The Best Golf Courses In Scotland

Are you looking for the perfect destination for your next golf break? Well, look no further. What better place for a golf holiday than the home of golf itself? Book yourself a trip to Scotland and enjoy nothing less than stunning scenery and top-quality golf. Check out our list of the best golf courses in Scotland and take your pick.

 

The PGA Centenary Course, Perth and Kinross

 

Described by Jack Nicklaus as ‘the finest parcel of land in the world I’ve been given to work with’, the PGA Centenary Course is regarded as one of his greatest golfing masterpieces and one of the top golf courses in Scotland. The magnificent championship course has staged multiple esteemed golf events, including the Ryder Cup 2014 and Solheim Cup 2019. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind golf experience at The PGA Centenary Course with a stern challenge of golfing ability paired with breathtaking countryside views.

 

The King’s Course, Perth and Kinross

 

Designed by famous golf architect, James Braid, The King’s Course opened its doors in 1919 and is one of most exciting golf courses in Scotland. Players can enjoy spectacular views of the Ochil Hills and peaks of Ben Vorlich; a serene backdrop for a relaxing game of golf. Don’t let the peaceful surroundings fool you as this championship course serves up a real test of golf with tricky holes weaving through natural hollows, water hazards and tree-lined fairways. The King’s Course has hosted a variety of tournaments, including The Scottish Open and the first ever British and US pros in 1921, which is now known as the Ryder Cup, the world’s largest golf tournament.

 

The Queen’s Course, Perth and Kinross

 

Follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest golf legends at The Queen’s Course, including the likes of Connery, Ballesteros, Norman, Watson and Crosby. The Queen’s Course is set among beautiful pine forests and rolling hills, offering stunning views across the track. With multiple dog-leg holes, hidden greens and a south-westerly wind, The Queen’s Course requires a high level of golfing precision and a keen eye for detail. Think you’ve got what it takes? Book a trip to The Gleneagles Hotel and test your skills on the PGA Centenary, Queen’s and King’s Courses!

Alisa Course, Ayr

 

Located in the luxury Trump Turnberry Golf Resort, Alisa Course is perhaps one of the most famous golf courses in Scotland included on our list. In 2017, the entire resort underwent a colossal renovation worth over £200 million to create the second-to-none championship course that exists today. The Alisa has played host to the Open Championship on multiple occasions and is a popular choice for many esteemed golf players, such as Watson, Norman and Price – to name a few. Situated on the enchanting Ayr coast, Alisa Course boasts fantastic views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. So, if you’re searching for a lavish golfing experience by the ocean, Alisa Course could be the perfect place for you.

 

Buddon Course, Angus

 

Regarded as one of the most beautiful links courses in the UK, Buddon Course is a must-visit on your next trip to Scotland. Built on the former Ministry of Defence land, Buddon Course is known for its historic location and fabulous scenery, and each hole is named after significant battles or military events. Throughout the course, players will experience tree-lined fairways and natural water hazards, as well as wide-open links, making for a diverse game. Book yourself into the Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa and swing your club on Buddon Course.

Championship East Course, Edinburgh

 

Located in Edinburgh and set across a superb 1,000 acre parkland estate, The Championship East Course offers a traditional golfing experience like no other. Aside from gorgeous views of Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Bridges, the 18-hole course offers a challenging game for golfers of all abilities. The course was designed by James Braid to meet championship standards and, as such, has hosted its fair share of tournaments since opening, including the Scottish Seniors Open and Solheim Cup. Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club offers a comfortable stay with relaxing spa facilities and rounds at the Championship East Course.

 

Craigielaw Golf Course, East Lothian

 

Set along the picturesque Scottish coast, The Craigielaw Golf Course was designed by Donald Steel and features deep bunkers, undulating greens and challenging holes. Since opening in 2001, the magnificent 18-hole championship course has hosted a selection of golfing events, including the 2006 Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship. Players can enjoy brilliant coastal views across the course, looking out over the Firth of Forth and Gullane Hill. Stay at The Lodge at Craigielaw and enjoy rounds of golf at Craigielaw Golf Course.

 

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Championship Golf Course, Edinburgh (Scottish Borders)

 

Located not far from Edinburgh, Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Championship Golf Course is another of our top picks of the top golf courses in Scotland. The course was designed by none other than Dave Thomas, former Ryder Cup player and renowned Welsh golf course architect. Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Championship Golf is a mature parkland and woodland course that features large bunkers and narrow greens which all flow seamlessly with the natural contours of the land. Enjoy a true golfers’ paradise with modern accommodation, luxury spa facilities and rounds at the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Championship Golf Course at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa.

 

Spey Valley Championship Golf Course, Highlands

 

Spey Valley Championship Golf Course has been voted one of the best golf courses in Scotland and it’s easy to see why. Boasting the most breathtaking views across the Scottish Highlands, Spey Valley Championship Golf Course combines natural beauty and challenging golf, making it a popular choice for esteemed golf tournaments and charity events, including the European Challenge Tour’s Scottish Hydro Challenge. Trailing through Caledonian pines and water hazards, players will require high golfing accuracy to master  the course. Book a trip to Macdonald Aviemore Hotel and give it a go for yourself.

Meldrum Golf Course, Aberdeenshire

 

Designed by Graeme Webster, Meldrum Golf Course is one of the most beautiful parkland courses in Scotland. Set among enchanting woodlands with ample water features, dog-legs and tricky bunkers with 5 different tee positions, golfers of any level can put their skills to the test at Meldrum Golf Course. So, if you’re searching for a traditional golf holiday, book a trip to Meldrum House Country Hotel and stay in the 800-year-old 13th century manor house for a truly unique experience.

Browse our selection of golf holidays in Scotland or get in touch with our golf travel experts for more information.