Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots. But you have to play the ball where it lies.
Bobby Jones, Famous Golfer
There’s a reason Scotland is known the world over as the “Home of Golf.” Aside from inventing the game and exporting it to every corner of the earth, the dramatic and stunning Scottish landscapes make for some of the best golf — and golf holidays — money can buy.
Boasting over 500 courses in a relatively small area, it’s a real challenge to drive for more than 10 minutes in Scotland without stumbling across another historic links course or world-class golf resort. What’s more: the national sport of Scotland is still relatively affordable there compared to other golf destinations in the world.
Couple all of this with the famous Scottish hospitality, incredible food and drink, and breathtaking scenery, Scotland has to be at the very top of every golfer’s must-visit list. Join me for a tour to Scotland’s best golf destinations.
8 Iconic Scottish Golf Courses
Scotland’s golf courses are not only revered for their challenging layouts but also for their rich history and unforgettable views. From coastal vistas that sweep across rugged cliffs to lush inland courses nestled among rolling hills, each course offers a unique glimpse into the country’s golfing heritage.
Here are eight must-play courses that show off Scotland’s iconic landscapes and leave you with a truly memorable golfing experience.
Golf forth and prosper!
18th Hole | The Old Course at St. Andrews
The Old Course | St. Andrews
The original, the most famous, and still considered by many to be the best. The Old Course is the most historic golf course on the planet and should be number one on every golfer’s bucket list.
At the Old Course, join the pantheon of great golfers and stroll the hallowed fairways of St. Andrews as the timeless images of Woods, Nicklaus, Palmer and Player (to name just a few) come flooding back to you.
Each hole has been masterfully designed to challenge the great and the good, as well as the amateurs alike. Start at the most iconic opening tee in all of the golf, right in the heart of St. Andrews town, as you begin to wind your way through pristine linksland along the coast.
The back nine heads straight back towards town as the ancient buildings loom larger with every shot. Your round will be crowned by the famous Road Hole 17th, crossing the Swilken Bridge as countless others have done before you, and a short walk to the Dunvegan Pub after finishing up on the 18th. Golf perfection.
Tips for Play: As you might expect, getting a tee-time on the Old Course isn’t easy (although relatively inexpensive). You can apply in advance for a tee time, or book via a travel advisor who can secure a limited number of guaranteed tee times each season. (This is where your author and trusted travel advisor comes in.) There’s also the ever-popular queue for the daily ballot (a rite of passage for every die-hard golfer) which forms at some point in the night before.
Don’t forget: The Old Course isn’t the only world-class course in and around St. Andrews. The ancient university town with seven excellent courses including the New Course and Jubilee Course which run adjacent to the Old Course. The Castle Course, just outside of town, is an incredible test of golf, perched on cliffs looking back toward the town and should also be high on your list.
Where to Stay | St. Andrews
There are few, if any hotels situated more perfectly for golf lovers than the Rusacks St. Andrews Hotel. With rooms and balconies overlooking the famous Old Course 18th green merely steps away, the Rusacks Hotel offers luxury accommodation steeped in golfing history. With stunning views of the famous links, the hotel features beautifully appointed rooms that blend classic elegance with modern comforts. Perfectly located for a golf pilgrimage, the Rusacks offers an unforgettable experience for those eager to immerse themselves in the birthplace of the game.
Set on a majestic clifftop above St. Andrews, overlooking the North Sea, the Fairmont St. Andrews combines luxury and tranquility in a stunning coastal setting. The hotel offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms and two championship golf courses, perfect for players seeking a world-class golfing experience. Be prepared to indulge in exceptional dining, unwind at the award-winning spa, or relax in the beautifully landscaped grounds. Just minutes from the heart of St. Andrews old town, the Fairmont provides an unforgettable retreat for golfers looking to experience the best of Scotland’s golfing heritage. Start your VIP booking with me to receive: daily breakfast for 2, a VIP welcome, $100 USD credit, early check-in/out and a room upgrade, whenever available.
Royal Dornoch | Dornoch, Sutherland
10th Hole | Royal Dornoch
Adored and revered as a true hidden gem for centuries by both amateurs and professionals, the only reason Royal Dornoch isn’t as famous its more southerly cousins is due to its remote location on the Moray Firth, north of Inverness.
But, the drive to get there is more than worth the trip. You’ll wander right through the heart of the Highlands, past towering mountains, ancient castles and dramatic coastlines.
The Championship course has been at the center of the picturesque village of Dornoch for over 400 years, which today features a number of excellent restaurants and pubs only a few steps from the 18th green. Don’t miss some of the other quaint fishing villages along the Moray Firth coast. Brora, Tain, Gotspie and Nairn each have their own excellent links courses.
You are certain to fall in love with golf all over again in this quiet corner of Scotland.
Tips for Play: As with any links golf courses in Scotland, Royal Dornoch is sandwiched right between its namesake village to the west and the dramatic North Sea to the east. The gorgeous views are matched only by the almost constant wind blowing in. Be prepared for a stern challenge — even for the most experienced golfers.
Where to Stay | Dornoch
Less than a pitching wedge from the first tee of the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch, the Links House offers 15 elegant rooms designed around the very best of Scottish hospitality. A warm welcome, beautiful bedrooms, cozy lounge areas and spectacular food and drink await you here. Start your VIP booking with me and receive a 10% discount on standard room types, a hotel credit for food and beverage or spa on property, daily continental breakfast for two, a room upgrade to next room category, extended check-in/out, whenever possible.
North Berwick Golf Club | East Lothian
15th Hole | West Couse | North Berwick Golf Club
Situated in the middle of Scotland’s ‘Golf Coast,’ a trip to the North Berwick Golf Club takes you over arguably the greatest stretch of golfing land on earth. The short drive or train journey from Edinburgh will take you through an enviable series of history Open and Scottish Open venues — Musselburgh Golf Club, Gullane Golf Club, Muirfield and Renaissance Club — before eventually arriving in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick.
North Berwick’s West course, which consistently features in the top 50 courses in the world, is one of the most fun, varied and picturesque links courses you can play. Many golf courses in the world copy the designs that originated here, such as the famous Redan green on the 15th hole or the extreme contours of the Gate 16th green. This is the type of golf where you leave your scorecard in the clubhouse and feel your smile get wider with each passing hole.
Tips for Play: While the green complexes on 15 and 16 are now famous around the world, it’s the quirky 13th hole which really sticks in the memory after you leave. As you walk up the fairway, you’d be forgiven for thinking that they had forgotten to add a green on 13. That’s because it’s hidden behind a chest-high stone wall. So, you either have to hit a difficult blind shot over from distance, or lay-up and attempt a borderline miraculous pitch shot over or through. This is the hole you won’t soon forget.
Where to Stay | North Berwick
The famous Marine Hotel in North Berwick offers sweeping views of the historic West Links and Bass Rock beyond. With 84 beautifully refurbished rooms that reflect the hotel’s Victorian heritage, it blends coastal elegance with modern luxury. After a round on the renowned West Links, golfers can rejuvenate in the spa, savor locally sourced cuisine at the acclaimed “Lawn” restaurant, or enjoy a dram in the Bass Rock Bar. Located steps from the first tee, the Marine Hotel is the perfect base for exploring East Lothian’s celebrated links courses.
Or . . . Tucked away in the heart of Gullane, just minutes from North Berwick, The Bonnie Badger is a boutique hotel offering a warm and intimate retreat for golfers. Just a short walk from the historic Gullane Golf Club and a few minutes’ drive from Muirfield, this charming inn has 12 unique, stylish rooms that blend modern comfort with traditional Scottish touches. After a round, guests can relax by the fire in the inviting pub or enjoy Michelin-star cuisine featuring local ingredients by famous chef, Tom Kitchin.
Royal Troon (Old) | Troon, Ayrshire
Postage Stamp 8th Hole | Royal Troon Golf Club
The host of the 2023 Open Championship has been a staple of the Open rotation since its inception, hosting the event no less than 11 times! You’ll see why as soon as you arrive at the famous old clubhouse, with classic links laid out against the Ayrshire coast displaying stunning views to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig beyond.
A short train ride or drive from Glasgow, Royal Troon Golf Club is one of the most accessible Open courses with tee times available for booking directly on their website all year round. After you’ve followed in the footsteps of champions like Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, head on up to the new restaurant, The Rabbit, or its sister restaurant, The Seal, for a cold pint with incredible views over Firth of Clyde.
Just make sure to reserve enough time in your schedule to visit the abundance of other world class golf courses nearby: Turnberry, Prestwick Golf Club, Western Gailes and Dundonald Links to name only a handful.
Tips for Play: The most famous hole at Royal Troon is also the shortest: the iconic Postage Stamp 8th, one of the most celebrated short holes in Open golf. Often playing less than 100 yards, this miniature par 3 bamboozles even the best players in the world as the wind blows in their face and the tiny garget down the hill plays tricks on the mind. Our professional tip: Don’t go left, right or long!
Where to Stay | Ayrshire
Nestled in the heart of Ayrshire‘s golf country, Gailes Hotel offers a welcoming retreat just minutes from Royal Troon. With stylish rooms and a variety of amenities, the hotel caters to both golfers and non-golfers alike. After a day on the links, unwind at Si! Spa, which includes a sauna, hydrotherapy pool, and a full-service spa. Enjoy modern Scottish cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant or sip a fine Scotch at the lively bar. Gailes Hotel is a perfect choice for those looking to experience all that Ayrshire’s golf scene has to offer in comfort and style.
Or . . . For a luxurious seaside stay, look no further than Seamill Hydro. Located along the Firth of Clyde and boasting spectacular views of the Isle of Arran, this historic hotel combines traditional charm with modern luxury. Golfers will appreciate the proximity to Royal Troon and other premier courses in the area, while the on-site amenities of a pool, spa and multiple dining options will ensure a relaxing stay for the entire family. After your round, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Orangery restaurant, which features local produce and panoramic sea views.
Shiskine | Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran
11th Hole | Shiskine Golf Club
Shiskine Golf Club was recently featured at number one on the Best Courses in the UK for under £40. Don’t be fooled by this course’s short yardage or relative isolation. These 12 idiosyncratic holes can seem almost bizarre by modern standards, but Shiskine stands as a monument to an older time with features that you just won’t find on any modern golf course.
By virtue of being located on the sleepier side of the Isle of Arran, the hour-long ferry ride required to get there builds anticipation as you sail toward the imposing mountains on the Isle of Arran from Ardrossan on the mainland. A short drive across the island takes you to a dramatic landscape of rolling farmland, steep cliffs, and incredible shoreline with views across to the Mull of Kintyre.
If you want to experience golf as it was meant to be, for an extremely affordable price, Shiskine is the place for you.
Tips for Play: Leave your range finder at home. Almost every shot at Shiskine is either blind or straight down a steep hill, which makes calculating your yardages almost impossible. Trust your eyes, listen to the locals advice, and laugh your way ’round a golfing experience like no other.
Where to Stay | Isle of Arran
Sitting majestically on the waterfront of Brodick, the Douglas Hotel is the ideal base for golfers visiting the Isle of Arran. With its prime location just steps from the ferry terminal, the hotel offers quick access to the island’s best courses, including Shiskine and Lamlash. The rooms are tastefully designed with contemporary Scottish flair, and the hotel’s Douglas Bistro serves up delicious dishes made from local ingredients. After your round, relax in the welcoming atmosphere of the bar and soak in the stunning views of Goatfell mountain.
Or . . . The Auchrannie Resort is a family-friendly destination catering to golfers and non-golfers alike. With a choice of hotel or lodge accommodations, three restaurants, a spa, and two leisure centers, the resort provides everything you need for a comfortable and entertaining stay. The resort’s proximity to Shiskine makes it an ideal base for exploring Arran’s unique courses.
Machrihanish | Mull of Kintyre
1st Hole | Machrihanish Golf Club
A journey to the Machrihanish Golf Club can feel like a journey to the edge of the world. Located at the southern end of the beautiful Mull of Kintyre, Machrihanish is as stunning as it is remote. Anyone who takes on the winding drive down the scenic West coast will be abundantly rewarded by one of the most natural thought-provoking and enjoyable 18 holes to be found in Scotland.
Your heart rate will rise immediately when you stand on the first tee and look at the fairway running diagonally in front of you — a considerable carry across Machrihanish beach. No wonder it’s described as “the best opening shot in golf.”
After meandering through 18 classic links holes on the dunes of Machrihanish beach, take the short drive over to Campeltown, the unofficial whisky capital of Scotland, and home to some of the finest single malts that money can buy. Make sure to stop by the Kintail Lodge where the friendly and knowledgeable staff will talk you through their collection of literally thousands of bottles.
Tips for Play: The firm, fast and undulating fairways put a high premium on accuracy over distance. A number of tee shots are blind, either round or over the iconic sand dunes, making a driver often too much club if you want any chance of finding your ball. If you’re looking for a course that favors brain over brawn, Machrihanish is for you.
Where to Stay | Campeltown
Located in the heart of Campbeltown, just a short drive from Machrihanish Golf Club, the Royal Hotel is a historic property that exudes character and charm. The elegant rooms are tastefully appointed, and the hotel’s harbor front location offers stunning views over Campbeltown Loch. For whisky enthusiasts, the Royal Hotel’s proximity to local distilleries makes it a terrific spot to explore the best of Scotland’s single malts after a round of golf.
Gleneagles | Auchterarder, Perthshire
3rd Hole | Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course
The setting for the 2014 Ryder Cup, the championship course at Gleneagles is atypical of Scottish golf. It features a much more American-style stadium golf layout, all thanks to its design by the legendary Jack Nicklaus (and his first and only design project in Scotland).
Yet, don’t write this course off your Scottish golf itinerary. Those who visit Gleneagles will experience one of Scotland’s golf gems. The PGA Centenary course sits at the heart of Scotland’s premier golf resort featuring three world-class courses, a 5-star hotel and Scotland’s only Michelin two-star restaurant, the Andrew Fairlie.
The Centenary course is Scotland’s longest inland golf course at 7,300 yards. The wide fairways and massive green complexes mean even high-handicap golfers can experience the thrill of Ryder Cup style shot-making on the many risk-reward holes.
Tips for Play: Although the course is undoubtedly designed for big-hitting professionals, the PGA Centenary course features five tee boxes on every hole, giving mere mortals a chance to score well. It also allows you to choose your own adventure, meaning you’ll want to make multiple tee times so you can experience every hole differently each time.
Where to Stay | Inverness
Located in the town of Inverness, the Rocpool Reserve is a boutique hotel that combines contemporary luxury with a touch of traditional Highland charm. The stylish rooms are equipped with modern amenities and feature bold, elegant decor that creates a uniquely indulgent atmosphere. With a renowned restaurant serving locally-sourced ingredients and a terrace offering stunning views over the River Ness. The hotel is ideal is for those seeking a refined and tranquil retreat while still being close to the bustling city center.
Cabot Highlands | Inverness, Highlands
12th Hole | Castle Stuart Golf Links
A recent acquisition to the Cabot Highlands group, Castle Stuart Golf Links is the group’s first foray into true links golf as part of their impressive golf portfolio. And they could have hardly chosen any better. Sitting right between Inverness and Nairn, this pristine site offers unbeatable cliffside views over the Moray Firth to the Black Isle beyond.
The golf is challenging yet fun, and unlike traditional links courses in Scotland. Castle Stuart features a heavy use of expansive bunkers running into the natural dunes, requiring a variety of decisions and shots on every hole.
The infinity greens (which feature on many holes) allow the course to blend seamlessly into the horizon. And the clever layout of the course makes you feel like you have the whole links land to yourself. It’s a truly special feeling.
Tips for Play: Make sure to book a tee time at the brand-new Old Petty, the second championship course set to open at Cabot Highlands in 2025. Designed by legendary Tom Doak, these meandering 18 holes are set against the backdrop of the tidal estuary, the 200-year old Old Petty Church, and the even older Castle Stuart itself. By all accounts, Old Petty is ready to join the upper echelon of modern links golf courses. It is not to be missed on your trip to Cabot Highlands.
Where to Stay | Inverness
