Best golf courses in Scotland: Where are they, why are they so good
Scotland is considered the birthplace of golf and is home to some of the world’s most iconic golf courses. Here are 15 of the best golf courses in Scotland, each with a unique history and status in the world of golf.
- St. Andrews Old Course: Located in St. Andrews, Fife, this is considered the home of golf and is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. It has hosted 29 Open Championships and is known for its challenging bunkers and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Muirfield Golf Club: Located in Gullane, East Lothian, this private golf club has hosted no less than 16 Open Championships and is known for its challenging links course and stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
Learn more about Muirfield Golf Club
- Royal Dornoch Golf Club: Located in Dornoch, Sutherland, this historic links course dates back to 1877 and is considered one of the best courses in the world. It has hosted numerous championships and is known for its natural beauty and challenging terrain.
- Turnberry Golf Club: Located in South Ayrshire, this stunning coastal course is known for its breathtaking views of the Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. It has hosted four Open Championships and is famous for its challenging par-3 ninth hole.
- Carnoustie Golf Links: Located in Angus, this championship course has hosted seven Open Championships and is considered one of the toughest courses in the world. It is known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging weather conditions.
- Royal Troon Golf Club: Located in Troon, South Ayrshire, this historic club has hosted nine Open Championships and is known for its challenging links course and stunning views of the Ayrshire coast.
- Kingsbarns Golf Links: Located in St. Andrews, Fife, this modern links course was designed by Kyle Phillips and is known for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout.
- Castle Stuart Golf Links: Located near Inverness, this modern links course was designed by Gil Hanse and is known for its stunning views of the Moray Firth and the Scottish Highlands. In 2024 a second links course opens Cabot High.
- Prestwick Golf Club: Located in South Ayrshire, this historic club hosted the first 12 Open Championships and is known for its challenging links course and historic clubhouse.
- North Berwick Golf Club: Located in East Lothian, this historic links course dates back to 1832 and is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
- Gleneagles Golf Club: Located in Perthshire, this luxury golf resort is known for its three championship courses and stunning views of the Scottish countryside. It has hosted numerous championships, including the 2014 Ryder Cup.
- Nairn Golf Club: Located in Nairn, this historic link course dates back to 1887 and is known for its stunning views of the Moray Firth and challenging terrain.
- Cruden Bay Golf Club: Located in Aberdeenshire, this link course is known for its stunning views of the North Sea and challenging terrain. It has hosted numerous championships and is considered one of the best courses in Scotland.
- Machrihanish Golf Club: Located in Argyll and Bute, this historic links course is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebrides.
- Gullane Golf Club: Located in East Lothian, this historic club has three championship courses and is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the Firth of Forth. It has hosted numerous championships, including the Scottish Open.
What to see and in Scotland
St. Andrews golf course in Scotland
Castles in Scotland, famous around the world
Inverness and the Loch Ness monster in Scotland
500 inner and outer Hebrides. A precious part of Scotland
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