As a true golf enthusiast, you will already know there’s no better place to tee off than in the birthplace of the game. Golf in Scotland has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, and it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most iconic and challenging golf courses can be found here.
From the rolling hills of the Highlands to the rugged coastline of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland is home to an abundance of world-class golf courses. And whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, Scotland has something to offer for every skill level.
But with so many courses to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to play. That’s why we have put together this guide to the top golf courses in Scotland. In it, you’ll find information on some of the most renowned and sought-after courses, including St. Andrews Old Course, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Turnberry (Ailsa Course), and Carnoustie Golf Links.
So, grab your clubs and join me as we tee off on a golfing adventure through Scotland. From the historic to the challenging, these courses are sure to provide an unforgettable golfing experience. Let’s start with the most iconic course of them all, the St. Andrews Old Course, the home of golf.
St Andrews
When it comes to golfing in Scotland, there’s no course more iconic than the St. Andrews Old Course. This historic course has been played on since the 15th century and it’s considered by many to be the “Home of Golf”. It’s also the most famous and oldest course in the world and a must-play for any golfer visiting Scotland.
The Old Course at St. Andrews is a challenging and historic links course, with deep bunkers and fast greens. It’s a par 72 course that measures 7,305 yards, and it’s a true test of golf. The course is steeped in history and tradition, and you’ll feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of golfing legends like Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, and Jack Nicklaus.
Booking a round at the Old Course is a highly sought-after experience and it’s a bit different than booking a round at your local course. The Old Course operates a daily ballot system, which means you can enter your name in a lottery for a chance to play the course on the day you want.
If you’re lucky enough to get a tee time, you’ll be in for an unforgettable experience. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, St. Andrews is a charming town with plenty of options for accommodations and dining. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, the St. Andrews Old Course is a must-play when you’re in Scotland. It’s a true test of golf and a chance to walk in the footsteps of golfing legends.
The Royal Dornoch
The Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a true hidden gem. This course is located in the beautiful coastal town of Dornoch, in the Scottish Highlands, and it’s a must-play for any golfer visiting the area.
The Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a challenging links course that measures 6,881 yards and it’s a par 70. The course is set among rolling hills, and it offers stunning views of the North Sea and the surrounding countryside. The greens are fast and true, and the bunkers are deep and well-placed, making for a true test of golf.
The Royal Dornoch Golf Club has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century, and it’s considered one of the best natural links courses in the world. It has been host to several important golfing events and it’s also been ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world by Golf Digest.
Booking a round at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club is easy, and you can do it online or by phone. The club also offers a variety of packages that include accommodation and golf. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, Dornoch is a charming town with plenty of options for accommodations and dining, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels.
The Ailsa Course at Turnberry
When it comes to golf in Scotland, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry is one of the most famous and challenging courses in the country. This course is located in the southwestern coast of Scotland, and it’s a must-play for any golfer visiting the area.
The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is situated along the rugged southwestern coast of Scotland and offers spectacular views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside. It is a links course that measures 7,202 yards and it’s a par 70 and has been host to several major golfing events, including the Open Championship.
The Ailsa course has some of the most iconic holes in golf, such as the famous “Duel in the Sun” hole which was played during the 1977 Open Championship, where Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus had a dramatic showdown.
Furthermore, the course is part of the prestigious Turnberry Resort, which offers luxurious amenities and five-star accommodations, making it a top choice for golfers looking for a complete golf vacation experience.
Carnoustie
The Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland has a long and rich history dating back to the early 16th century. Golf has been played on the land that Carnoustie now occupies for centuries and the first recorded game of golf on the land took place in 1527. However, the course we know today was established in the early 19th century by a group of local golfers, and it has been continuously developed and improved over the years.
The Carnoustie Golf Links officially opened in 1842, and it quickly established itself as one of the premier golf courses in Scotland. The course was designed by Old Tom Morris, a legendary golfer and course designer who is widely considered to be the “Father of Modern Golf”. Morris’s design was based on the traditional links golf style and it featured natural hazards such as pot bunkers and firm and fast fairways.
Throughout the years, Carnoustie Golf Links has been host to several major golfing events, including the Open Championship. The course first hosted the Open in 1931 and it has been a regular host of the tournament since then, most recently in 2018. Carnoustie is considered one of the toughest courses on the Open Rota, and it has a reputation for being a course that only the best players can handle.
Today, the Carnoustie Golf Links is widely considered to be one of the best and most challenging golf courses in the world. It’s a true test of golf for players of all skill levels and it offers a traditional links golf experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
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We’ve reached the end of our journey through some of the top golf courses in Scotland, and I hope you’re now inspired to book your own golfing vacation in this beautiful country.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the most renowned and sought-after courses, including St. Andrews Old Course, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Turnberry (Ailsa Course) and Carnoustie Golf Links. Each course offers a unique and challenging golfing experience, from the historic and iconic St. Andrews Old Course, to the hidden gem of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, to the famous and challenging Ailsa Course at Turnberry and the prestigious Carnoustie Golf Links.
And don’t forget, Scotland is not only about golf, it’s also a great country to explore, from its bustling cities to its picturesque countryside, from its historic castles to its beautiful lochs and glens. A golf vacation in Scotland is an unforgettable experience that combines the best of golf and travel, so contact our team to get started planning your Scottish Golf vacation.
