Scotland is home to some of the world’s best golf courses. This is no surprise for the country where the game was born.
The dramatic and natural terrain in Scotland makes it ideal for creating golf courses of unparalleled beauty and challenge.
And the dune-lined Scottish coast has some of the most exciting golf courses on the planet. Welcome to 24GOLF.
10: Trump International Golf Links
The youngest of all the Golf courses on this list is the Trump International Golf Links, an American-inspired high-profile course.
The greens are set on the Aberdeen bank overlooking the North Sea. The Course is yet another masterpiece designed by Dr. Martin Hawtree, established in the year 2012.
This 7,428 yards and 72 par, 18 hole course pass through the striking sand dunes, and golfers are treated to captivating views.
The golf course has 5 separate tees and therefore caters to golfer of all levels. Next on our list we have:
09: Castle Stuart
Castle Stuart is one of the finest courses in the Scottish Hills. Castle Stuart course was established in 2009 and was designed by Mark Parsinen.
It is positioned at the heart of the Scottish hills and the golf course sits on the shores of the Moray Firth offering spectacular views of the Black Isle and beyond.
This ultramodern link course is an engaging and playable course for everyday players, but also a real challenge for the very best.
Most golfers love this tremendous golf course because most holes are situated next to the water. The beautiful Castle Stuart has 18 holes, with a length of 7,009 yards and a 72 par. And should be added to your bucket list. Next on our list.
08: Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is one of the most historic and classic golf courses. This course was originally known as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen.
Royal Aberdeen was founded in 1780, making it the eight oldest golf club in the world. The course was first designed by the Simpson Brothers, Archie and Robert and later re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid to ensure the classic links kept pace with the modern game.
This golf course runs along the shore of the North Sea and is known for having one of the finest first nine holes in golf.
The back nine plays on higher grounds and has breath-taking views of the North Sea. And are said to be more difficult to play then the first nine.
The course is 6,922 yards and a par 71. It is a traditional golf club so remember to take your jacket & tie if you wish to go for dining. Next on our list we have:
07: Kingsbarns Golf Links
This incredible golf course that curves along the Fife coast offers views of the North Sea nearly from every hole of the Course.
Before it became a golf course it was a farmers field. Golf here dates back to 1793. But it wasn’t until the course was brought back alive by Kyle Phillips.
That designed this stunning Course has 18 holes and combines all the benefits of an ultramodern golf course with the traditional features of an old links course.
It has been an architectural masterpiece. And this course of 7,224 yards and 72 par is quickly becoming a legend among links courses. Have you had the chance to play here? Next on our list we have.
06: North Berwick West Links Course
The West Links at North Berwick is a fantastic links positioned on the coastline with breath-taking views across Craigleith Island and Bass Rock.
The course was designed by David Strath, Ben Sayers and was established in 1832. The Course comes full with blind spots and deep bunkers.
And its most famous hole is the brilliant par 3 hole 15. Also knows as Redan. It is one of the most copied holes in the world.
This Course sits on 6,420 yards and 71 par. No wonder it is one of the most highly rated golf courses in Scotland. Next on our list we have:
05: Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship Course)
This seaside golf link is considered as one of the most gruelling links in Scotland. And is also referred to as ‘A Monster’.
This golf destination in Scotland is an iconic course and is home to “Golf’s Greatest Test’. And big names like Hogan, Watson, and Gary Player have won Open Championships here.
This challenging 18 holes, 6,948 yards and par 72 course had the finest closing holes of any golf course in the world.
As holes 16, 17, and 18 are known for their variety, challenge and difficulty. Regardless of the challenge, it is a must-play course for any serious golfer. The next must play golf course is:
04: Muirfield Golf Club
Famed as one of the best links courses in the British Isles. This is one of the most historical golf clubs in the world and the clubhouse is almost like a museum with golfing traditions that go back over hundreds of years.
What makes the course unique is that the both the back and front nine return to the clubhouse. The front nine play clockwise and the back nine anti-clockwise Meaning that you have a different wind on every hole adding to the challenge.
Muirfield was first designed by Old Tom Morris and later redesigned by Harry Colt, Martin Hawtree, and Tom Simpson. And is also known as the Augusta National of Scotland.
Making the 7,245 yards and par 71, a true magical golf experience. Next on our list we have.
03: Royal Dornoch Golf Club
This is one of the most mesmerising and fascinating golf courses for both amateurs and professional golfers worldwide. Originally designed by Old Tom Morris and established in 1877.
The trip to Royal Dornoch is often mentioned as true golf ‘Pilgrimage’ because of the course magnificence and how far north it is located.
The Royal Dornoch is a course offer a combination of both wilderness, isolation and natural beauty in excess.
With raised greens build on natural plateaus making the approach especially challenging. And anybody who plays at Dornoch gets blown away by its beautiful links. This 6,722 yards and a par 70, 18 hole golf course is famed as a must-play for any golfers.
02: Trump Turnberry (Ailsa)
The Ailsa course at Turnberry is one of the great Open championship golf courses. It is one of the most dramatic and scenic golf courses in Scotland.
This scenic beauty with its steep mountain rocks and sight of the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse has a rich culture to match its amazing views.
It was established in 1906, and has been the host of four Open Championships. The Trump Turnberry is a 7,204 yards and par 70, 18 holes golf course.
This course has become well know because of the legendary battle between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson during the 1977 Open Championship named “Duel in the Sun”. And the final golf course on our list is:
01: St Andrews Old Course
The St Andrews Old Course is by far the most iconic course on the planet. The Course is ranked as one of the top most Golf course worldwide and has been host of most Open Championships than any other golf course.
This Iconic and quirky Course was designed by Daw Anderson and Old Tom Morris back in 1552. And is undoubtedly a treat to play on.
When seen on tv the course looks quite flat, but trust us the bumps, hollow and ripples in the fairways are much deeper when you are on the course.
And don’t forget the famous pot bunkers that can be found on the course. Including the Road hole bunker on hole 17.
This 7,305 yards and par 72, 18 hole course initially consisted of 22 holes, and later the holes were combined and were reduced to 18 holes This is definitely a golf course that all golf enthusiasts should experience at least once in their lives!
Those were some of the best courses that the beautiful country of Scotland has to offer.
