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The Ailsa | Open Championship Venue

Hole 1 | "Ailsa Craig"

Par 4 | 354 Yards

Ailsa's first hole is named after an isle in the Firth of Clyde that is visible from almost everywhere on the course. This short opener must not be underestimated, as it is one of the most heavily bunkered holes on the course. It is advisable to hit a full shot to the green, so players should look to play short of the fairway bunkers from the tee.

Perfect Play

This opening par 4 is fairly benign but birdies and pars can't be taken for granted. The tee shot must be accurate as bunkers line both sides of the 1st fairway starting at 220 yards from the tee. If you decide to hit a driver from this tee you have to be precise and I would suggest that it is too big a risk for the first shot of the day. A fairway wood or long iron to lay up short of the bunkers is the ideal play and this would leave a shot of around 150 yards, usually played back into the wind.

The green itself is well guarded by a large bunker which hides the right side of the putting surface. Two greenside bunkers left and one right surround this fairly flat green but care must be taken as there are many subtle borrows to look for when putting. Like all greens on The Ailsa it is important to trust that the ball will tend to break towards the sea.

Flyover Video

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