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Scotland’s the birthplace of golf for a reason, honestly. With hundreds of courses, some ancient, some shiny and new, it’s a bit of a golfer’s paradise.
Trying to figure out which courses are actually worth your time? Yeah, that’s the trick.
We’ve picked out what we think are the top 11 golf courses in Scotland. We looked at course quality, history, and just the overall vibe you get playing there.
This guide covers everything from the legendary Old Course at St Andrews to quieter coastal gems.
We’ll talk about what makes Scottish golf special, what you can expect on and off the course, and a few tips for planning your trip.
Table of Contents
Top 11 Best Golf Courses in Scotland
Old Course
Walking onto the Old Course at St Andrews, it just hits you; it’s legendary. This place goes back to the 15th century, so you’re literally teeing off where golf itself was shaped.
The course hugs the coastline, and the wind off the water? It can totally change your mood from one day to the next. We noticed those wild double greens, one patch of grass serving two holes, which you really don’t see anywhere else.
The Road Hole, the 17th, made me sweat, and crossing the Swilcan Bridge on 18 is honestly a bucket-list moment.
Book your tee time well in advance, because golfers from everywhere want a shot at this place. The Old Course sits right in St Andrews, so you can wander into town for a pint or some shopping afterwards.
The whole experience just feels authentic, not stuffy or over-the-top. It’s golf history, but you don’t have to wear a tux.
Read our detailed review of the St Andrews Old Course.
Rating: 4.8 (2,102 reviews)
Location: W Sands Rd, St Andrews KY16 9XL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1334 466666
Website: Visit Website
Trump Turnberry Ailsa Golf Course
We teed it up at Trump Turnberry Ailsa, right on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast. The views of Ailsa Craig Island are unreal, and the wind rolling in off the sea makes things interesting.
The course runs along wild coastal cliffs, and several greens perch right on the edge. We found the fairways and greens in fantastic shape, with the lighthouse hole stealing the show.
This place has hosted The Open a bunch of times, so you know it’s legit. The clubhouse has everything you need, and the staff kept things moving even with the course’s tough layout.
Read our detailed review of the Trump Turnberry Ailsa Golf Course.
Rating: 4.3 (92 reviews)
Location: Turnberry, Girvan KA26 9LS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1655 331000
Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen
We played this championship link-up in Aberdeenshire, and the visuals just blew us away.
Dr Martin Hawtree designed it, and you can tell, the dunes are massive, the elevation changes are wild, and the North Sea is always in view.
This course tests all skill levels. We noticed the fairways weaving through towering dunes, and the wind off the coast keeps you guessing on every shot.
After golf, we hung out at the Dunes Restaurant & Bar.
The food’s good, and the ocean backdrop doesn’t hurt. If you’re staying, MacLeod House & Lodge has five-star rooms right on site.
The property hosts weddings and corporate events and even has its own 36-year-old single malt Scotch called The Greatest 36. It’s a very Scottish touch.
Read our detailed review of the Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen.
Rating: 4.6 (163 reviews)
Location: Menie Estate, Balmedie, Aberdeen AB23 8YE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1358 743300
Website: Visit Website
Carnoustie Golf Links
We visited Carnoustie, and the “Golf’s Greatest Test” nickname fits. They’ve hosted The Open eight times, so you know it’s a big deal.
The Championship Course is the main draw. It’s tough but fair and has seen legends like Francesco Molinari lift the Claret Jug here. We also checked out the Burnside Course—Ben Hogan famously qualified for The Open here in ’53. The par 3s on Burnside really stand out.
Buddon Course offers a change of pace with its mix of links and parkland. There’s also a new Indoor Performance Centre with seven simulators, so you can practise the Championship Course indoors before you actually play it.
We grabbed a meal at the Rookery Restaurant, which has won awards for its food. It’s a nice spot to relax after a tough round.
Rating: 4.7 (1,121 reviews)
Location: Links House, Links Parade, Carnoustie DD7 7JE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1241 802270
Website: Visit Website
Cabot Highlands
We found Cabot Highlands on the Moray Firth, with the Highlands as a backdrop. The rugged coast alone is worth the trip.
The property has two 18-hole courses. Castle Stuart Golf Links is world-class, and Old Petty (by Tom Doak) brings natural bunkers and wide fairways that scream classic Scottish golf.
There’s more than golf here. We wandered hiking trails, tried a bit of cycling, and even considered falconry and horseback riding. Inverness is only ten minutes away if you want a taste of the city.
Inverness is just ten minutes away if you want a break from the fairways. The courses have those infinity edge greens and rumpled fairways that give you a taste of old-school golf, and the wind keeps every round interesting.
Rating: 4.9 (367 reviews)
Location: Dalcross, Inverness IV2 7JL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1463 796111
Website: Visit Website
The Castle Course
We think The Castle Course might have the most dramatic views in St Andrews. It sits high above the town and sea, so you’re basically playing golf with a postcard backdrop.
The course opened in 2008 as the seventh public course for St Andrews Links. It’s a different vibe from the other courses, way more rugged, with bigger elevation changes and lots of wind on the higher holes.
The designers really leaned into the natural landscape. The fairways roll with the hillside, and many holes give you wide-open views of Fife. We liked that it felt less crowded, so we could actually enjoy the scenery.
Rating: 4.7 (294 reviews)
Location: The Castle Course, St Andrews, KY16 8PL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1334 466666
Website: Visit Website
Murcar Links Golf Club
We discovered Murcar Links just 10 minutes north of Aberdeen city centre, right along a wild stretch of coastline.
The course has been around since 1909, with Archie Simpson designing the original layout and James Braid refining it in the 1930s.
When we played here, the greens looked fantastic, no surprise, since folks like Gary Player have praised them.
It’s a par 71 championship course with five tee options, and from the back tees it stretches 6,462 yards with a slope of 136.
The practice facilities impressed us. There’s a full-length driving range with both grass and synthetic tees, covered bays, and a short game area.
Rating: 4.8 (176 reviews)
Location: Murcar, Bridge of Don AB23 8BD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1224 704354
Website: Visit Website
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns Golf Links is about 7 miles from St Andrews and spans nearly 2 miles of North Sea coastline.
Every hole here gives us a sea view, and that alone sets it apart.
Even though the course opened in the 21st century, the land has a wild history; Bronze Age settlements, Viking forts, and even Napoleonic prisoners left their mark.
We found that kind of backstory adds an extra layer to the round.
Kingsbarns has earned strong rankings, landing first in Golfweek’s 2024 list of top modern courses in Great Britain and Ireland. Golf Magazine put it at number one in Europe for courses built in the last 50 years.
It co-hosts the DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship each year alongside the Old Course and Carnoustie. The place also hosted the Ricoh Women’s British Open in 2017.
Read our detailed review of the Kingsbarns Golf Links.
Rating: 4.7 (525 reviews)
Location: Back Stile, Kingsbarns, St Andrews, KY16 8QD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1334 460860
Website: Visit Website
Gullane Number 3
We tackled Gullane Number 3 on a blustery March day, and honestly, it turned out to be one of our favourite rounds in Scotland.
The course sits right next to its more famous siblings, Number 1 and Number 2, but it brings something unique to the table.
The layout is shorter and a bit more forgiving than the others. We found it perfect for warming up or just having a relaxed round without constantly hunting for lost balls.
The greens were in great shape, and the fairways gave us plenty of space to play with.
What really surprised us was how quickly we got around, finishing in under four hours, which is a treat if you want a morning game.
The views across the Firth of Forth blew us away, especially from the higher hills. The course costs less than Numbers 1 and 2, so if you’re watching your wallet, it’s a smart pick.
Rating: 4.8 (9 reviews)
Location: Gullane EH31 2AH, United Kingdom
New Course
The New Course at St Andrews sits right next to the legendary Old Course, but it’s a bit more relaxed. We found the layout honest and straightforward, with fairways and greens that reward solid shots.
The course opened in 1895, so it’s not exactly “new”, but it’s one of the more recent additions to the St Andrews lineup. What we liked most was how the New Course feels less crowded than some of its neighbours.
Rating: 4.7 (145 reviews)
Location: 2 West Sands, St Andrews, KY16 9XL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1334 466666
Website: Visit Website
Dundonald Links
Dundonald Links stands out as one of Scotland’s most modern championship courses. Kyle Phillips designed this par-72 links right on the Ayrshire coast, about 24 miles south of Glasgow.
The course has hosted big events like the Women’s Scottish Open and serves as a Final Qualifying site for The Open Championship through 2026. The sweeping views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran grabbed our attention from the first tee.
We appreciated the different tee options, letting everyone play at their level. The practice facilities are solid, with a full range, a short game area, and several putting greens.
The clubhouse features The Canny Crow restaurant, where we tried some local seasonal dishes. The modern design uses natural materials that blend with the landscape, and inside, we found changing rooms with sauna and steam facilities, plus a gym.
The location is a bonus; you can reach other legendary courses like Royal Troon and Prestwick in about twelve minutes. That’s tough to beat.
Rating: 4.7 (633 reviews)
Location: Ayr Rd, Troon, Irvine KA11 5BF, United Kingdom
Website: Visit Website
What Sets Scotland's Golf Courses Apart
Historic Legacy and Tradition
Scotland is the birthplace of golf, with origins dating back to the 15th century. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews shaped the rules and standards that everyone follows now.
This isn’t just about history books. When we walk these courses, we see layouts that have existed for centuries, and some holes play exactly as they did generations ago.
The Old Course at St Andrews opened in the 1400s and still draws golfers from all over. Scottish courses evolved, players walked the land, and those paths became the foundation for course design everywhere.
Unique Course Design and Natural Beauty
Scottish courses use the natural terrain instead of fighting it. Links courses hug the coast, with sandy soil, rolling dunes, and native grasses everywhere.
These places barely need artificial irrigation or dramatic landscaping. The bunkers? They started as spots where sheep hid from the wind and rain. Designers kept those features, so the hazards feel like part of the land, not an afterthought.
Key Design Elements:
- Natural elevation changes and rolling fairways
- Deep pot bunkers in tricky spots
- Firm, fast-running turf
- Minimal tree coverage on the classic links
- Rugged coastal views and dramatic scenery
The routing follows the land’s own flow. Architects work with what nature hands them, not against it.
Facilities and Amenities at Scotland Golf Courses
Scotland’s top golf courses give us a range of amenities that make the entire experience better, whether we’re playing or just visiting. We’ve seen everything from basic services to some truly luxurious spots.
1. Luxury Hotels
Luxury Hotels And Resorts let us stay right on site, often just a short walk from the first tee. There’s something special about waking up and knowing we’re already at the course.
2. Practice Facilities
Practice Facilities usually include driving ranges and putting greens. The National Golf Academy in Scotland has dedicated training zones, so we can work on our game if we’re feeling ambitious.
3. Clubhouses
Clubhouses act as the social heart of most courses, with dining rooms, bars, and locker rooms. We always end up hanging out here after a round, swapping stories and maybe grabbing a pint.
4. Pro Shops
Pro Shops have all the gear, clubs, balls, apparel, and Scottish golf swag. Sometimes we grab last-minute essentials or just browse for souvenirs.
5. Golf Academies
Golf Academies and Instruction give us the chance to learn from PGA professionals. We can book private lessons or join group clinics if we want to fine-tune our swings.
6. Restaurant and Dining Services
Restaurant and Dining Services keep us fuelled up, serving meals all day. Most clubhouses offer both formal dining and more relaxed cafes, often with some classic Scottish dishes on the menu.
7. Caddies
Caddies and Caddie Services are a huge plus at the top courses. Local caddies bring tonnes of knowledge and always seem to know which club we should use, even when we’re unsure.
8. Equipment Rental
Equipment Rental covers clubs, trolleys, and pull carts. Handy if we’re travelling light or just want to try something different.
What Sets Scotland's Golf Courses Apart
Ideal Times of Year to Visit
We usually aim for May through September. That’s when there’s the most daylight and the weather’s at its best. June can have up to 18 hours of sunlight, so we can squeeze in a tonne of golf.
Late spring and early fall feel cooler, but there are fewer crowds and the green fees drop. Summer gets busy and pricey, but it’s also when everything’s in full swing.
Weather considerations by season:
May-June: 50-60°F, occasional rain, less crowded
July-August: 55-65°F, warmest period, most tourists
September: 50-58°F, autumn colours, moderate crowds
We’ve tried winter golf (October-March), but honestly, it’s tough – short days, cold, and some courses shut down for maintenance. Unless we’re die-hard golfers, we usually skip it.
Booking Tee Times in Advance
Big-name courses like the Old Course at St Andrews make us book up to a year in advance through their ballot system. We always try to apply exactly a year out to have the best shot.
Other top courses let us reserve tee times 6-12 months ahead. If we want a summer slot, booking early is a must.
Booking timeline we stick with:
12 months ahead: Submit Old Course ballot applications
6-9 months ahead: Reserve tee times at championship courses
3-6 months ahead: Book secondary courses and accommodations
1-2 months ahead: Confirm all reservations and arrange transportation
Many courses require prepayment or a credit card to hold our spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best-known golf courses in Scotland?
The Old Course at St Andrews is probably the most famous in Scotland. maybe even the world.
We always hear people call it the home of golf. Carnoustie Golf Links has a reputation for being one of the toughest championship courses out there, and Trump Turnberry Ailsa gets a lot of attention for its coastal views and revamped design.
Royal Dornoch and Muirfield pop up on just about every “best of” list we’ve seen. If we want a modern links vibe, Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen delivers on the northeast coast.
Which are the best affordable golf courses in Scotland to play?
Municipal courses are our go-to for value. In places like Aberdeen and Edinburgh, we can play quality golf without the big price tag of private clubs.
We like to check out council-owned courses; they usually keep them in good shape, and the rates are fair. Smaller town courses have a real Scottish feel without the championship-level prices.
How many courses are there at St Andrews, and what are they known for?
St Andrews runs seven public courses. The Old Course is the star, but we have to book ahead or try the daily ballot for a chance to play.
The New Course, which isn’t really that new (built in 1895), gives us classic links golf. The Jubilee and Eden Courses are solid alternatives if Old Course slots are gone. The Castle Course sits up high with killer views, and the Strathtyrum and Balgove Courses are great for beginners or families.
What are the characteristics of the top-ranked golf courses in Scotland?
Most of the top Scottish courses are links-style, hugging the coast and using the natural land instead of manufactured shapes.
We get firm, fast fairways and those infamous deep pot bunkers that make us think twice about every shot.
Weather resistance is huge; these courses have to handle wind, rain, and whatever else comes their way. We see a lot of blind shots, rolling greens, and gorse or rough as natural hazards.
