Een golfer op de Old Course in St Andrews
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Scottish Golf & The Best Golf Courses in Scotland

With a legacy that spans six centuries, there is no finer place to play a round of golf than the country that gave the game to the world.

You'll be spoiled for choice on your golf break in Scotland with over 550 fantastic courses to play, including links courses, parkland courses and 9-hole courses. A golf trip to Scotland is also the perfect opportunity to see some of the world's most prestigious tournaments being played out.

Golf Courses in Scotland

Kinghorn Golf Club, overlooking the Firth of Forth
© Fife Council Airborne Lens

Recommended courses

Scotland has more courses per head of population than anywhere else in the world! The range and breadth of Scottish golf courses means that whatever your level and course preference, you'll never be far from fairways and greens suited to you.

Plan a golf trip to Scotland

St Andrews

The first record of golf in Scotland dates from the 15th century (back then it was known as 'gowf'). In 1764 the Links at St Andrews (now known as the Old Course) was reduced from 22 holes to 18, creating the standard course format we still use today, and in 1860 the first Open Championship was held at Prestwick - an illustrious history indeed! Find out more about the history of golf at the British Golf Museum in St Andrews.

The 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire

Tournaments & Events

Keep up to date with all the golf tournaments and exciting events happening this year.

Golf tours & accommodation

If you want to experience some of the best golf courses Scotland has to offer, it's possible to build a golfing holiday in Scotland that ticks all these boxes. Championship courses, such as Royal Troon, the PGA® Centenary Course at Gleneagles and even the illustrious Old Course at St Andrews can all be booked - with a bit of forward planning.

Pitlochry Golf Club 1st hole — Pitlochry Golf Club

Golf for beginners & families

Anyone can learn to play golf in Scotland. We've got some great tips for beginners plus some budget-friendly courses where you can practise all holiday long!

Royal Troon Golf Course, Ayr
© Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Group

World's Greatest Golfers

Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus - amongst scores of other top golfers - have all played here and many of Scotland's most prestigious courses were designed by golfing legends. 'Old' Tom Morris designed the Old and New Courses at St Andrews while James Braid is responsible for more than 250 British courses, including the world-famous King's and Queen's Courses at Gleneagles.