Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort (Earl of Mar course): There was a time when golfing around Glasgow was synonymous with a trip to the Ayrshire coast to sample the seaside courses of Irvine, Prestwick and Troon. In recent times the emergence of several excellent inland courses has brought top-quality golf closer to the city, notably with the likes of Loch Lomond and The Carrick. Now even a trip over the Erskine Bridge is unnecessary with the opening of the well-laid out and very scenic Earl of Mar course at Mar Hall. This attractive Stay & Play venue, also open to visiting green fee payers, is located directly along the banks of the River Clyde, with towering Erskine Bridge at one end of the course, and the beautiful Kilpatrick Hills in constant view across the river. Designed by the much respected architect, Dave Thomas, this attractive and challenging course stretches out along the Clyde to the east and west of stately Mar Hall. Each of the two nine-hole loops provides three riverside holes, with the remainder arranged on the gentle slopes that lead up from the Clyde. Already, the Earl of Mar gives the impression of a well-established course shaped around a scattering of 250 year old chestnut and beech trees. Most of the time the layout exudes an open, linksy character, where strategically placed bunkers threaten throughout your round. The opening quartet of holes provides arguably the toughest stretch, while the green of the short par-4 14th and 15th tee offer a fabulous view down the Clyde, although not quite out to sea.