10 Best Golf Courses in Scotland
Where to Go in Scotland to Play Golf?
Regularly lauded as the home of golf, it’s no surprise that the best golf courses in Scotland are nothing short of masterpieces. The country’s rugged, hilly terrain lends itself perfectly to the game and so you’ll find many courses expertly blending their tracks with the natural landscape. Not only does this provide an exhilarating game of golf, but also some incredibly picturesque views.
With iconic holes like The Postage Stamp at the Royal Troon and devilishly tricky hazards like the Hell Bunker at St Andrews, each of these courses will demand you play at your best. Prepare to fall in love with the game all over again after attacking our list of Scotland’s best golf courses.
1. St Andrews Old Course
World-renowned course opened in 1552
Ideal para: História, Casais
Established over 600 years ago, the Old Course at St Andrews Links is the world’s oldest and probably most iconic course. Modern golf can thank the ‘Old Lady’ for standardising the 18-hole course and paving the way for the game we play today. It’s beloved by amateur and professional golfers alike for its famously challenging bunkers and endless hills.
Take on this renowned course and you’ll meet landmark hazards such as the Swilcan Burn waterway and its stone bridge, the notorious Hell Bunker and the Valley of Sin depression. Prepare for your once-in-a-lifetime round by relaxing in the comfortable clubhouse, taking a lesson from the experts and kitting yourself out with some classy St Andrews tartan apparel.
Localização: W Sands Rd, St Andrews KY16 9XL, UK
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +44 (0)13 3446 6666
St Andrews Old Course
2. Castle Stuart
All-rounder with great greens and scenic views
Ideal para: História, Foto
A round at Cabot Highland’s Castle Stuart course is often described as a classic experience, where players can enjoy a simple, clean game. You’ll remember why you first played the game thanks to the course’s harmonious blend of pristine greens and rugged countryside. And with a gorgeous view of the awe-inspiring 17th-century Castle Stuart itself and the Moray Firth shoreline, what more could you need?
You can expect to find rumpled fairways and natural bunkers framed by sea grass and pockets of sand, creating a course that’s fun and engaging for players of all abilities. Cabot also offers comfortable and modern accommodations if you’d like to stay at this wonderful estate.
Localização: Castle Stuart, Dalcross, Inverness IV2 7JL, UK
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)14 6379 6111
Castle Stuart
3. Royal Troon
Championship course with views across the water
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas, Casais
Scotland’s west coast is renowned for its golf, and the Royal Troon is one of its top tier offerings. A frequent host of the Open Championship, the club features 2 exciting courses that are sure to really test your skills. Attempt the Old Course with its tricky seaside opening, rolling dunes with thick vegetation and iconic Postage Stamp hole, the shortest hole in Open Championship golf.
The Portland course may be shorter than its predecessor, but it’s still 18 holes of high-quality golf. Its challenging Par 5s, well-bunkered greens and traditional, gorse-studded fairways offer a stimulating game. Don’t miss the impressive trophy collection in the clubhouse before you leave.
Localização: Craigend Rd, Troon KA10 6EP, UK
Abre: Daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm (Golf available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
Telefone: +44 (0)12 9231 1555
Royal Troon
4. Muirfield
Beautiful links course in East Lothian
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas
Muirfield’s original course, designed by the late, great Scottish golfer Old Tom Morris and enhanced by prominent architects, is quite unconventional for a links course. Instead of the holes facing in the same general direction, Muirfield’s course defies tradition with 1 loop in a clockwise direction and the other anticlockwise, leading to some very interesting wind directions. In addition to the nearby sea and Scotland’s typical weather, you’re in for quite a task.
There are a few sneaky, hidden bunkers and dogleg holes to contend with, especially when coupled with barriers of trees and plenty of hills. There’s a good combination of tees too, meaning this course is a great option for many skill levels.
Localização: Muirfield, Duncur Rd, Gullane EH31 2EG, UK
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm (Golf available Tuesday and Thursday)
Telefone: +44 (0)16 2084 2123
Muirfield
5. North Berwick
Quirky and memorable course design
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Viagens alternativas
With West Links’ first tee just a short walk from the lively town of North Berwick, you know you’re in for a memorable game. North Berwick’s signature course comes with some spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and the nearby islands, and the beach plays a vital role in 6 of the 18 holes. Many a ball has landed in the water over the years.
The manicured greens play host to an errant wall or 2, meaning you’ll have to get creative and accurate if you want those birdies. If your youngsters are interested in golf, take them to the gentler, 9-hole Wee course to develop their game before joining you on the West Links.
Localização: New Club House, Beach Rd, North Berwick EH39 4BB, UK
Abre: Monday–Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, Friday–Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)16 2089 5040
North Berwick
6. Royal Dornoch
Secluded course in the far north of Scotland
Ideal para: Casais, Luxo, Foto
The natural links course of Royal Dornoch’s championship course is considered a must-play, and with luxury accommodation on offer too, it’s the ideal option for a golfing holiday. There’s a natural beauty to this course in its uniquely shaped plateau greens and wild fescue-lined dunes with a backdrop of purple mountains in the distance.
It’s a popular course with overseas visitors, and members welcome guests with open arms. You’ll soon be discussing the best strategy to tackle the 14th hole’s slippery defences and comparing notes on your bump and runs. For an everyday course that still provides an engaging game, take on the Struie Course.
Localização: Royal Dornoch Club Golf, Golf Rd, Dornoch IV25 3LW, UK
Abre: Daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)18 6281 0219
Royal Dornoch
7. Royal Aberdeen
Historic links course
Ideal para: História, Alimentação
Another course boasting world-class links is the Balgownie course at Royal Aberdeen. The 71-par course cuts through the rolling dunes along the North Sea coastline before looping back on an inland track, with well-balanced holes that keep to the traditional links that Scotland is known for.
Challenges lie in the deceiving lengths, hidden troughs and difficult putting surfaces so you’ll have to play at your very best if you want to make the most of this historic course. You’ll be rewarded with lovely views of the shore and surrounding countryside. Afterwards you can relax in the traditional clubhouse and reflect on your game with your beverage of choice and excellent catering.
Localização: Links Rd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AT, UK
Abre: Monday and Tuesday from 8.30 am to 8 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 am to 7.30 pm, Friday from 8.30 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)12 2470 2571
Royal Aberdeen
8. Cawder
Immaculate greens and friendly staff
Ideal para: Viagens alternativas, Foto
When you step onto the secluded, gorgeous greens at Cawder Golf Club, it’s hard to believe you’re only 10 minutes away from Glasgow city centre. Surrounded by peaceful woodland and the picturesque Campsie hills, you know you’re going to have one of the most scenic games of golf in your life.
There are 2 courses on offer from Cawder. The Championship Course is renowned for its exceptional putting surfaces, and the abundance of trees demands a deadly accurate game. Alternatively, the shorter Keir Course with its flatter layout and generous tees provide a gentler, more tranquil round. The showpiece in Cawder’s quality collection is the refurbished 18th-century mansion that houses an outstanding clubhouse.
Localização: Cadder Rd, Glasgow G64 3QD, UK
Abre: Monday–Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)14 1761 1281
Cawder
9. Gleneagles The King’s Course
Renowned course created by James Braid, opened in 1919
Ideal para: História, Luxo, Foto
Just gaze at the undulating hills, natural valleys and water features of Gleneagles’ The King’s Course and you’ll know why it’s often called a masterpiece. Designed by famed architect James Braid, it regularly tops players’ must-play lists, both amateur and professional. Play this distinguished course and you can expect a strong moorland track with unique holes that leave you with a great sense of achievement once tackled.
The Queen’s Course is shorter with a softer landscape and a few hidden obstacles. Each hole in both courses comes with a charming Scottish name that perfectly describes the challenge you’re about to take on. Turn your game into a golfing getaway and stay in a luxurious suite at the onsite hotel.
Localização: Gleneagles, Auchterarder PH3 1PJ
Telefone: +44 (0)17 6466 2231
Gleneagles The King's Course
10. Askernish
Challenging and unique links course
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas, Foto
Golfing great Old Tom Morris created Askernish’s original course over 130 years ago, but it was sadly lost to disrepair and a 1930s airstrip. Skip to 2006 when a dedicated team embarked on an epic restoration journey uncovering lost holes and resurrecting Old Tom’s forgotten course.
A mix of coastline dunes and rugged inland greens, the traditional links track really blends the game with nature. Narrow fairways and an unforgiving rough provide most of the challenges, and the individuality of each hole makes for an exhilarating game. The clubhouse may be small but it’s certainly cosy and inviting, and don’t miss the indoor practice area with its innovative SkyTrak simulator.
Localização: Askernish, Isle of South Uist HS8 5SY, UK
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)18 7870 0628
Askernish
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