10 Must-Play Golf Courses in Scotland
Scotland is the birthplace of golf, a country where the game’s history and tradition are deeply rooted in every blade of grass. From historic links that have hosted the greatest tournaments in the world to hidden gems that offer unique challenges, Scotland is a dream destination for golfers of all abilities. If you’re planning the ultimate golfing pilgrimage, here are the top 10 must-play courses in Scotland that should be at the very top of your bucket list.
1. St Andrews Old Course (Fife)
No bucket list would be complete without the Old Course at St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” This iconic course has been in play for over 600 years, making it the oldest golf course in the world. Walking these hallowed fairways is an experience steeped in history, where you can feel the weight of every major championship that’s been contested here.
Bucket-List Highlights: Crossing the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole, tackling the infamous Road Hole (17th), and soaking in the atmosphere of the historic town of St Andrews.
Insider Tip: The Old Course ballot system offers a chance to secure tee times, but planning early or booking through an authorised provider is highly recommended.
2. Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Highlands)
Ranked among the world’s best courses, Royal Dornoch is an unforgettable golfing experience in the Scottish Highlands. Its Championship Course features wild, natural links terrain with breathtaking views over the Dornoch Firth.
Bucket-List Highlights: The elevated greens and sweeping vistas on almost every hole. The 14th hole, “Foxy,” is one of the best par-4s in the world, with no bunkers but a series of humps and hollows to challenge your strategy.
Insider Tip: Combine your round at Royal Dornoch with a visit to nearby Brora Golf Club for a quintessential Highland golfing getaway.
3. Carnoustie Golf Links (Angus)
Known as “Golf’s Greatest Test,” Carnoustie is a course that demands precision, patience, and resilience. Its Championship Course is one of the toughest Open venues, with punishing rough, deep bunkers, and the infamous Barry Burn that winds through several key holes.
Bucket-List Highlights: The brutal closing stretch, particularly the par-4 18th, which has ended many Open dreams. The sense of accomplishment after conquering this legendary course is unparalleled.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Carnoustie Performance Centre’s museum, which tells the story of the course’s rich history and its role in The Open Championship.
4. Muirfield (East Lothian)
Muirfield is one of Scotland’s most prestigious courses and a favorite of many professionals, known for its impeccable design and strategic challenge. Host to 16 Open Championships, it’s a bucket-list course for anyone seeking the ultimate test of their golfing abilities.
Bucket-List Highlights: The perfectly crafted layout, with a unique clockwise and counterclockwise routing for the front and back nines. The club’s storied history and atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience.
Insider Tip: Muirfield is a private club, but visitors are welcome on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Book well in advance, and consider enjoying the traditional lunch in the clubhouse.
5. Turnberry Ailsa Course (Ayrshire)
With its stunning coastal views and dramatic layout, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry is one of the most picturesque courses in the world. The course was redesigned by Martin Ebert to enhance its natural beauty and challenge, and it’s consistently ranked among the top courses globally.
Bucket-List Highlights: The iconic lighthouse, which doubles as a halfway house, and the breathtaking stretch of holes along the coastline. The par-3 9th hole is a showstopper, requiring a tee shot over the rocks and waves below.
Insider Tip: Stay at the luxurious Turnberry Resort to fully immerse yourself in the experience, with world-class amenities and stunning views of the course and the Isle of Arran.
6. Kingsbarns Golf Links (Fife)
Located just outside St Andrews, Kingsbarns is a modern classic that feels like it’s been part of the Scottish landscape for centuries. This links masterpiece combines stunning coastal scenery with a player-friendly design that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels.
Bucket-List Highlights: The par-3 15th hole, which plays directly along the sea, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes every visitor feel like a member.
Insider Tip: Kingsbarns is part of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship rotation, so playing here lets you walk in the footsteps of the pros.
7. Prestwick Golf Club (Ayrshire)
Prestwick is where The Open Championship was born, hosting the inaugural event in 1860. This historic course offers a quirky and memorable round, with blind shots, deep bunkers, and unique holes that reflect the game’s origins.
Bucket-List Highlights: The iconic 1st hole, which plays alongside the railway line, and the famous “Cardinal Bunker” on the 3rd hole. The sense of history at Prestwick is palpable.
Insider Tip: Take time to visit the small museum in the clubhouse, which chronicles Prestwick’s role in shaping golf’s history.
8. Royal Troon Golf Club (Ayrshire)
Royal Troon Golf Club is one of the jewels in Scotland’s golfing crown and a favorite among Open Championship venues. The Old Course at Royal Troon combines breathtaking views of the Ayrshire coastline with a challenging layout that rewards precision and strategy. Founded in 1878, this historic links course has hosted The Open nine times, most recently in 2016, when Henrik Stenson triumphed in a dramatic duel with Phil Mickelson.
Bucket-List Highlights: The par-3 8th hole, “Postage Stamp,” is one of the most iconic and challenging short holes in the world, measuring just 123 yards but protected by deep bunkers and swirling coastal winds. The back nine is famously tough, with the inward holes often playing into the prevailing wind, demanding accuracy and resilience.
Insider Tip: If you want a full Troon experience, pair your round on the Old Course with a visit to the Portland Course, a shorter but equally enjoyable challenge. End your visit with a meal in the clubhouse, where you can soak in the rich history of this prestigious club.
9. Gleneagles (King’s Course)
While Gleneagles is best known for hosting the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup on its PGA Centenary Course, the King’s Course is a must-play for any golfer. Designed by James Braid, this inland masterpiece offers rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and stunning views of the Perthshire countryside.
Bucket-List Highlights: The par-3 5th hole, “Het Girdle,” with its panoramic views, and the perfectly manicured layout that feels like a walk through golfing paradise.
Insider Tip: Extend your stay at the Gleneagles Hotel to enjoy its world-class dining, spa, and other activities, like falconry and horseback riding.
10. Cruden Bay Golf Club (Aberdeenshire)
Cruden Bay is a true linksland gem that offers one of the most scenic and enjoyable rounds of golf in Scotland. Its dramatic dunes, quirky holes, and breathtaking coastal views make it a favorite for those seeking a unique and unforgettable golfing experience.
Bucket-List Highlights: The blind approach shot on the par-4 14th hole, “Blin’ Dunt,” and the elevated tee shot on the par-3 16th hole, “The Valley.”
Insider Tip: Stay in the nearby village of Cruden Bay and explore the ruins of Slains Castle, said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
From the historic fairways of St Andrews to the dramatic coastline of Turnberry, Scotland’s top courses offer a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and history. Each course on this bucket list provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
Whether you’re drawn by the lure of The Open Championship venues or the charm of lesser-known layouts, Scotland is truly the ultimate destination for golfers.
Discover more about these bucket-list courses by clicking the links to their websites, or for assistance with reservations, check out our partner golf tour operators.
So pack your clubs, prepare for all kinds of weather, and get ready to embark on the golfing adventure of a lifetime.