15 OF THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN SCOTLAND THAT WE LOVE

Scotland is one of the grandest places to play golf, and it’s no surprise as this prestigious sport has been a part of the country’s sporting landscape since at least the 15th Century. Not only will you be spoiled for choice with a total of over 550 fantastic courses to choose from, but you will also have the pleasure of playing with some of the most incredible backdrops. 

From lush greenery and glistening lakes to golf courses with coastal charm and mind-blowing sea views or courses that are set in the foot of the rugged Scottish mountains, golfing in Scotland is an incredible experience. If you’re wondering what are the best golf courses in Scotland, you’ll find plenty of answers here. 

And with so many amazing sights and attractions, we couldn’t think of anywhere better to have your next golfing vacation. If you’re gearing to go, here are 15 golf courses in Scotland that we think you will just love…

St. Andrews is without a doubt one of the most famous golf clubs in Scotland – there are few places in the world where you can walk the path of so many legendary golfers before. There are six fine courses in total but the Old Course is the most prestigious; in fact, one of the most celebrated golfers of the 20th Century – Bobby Jones – once said that if he had to play only one course for the rest of his life, he’d grow old on the Old Course at St. Andrews. 

It remains one of the best golf courses to play in Scotland, drawing visitors from all over the world. And the local area is so beautiful that it’s the perfect place for a luxury vacation. We feature Kemback House, a stunning 15th-century mansion ideal for large golfing groups or extravagant golfing vacations with the family. Located just 6 miles from St. Andrews, the Fife Coastal Path, and other points of interest, you’ll be perfectly placed for a fun-filled break.

Address: West Sands, St Andrews, KY16 9XL
Public: Yes

Nairn Golf Course is one of the most underrated golf courses in Scotland, and we think it’s a fine place to play for golfers at every level. The course offers a true challenge with a strong westerly that demands accurate driving and precision second shots. 

But what’s really remarkable about this course is that from every single hole, you will be able to get an unobstructed view of the Moray Firth inlet protruding out into the wild North Sea. An incredible sight to behold and a serious challenge not to hit the ball into the sea in the first seven! 

This makes Nairn not only scenic but one of the best golf courses in Scotland for those seeking natural beauty combined with technical difficulty. Nearby sights include Cawdor Castle and Brodie Castle. A fabulous place to stay would be Gordon Castle, which is one of our featured properties.

Address: Seabank Road, Nairn, IV12 4HB
Public: Yes

Royal Dornoch is a championship course ranked 2nd in the world and rated as the finest links course in Scotland by Golf Digest in 2024. Located close to the Highland coastline on Scotland’s East, this course is a spectacular place to play and a great place for people on vacation. It’s a top contender when answering what are the best golf courses in Scotland, thanks to its wild setting and technical layout. 

The course itself offers incredible views of Dornoch Firth and the crashing waves will form a backdrop to your game. A proud member of Highland Golf Links, this course and club is wild, isolated and so much fun! The club is semi-privat, so both visitors and members can book allocated tee times.

Address: Golf Rd, Dornoch IV25 3LW
Public: Semi-private

Muirfield Golf Club is a course in East Lothian, and is one of the most exclusive places to play. It is a privately owned links and is the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, a body that dates all the way back to the 1744. The 18-hole golf course is one of the oldest in the world today. 

Muirfield is a well-known host for major amateur and professional championships, international championships, as well as men’s and ladies’ championships. Of the many famous golf courses in Scotland, Muirfield has the longest history. To date, the club has hosted 16 Open Championships and 11 Amateur Championships, and although the club is private, tee times are available when booked in advance. 

For an extravagant self-catering country house in East Lothian, we recommend our featured Georgian mansion, Gilmerton House, which sleeps up to 20 guests.

Address: Duncur Rd, Muirfield, Gullane EH31 2EG
Public: Private

This incredible resort golf course is a great place for the whole family with breathtaking scenery and luxurious surroundings. Complete with spa and fine dining, the fabulous Turnberry overlooks the sea and is set in a stunning Edwardian building which dates back to 1906. 

The iconic course, the Ailsa Course, has been designed by the renowned architect Martin Ebert, and today it features five of the world’s best par 3s, offering one of the best coastal golfing experiences in the world. 

A true gem among famous golf courses in Scotland, it is a must-play for visitors. Here you will be located less than 5 miles from Culzean Castle and just 16 miles from the picturesque town of Ayr. A wonderful Scottish castle hotel to stay in, recently renovated to a very high standard, is Glenapp Castle, overlooking Ailsa Craig.

Address: Turnberry, Ayrshire KA26 9LT
Public: Resort

Loch Lomond is a private golf course, famous for hosting the Scottish Open. The 7,100-yard 18-hole golf course was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, and it offers beautifully manicured fairways and rugged mountain backdrops with tempting glimpses of the Loch through the lush green trees. It’s a truly unique setting with the most jaw-dropping panoramas. 

Among the best golf courses in central Scotland, it offers a striking blend of nature and design. The legendary PGA and Champions Tour golfer Tom Weiskopf, who was extremely successful in the 70s, has said of his design: “I consider Loch Lomond my lasting memorial to golf”.

Address: Turnberry, Ayrshire KA26 9LT
Public: Private

Musselburgh Links is one of the world’s oldest golf courses and it’s open to the public all year round. At LTR Castles, we feature some incredible self-catering properties in the East Lothian area, perfect for the ultimate luxury golf vacation in Scotland. Nearby attractions include Tantallon Castle, Dirleton Castle, Bass Rock, Prestongrange Museum and John Muir Country Park. 

The golf course is interlaced with the Musselburgh Race Course, so anyone aged 25 or under can enjoy a whole season of golf for just £30. With its deep historical roots, it deserves a mention among the famous golf courses in Scotland, especially for those interested in the sport’s origins.

Address: Balcarres Rd, Musselburgh EH21 7SR
Public: Public

Machrihanish is a classic links course set among the soulful sand dunes of western Scotland. It’s gained a respectable reputation over the years, particularly for the Championship Course’s challenging first hole. It’s a rough start, even for the most skilled golfer, and Atlantic winds are a big factor in the course’s difficulty level. 

With a 6,225-yard par-70 layout, wild grass and threatening pot bunkers, this notorious course is both beautiful and tough. But for those who are up to the challenge, the course is a pleasure to play and it offers a quiet, calm and secluded atmosphere with the most perfect sea views at the end of the undisturbed peninsula. 

It’s truly idyllic and a great place for the whole family to reconnect with the great outdoors. This is absolutely one of the best golf courses to play in Scotland for those seeking remoteness.

Address: Golf Club House, Machrihanish PA28 6PT
Public: Private

Host of the 2016 Open and a previous eight British Opens, Royal Troon is a well-known course among both amateurs and professionals. The Old Course is a challenge to even the most seasoned of golfers and with strong winds and deep rough interspersed with gorse and broom, accuracy is key. The most notorious hole is Postage Stamp (hole 8), famed and feared because the 123-yard par 3’s green is so small. Of the many famous golf courses in Scotland, Royal Troon stands out for its Open legacy.

Address: Craigend Rd, Troon KA10 6EP
Public: Public

This is one of the most famous courses in the world and has already hosted seven Open Championships, one Ladies Open and one Seniors Open. Plus, it’s also one of the three co-hosts together with St. Andrews and Kingsbarns, to host the annual Dunhill Links Championship. 

It’s long been regarded as the toughest course of all the Open venues so if you’re looking for a serious challenge, Carnoustie is definitely recommended. The most challenging part of playing here is the unpredictable winds so accuracy will become an important factor of success or failure. It’s a firm entry in the list of the best golf courses in Scotland for those seeking a test of skill.

Address: Carnoustie Golf Centre, Links Parade, Carnoustie DD7 7JE

Public: Public

Cruden Bay Golf Club is located just 23 miles north of Aberdeen, and the Championship Course is one of the most scenic in the country. Elevated tees, rolling fairways and spectacular views of the North Sea are just a few of the incredible highlights. Cruden Bay is one of those golf courses where the design simply doesn’t follow the conventional rules, but that’s what makes it so much fun to play! 

There’s also a nine-hole course available for players who want to enjoy a more relaxed game. The club’s restaurant is also the perfect place to refuel. Cruden Bay often comes up in conversations around what are the best golf courses in Scotland, and is well worth the journey for the stunning surroundings alone.

Address: Aulton Rd, Cruden Bay, Aberdeen AB42 0NN
Public: Semi-private

Kingsbarns Golf Links is situated just a few miles from St. Andrews, yet it offers a very different golfing experience. Built along 1.8 miles of rugged coastline, the views here are nothing short of spectacular. Opened in 2000, it’s already considered one of the famous golf courses in Scotland, having co-hosted the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside St. Andrews and Carnoustie. 

The course’s wide fairways, rolling greens, and dramatic elevation changes make it suitable for both amateurs and pros, and the seaside location brings a constant breeze into play. What sets Kingsbarns apart is its welcoming atmosphere and top-tier service. If you’re deciding what are the best golf courses in Scotland to include on your itinerary, this one should be near the top.

Address: Kingsbarns, St Andrews KY16 8QD
Public: Public

Another fantastic golf course in the East Lothian area is North Berwick, and it offers incredible views of the Firth of Forth and islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb, and Fidra, as well as the charming town of North Berwick itself. With such breathtaking scenery, it’s easy to understand why North Berwick is often counted among the best golf courses to play in Scotland. 

The surrounding area is also home to several other famous golf courses in Scotland, including Gullane and Archerfield, which are just a short drive away, and you’ll be less than an hour from the historic city of Edinburgh. If you’re looking to combine golf and luxury, stay in our featured Gilmerton House in East Lothian, perfectly located for a memorable golf vacation. 

Although North Berwick is a private course, visitors are welcome all year round and are granted access to the same top-tier facilities and club experience as members. This is why many consider it one of the best golf courses in Scotland, thanks to both its high standards and its warm, inclusive atmosphere.

Address: New Club House, Beach Rd, North Berwick EH39 4BB
Public: Private

Golf has been played at Gullane for more than 350 years, and the area boasts three stunning courses, with Course No.1 being a standout favourite. This particular layout has been carved into the ancient links turf, complete with classic pot bunkers, wild grasses, and smooth-running greens that offer a true test for golfers of all skill levels. 

Recognised by the PGA as the 5th ‘Most Picturesque Golf Course’ in the world, it is easy to see why Gullane (No.1) is consistently listed among the best golf courses in Scotland. It is especially admired by players looking for a historic and challenging layout in one of the most scenic parts of the country. 

Visitors can experience this famous golf course in Scotland with advanced booking, and the club is particularly family-friendly, offering a children’s golf course that is completely free and does not require an appointment. Its balance of accessibility and quality makes it one of the best golf courses to play in Scotland, particularly for those exploring the area around Edinburgh.

Address: West Links Road, Gullane EH31 2BB
Public: Semi-private

Set in the heart of Scotland and often referred to as “the Glorious Playground”, Gleneagles is home to three championship golf courses. This luxury 5-star resort offers a golfing experience like no other and was also host to the prestigious Ryder Cup in 2014. 

The King’s Course is a favourite among visitors, while the Queen’s Course is equally as beautiful but less challenging. The PGA Centenary Course is the most modern of the three and provides a formidable test for even the most seasoned player. 

In terms of a well-rounded golfing getaway, Gleneagles is undoubtedly among the best golf courses in central Scotland, if not the entire UK. And while the golf is a huge draw, there’s also a luxury spa, country pursuits, fine dining, and beautiful countryside all around.

Address: Auchterarder PH3 1NF

Public: Resort

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just someone who loves the great outdoors, there’s no doubt that Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking and memorable golf courses in the world. If you’ve been wondering what are the best golf courses in Scotland, we hope this list has helped guide your next golfing adventure. 

From world-renowned links like St. Andrews and Royal Troon to hidden gems like Western Gailes and Machrihanish, the range is extraordinary. Each course brings its own story, challenge, and scenic wonder – and with 550 courses across the country, your perfect round is waiting.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay during your golfing vacation, consider staying in one of our luxury castles in Scotland. Contact us or call on + 44 (0) 1835 824642 to find out more.