Golf stars from the US and Europe go head to head this weekend as the Ryder Cup tees off at Perthshire’s Gleneagles Hotel. The weekend’s action, from September 26-28, is the first time the competition has been held in Scotland since 1973. Gleneagles aside, here’s our choice of the Top 10 golf courses in Scotland.
Old Course at St Andrews, Fife
One of the oldest golf courses in the world, thought by some to originate from as far back as the 12th Century, the 117-hole St Andrews Links in Fife is the largest golfing complex in Europe. The Old Course in particular is regarded by many to be the “home of golf”.
www.standrews.com
Muirfield, East Lothian
Home to the oldest organised golf group in the UK, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is another historic course, dating back to 1891. Now the course hosts a wealth of major championships, including the Open each year. In the last few years, the course had seen some changes, including new bunkers and the introduction of six new championship tees, keeping this a modern and challenging experience for golfers.
www.muirfield.org.uk
Royal Dornoch, Sutherland
The natural links at Royal Dornoch bring a wild colour to this coastal course, with flowering gorse and a sense of isolation, despite its thriving popularity with golfers. It was ranked as the best in Scotland by Golf Digest 2014, with huge numbers flocking to this remote spot in the Highlands each year to play on the natural raised plateaus here.
www.royaldornoch.com
Alisa Course at Turnberry, Turnberry
One of Scotland’s most scenic courses, Turnberry commandes stunning coastal views of the rugged shoreline and across to the Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran. Visitors can also enjoy observing Robert the Bruce’s ruined castle and a beautiful lighthouse while playing their way around the course.
www.turnberry.co.uk/
Championship Course at Carnoustie, Angus
Carnoustie has tough bunkers and difficult burns (canals) to tackle, while adverse weather conditions regularly face those who rise to its challenge. It’s even been nicknamed “Car-nasty” by US golfers who visit the course as part of the Open Championship rotation.
www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/
Kingsbarn, Fife
Surrounded by the North Sea Kingsbarn is located just 7 miles from St Andrews and, although it’s a man-made links course, it was carefully designed to look as natural as possible when it opened in July 2000. Always kept in wonderful shape, the beauty of this course keeps visitors coming back year after year.
www.kingsbarns.com/
West Course at North Berwick, East Lothian
The West Links at North Berwick is the third oldest course in the world that’s still playing its original fairways. Its coastal location on the Firth of Forth offers incredible views over the sea to Craigleith Island and volcanic Bass Rock. Intended to take golfers only around three hours to complete, the course presents a range of challenges such as beaches, bunkers, stonewalls and burns, to negotiate.
www.northberwickgolfclub.com
Old Course at Royal Troon, Ayrshire
The 8th hole of the Old Course at Royal Troon has been nicknamed “The Postage Stamp” thanks to the hole being the shortest par three on the Open circuit. This is another historic Scottish course, dating back to around 1878 when it originated as a five-hole course, but one that challenges the golfers who tackle its coastal holes.
www.royaltroon.co.uk/
Castle Stuart, Inverness
Another Highlands offering, located on the southern shores of the Moray Firth, Castle Stuart is a newer Scottish course having opened in the summer of 2009. However, this in no way diminishes both its beauty and thrilling play opportunities, as it offers stunning views across the water to the Black Isle. With wide fairways and exciting holes throughout, it’s no wonder that this relative newbie was able to host the Scottish Open just two years after opening.
www.castlestuartgolf.com/
Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire
This exclusive, members-only golf course is nestled between the mountains and the western banks of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of fresh water in Great Britain. The course is overlooked by Rossdhu Castle, near the 18th green, and has hosted many international events, including the Scottish Open. Although not everyone can play here, those who can are rewarded with a beautifully designed course that’s a pleasure from start to finish.
www.lochlomond.com/
Travel tips for golfers heading to Scotland:
It’s likely you’ll want to travel with your own golf clubs. If you’re flying to Scotland, make sure you pack your golf clubs carefully and be aware of individual golf baggage policies for each airline.
Expect similar dress codes to other countries and make sure to pack outfits that will adhere to a selection of minor regulations. For example, some clubs will ban jeans and collarless shirts, so pack garments that will be accepted.
All courses are open from April to October, with many open all year. Be aware that, due to its northerly position, Scotland often faces adverse weather conditions throughout the winter with wind and rain. These needn’t hold you back too badly, but be aware and pack accordingly.
If you’re considering a golfing tour of the area, make sure to book as far in advance as possible, particularly in the summer months, as tee times and accommodation can book up months in advance.
To save time and money, consider picking up a Scottish golf passport, such as the Freedom of the Fairways golf pass. You can purchase a three- or five-day pass that offers discounted rounds at major courses throughout the country.
