ANDREW MARSHALL & PAUL MARSHALL travel to Scotland to sample some world-class golf while being their own ‘Kings of the Castle’.

THERE’S no more Scottish an image than that of a castle surrounded by swirling mist. Most of Scotland’s castles ooze a colourful and turbulent history – the stuff of swashbucklers, legends and ghost stories. All the classic imagery can be found in abundance: secret passageways, spiral staircases, dungeons, haunted rooms, four-poster beds, old oil paintings, chandeliers, suits of armour, stuffed game and roaring log fires. The good news is that you can spend the night at many castles and several have top drawer golf courses right on their doorstep or a short drive away. Here are six of the best castles with adjacent or nearby golf courses in different regions of Scotland.

AYRSHIRE
STAY: Culzean Castle. There’s a sense of anticipation as you drive the twisting wooded laneway towards the front door of this storybook castle. From its truly spectacular setting, standing dramatically on a rocky promontory on the Ayrshire coast, Culzean commands views across the sea to the mountains of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. Designed by noted Scottish architect, Robert Adam, it is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian castles in the country, with its Oval Staircase and Circular Saloon being standout features of his work. The castle has strong connections with the USA. The Scottish people donated the top floor to General Dwight D. Eisenhower after World War II, as a token of their appreciation for his role in the victory. Besides Eisenhower memorabilia and fine eighteenthcentury furniture, there’s an extensive collection of armour and weapons dating from the seventeenth century.

The luxury Eisenhower apartment has six double/twin bedrooms that are available as either individual accommodation or for groups of up to 12. Fine Scottish cuisine is served in the dining room and guests can relax in the drawing room offering dramatic sea views. Culzean is a unique choice for the discerning golfer. www.culzeanexperience.org

PLAY: Turnberry. A few miles down the coast awaits the world-class links of Turnberry, venue for the British Open Championship 2009. The Ailsa course came to international prominence with the infamous ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson (champion) and Jack Nicklaus over four sweltering days during July 77. Since then, Greg Norman (86) and Nick Price (94) have made up the trio of golfing greats to lift the Claret Jug here, and polls now regularly acknowledge the Ailsa as one of Britain’s top three courses with regular rankings within the world’s top 20.

“In preparation for the 2009 Open, the course has undergone a major revamp. There’s additional fairway bunkering and new tees have increased the length to over 7,200 yards,” says head golf professional Richard Hall. “I’m really excited about it and counting down the days already.”

The ninth (Bruce’s Castle) is a contender for Turnberry’s trademark hole. Adjacent to the famous lighthouse and the remains of Robert the Bruce’s castle (king of Scotland from 1306–1329), this 452-yard par four has no bunkers, yet is daunting especially from the Championship tee, which is perched on a rocky premonitory on the edge of the sea. www.turnberry.co.uk

Other golf courses: Royal Troon, Prestwick, Western Gailes