Is it the history, the stunning hotel, the immaculate condition of the course, the imposing Ailsa Craig rock, or even the famous lighthouse that makes this place so special? It is probably a combination of it all, because as you drive down the hill from Maidens there is a unique excitement at the thought of playing arguably Scotland’s finest links course.

There are some wonderful holes, but it is not until you reach the 9th and 10th that you really appreciate what this course is about: The 9th hole is the signature hole of the course and one of the most photographed holes in golf. The remote tee on a rocky edge overlooks the Bay and the famous Turnberry lighthouse, and the drive over the bay is daunting to say the least. The 10th hole is not dissimilar and if you have a tendency to hook the ball, it is likely that your bag will be a little lighter by now! In many ways we were very lucky to play it in such benign conditions, but we finished with a slight feeling of incompleteness – somehow we have to return when the wind is howling!