Best Golf Courses in Scotland

Scotland is known worldwide as a golfer’s paradise. It’s loved for its rich history in golf, stunning scenery, and top-notch courses. These factors draw players from all over the world.

It’s the historic ‘Home of Golf’, claiming many of the best courses. For instance, St Andrews’ Old Course, Royal Dornoch, and Carnoustie are just a few. Gleneagles and Blairgowrie also shine with their beautiful inland courses. Scotland truly has something for every golfer.

The Golf Monthly UK and Ireland Top 100 list includes 25 Scottish courses. Scotland’s golf mecca boasts five of the top six spots. These places have seen many great game moments and are known for their unique challenges and beauty.

Even more, Scotland has 14 of the top 100 courses worldwide nearby. This is impressive for a country of just 5 million. It means golfing legends and casual players alike can enjoy the rich history of the sport. Visiting Scotland is a unique experience.

Key Takeaways

• Scotland is home to 25 of the top 100 golf courses in the UK and Ireland.
• Five of the top six courses are in Scotland, proving its golfing excellence.
• Scotland offers a diverse range of world-class links and inland courses.
• The country’s rich golfing history and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit.
• With 14 of the world’s top 100 courses nearby, Scotland is a golf tourism paradise.

The Home of Golf: Scotland’s Unparalleled Golfing Heritage

Scotland is where golf was born. It has a long history that shaped the sport. Since the 15th century, golf has been part of Scottish life.

Scotland’s land, with sandy dunes and coastal breezes, is perfect for golf. These features led to the creation of links-style courses, the essence of golf.

Scotland has over 550 golf courses. This makes it a top spot for golf worldwide. Places like St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie Golf Links offer different challenges. They welcome players of all levels.

Scottish people love golf. The Open Championship, started in 1860, is the oldest major golf event. This tournament has been at famous courses in Scotland and England. The first one, at Prestwick Golf Club, had only eight players.

Scotland has seen great players like Young Tom Morris and Bobby Jones. They are celebrated for their wins at the Open Championship.

Today, golfers worldwide come to Scotland. They want to play on its traditional and unique courses. From the coast to inland, golf in Scotland is a special experience.

St Andrews – The Old Course: A Timeless Classic

Along Scotland’s beautiful coast, the Old Course at St Andrews shines as a legendary golf spot. It’s been key for over 600 years. Hosting The Open Championship 29 times, it’s a place filled with golf history. When setting foot on its first tee, you feel the past and the excitement of golf’s journey.

History and Significance of St Andrews

Known as golf’s birthplace, St Andrews boasts the world’s oldest golf course. Originally 12 holes, it switched to an 18-hole layout in 1764. This layout stands today. The Old Course has seen the march of the sport and welcomed golf greats, from Old Tom Morris to Tiger Woods.

Unique Features and Challenges of the Old Course

The St Andrews’ Old Course offers an ageless test of golf. It keeps its unique look and feel. With seven shared greens and limited par-3s, golfers must think and play smart. Over 100 bunkers line the way, ready to challenge even top players.

The 17th hole, called the “Road Hole,” is famous. Its 495 yards test every golfer’s skill. And the last hole, the 18th, ends at a big green known for being tough. It’s a grand ending to any game at St Andrews.

Golfers dream of playing at St Andrews. Walking in legends’ paths and facing golf’s core appeals to many. The Old Course continues to be a beacon for golfers. With its design, history, and challenges, it’s a masterpiece that enchants all.

Muirfield: A Testament to Golf Course Architecture

In picturesque Gullane, East Lothian, Muirfield shines as a great golf course. It’s known for superb design and beautiful scenery. With its perfect layout and maintenance, it has hosted The Open Championship 16 times.

Muirfield’s design is intriguing. The front nine goes around the edge, while the back nine is in the middle. This makes golfers deal with different winds, making the game more challenging. The course has a good mix of holes, including short and long par-3s, and challenging par-5s.

The course’s history is full of famous wins. Legends like Harry Vardon and Jack Nicklaus have won The Open there. Even though no future Opens are planned at Muirfield, its legacy remains strong. It’s a key part of the Open Rota.

Muirfield offers visitor tee times on select days. During peak times, you need to plan far ahead to get a slot. But, it’s easier to play during other times of the year. You can also play a second round if you wish, for an extra fee.

The Muirfield experience includes more than just golf. The clubhouse, updated in 2019, is full of luxury. There, you can find a fine dining experience with locally sourced meats. Visitors can enjoy this after a round.

Playing Muirfield means facing its tricky bunkers. Although these add challenge, most of the course is very clear. This lets you focus and enjoy your game. The strategic design makes it a memorable golfing experience.

Muirfield is the world’s oldest golf club. This offers a unique chance to feel the history of the sport. Walking where legends have been, like Nicklaus and Faldo, connects you to golf’s rich past. It’s a memorable part of the sport’s legacy.

Trump Turnberry – Ailsa Course: Breathtaking Coastal Beauty

High above the Ayrshire coast, the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry fills your golfing days with outstanding views and top-class golf. It’s seen four Open Championships and still attracts global golfers. They love its tough play and stunning sights.

Recent Renovations and Improvements

In the last years, the Ailsa Course has changed a lot. Martin Ebert improved it, especially the par-3 9th hole, now hugging the cliffs, and a par-5 that winds by the coast. The updates highlight the course’s natural beauty and its stunning coastal views.

Iconic Holes and Stunning Vistas

Each hole at Ailsa is special, but some are real gems. Take the par-3 9th; its cliff-top green is both beautiful and tough. The lighthouse, now a great place to stop, guides players through the hard course. From deep bunkers to challenging fairways, golfers will remember the Ailsa Course.

Though it’s not cheap to play, Trump Turnberry is a dream for golfers. Its perfect views, flawless course, and top services make it a must-visit for anyone wanting the best of Scottish golf.

The awards say it all: the Ailsa Course is world-class and Trump Turnberry a top resort. Come for the flawless courses, stay for the great service and luxury. A trip to Trump Turnberry means an unforgettable Scottish golf outing.

Carnoustie Golf Links – Championship Course: The Ultimate Test

Carnoustie Golf Links sits in Angus, Scotland, famous for its tough Championship Course. It’s known as one of the hardest golf spots globally, hosting The Open Championship many times. This makes it a key spot in golf history.

The course tests players with its challenges, often leading to exciting games during major tournaments. Remarkable wins, such as Francesco Molinari’s under the hot sun in 2018 and Padraig Harrington’s exciting 2007 victory against Sergio Garcia, are part of the course’s story. Paul Lawrie’s comeback after Jean Van de Velde’s 1999 mishap is unforgettable.

Hosting Legendary Open Championships

Carnoustie Golf Links has seen unforgettable Open Championships. Its tough layout and changeable weather have made for some of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes.

The course won “Best Over £100 Golf Course” in Scotland at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards. This is thanks to good votes from Scottish people, showing it’s a top destination in the country for golfing.

Demanding Layout and Memorable Holes

This course is hard with its narrow fairways, tricky bunkers, and rough grass. It asks for precise plays from golfers, even the best ones. Some holes are so iconic they’re famous around the golfing world.

One of the tough holes is the par-5 6th, known as “Hogan’s Alley.” It needs a perfect first shot to dodge the bunkers, then a smart move to a protected green. The 18th hole is famous for its wins and losses. It’s a great end to a game at Carnoustie.

Carnoustie’s course is rich in history, hard to play, and widely respected. It draws golfers worldwide who want to challenge themselves. From pros to beginners, a visit to Carnoustie promises a memorable, challenging, and rewarding game.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club – Championship Course: A Hidden Gem

In the beautiful Scottish Highlands, you’ll find the Royal Dornoch Golf Club’s Championship Course. It’s about 45 miles north of Inverness. This course is a special place for true links golf. Golfers, including top names like Tom Watson and Donald Ross, love it.

First built by Old Tom Morris, its history goes back to 1616. He did a lot of its layout in 1886. From the yellow tees, it’s 6,265 yards long. The course has a hard 138 slope rating and a 72.8 course rating.

The Championship Course is one of the world’s top spots for golf. It ranks 4th in Golf Digest’s Greatest 100 Courses and 10th in Golf Magazine’s Top 100. It’s also rated the best in Scotland. This proves its beauty and challenging design.

This course is famous for its par-threes. Holes 2, 6, 10, and 13 are said to be the best anywhere. They are all different and not too long. The views of the Scottish Highlands are amazing as you play.

Getting to Royal Dornoch is easier now. But, the weather can change a lot during your game. Be ready for anything, from sunny spells to wind and rain.

The course itself is a wonder. But, some find the caddies and the food not so great. Still, playing here and feeling the history is a big deal for any golfer.

Trump International Golf Links: Modern Links Masterpiece

Located on the lovely coast of Aberdeenshire, Trump International Golf Links stands out since 2012. It’s known as one of the best modern links courses in Scotland. Designed by Dr. Martin Hawtree, it blends the beautiful nature with a fair game, drawing players from every level.

Course Design and Layout

This course in Scotland is set beautifully with amazing views. It features tall dunes, rolling fairways, and greens that are fast and true. The championship tees stretch 7,400 yards, challenging even the best golfers. But, with six tee options at each hole, it’s fun for players of all skills.

There are strategically placed bunkers throughout the course. They make you think about your shots. Recently, 40 bunkers were updated, making them look more natural. This change improves both the look and the play of the course.

Spectacular Dunes and Coastline Views

This golf course is set in an incredible place. It winds through massive dunes, giving a private feel among nature. The North Sea’s coast provides amazing views, with holes overlooking the sea and beach.

Players especially love the par-5 18th hole. It runs along the coast and is very challenging. Another great hole is the par-3 3rd. To succeed, you have to shoot over a valley to a tough green. It shows off the course’s exciting features.

Trump International Golf Links has quickly become a big name in golf. It was named Golf Week’s top modern course in Scotland and Ireland, showing it’s a top-tier course. It’s also hosted big events and welcomes players worldwide who want to enjoy playing on a high-quality, modern course.

This course offers a mix of beauty, challenge, and top facilities. It’s a must-visit for golf lovers in Aberdeenshire. As Trump International Golf Links continues to grow, it’s becoming a key part of Scotland’s golf scene, promising great memories for anyone who plays here.

Kingsbarns Golf Links: A New Classic

Kingsbarns Golf Links sits in the stunning Kingdom of Fife, not far from St Andrews. It’s become a top choice among Scotland’s modern golf courses. It opened in 2000, winning hearts with its design, beautiful sea views, and top-notch conditions.

Starting your game here means seeing North Sea views from almost every hole. You’ll find seven holes over or by the sea. Not to mention, you’ll meet the 12th, a breathtaking par-5. Plus, the 15th, a top par-3 known for its challenge.

The course is tough but fair, suitable for all. At 6,356 yards, it’s a good challenge. Ladies get to play, too, on the 5,257-yard course. It’s about smart shots over pure power.

Since 2001, Kingsbarns Golf Links has hosted the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. It keeps earning top marks in Scotland. There’s more – they offer great services to make your visit special:

• Caddies available by request in advance through Links Golf
• Complimentary pull carts
• Practice facilities that include a driving range, short game area, and putting green
• Electric carts with limited availability (medical certificate required)

After the game, head to the clubhouse. It mixes old charm with new comforts. From there, enjoy the view of the 18th green and the North Sea. It’s a perfect ending to your day at Kingsbarns Golf Links.

Dress Code: Smart casual golf wear, with no caps allowed in the lounge.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club – Balgownie Course: Traditional Scottish Links

Travel back in time with a visit to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Dating back to 1780, it’s the sixth oldest golf club worldwide. The Balgownie Course, located here, offers a true Scottish links experience.

Designed by the Simpsons and perfected by James Braid, it’s a place of history and skill. Expect narrow paths, challenging bunkers, and a front nine that’s particularly famous.

This course is all about precision and strategy. Even the smallest greens require perfect shots. At 6,800 yards from the back, it’s a challenging path for any golfer.

The 8th hole stands out, with 10 bunkers surrounding it. Another highlight is the 14th, a demanding 441-yard par-4.

Historic Clubhouse and Atmosphere

Don’t miss the clubhouse after your round. It’s a place filled with history and a welcoming vibe. Have a chat and meal as you reflect on your game.

To secure a tee time, email or call the club directly. Online booking isn’t an option. Everyone is welcome to play, as long as you book the right time.

Looking for a place to stay? The Sandman Hotel in Aberdeen is top-notch. nearby, you’ll find more great courses like Cruden Bay and Murcar, each with their special charm.

Visit Royal Aberdeen for a game unlike any other. Tradition, challenge, and beauty await you at the Balgownie Course.

Royal Troon Golf Club – Old Course: Open Championship Pedigree

The Old Course at Royal Troon is a true gem on Ayrshire’s coast. Since 1878, this links course has been a top spot for The Open. Nine times, it has seen epic battles, including Henrik Stenson’s win in 2016.

Starting your round, you’ll face a course that needs careful planning. You’ll first head out along the coast, then back towards the clubhouse. It’s known players do better at first, then struggle more later on.

The “Postage Stamp” 8th hole is famous for its small size and big challenge. It’s only 123 yards, but requires perfect shots to avoid bunkers. Even Tiger Woods found it tough in 1997.

Royal Troon isn’t just the Old Course. There’s also the Portland Course and a strong ladies’ golf tradition. The club has a rich history, hosting key amateur events.

Walking in Royal Troon’s footsteps means joining golfing legends. The course has seen great moments, including Arthur Havers’ win in 1923 and Stenson’s victory. With the 152nd Open coming back in 2024, it’s your chance to play on this historic site.

Prestwick – The birthplace of the Open Championship

Step back in time and explore the birthplace of golfing history at Prestwick Golf Club. Back in 1860, it hosted the first The Open Championship. It’s in South Ayrshire, Scotland. This historic course has challenged top golfers for over 160 years, hosting The Open 24 times until 1925.

A railway to Glasgow, built in the 1850s, helped make the Prestwick course. Old Tom Morris designed the layout. On this course, you’ll find tricky fairways, deep bunkers, and hard greens. Notable sites include the blind par-3 5th hole, called “Himalayas,” and the par-4 17th, the “Sahara,” known as the oldest championship hole.

After playing, enjoy the Prestwick Experience with a three-course lunch. It’s in the Dining Room, with the Red Moroccan Challenge Belt on show. This belt is from The Open Championship and it’s a real honor to see it.

Visiting Prestwick offers a unique chance. You can play on one of golf’s most important courses. Take this opportunity to make lasting memories at the legendary Prestwick, a must-see in the world of golf.

Castle Stuart Golf Links: Modern Design Meets Stunning Scenery

Castle Stuart Golf Links is located in the beautiful Scottish Highlands near Inverness. It’s become famous since 2009. It was co-designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse. Together, they made it a top spot in Scotland by mixing new design ideas with the area’s natural beauty. The result is a place everyone loves to play golf at, no matter their skills.

Innovative Course Layout

The course spans 605 acres. It mixes holes beautifully and keeps players interested. You’ll find holes by the glistening Moray Firth that are true to Scottish links tradition. Other holes go through hills and valleys, offering fun challenges. The designers made sure to include clever bunkering, tricky greens, and smart shot options. This makes playing here rewarding, no matter how well you play.

Panoramic Views of the Moray Firth

One amazing thing about this course is its views. Walking the course, you can see breathtaking sights of the Moray Firth. To add, Castle Stuart’s iconic building is always in the background. The course faces west, which keeps it warm and less windy, and looks amazing.

The par-5 18th hole is outstanding. As you play, you see and face a lot. The 11th hole is a tough par-3 where skill and courage are tested. You have to hit over a deep ravine to a well-guarded green. These are just two examples of the unique challenges the course offers.

From 2011 to 2013, Castle Stuart hosted the Scottish Open. It’s well-loved by pros and amateurs. With its design, views, and friendly staff, it’s a top pick for anyone who loves golf in great settings.

North Berwick Golf Club – West Links: Charming Seaside Course

North Berwick Golf Club’s West Links is by the East Lothian coastline. It offers a unique mix of tradition and fun challenges. Founded in 1832, the seaside course now has 18 holes over 6420 yards.

Playing on the West Links, you face unusual features that have excited golfers for years. You’ll see stone walls, water hazards, and deep bunkers. These ask for smart shots and planning, making your game more thrilling. The 13th, 14th, and famous 15th holes are celebrated. The 15th, “Redan,” is known globally for its design.

This golf club has a long history of success. It hosted the Scottish Boys’ Championship for 40 years. It’s also used for the Open Championship’s final rounds at Muirfield. The club supports young players with a Children’s Course and the Cree Medal that’s 100 years old.

The West Links at North Berwick is highly regarded. GOLF Magazine places it 37th in the world. Both Planet Golf and Golf Course Architecture rank it highly too. It’s known for being fun and memorable for everyone who plays.

Golfers visiting East Lothian often make North Berwick their home base. It’s close to other great courses like Gullane and Muirfield. The Marine Hotel has great rooms with a view of the 16th hole. There are also many guest houses and Airbnb options nearby. After golf, enjoy local food at places like The Grange or Zitto.

Discover the special charm of North Berwick Golf Club’s West Links. It mixes history, unique challenges, and stunning views. It promises an amazing golf experience for all.

Cruden Bay Golf Club: Rugged Coastal Beauty

Cruden Bay Golf Club is right by the amazing Aberdeenshire coast. It’s a wonderful place for golf. It was designed by Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson. These legends made sure the course had both tough play and great views of the sea.

The course takes you through wavy green lands and big sand dunes. Every hole is different. You’ll need to think hard and be creative to play well. Many experts in golf have praised this course highly.

One special hole is the 15th, called “Blin’ Dunt.” It’s a tricky 195-yard hole where you can’t see the green from the tee. This adds a fun twist. The 14th, “Whins,” is also great. It starts with a tough shot next to a big dune. It makes every game exciting.

There are 27 holes here. This includes a short nine-hole course. It’s a good deal for your money. The main course is really challenging, with a high rating for golfers. This makes it a top place to play.

Cruden Bay is more than just golf. It’s known for being very welcoming and full of history. It was picked as the best course in Scotland in 2015. Golf Digest rated it the 70th best in the world in 2013-14.

If you love golf and beautiful views, come to Cruden Bay Golf Club. It’s a top choice in Aberdeenshire for any golfer.

Dumbarnie Links: A New Contender

Dumbarnie Links is a new and exciting golf course in Scotland. It’s found in the beautiful Kingdom of Fife, near the Firth of Forth. It opened in 2020 and is already a favorite for its mix of classic links golf and new design challenges. Plus, it’s just a quick drive from the famous town of St Andrews.

The course is huge, covering over 345 acres with stunning views of the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh’s hills. It varies in length from 5,350 to over 7,600 yards, making it quite the test for any golfer. Despite the size, it was ready for play in just two years, showing the skill of those who built it.

As you play, you’ll find wide fairways, rolling greens, and tricky bunkers. The bunkers are special here, mixing modern eco-friendly ones with classic looks. The course has unique challenges like difficult par-3s and interesting spots for risk and reward, making it fun for all.

There’s a special clubhouse to look forward to at Dumbarnie Links. It should be done by mid-April 2020. It’s unique, with a glass atrium and views of the course and the Firth of Forth. It also offers a full caddy service, adding to the complete Scottish golf experience.

Dumbarnie Links has quickly become famous in Scotland’s golfing world. This is proven by the Women’s Scottish Open it hosted in 2021. It’s getting a lot of attention and becoming a top spot for golf in Scotland. Golfers worldwide consider it a must-visit, just like other well-known courses in the area.

Planning Your Scottish golf outing

Planning the perfect Scottish golf trip means thinking about several important things. You want to have an amazing time. Scotland has many different golf areas, each with its special charm and top courses. For help planning, check out the ebook “How to Plan a Scottish Golf Trip” on Amazon. It’s perfect for golfers who want to enjoy Scotland’s golf to the fullest.

Ideal Golfing Itineraries and Regions

This book talks about all Scotland’s major golf areas. It gives you info like how long it takes to drive there and a list of the best courses. You can follow well-liked routes, such as the “St Andrews and Fife” area, famous for its Old Course. There are also other great courses like Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie Links.

It also looks at the Highlands. There, you can find the famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Near the Ayrshire coast, you’ll see Turnberry’s Ailsa Course and Carnoustie Golf Links. Carnoustie Golf Links has often hosted The Open Championship since 1931.

Accommodations and Off-Course Activities

The ebook doesn’t just help with courses. It also has tips on where to stay, eat, and what to do when you’re not golfing. You can pick from fancy hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, or cottages where you can cook. It suggests visiting whiskey distilleries, castles, and great places to walk. This makes sure your Scottish trip is interesting both on and off the course.

Best Time to Visit for Golf in Scotland

Picking the right time for your golf trip is important. The book tells you the best months to visit, considering the weather and how long the days are. It also shares how to get tee times, especially at popular places like the Old Course at St. Andrews. Plus, it gives tips on getting around and budgeting for your trip. “How to Plan a Scottish Golf Trip” is key reading if you’re heading to Scotland for golf.