Lochgreen is the longest of our golf courses at 6822 yards. A young Jack Nicklaus scored 78 - 66 here to qualify by one shot for the 1962 Open.

This is the best of this trio of good municipal courses and upholds the tradition of golf in this area. Maybe not quite Royal Troon but with plenty length and bags of challenge, it is a golfing experience unto itself and at a fraction of the royal fee.

Lochgreen, a Par 74 running parallel at points to Royal Troon and used for several years as a qualifier for the Open. Jack Nicklaus shot an 82 here in an Open Qualifier followed by a more appropriate 68 making the cut buy one shot.

Although Lochgreen is predominately a links type course, the layout is truly varied, with one stretch - known as the 'Dovecot Section' - providing holes of a more parkland type character. The course has several holes that are reminiscent of its royal neighbour and one hole in particular - the fifth - would do justice to any championship test. At well over 400 yards the hole runs parallel to the same railway that borders the championship course, with bunkers and gorse providing additional hazards. The par three that follows offers no respite and the golfer who misses the gorse-surrounded green would do well to play a provisional ball.

It was during the 1962 Open qualifier that Australian Kel Nagle set the present course record of 65, with the amateur record of 66 being set at the same time by Martin Christmas. Both golfers doubtless celebrated their feats in the Bunker Bar and Restaurant that forms part of the spacious clubhouse.

"Lochgreen has been used as an Open Qualifier and is a course of links quality with many holes reminiscent of its close neighbour Royal Troon. You don't get away with anything less than confident driving and commanding second shots."
David Whyte