🗺️ Scotland’s Top Golf Courses by Region
🏌️‍♂️ Scotland’s Greatest Golf Courses
A Legendary Journey Through the Birthplace of Golf
Scotland, the birthplace of golf, is home to some of the world’s most revered courses—where centuries-old tradition meets world-class design. From ancient links to modern masterpieces, this curated guide takes you on a scenic golfing journey through the country’s most iconic regions. Each stop flows naturally from the last, making this the perfect itinerary for a golf trip of a lifetime.
🏰 Fife (St Andrews & the East Coast)
Where it All Began
Our journey begins in Fife, the true Home of Golf. This historic region, centered around the town of St Andrews, boasts some of the oldest and most iconic courses on Earth.
- Old Course at St Andrews – The spiritual heart of golf, with fairways walked by legends.
- New Course – A classic links experience designed in 1895 by Old Tom Morris.
- Jubilee Course – Known for its difficulty and stunning views along the coastline.
- Castle Course – A newer, dramatic layout perched above the sea.
- Kingsbarns Golf Links – A modern gem with breathtaking seaside holes.
- Elie Golf House Club – Historic charm and a periscope in the starter’s hut.
- Crail Golfing Society – One of the oldest golf clubs in the world, dating back to 1786.
- Lundin Links – A traditional out-and-back links by the sea.
- Leven Links – Steeped in history, delivering a pure links challenge.
🏔️ Angus (North of Fife)
Where Challenge Meets Prestige
Heading north across the River Tay, we arrive in Angus, home to one of the most formidable courses in championship golf—Carnoustie.
- Carnoustie Championship Course – One of the toughest tests in golf, a regular Open venue.
- Burnside Course – Affordable and historic; Ben Hogan famously qualified here in 1953.
- Buddon Links – A friendlier, shorter layout perfect for a relaxing round.
🏞️ Aberdeenshire (North of Angus)
Raw Beauty on the Northeast Coast
Continuing north along the coast, we reach Aberdeenshire, where the North Sea meets rugged dunes and unforgettable views.
- Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie Course) – Founded in 1780, with a spectacular front nine.
- Cruden Bay Golf Club – A visually striking, rollercoaster of a course.
- Trump International Golf Links Scotland – Bold design on a grand scale.
- Murcar Links – Just north of Aberdeen, a tough and often overlooked treasure.
🏔️ The Highlands (Northwest from Aberdeenshire)
Majesty and Remoteness in the North
From Aberdeenshire, journey northwest into the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, where the courses are wild, revered, and deeply connected to nature.
- Royal Dornoch Golf Club – A pilgrimage site for purists, remote and sublime.
- Castle Stuart Golf Links (Cabot Highlands) – Modern flair with epic Moray Firth views.
- Brora Golf Club – Home to sheep on the fairways and timeless charm.
- Tain Golf Club – Designed by Old Tom Morris, full of character.
- Golspie Golf Club – A delightful blend of links, heathland, and parkland terrain.
🌄 Argyll & Kintyre Peninsula (Southwest from the Highlands)
Wild West Coast Golfing
Cutting down the west coast, we reach the Argyll and Kintyre Peninsula—remote, windswept, and home to two of Scotland’s most natural golf experiences.
- Machrihanish Golf Club – Legendary for its opening tee shot over the beach.
- Machrihanish Dunes – A rugged course designed with ecological care.
🌊 Ayrshire (Across the Water from Kintyre)
Birthplace of The Open Championship
Hop across the Firth of Clyde to the Ayrshire coast, where history and links tradition run deep. This is the heartland of the Open Championship’s early days.
- Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – A showstopper with ocean views and dramatic design.
- Royal Troon (Old Course) – Home of the famous “Postage Stamp” par-3.
- Prestwick Golf Club – Site of the first-ever Open Championship in 1860.
- Western Gailes – A quiet classic, offering purity and pedigree.
- Dundonald Links – A new standard for modern links and luxury stays.
🌊 East Lothian (“Scotland’s Golf Coast”)
Back East to a Golfer’s Paradise
From Ayrshire, head east past Edinburgh to reach East Lothian, often called Scotland’s Golf Coast for its incredible concentration of top-tier links.
- Muirfield – Elite and historic; a prestigious Open venue.
- North Berwick (West Links) – Quirky, gorgeous, and packed with character.
- Gullane Golf Club (No. 1) – Elevated tees and panoramic Firth of Forth views.
- Dunbar Golf Club – Wind, waves, and a fast, classic layout.
- Archerfield Links (Fidra & Dirleton) – A private retreat with two quality courses.
- The Renaissance Club – Host of the Scottish Open; exclusive but welcoming via stay-and-play.
⛳ Completing the Circle
From East Lothian, a short drive returns you to Edinburgh or the starting point in Fife, completing a spectacular golf loop through the very soul of the sport. Whether you’re chasing history, links tradition, or world-class challenges, Scotland offers an unmatched golfing pilgrimage.