Planning a trip to Scotland, but don’t want to miss out on golfing opportunities? Here’s a list of the best public, semi-private, private, and resort golf courses in Scotland.
Public
Location: Fife, Scotland
Boasting an expansive 6721 yards, St. Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world.
Location: Angus, Carnoustie, Scotland
Carnoustie Golf Links has hosted seven Open Championships and is regarded as among the toughest Open venues.
Location: Troon, Scotland
The Royal Troon has been the host of nine Open Championships and is regarded as among the most demanding of the venues.
Location: Kingsbarns, St. Andrews, Scotland
Situated along the North Sea coastline, Kingsbarns boasts a Worldwide Top 100 ranked course.
Location: Strathclyde, Ayrshire, Scotland
Western Gailes is often regarded as a hidden gem of Scottish links and has been frequented by golf professionals like Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy.
Location: Fife, Scotland
In addition to owning three flats that overlook the West Sands, St. Andrews (New) offers 130 annual golf competitions.
Semi-Private
Location: Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland
Royal Dornoch offers a champion course, as well as a family-friendly 18-hole course.
Location: Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Only a two-hour drive from St. Andrews, Cruden Bay has one of the best links courses in Scotland and was ranked number 52 in the world by “Golf Magazine”
Location: Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, Scotland
Awarded a “Royal” designation in 1903 by Edward VII, Royal Aberdeen features a course with a natural ecosystem and rich turf.
Location: Prestwick, Aryshire, Scotland
The birthplace of the Open Championship, Prestwick offers charismatic and historic links.
Location: Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland
One of Scotland’s most prestigious member clubs, Gullane (No. 1) boasts a climate that allows year-round golf with coastal views.
Location: Nairn, Scotland
In 2015, Nairn was ranked number 11 in the list of Top 100 Courses in Scotland by Golf World Magazine and has a course that entertains both amateurs and professionals alike.
Private
Location: Muirfield, Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland
Muirfield has hosted 16 Open Championships and 11 Amateur Championships and offers a classic links course.
Location: Luss, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Nestled against a backdrop of Northern European mountains, Loch Lomond features a natural and picturesque course.
Location: Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
Situated in the Machrihanish Dunes, the Machrihanish Golf Course boasts views of islands and has an 18-hole Champion Course and 9-Hole Pans Course.
Location: North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland
With views of Firth the Forth and islands such as Bass Rock, North Berwick offers a popular links course as well as a child’s course.