Troon's council golf is one of the best-kept secrets in Scottish golf tourism: three full courses on the same stretch of linksland as Royal Troon, sharing a modern clubhouse on Harling Drive, bookable online by anyone at municipal prices. Lochgreen is the serious one — over 6,800 yards from the back tees, par 74, with proper links turf and big greens; it is used for Open Championship final qualifying when the Open is at Troon and hosts the Cunningham Rosebowl open. Darley is shorter but many locals think harder, threaded through gorse and heather with narrow landing areas. Fullarton is the short course, par 64 with plenty of par-threes, perfect for beginners, juniors and a quick round. The clubhouse was upgraded 'to a very high standard' with panoramic views, a café and bar, and a PGA professional with hire equipment.
Fees and packages
Lochgreen and Darley sit at the top of the Golf South Ayrshire fee scale with Belleisle; Fullarton in the middle. All are included in the council's £560 season ticket (2025–26). The Troon Links Experience gives three rounds — one on each course — over three days, with a two-round mini version; tee times are reserved at booking.
Getting there
45 minutes from Girvan by the A77, or about an hour by train via Ayr; the courses are a short walk from Troon station. Combine with a Royal Troon visitor day, the Arran ferry or Troon beach.