Scotland is a golfer’s paradise, with over 550 golf courses to choose from. From the rugged coastline of the west to the rolling hills of the east, Scotland’s golf courses are as diverse as its landscapes. But which ones are worth playing? Which courses offer the best challenges, the most stunning scenery, and the richest history? This map will guide you to the best golf courses in Scotland map.
12 Best Golf Courses in Scotland Map
1. St. Andrews Links
No list of Scotland’s best golf courses would be complete without St. Andrews Links, the “Home of Golf.” This historic course has been played since the 15th century and has hosted the Open Championship 29 times. Golfers from around the world come to play on the Old Course, where the famous Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker await. The Jubilee Course, the New Course, and the Castle Course are also part of the St. Andrews Links, each offering its unique challenges and stunning views.
2. Muirfield
Muirfield is another historic course, located in East Lothian, just outside of Edinburgh. This course has hosted the Open Championship 16 times and is known for its challenging layout and deep bunkers. Muirfield is a private course, but visitors can play on certain days with prior arrangement.
3. Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Located in the Scottish Highlands, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club is considered one of the world’s greatest courses. The Championship Course offers breathtaking views of the Dornoch Firth and is known for its natural beauty and challenging holes. The club has been around since 1877 and has hosted many tournaments, including the 1999 Scottish Open.
4. Carnoustie Golf Links
Carnoustie Golf Links is a challenging course located on the east coast of Scotland. This course has hosted the Open Championship eight times and is known for its tough, narrow fairways and deep bunkers. The closing stretch of holes, known as the “Beast,” is particularly challenging and has tripped up many a golfer over the years.
5. Turnberry Resort
Turnberry Resort is located on the west coast of Scotland and is home to two world-renowned golf courses: the Ailsa Course and the King Robert the Bruce Course. The Ailsa Course has hosted four Open Championships and offers stunning views of the Ayrshire coastline. The King Robert the Bruce Course is a newer addition to the resort and offers a different challenge than the Ailsa Course, with undulating fairways and large greens.
6. Gleneagles
Gleneagles is a luxury resort located in Perthshire, Scotland. The resort is home to three championship golf courses: the King’s Course, the Queen’s Course, and the PGA Centenary Course. The King’s Course is the oldest and most famous of the three, designed by James Braid in 1919. The Queen’s Course is a shorter, more forgiving course, while the PGA Centenary Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup.
7. Trump Turnberry
Trump Turnberry is another luxury resort located on the west coast of Scotland. The resort is home to two courses, the Ailsa Course (which was recently renovated) and the King Robert the Bruce Course. The Ailsa Course has hosted four Open Championships and offers stunning views of the Ayrshire coastline, while the Bruce Course offers a more modern, parkland-style challenge.
8. Royal Troon Golf Club
Located on the west coast of Scotland, the Royal Troon Golf Club has hosted nine Open Championships and is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. The course is known for its difficult back nine and the famous “Postage Stamp” hole, which is one of the shortest holes in championship golf.
9. North Berwick Golf Club
North Berwick Golf Club is a links course located on the east coast of Scotland. This course has been played since the 17th century and is known for its unique layout and challenging holes, including the famous “Redan” hole. The course offers stunning views of the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock.
10. Cruden Bay Golf Club
Cruden Bay Golf Club is a hidden gem located on the northeast coast of Scotland. This links course offers stunning views of the North Sea and is known for its challenging layout and natural beauty. The course has been around since 1899 and has hosted many tournaments over the years.
11. Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is another links course located on the northeast coast of Scotland. This course has been played since the 18th century and is known for its challenging layout and natural beauty. The course has hosted many tournaments over the years, including the Scottish Open and the Walker Cup.
12. Machrihanish Golf Club
Machrihanish Golf Club is a links course located on the west coast of Scotland, on the Kintyre Peninsula. This course is known for its rugged beauty and challenging holes, including the famous “Himalayas” hole. The course offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
Scotland is a golfer’s paradise, with over 550 courses to choose from. The courses on this map represent some of the best that Scotland has to offer, from the historic St. Andrews Links to the rugged beauty of Machrihanish Golf Club. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Scotland’s golf courses offer a challenge and a beauty that is hard to match. So pack your clubs and plan your next golf vacation to Scotland!
