Scottish Courses Climb World Rankings
Golf is deeply rooted in Scotland’s heritage, its historic and pristine courses serving as a mecca for golfers worldwide. The new biennial Golf Digest World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses list has recognised the undeniable allure and quality of Scottish golf clubs, showcasing them prominently in its rankings. We congratulate the impressive performance of these Scottish gems and we are delighted to see many of our Scotland Where Golf Began members climb the list.
Scotland Where Golf Began celebrates Scotland's undisputed contribution to the game of golf. It highlights courses the length and breadth of the country, many of which have been integral to the sport's development. We are thrilled that this year’s rankings reflect the continued excellence of these courses.
Nairn Golf Club Championship Course
GOLF DIGEST WORLD’S 100 GREATEST GOLF COURSES
Scottish HIGHLIGHTS
95. Nairn Golf Club (new entry)
Nairn Golf Club, located in the Scottish Highlands, has made a notable entrance at the 95th position. Known for its challenging seaside layout and breathtaking views of the Moray Firth, Nairn offers a blend of natural beauty and golfing rigor. The course, established in 1887, has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the Walker Cup.
94. Trump Turnberry King Robert the Bruce (new entry)
Trump Turnberry's King Robert the Bruce course debuts at 94th. This course, named after the legendary Scottish king, is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and intricate design. Turnberry's storied past and its blend of tradition with modern enhancements make it a standout destination.
91. St. Andrews Links New Course (new entry)
The New Course at St. Andrews Links enters the rankings at 91st. Often overshadowed by its illustrious neighbor, the Old Course, the New Course offers a pure links experience with undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging greens. Designed by Old Tom Morris, it stands as a testament to classic Scottish golf.
78. Western Gailes Golf Club (up 20 places)
Western Gailes Golf Club has risen 20 places to 78th. This historic club, founded in 1897, is celebrated for its demanding links layout set against the backdrop of the Ayrshire coast. Its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and tricky greens present a stern test for golfers of all levels.
Western Gailes Golf Club
67. Loch Lomond Golf Club (down 11 places)
Loch Lomond Golf Club, though dropping to 67th from 56th, remains a jewel in Scotland's golfing crown. Nestled by the serene Loch Lomond, the course is known for its parkland style, stunning scenery, and impeccable conditioning. Its exclusivity and luxury make it a bucket-list destination.
61. Prestwick Golf Club (up 28 places)
Prestwick Golf Club's leap to 61st from 89th is a testament to its historical significance and enduring quality. As the birthplace of The Open Championship, Prestwick’s storied past is complemented by its distinctive layout featuring blind shots, deep bunkers, and a challenging closing stretch.
56. Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course (up 3 places)
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club's Balgownie course has moved up to 56th from 59th. Esteemed for its rugged natural beauty and challenging links design, the course offers a true test of golf, with its undulating fairways and fast, tricky greens.
52. Machrihanish Golf Club (up 12 places)
Machrihanish Golf Club’s ascent to 52nd from 64th highlights its unique charm. Located on the Kintyre Peninsula, the course is famed for its stunning opening hole, which requires a drive over the Atlantic Ocean. The course’s natural, unspoiled beauty and strategic design elements make it a favourite among purists.
51. Castle Stuart Golf Links (up 21 places)
Castle Stuart Golf Links has made significant strides, moving up to 51st from 72nd. With its breathtaking views over the Moray Firth, this modern links course combines strategic bunkering and wide fairways to offer a memorable golfing experience.
Castle Stuart Golf Links
34. Trump International Golf Links (up 33 places)
Trump International Golf Links has surged to 34th from a tie at 67th. This course, located near Aberdeen, is known for its dramatic dunes, extensive bunkering, and impeccable conditioning. Its challenging layout and spectacular scenery have earned it a place among the world's best.
28. Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course (up 25 places)
Royal Troon Golf Club’s Old Course has climbed to 28th from 53rd. As a regular Open Championship venue, Troon’s reputation is built on its tough, windswept links, particularly the infamous 8th hole, "Postage Stamp," which is one of the shortest yet most challenging par threes in golf.
22. Kingsbarns Golf Links (up 24 places)
Kingsbarns Golf Links has risen to 22nd from 46th. This modern classic, situated along the Fife coast, is renowned for its stunning seaside views and meticulously designed holes. Kingsbarns offers a unique blend of traditional links elements with contemporary playability.
21. Cruden Bay Golf Club (up 30 places)
Cruden Bay Golf Club’s rise to 21st from 51st underscores its unique appeal. The course, with its dramatic North Sea views and quirky, character-filled holes, offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and immensely enjoyable.
16. Carnoustie Golf Links Championship Course (up 8 places)
Carnoustie Golf Links’ Championship Course has moved up to 16th from 24th. Known as one of the toughest courses in the world, Carnoustie’s demanding layout, with its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and thick rough, provides a stern test for even the best golfers.
Carnoustie Golf Links
9. North Berwick Golf Club (up 14 places)
North Berwick Golf Club’s remarkable climb to 9th from 23rd is a testament to its unique character and charm. The course, with its historic roots and distinctive holes like the "Redan," offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and memorable.
8. Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course (up 5 places)
Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa course has risen to 8th from 13th. This iconic course, with its breathtaking views of the Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, offers a challenging yet fair test of golf. The recent renovations have further enhanced its reputation as one of the world's finest.
6. Muirfield (up 1 place)
Muirfield’s slight rise to 6th from 7th reaffirms its status as one of the world’s greatest courses. Known for its immaculate conditioning and strategic layout, Muirfield has hosted sixteen Open Championships and is revered for its challenging yet fair design.
3. The Old Course at St Andrews (up 6 places)
The Old Course at St. Andrews has ascended to 3rd from 9th. As the birthplace of golf, the Old Course is steeped in history and tradition. Its unique layout, with shared fairways and double greens, provides a distinctive and challenging golfing experience.
2. Royal Dornoch Golf Club Championship Course (up 1 place)
Royal Dornoch Golf Club’s Championship Course has impressively risen to 2nd from 3rd. Renowned for its natural beauty and challenging design, Royal Dornoch offers a pure links experience with its undulating fairways, plateau greens, and stunning coastal views.
Royal Dornoch Championship Course
The success of Scottish golf clubs in the Golf Digest World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses is a verification of the country’s rich golf heritage and the enduring quality of its courses. From historic venues like St. Andrews and Prestwick to modern classics like Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart, Scotland offers a diverse and unparalleled golfing experience. As the birthplace of golf, Scotland continues to set the standard for excellence in the sport, attracting golfers from around the world to its legendary links. The rise of these clubs in the rankings not only showcases their individual merits but also cements Scotland’s reputation as the ultimate golf destination.