11 Famous Golf Courses in Scotland

Have you ever dreamt of teeing it up at the Old Course in St Andrews? The oldest golf course in the world has hosted The Open Championship many times and offers supreme challenges along the way, including the notorious Hell Bunker. At sunset, don't forget to snap a selfie at the Swilcan Bridge!  

St Andrews is a town dedicated to the game, with the R&A World Golf Museum showcasing the early history of golf competition in Scotland. Whilst you're in town, don't miss a delicious meal overlooking the ocean at The Seafood Restaurant, or a burger at the Jigger Inn, before finishing the day in style with a luxurious night's stay at a plush local hotel.  

Play a round at The Old Course

Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is considered one of the most challenging links courses in the world. Set within the beautiful Ayrshire coastline, an area dotted with incredible golf courses, it proudly hosted the prestigious 152nd Open Championship in 2024.  

After watching or playing some golf, take a walk along the promenade with an ice cream or admire the boats at Troon Yacht Haven. Here, you can also enjoy dinner at Scott's Bar & Restaurant overlooking the marina, with views towards Arran and Ailsa Craig, or sample fresh seafood by the sea as the waves lap against the shore. 

Explore Troon and play the course

Overlooking the Moray Firth, Castle Stuart has long been a favourite with golfers across the globe. In 2016, the course hosted the Scottish Open. As you play, look out for landmarks including Castle Stuart itself, Chanonry Lighthouse and Kessock Bridge. You might even spot dolphins playing in the water during a quiet moment.  

Relax after a day on the links with a trip to the club spa and ease those golfing muscles, or enjoy a lively night out in Inverness, Scotland's most northerly city. Food lovers could visit The Kitchen and The Mustard Seed, both stylish riverside restaurants serving locally sourced European dishes with a Highland twist.  

Explore Castle Stuart Golf Links

Trust your competitive instincts and hit the perfect shot at Dundonald Links, which hosted both the men's and ladies' Scottish Open in 2017. The course design provides a real test for golfers of all abilities.  

The course boasts excellent facilities and a welcoming clubhouse with views across to Arran. Nearby attractions include Dundonald Castle and The Ship Inn in Irvine, known for its traditional Scottish cuisine. The perfect spot to grab some dinner with your golf buddies after an exciting round.  

Discover Dundonald Links

Tee off with sweeping views across the sea and feel the golfing history in Gullane with every swing. A favourite on Scotland's Golf Coast, Gullane has welcomed golfing competition for more than 350 years. On Gullane No.1, enjoy spectacular views across to Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.  

While visiting East Lothian, explore the Museum of Flight, Tantallon Castle, or stroll along North Berwick beach for views of Bass Rock. During summer, enjoy al fresco dining at the Lobster Shack or sample local specialities at the Ducks Inn in Aberlady.  

Play a round in Gullane

It doesn’t get much more historic than this! Prestwick Golf Club hosted the first-ever Open Championship in 1860. With pristine terrain and undulating greens, you can immerse yourself in golfing history and test your skills too. 

A stone cairn marks the spot where the first tee shot in Open Championship golf was struck. Nearby courses include Prestwick St Nicholas and Prestwick St Cuthbert, which could make for a great stop off on a golf trip along the Ayrshire coastline. 

Explore the birthplace of the Open Championship

Carnoustie is known as one of the toughest links courses in the world. If you can post a score here, you can be pretty confident about your game. The course has hosted multiple Open Championships, including the dramatic 1999 tournament won by Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie.  

Its narrow fairways, deep bunkers and unpredictable coastal winds make it a true championship test. Got the family with you? Start the kids off at The Nestie which is attached to Carnoustie, a free-to-play, five-hole short and development golf course designed for families, and beginners. 

Challenge yourself at Carnoustie

Just a short drive from St Andrews, Kingsbarns offers a modern take on traditional links golf. Opened in 2000, it quickly established itself as a world-class venue and is now a regular stop on the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: a great chance to see celebs play golf with the pros each October.  

Sweeping North Sea views and a layout that rewards creativity make it a must-play course for serious golfers. While you’re in the East Neuk of Fife, you can enjoy other activities such as beach walks, distilleries and traditional fishing villages like Crail and Pittenweem. 

Enjoy a round at Kingsbarns

Imagine the perfect luxury golf break and Gleneagles must come pretty close. Located in the heart of Perthshire, the PGA Centenary Course, designed by legend Jack Nicklaus, hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup.  

You’ll be in for a test along its rolling fairways, with its strategic bunkering offering a contrasting parkland-style challenge compared with Scotland's coastal links courses. The 850-acre estate at Gleneagles is known as ‘The Glorious Playground’ and offers many things to do away from your golf, including falconry, off-road driving and fishing. 

Stay and play at Gleneagles

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is one of the highlights of Scotland's west coast golf offering. With views of Ailsa Craig, it has staged four Open Championships, including the famous "Duel in the Sun" between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977.  

Hold your golfing nerve just like Tom Watson did and post a score worthy of a champion. The combination of dramatic scenery and challenging design make this one of Scotland's premier golfing destinations.  

Experience golf at Turnberry

Real golfers know that Aberdeenshire is a hidden gem golfing destination with some epic courses. While perhaps less internationally famous than St Andrews or Carnoustie, Cruden Bay features blind shots, towering dunes, and plenty of character.  

The course has hosted numerous prestigious amateur events and is celebrated for its distinctive links experience. Remember, while you’re in Aberdeenshire you can enjoy fantastic food & drink, explore the Cairngorms National Park and even visit a castle or two. 

Play golf at Cruden Bay

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.