If you are looking for an unforgettable golfing experience, you might want to explore Scotland’s top 10 golf courses. Scotland is the home of golf, and it has some of the most iconic and challenging courses in the world. Here are our picks for the best golf courses in Scotland that you should not miss.
Top 10 Golf Courses in Scotland
St Andrews Old Course
The Old Course at St Andrews is the ultimate pilgrimage for any golfer. It is one of the oldest and most revered courses in the world, and it has hosted the Open Championship 29 times.
Playing the Old Course is a chance to walk in the footsteps of legends and to face some of the most famous golf holes, such as the Road Hole, the Swilcan Bridge, and Hell Bunker.
The Old Course is open to the public, but you need to book well in advance or enter the daily ballot.
Royal Dornoch Championship Course
Royal Dornoch is a classic links course in the Highlands, overlooking the Dornoch Firth. It is ranked as one of the best courses in the world by many publications, and it has influenced many modern architects, such as Donald Ross and Tom Watson.
Royal Dornoch is known for its natural beauty, its firm and fast fairways, its undulating greens, and its gorse-lined holes.
Muirfield
Muirfield is another historic and prestigious course that has hosted the Open Championship 16 times. It is the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the oldest golf club in the world.
Muirfield is a masterpiece of design, featuring two loops of nine holes that run in opposite directions, creating various wind conditions and challenges. It is renowned for its superb conditioning, its fast greens, and its deep bunkers.
Trump Turnberry Ailsa
Trump Turnberry Ailsa is a stunning coastal course that offers spectacular views of the Isle of Arran, the Mull of Kintyre, and the Ailsa Craig.
It has hosted four Open Championships, most memorably in 1977 when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled in the “Duel in the Sun”.
The course underwent a major renovation in 2016, which improved its playability and aesthetics. Trump Turnberry Ailsa is a must-play for any golfer who appreciates scenery and history.
Carnoustie Championship
Carnoustie Championship is widely regarded as one of the toughest courses in the world, earning its nickname “Carnasty”.
It has hosted seven Open Championships, and it has witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in golf history, such as Jean Van de Velde’s collapse in 1999 and Francesco Molinari’s triumph in 2018.
The Carnoustie Championship is a brutal test of golf that demands accuracy, patience, and nerve. It features narrow fairways, thick rough, deep bunkers, and strong winds.
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns Golf Links is a modern gem that opened in 2000, but it looks and feels like an ancient links course. It is situated on a stunning stretch of coastline near St Andrews, offering panoramic views of the North Sea from every hole.
Kingsbarns Golf Links is a co-host of the European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, along with St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie Championship. It is a superb layout that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
North Berwick West Links
North Berwick West Links is one of the oldest and most charming courses in Scotland. It dates back to 1832, and it has influenced many other courses around the world with its quirky features and fun holes.
North Berwick West Links is famous for its originality, variety, and challenge. It features blind shots, stone walls, burns, bunkers, and slopes. Its standout holes include the Redan, the Pit, and the Perfection.
Castle Stuart Golf Links
Castle Stuart Golf Links is another modern masterpiece that opened in 2009. It is located near Inverness, overlooking the Moray Firth and the Kessock Bridge.
It has hosted four Scottish Opens on the European Tour, attracting some of the best players in the world.
Castle Stuart Golf Links is a visually stunning course that offers generous fairways, strategic bunkers, undulating greens, and risk-reward options. It is a joy to play for golfers of all levels.
Royal Aberdeen Balgownie
Royal Aberdeen Balgownie is one of Scotland’s oldest clubs, founded in 1780. It boasts one of Scotland’s finest links courses, which runs along the North Sea coast.
The front nine is particularly impressive, featuring some of the best dune holes in the country. The back nine is more inland but still offers plenty of challenge and interest.
Royal Aberdeen Balgownie is a classic links course that tests every aspect of the game.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland
Trump International Golf Links Scotland is a controversial but impressive course that opened in 2012. It is located north of Aberdeen on a massive dune system stretching three miles along the coast.
The course was designed by Martin Hawtree, who created a dramatic and demanding layout that follows the natural contours of the land.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland is a formidable course that requires power, precision, and courage.
When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland for Golf?
Scotland is a dream destination for golfers, but when is the best time to visit Scotland for golf? There are pros and cons to each season, depending on your preferences, budget, and availability. Here are some factors to consider when planning your golf trip to Scotland.
- Spring (March-May): This is a good time to visit Scotland for golf if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some lower rates. The weather can be unpredictable, but you might get lucky with some sunny days. The courses are usually in good condition, but some might have winter rules or fairway mats in place. The daylight hours are increasing, but not as long as in the summer.
- Summer (June-August): This is the peak season for golf in Scotland, and also the most expensive. The weather is usually warmer and drier but still variable. The courses are in their best shape, but also their busiest. You must book well in advance to secure your tee times, especially on the popular courses. The daylight hours are very long, allowing you to play multiple rounds or enjoy the scenery.
- Autumn (September-November): This is another good time to visit Scotland for golf if you want to save some money and avoid the crowds. The weather can be cool and wet but also pleasant and sunny. The courses are still in excellent condition, but some might start to close or reduce their services. The daylight hours are decreasing, but still enough to play a full round.
- Winter (December-February): This is the off-season for golf in Scotland, and not recommended for most golfers. The weather is cold and harsh, and many courses are closed or unplayable. The daylight hours are very short, limiting your golf options. However, if you are adventurous and don’t mind the conditions, you might find some bargains and some empty courses.
These are just some of the best courses in Scotland that you should not miss. However, there are many more to discover and enjoy. No matter when you choose to visit Scotland for golf, you can be sure that Scotland will offer you an unforgettable golfing experience.