The Best Golf Courses in Scotland

Par: 72 | Designed By: Old Tom Morris | Length: 6,670yd

St. Andrews is widely recognised as the “Home of Golf” where the game has been played for over six centuries on the prestigious layout of the Old Course, which has evolved over time on a natural terrain. The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are world-renowned and emphasise the grand stature of this majestic bucket list course.

Signature Hole: 17th

The par-4, 17th hole at this golf course is definitely one of the most well-known, and one of the more difficult holes to tackle… From the very first shot off the tee, over the corner of the Old Course Hotel, to the pot bunker and road guarding the green, a par on this hole certainly deserves a pat on the back.

Also Worth a Mention: 1st

The grandeur of this tee shot makes for a nervy start even for the pros let alone us mere amateurs. It is a very public area so there will often be an audience, the pressure leading to a few airshots for some unfortunate few.

Accommodation Nearby: Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is a 5-star hotel that is located in a prime position at the “Home of Golf”, positioned on the 17th hole of the Old Course. This enviable location offers an unforgettable view of the famous St Andrews links courses and West Sands beach.

Par: 70 | Designed By: Old Tom Morris | Length: 6,748yd

The Championship Course is situated in a truly stunning location in the North of Scotland. In a wild and isolated position where the white sandy beach divides the links from the Dornoch Firth, the dreamy location makes a beautiful setting as you play your way through your round. It is rumoured that Royal Dornoch would have held numerous Open Championships would it not have been for its Northern location, but then again that’s what makes this course an absolute beauty.

Signature Hole: 14th

The par-4, known as “Foxy”, is one of the most famous at this golf course in Scotland. This hole features no bunkers! The green is instead protected by the natural terrain, providing a unique challenge to anyone who dares tackle this course.

Accommodation Nearby: Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch

The Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch is located in the seaside town of Dornoch, in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The 4-Star hotel has excellent facilities such as Crenshaws Brasserie Restaurant & Bar which serves the very best of Asian, West Indian and British cuisine. But the real attraction besides the beautiful Scottish Highlands is the on site Royal Dornoch Golf Club which was designed by Tom Morris in 1895.

Par: 72 | Designed By: Kyle Phillips | Length: 7,224yd

Kingsbarns Golf Links is ranked in the Top 100 golf courses worldwide, with comfortable, friendly and attentive service which all in all completes the “Kingsbarns Experience”. Having hosted a number of competitions including the European Tour’s ‘Alfred Dunhill Links Championship’, together with St Andrews and Carnoustie Golf Links, and the 2017 Ricoh Women’s British Open, this course is a must play when staying in the prestigious St Andrews region.

Signature Hole: 15th

This par-4 is one of the most picturesque holes in all of Scotland. At only 212 yards, this hole plays relatively short, but its not called “Rocky Ness” for no reason… This hole sits on a peninsula that stretches out into the sea with the green traveling away from the player at a 45 degree angle!

Accommodation Nearby: Fairmont St Andrews

Set in 520 acres of magnificent Scottish countryside, Fairmont St Andrews is rightly regarded as one of the most prestigious golf resorts in Scotland. The onsite Fairmont Spa provides guests with a vast selection of treatments so, any non-golfers in your group will be extremely well looked after. The swimming pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi offers everything you need to relax and unwind after a hard day on the links. This is the perfect getaway for your next golf holiday to Scotland.

Par: 70 | Designed By: Graeme Webster | Length: 7,001yd

When you step into the comforting welcome of the Clubhouse, the manicured detailing of the beautifully sculpted course and the astonishing quality of the practice facilities you’ll understand why this is one of the best golf courses in Scotland. The hand-cut greens, cross-cut fairways and hand weeding give the course its immaculate finish. The mature woodland backdrop, meticulous landscaping and abundant wildlife make it a golf experience like no other.

Signature Hole: 11th

This par-5 is well known for its challenging approach shot, with golfers having the task of avoiding the 18 bunkers guarding the green!

Accommodation Nearby: Meldrum House Country Hotel

For a weekend golf break look no further than Meldrum House Country Hotel, where you can enjoy great Scottish hospitality, fine dining and the tranquillity of the magnificent Meldrum Estate. The hotel accommodation is divided across three buildings, each with its own distinct character. The hotel dining room serves the best of local produce, while the comfortable bar is a great place to relax after a satisfying round of golf.

Par: 72 | Designed By: Dr. Martin Hawtree | Length: 7,428yd

Boasting many unrivalled features and special characteristics, the championship course offers an exceptional golfing experience. From its breathtaking sea views, wetlands and lochs to its grand fairways and sensational greens, this is a championship links golf course masterpiece. Trump International Golf Links is an awe inspiring course that is a must visit for every golfer.

Signature Hole: 14th

This par-4 offers elevated tees and beautiful views of the sea. With the ocean acting as a natural boundary to the right, there’s no space for slicing on this hole.

Accommodation Nearby: Macleod House

MacLeod House is the original Scottish baronial mansion situated at the heart of the Trump estate. Dating back to the 14th century, the House is Donald J. Trump’s Scottish residence and abounds with period features and magnificent views of the grounds. Providing a range of exclusive dining and leisure facilities, MacLeod House offers the ultimate experience in luxury, comfort and sophistication.

Par: 70 | Designed By: Old Tom Morris | Length: 6,500yd

The course was one of the original 24 clubs that helped purchase the Amateur Championship trophy, first played in 1885. The design perfectly combines the very best of heathland and links, as well as featuring tight fairways, contoured greens and sandhills. The beauty of the course can be characterised by the touches of heather which add a texture to the 18 hole surroundings.

Signature Hole: 6th

This par-4, stroke index 1 is an impressive feature of the Panmure Golf Club. With a blind double fairway leading to the famous “Hogan Bunker” protecting the green.

Accommodation Nearby: Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa

The four-star Carnoustie Hotel boasts a great location, just a two minute walk from the beach on the edge of the Carnoustie Golf Links Championship Course. From the hotel, you can walk into the local town where you can either get a train to explore the further regions of Scotland or enjoy exploring the charming shop-lined streets of Carnoustie.

Par: 73 | Designed By: James Braid | Length: 6,684yd+

In 2005, the course was extended and redeveloped and now provides a new test of golf for even the best of players. The manicured fairways, well positioned bunkering and large undulating greens make this course an experience never to be forgotten, securing their reputation as one of the best golf courses in Scotland.

Signature Hole: 13th & 14th

These two holes feature narrow, tight fairways with a whole host of hazards to avoid. Tucked away in the treeline, this hole will require much precision when tackling.

Accommodation Nearby: Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

The four-star Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club is situated in over 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Bridges. Built in 1725, this hotel is a true celebration of Scottish heritage. With Edinburgh just a 20 minute drive from the hotel, there is plenty to do when off the course including a number of historical and cultural sites to visit such as The Scott Monument, Edinburgh Castle or The Georgian House. For the more active holiday-goers, enjoy visiting Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, hiking, snow sports and other sports and activities.

Par: 72 | Designed By: Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse | Length: 6,592yd

The Championship Course was opened in 2009 and runs along the Moray Firth with views of Kessock Bridge and the Black Isle. The 3 tiered Clubhouse was designed to fit in with the neighbouring properties along the waters edge and offers the perfect place to relax before or after your round. Four Scottish Opens have been held here, one of these being within the first year of the course opening.

Signature Hole: 4th & 11th

The par-4 4th hole is exceptionally notable with the sea lining the left side and a green perched above the water! The par-3 11th hole is another standout hole, offering sweeping views across the course and coast.

Accommodation Nearby: Golf View Hotel & Spa

The 4-star Golf View Hotel and Spa offers excellent accommodation and service, which complements the superb championship golf courses within close proximity. Offering panoramic views over the Moray Firth, award winning dining, event space, attractive grounds, spa and leisure facilities they really do provide a perfect all round experience for their guests. Located near Inverness airport, and key road and rail links, the hotel makes an ideal base to explore what Moray and Speyside in the Scottish Highlands have to offer.

Par: 72 | Designed By: Kyle Philips | Length: 6,700yd

Located at the centre of Ayrshires spectacular golf coast is Dundonald Links, a modern links golf masterpiece. This superb golf club offers a stunning golf course with five star facilities and a luxurious restaurant onsite.

Signature Hole: 11th

While this par-3 may be the shortest hole on the course, don’t let that fool you. At just 120yd, the green is just a wedge away, though it also requires you to carry the thick foliage area and also avoid three deep bunkers…

Accommodation Nearby: Dundonald Links Resort

Dundonald Links is located in Ayrshire, South-West Scotland. Situated only 10 minutes from Glasgow Prestwick Airport & only 35 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, it is ideally located with a short transfer time from surrounding Airports. With a number of luxury lodges ranging from 2 bedrooms to 6 bedrooms. this accommodation will suit groups of all sizes. Guests can enjoy dining at the fine “Canny Crow” restaurant, and take part in a whisky tasting in the “Whisky Room”.

Par: 71 | Designed By: George Strath, Willie Fernie & James Braid | Length: 7,208yd+

The Royal Troon Old Course is world renowned as one of the best links courses and has even hosted The Open Championship on nine occasions. Royal Troon Golf Club was founded in 1878 and is home to two spectacular courses, The Old Cousre and Portland Course, which both offer a thrilling links style challenge. The Old Course is the more famous of the two, ranked amongst the top courses in Scotland, and should be on every golfers wish list.

Signature Hole: 8th

Arguable one of the most well-known short holes in the world, and a staple of golf in Scotland, this par-3 is one for the books. Featuring a greenside coffin bunker, the small green can be difficult to tackle, especially when the wind picks up.

Accommodation Nearby: Mercure Ayr Hotel

With 22 golf courses all within a 20 miles radius, The Mercure Ayr Hotel is an ideal option for a golf holiday in Scotland. This comfortable 4* property is located moments from central Ayr, allowing guests to easily explore the charming old town full of vibrant culture and stunning architecture.

Par: 71 | Designed By: Martin Ebert | Length: 7,501yd

The legendary Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry is a spectacular links course and one of the favoured Open Championship venues. Ailsa is ranked as one of the top courses in the UK and Ireland, and has been home to four Open Championships to date. This legendary course has been home to some of the most memorable moments in the tournaments history, including a 59 year old Tom Watson almost claiming the Claret Jug in 2009, or the famous “Duel in the Sun”, pitting Tom Watson against Jack Nicklaus back in 1977, which was one of the finest final days in The Opens prestigious history.

Signature Hole: 9th

This par-3 belongs on a list of the most attractive holes in the world. The hole plays over a jagged coastline and requires players to perform an impressive carry to the green, unless you want your ball landing in the ocean cove.

Accommodation Nearby: Trump Turnberry Hotel

With two excellent golf courses on site, The Ailsa & Robert The Bruce, the Trump Turnberry Hotel is the perfect option for anyone looking for a luxury golf trip to Scotland. It is currently the only Forbes 5-Star Resort in the UK. While the accommodation and hospitality here is second to none, the dining options at this hotel are not to be ignored. Enjoy contemporary cuisine in the ‘1906’ restaurant, afternoon tea in the Grand Tea Lounge, or even book a private dining experience at the ‘Chef’s Table’.

Par: 71 | Designed By: Donald Steele & Co | Length: 6,601yd

A round at Craigielaw golf course is a challenging one for many different reasons, the rough is thick, there are many strategically placed bunkers, which can be found both on the fairways and greenside, and finally, the greens are almost wickedly undulating. From the course, you can enjoy spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hull and out towards Edinburgh and Fife but don’t let the views distract you from making accurate shots. Like most of the courses in this area, Craigielaw is filled with charm and character with meandering burns and ancient dykes in the design to add some character whilst still staying true to its brilliant links layout. This is a course full of charm and one that is well worth the challenge that it poses for golfers of all abilities

Signature Hole: 14th

Known for its down-hill play and large hump in the landing area, this par-4 offers an interesting challenge. With the down sloping fairways, there is plenty of opportunities to overshoot the green, so be careful!

Accommodation Nearby: The Lodge at Craigielaw

The Lodge at Craigielaw is situated within 5,000 acres of land to explore, with beautiful beaches, woodlands and a number of activties to take part in. You are also conveniently situated near a number of top-rated golf courses including its very own on-site course, Craigielaw Golf Club. If you are looking to explore the local areas, you can venture into the nearby village of Aberlady. A historical village located on the East Lothian coast, it features a long high street lined with old stone buildings and a wonderful pub! The village is also visited by a number of market stalls each week.

Par: 71 | Designed By: Old Tom Morris & Harry Colt | Length: 7,245yd

Muirfield Golf Club is one of the finest links courses you will ever play and is considered by many as one of the best golf courses in Scotland. The course has a spectacular history of producing the great champions in the golfing world such as Ernie Els and Jack Nicklaus. The latter was so impressed by this superb layout that he decided to name his own signature course in Ohio as “Muirfield Village”.

Signature Hole: 13th

This par-3 is a beautiful, up-hill hole with a steep green protected by numerous bunkers. This hole will require precision and strategy, if you are to avoid making a bogey.

Accommodation Nearby: MacDonald Cardrona

This four star hotel is located in the natural and beautiful setting of the Scottish Borders countryside. Not only does the hotel feature stunning surroundings but it also has easy links to both Glasgow and Edinburgh! As well as being local to the lovely town of Peebles, which hosts many independent shops, galleries and festivals!

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