practice facilities and affordable and Turnberry’s famous Ailsa course is the venue for the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open for only the second time in the Championship’s history.
Bob Henderson gave the vote of thanks
