Plan the Ultimate Scotland Golf Trip

Scotland is the home of golf, so it’s no surprise that so many people from around the world plan golf trips in Scotland. Our wee country is perfect whether you want to play in some of the most illustrious golf courses in the world – swinging clubs where the greats have played – or you want to visit the oldest golf clubs in the world, learning about the history of the game. From St Andrews’ Old Course and Royal Dornoch Golf Course in the north, to Muirfield in Edinburgh, the oldest golf course in the world, there’s no shortage of incredible golfing spots in Scotland.

We hope this golfing guide to Scotland will inspire a few readers to come on a Customized Golf Tour of Scotland with Inspiring Travel Scotland. However, we know that this resource will also help people who would prefer to organise the trip themselves. If you find this resource useful, we ask that you please share it with anyone you know planning a golfing trip to Scotland.

Scotland is the Home of Golf

Read all about Scotland, the home of golf, from its beginnings in Scotland to a few of the historic courses we have around the country. When you travel to Scotland, you’ll certainly see many golf courses dotted around the landscape, even if you don’t play a round. If you consider yourself a golfer at all, then it’s a great idea to incorporate a bit of the beloved game into your Scotland itinerary.

Feel free to get in touch with any questions about adding a round (or two!) to your Scotland trip. If you craft a tailor-made custom Scotland tour with us, we’re quite happy to recommend courses based on your preferences.

Famous Golf Courses in Scotland

Ready to add some of the most famous golf courses in Scotland to your dream trip? There are around 600 golf courses in Scotland, so we won’t be able to take you to every single green. But we can certainly show you some of the highlights based on your interests.

If you prefer to avoid the popular golf courses, we also have plenty of recommendations for quiet courses dotted around the country where you can enjoy a game, plus some stunning scenery and maybe even wildlife sightings. Let us know what you’re dreaming of doing and we’ll try to make it happen for you.

St Andrews: The Old Course

The iconic Old Course is on many golfers’ bucket lists. Simply stepping foot on these greens feels magical. St Andrews is a favourite stop for us at Inspiring Travel, so we’re always happy to take our guests there.

Gleneagles

The glorious Gleneagles is located in pretty Perthshire and certainly deserves a visit by any avid golfer! The club is an icon on the world stage of golf.

Royal Dornoch

This course has been mesmerising players for centuries, and for good reason! Many golf fans make the pilgrimage to Royal Dornoch and we’d be delighted to help you join them.

Muirfield

In the rotation for The Open Championship, Muirfield Links is just outside of Edinburgh and a fantastic option for golfers of all abilities to enjoy a round.

Carnoustie

With four classic courses and a proud history, Carnoustie is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Try yourself at “Golf’s Greatest Test” to see how you fare.

North Berwick

The popular seaside town of North Berwick is the perfect backdrop for this championship course, which is said to be the first golf club in the world to welcome ladies.

Royal Aberdeen Balgownie

Regarded by many to have the finest first nine holes in the world, the Royal Aberdeen course is a must for keen golfers. 

Kingsbarns

Not far from St Andrews, Kingsbarns offers plenty of stunning coastal views throughout the course.

Castle Stuart

With beautiful views over the Moray Firth, Castle Stuart Golf Links is an idyllic addition to your journey around the capital of the highlands, Inverness.

Skibo Castle

The Carnegie Links at Skibo Castle is a truly unique experience. Visitors are allowed on a limited basis to this otherwise highly exclusive private club.

Loch Lomond

With a clubhouse as historic and magnificent as Rossdhu House, plus enjoying full Audubon status (one of only 2 courses in all of Europe), Loch Lomond Golf Club is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy a round in stunning surrounds.

Cruden Bay

Designed around the intricate topography of Cruden Bay, this course is known to beguile and enchant players. Located near Peterhead, north of Aberdeen, along a stunning stretch of iconic Scottish coastline.

Royal Troon

An iconic course on Scotland’s west coast, the Royal Troon is as popular as it is beautiful. A delightful opportunity to play, not far from Glasgow.

We hope this list of top golf courses in Scotland will inspire your travels to our bonnie country. We’re always adding to our inspirational travel planning information, so make sure to come back for more insider insights! 

Are you dreaming of visiting a particular golf course? Let us know so we can craft the perfect tailor-made custom tour of Scotland for you.