The most iconic course in the world, the Old Course is steeped in history, featuring massive double greens, the notorious “Hell Bunker,” and the Swilcan Bridge. It is a public course, but its “bucket list” status makes tee times a prize. To stay in the heart of the action, book the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, which overlooks the famous 17th “Road Hole” and offers five-star luxury with views of the North Sea.

Home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is often cited as the fairest and best-designed Open Championship venue, featuring two loops of nine that play in opposite directions. It is famous for its traditional atmosphere and world-class lunch. Stay nearby at Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux, an elegant Edwardian country house designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens that sits right on the edge of the course and provides an aristocratic “stay and play” feel.

This is “quirky” golf at its absolute best, featuring stone walls in the middle of fairways, blind shots, and the original “Redan” par-3. It is a pure, fun-filled links experience where the sea is in play on almost every hole. For a chic coastal stay, The Marine North Berwick offers a beautifully renovated Victorian grand hotel experience with a spa and a high-end restaurant overlooking the Firth of Forth.

A “modern classic,” Kingsbarns was built in 2000 but feels as though it has been there for centuries. It is a dramatic, tiered links where you can see the North Sea from every single hole. Since it is only six miles from St Andrews, the Rusacks St Andrews is a fantastic choice, providing a trendy, upscale boutique experience with a rooftop bar that overlooks the 1st and 18th of the Old Course.

A visually stunning modern links, Castle Stuart features wide fairways and a backdrop of the Moray Firth and the 17th-century Castle Stuart. It is designed to be playable and fun for all levels while remaining a championship test. For a refined stay nearby, Ness Walk in Inverness offers five-star luxury on the banks of the River Ness, combining Highland charm with modern elegance.

Located in the far north, Royal Dornoch is a spellbinding natural links that many pros, including Tom Watson, consider the most fun they’ve ever had playing golf. Its elevated “upturned saucer” greens and wild, yellow gorse make it as beautiful as it is challenging. For a stay with direct access, the Royal Golf Hotel is situated just yards from the first tee, offering classic Highland hospitality and views over the Dornoch Firth.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Ailsa Craig and a lighthouse, the Ailsa Course is perhaps the most scenic links in the world, famously hosting the 1977 “Duel in the Sun.” The course was recently redesigned to bring several holes right to the cliff’s edge. You should stay on-site at the Trump Turnberry Resort, a palatial hilltop hotel that defines luxury in the West of Scotland and features an incredible spa.

Widely regarded as the “toughest” course on the Open rota, “Car-nasty” is a relentless test of accuracy and nerves, especially the closing three holes. It is a flat but punishing layout that demands respect. The most convenient lodging is the Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa, which is located directly behind the 18th green and offers rooms with spectacular views of the course’s daunting finish.

Host of the 2024 Open Championship, Royal Troon features the “Postage Stamp,” one of the most famous and shortest par-3s in golf. The back nine is notoriously difficult, playing back into the prevailing wind. Stay at the Marine Troon, a grand Victorian hotel that overlooks the 1st and 18th fairways and offers a sophisticated base for exploring the Ayrshire “Golf Coast.”

The only non-links course on this list, the Kings Course is a “moorland” masterpiece designed by James Braid. It offers a majestic Highland setting with fairways that wind through ridges and valleys. You must stay at The Gleneagles Hotel, a legendary “Riviera in the Highlands” that provides world-class dining (including the 2-Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie), falconry, and a world-renowned spa.

The Old Course at St Andrews sits atop every golfer’s list because of its history and the unique experience of playing where the game began. Beyond that, your must play list depends on what you value. Muirfield in East Lothian is widely considered the fairest test of links golf and hosts The Open regularly.

The Old Course operates primarily through a daily ballot system for non local golfers, accepting entries up to 48 hours before your desired play date. You enter online through the St Andrews Links website, and results come out around 4pm two days prior. Success rates vary wildly by season, July and August are toughest while May, June, and September offer better odds

May and early June offer your best combination of decent weather and manageable crowds, with average temperatures around 14 to 17 degrees and increasing daylight. September runs a close second with similar conditions, dramatic light for photography, and purple heather blooming across courses.

Absolutely, though choosing your courses carefully makes a huge difference to enjoyment levels. Championship links like Carnoustie or Muirfield will punish beginners relentlessly and the slow pace might frustrate other groups. However, Scotland has hundreds of welcoming courses perfect for developing golfers.