Golfing in Scotland

The TOP-TEN places for golfing in Scotland where you’re sure to feel like a pro golfer;

1. St. Andrews Old Course, known as “The Home of Golf”, has probably secured a spot on the bucket list of many golf enthusiasts. Follow in the footsteps of golf legends such as Jack Niklaus and Tiger Woods whilst taking a swing on this legendary course.

Where to Stay
The obvious choice is to stay at the wonderful Old Course Hotel, right on the 17th hole of the famous Old Course. Enjoy Six restaurant options, a spa, and luxury accommodation. 

2. Muirfield, acknowledged as one of the most historical golf clubs worldwide, provides one of the most excellent links courses in the UK and Ireland. Unique about this course is that every shot deals with a different wind, so expect a challenging game.

Where to Stay
Stay at Greywalls Hotel, overlooking the course, and immerse yourself in a world-class dining experience at Chez Roux Restaurant. The gardens are exquisite, and the accommodation is delightful, but don’t delay book early as this is certainly the best hotel near Muirfield and North Berwick Golf Club, for that matter.

3. The Carnoustie Golf Links offer a challenging game with an amazing layout. It is renowned as the place for moulding golfing legends and has hosted eight Open Championships.

Where to Stay
Stay at Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa and enjoy views over the course and facilities of a spa, gym, and pool. Rooms overlook either the golf course or Carnoustie Bay.

4. The Royal Dornoch has achieved its Royal status for over a century and is popular with golf enthusiasts. The course offers marvellous views overlooking Dornoch Firth, a narrow inlet of the North Sea.

Where to Stay
Links House is the only five-star hotel in Royal Dornoch. The hotel is spread over several buildings with a combination of luxury suites and apartments. Rooms are immaculately decorated in a classic style, and there are two main dining options.

5. The Kingsbarns Golf Links is notably one of the most exceptional golfing experiences in the country. Some people call it the most celebrated course in the 21st century because of its layout.

Where to Stay
Kingsbarns is only 15 minutes drive to St Andrews with its variety of accommodation options, such as The Old Course Hotel. Why not consider a Luxury Guesthouse and B&B.

6. The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was one of the earliest golf clubs ever, founded in 1780. The course is known for being a great opening side in Scotland and its breathtaking views.

Where to Stay
The Marcliffe Hotel on the fringes of Aberdeen is the only five-star property in the city. Still privately owned and managed, a rarity today. The Conservatory Restaurant has a well-stocked cellar of over 400 wines. Being Scotland, you have a choice of 100 whiskies or more.

7. The North Berwick Golf Club offers picture-perfect views over the Firth of Forth, a delta of several rivers. Only a short trip from Edinburgh, it is also regarded as one of the most highly-rated Scottish golf courses.

Where to Stay
North Berwick Golf Club is a 50-minute drive along the coast from Edinburgh. With that in mind, you have a huge choice of hotels in Edinburgh. Our favourites are The Caledonian Hotel, Victorian grandeur in stone, and the more petite Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Town. 

Alternatively,  the convenient option is to stay at Greywalls Hotel as mentioned above.

8. The Castle Stuart Golf Links, considered an example of contemporary golf architecture, is challenging yet playable so players of all abilities can have a great time. Located on the shores of Moray Firth, the course overlooks the Black Isle and the Inverness coastline.

Where to Stay
Castle Stuart Golf Club has three accommodations, including Castle Cottage, a slickly decorated but simple place to stay with facilities for clubs and equipment. The Golf Lodge is just as slick, also accommodating up to 8 people. The Farmhouse is a little simpler but as comfortable.

Alternatively, you have the well-known Rocpool Reserve in Inverness, a small hotel with chic rooms and a high-end restaurant. Further away, on the quieter south shore of Loch Ness, is Foyers Lodge, a charming country B&B.

9. The Nairn Golf Club is one of Scotland's best links courses, yet it’s a hidden gem. Situated only a short drive from Inverness, along the edge of Moray Firth, an inlet of the North Sea, this course offers astonishing water views.

Where to Stay
The town of Nairn has several charming guesthouses, such as Carnach House providing large comfortable rooms. Sandown House is an excellent guesthouse with updated rooms and convenient to the golf course. The golf club is approximately 50 minutes from Inverness.

10. The Trump Turnberry Aisla Golf Course rests on a dramatic Scottish coastline, under the observant eye of the lighthouse. The course is easily accessible from most parts of the UK, and Glasgow is less than 90 minutes away.

Where to Stay
Trump Turnberry Hotel is one of the finest golf course hotels in all of Scotland. Think ocean views, luxurious well-designed suites and superb service. There are four dining venues, a spa, a fitness centre, and two 18 and one nine-hole golf course.