Scotland, often referred to as the “Home of Golf”, offers an unmatched golfing experience. With centuries-old courses nestled along rugged coastlines and rolling landscapes, it’s no surprise that golf enthusiasts from around the world consider it a bucket-list destination.
This list celebrates the top five golfing spots in Scotland – not just for their global prestige, but also for their unforgettable playability, scenery and tradition. From championship giants to historic legends, these courses define the very soul of the sport.
5. Trump Turnberry – Ailsa Course (Ayrshire)
Overlooking the Ayrshire coast, Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is a visual masterpiece and a test of golfing nerve. Redesigned in 2016, it now measures 7,489 yards as a par 71 and features thrilling clifftop holes, most notably the 9th, where golfers hit across the sea to a rocky peninsula.
As the longest golf course in our list, it can be a long walk to travel across. Carrying an electric golf trolley is highly recommended when visiting this course, as it can greatly ease the challenge of transporting your equipment throughout the round.
With four Open Championships, including the legendary 1977 “Duel in the Sun” between Nicklaus and Watson, Turnberry blends championship pedigree with breathtaking vistas. Its windswept drama and bold layout make it one of the most exhilarating places to play.
4. Carnoustie Golf Links (Angus)
Nicknamed “Car-nasty” for its unforgiving challenge, Carnoustie is one of the toughest courses in championship golf. Its Championship Course spans 7,421 yards as a par 72, and it features narrow fairways, pot bunkers, and the menacing Barry Burn, especially at the notorious 18th hole.
With eight Open Championships to its name, including Ben Hogan’s triumph in 1953 and Jean Van de Velde’s heartbreak in 1999, Carnoustie is etched into golf lore. This is a course that demands focus, punishes mistakes, and delivers unforgettable drama. Beyond the greens, Angus is also a fantastic destination for walkers, cyclists, and families, offering beautiful countryside trails, heritage sites, and welcoming communities.
3. Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Highlands)
Remote but unforgettable, Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course offers pure links golf set against the dramatic beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Dating back to 1877, it stretches 6,748 yards as a par 70. Elevated greens, gorse-lined fairways, and the coastal winds make every round exhilarating.
Though it has never hosted The Open due to its distance from major cities, it is consistently ranked in the world’s top courses. Beloved by Tom Watson and many others, Dornoch captures the spirit of natural, untamed golf in a way few others can.
2. Muirfield (East Lothian)
Home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is both historic and formidable. Established in 1744, the current layout – 7,245 yards and par 71 – is known for its unique routing: clockwise outer holes and counterclockwise inner holes. This design balances wind challenges and rewards precise shot-making.
Muirfield has hosted 16 Open Championships and is celebrated for its impeccable course conditions. With a low tolerance for error and a strong emphasis on strategy, it’s often cited as one of the most complete tests in championship golf.
1. St Andrews – The Old Course (Fife)
No list would be complete without St Andrews, the oldest and most iconic course in the world. With play dating back to the 15th century, the 18-hole Old Course measures 7,305 yards and plays as a par 72. It features double greens, cavernous bunkers like the infamous Hell Bunker, and the picturesque Swilcan Bridge on the 18th fairway.
Hosting 30 Open Championships to date, it is revered by legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. St Andrews isn’t just a golf course, it’s hallowed ground where the history of the sport lives on.
Honorable mentions
- Kingsbarns Golf Links – Near St Andrews, scenic and modern, 7,227 yards.
- Gleneagles (PGA Centenary) – Ryder Cup 2014 venue, 7,296 yards, lush parkland.
- Cruden Bay – Quirky, rolling links with 6,609 yards of charm and character.
