shiskine

Founded in 1896 the original nine-hole course was laid out by the famous Willie Fernie of Troon. Fifteen years or so later Willie Park was awarded the contract to extend the course to 18 holes, revising Fernie's layout in the process. Due to the intervention of the First World War six of the new holes fell into disuse for one reason or another to leave Park's unique 12-hole layout as it is today.

This unique 12-hole course has achieved the distinction of being included in the top 100 best courses in Britain for the past two years, coming in at number 100 and is now at number 96.

The course is crossed by two burns and has many distinguishing characteristics including the longest par 5 on the island at 509 yards. There are several blind holes at which various signals indicate when the green is clear and it is safe to play. The holes have picturesque names such as 'The Crow's Nest', 'Paradise' and 'Hades' which give an indication of their distinctive features. On a summer evening standing up on the 10th tee looking out over the water at the breathtaking redish-pink sunset is surely 'Paradise' indeed.

Over the past 20 years further changes and improvements have seen water piped to all greens, one tennis court converted to an all weather bowling green, Sunday Golf introduced by popular demand, a new 18 hole schedule of play adopted and the development of "The Arran Challenge" which brings golfers from all over the world to compete each November.