Jackson Reid
Scotland is known as the 'Home of Golf' and has over 500 courses to play, including some of the world's most famous and historic courses. Planning a golf trip to Scotland can be a lengthy process, and it's important to start early to avoid disappointment. Many of the marquee courses, such as The Old Course at St. Andrews, release their tee times in the spring of the year prior, and they fill up quickly. When planning a trip, it's best to choose two or three regions to focus on, as the bucket list golf courses are spread across the country. Scotland offers a variety of links courses coupled with picturesque scenery, from the West Coast and Argyle to the famous courses in East Lothian. With so many options, golfers may choose to enlist the services of a golf travel company to help plan their trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Start planning early, especially for marquee courses |
| Courses | St Andrews, Muirfield, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, The Old Course, Royal Dornoch, Machrihanish, Kingsbarns, Turnberry Ailsa Course, Carnoustie |
| Regions | Edinburgh, Fife, Highlands/Inverness, Glasgow, West Coast, Argyle, Isle of Arran |
| Travel | Rent a car to get between courses |
| Accommodation | Book accommodation early, especially B&Bs |
| Costs | Greens fees vary, but can be expensive, e.g. £295 at the Old Course |
| Weather | Unpredictable, can be cold and wet even in June |
| Seasonality | Off-season rates are cheaper, but some courses may not accept visitors |
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What You'll Learn
- Planning your trip: start early, decide on an itinerary and book in advance
- Choosing a course: opt for St Andrews, Turnberry, Carnoustie or a less famous neighbour
- Transport: rent a car, or travel by train and email clubs for tee times
- Accommodation: stay in B&Bs, hotels or golf resorts near courses
- What to expect: unpredictable weather, stunning scenery, friendly locals?
Planning your trip: start early, decide on an itinerary and book in advance
Planning a trip to Scotland to play golf? Lucky you! There's a lot to look forward to, but it's worth starting the planning process early to avoid disappointment.
First, it's worth noting that marquee courses such as The Old Course at St. Andrews, Muirfield, Royal County Down, and Royal Portrush usually release their tee times in the spring of the year before your trip, and they get snapped up quickly. So, if you're planning to visit in 2026, it's best to start planning in early 2025, or even late 2024.
Next, decide on your itinerary. Scotland has a lot to offer golfers, from the famous courses in St Andrews to hidden gems along the coast. If you want to play at several marquee courses, it's best to choose two or three regions to base yourself in, rather than trying to cover the whole country. That way, you can play all the marquee courses in those areas and still have time to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture. For example, you could base yourself in St Andrews and play several courses in the area, or pair a trip to Troon with a visit to "Scotland's Golf Coast". If you want to play world-class bucket-list courses, it's recommended to visit two different regions over seven nights, allowing you to play six world-class rounds of golf while still having time to explore.
When it comes to booking, it's important to be flexible. Midweek rounds or shoulder-season trips can offer better availability and rates. Many of the courses are semi-private clubs that only open a portion of their tee sheets to the public each year, so availability can be limited. It's also worth considering using a golf travel company to help with the planning process, as they can handle everything from tee times to lodging and transportation.
Finally, while it may be tempting to play as much golf as possible, don't forget to take a day off to rest and explore some local attractions.
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Choosing a course: opt for St Andrews, Turnberry, Carnoustie or a less famous neighbour
Choosing a golf course in Scotland can be daunting, with so many world-class options. Three of the most famous courses are St Andrews, Turnberry, and Carnoustie, each offering a unique experience.
St Andrews is known as the "Home of Golf" and is a must-visit destination for any avid golfer. It has hosted The Open multiple times, with its famous Old Course being one of the three used for the annual Dunhill Links. The town itself is steeped in golfing history and boasts several James Braid-designed courses.
Turnberry is another iconic Scottish golf course, offering breathtaking views of the Ayrshire coastline and the Isle of Arran. The course has hosted several Open Championships and is known for its challenging layout and rugged beauty.
Carnoustie Golf Links is a formidable test of golf, having hosted eight Open Championships, including the historic 1953 Open won by Ben Hogan. The Championship Course was voted the Best Golf Course in the World in 2019 and Scotland's Best Golf Course in 2018. Carnoustie also features the Burnside Course, which offers a unique character and a challenging layout, as well as the Buddon Course, which provides a mix of links and parkland golf.
While these three courses are renowned worldwide, Scotland boasts numerous other excellent courses that are worth considering. Neighbouring courses to the famous trio include Kingsbarns, which is also used for the Dunhill Links, offering stunning views along the Fife coastline. The Buddon Course at Carnoustie's neighbour also provides a unique experience, with its links and parkland golf blend.
Ultimately, when choosing a golf course in Scotland, it's hard to go wrong. Whether you opt for the prestige of St Andrews, Turnberry, or Carnoustie, or explore lesser-known neighbours, you're sure to find challenging layouts, stunning scenery, and a rich golfing heritage.
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Transport: rent a car, or travel by train and email clubs for tee times
When it comes to transport, there are a few options for getting around Scotland for a golf trip. One option is to rent a car, which can give you more flexibility to visit courses that are further afield. In the winter, rental cars can be cheaper, at around £50 per day for a good-sized automatic car. However, it's important to note that there are significant distances between some of Scotland's top courses, so even with a rental car, you may need to be selective about which courses you visit.
Another option is to travel by train. This can be a good choice if you're looking to avoid driving in busy city traffic. You can take the train to Stirling or St. Andrews, for example, and then pick up a rental car outside of the city to get to your chosen courses.
When it comes to booking tee times, it's recommended to start planning early, especially if you want to play at one of the marquee courses. These courses often release their tee times in the spring of the year prior to your trip, and they fill up quickly. So, it's best to get started on planning around January of the year before your trip.
For last-minute trips, it's still possible to find tee times, especially at courses around Glasgow and Edinburgh. Emailing the clubs directly can be a successful strategy, and if you're flexible with being paired with other golfers, you may be able to secure a tee time on short notice.
Overall, whether you choose to rent a car or travel by train, with some planning and flexibility, you can enjoy a fantastic golf trip in Scotland.
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Accommodation: stay in B&Bs, hotels or golf resorts near courses
When planning a golfing trip to Scotland, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including B&Bs, hotels, and golf resorts.
Bed and Breakfasts
For a more intimate experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast. Scotland's B&Bs offer a range of options, from cheap and cheerful to luxurious and indulgent. You can find B&Bs with panoramic views, hot tubs, spa baths, and even electric car charging points. Many B&Bs in Scotland also offer extra facilities tailored to golfers, such as off-road parking and storage for golf clubs.
Hotels
If you're looking for more traditional accommodation, there are plenty of stunning golf hotels in Scotland to choose from. These hotels often offer luxurious accommodations and easy access to some of the country's best golf courses. For example, the Marine Troon Hotel, Archerfield, and Fairmont St Andrews are all popular choices for golfers. The Gleneagles Hotel, located just an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, is another famous option, offering not just world-class golf but also a range of other activities.
Golf Resorts
For a more immersive golfing experience, consider staying at a golf resort. The Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf Course and Meldrum House Hotel are popular choices, offering not just great golf but also exceptional food, drinks, and atmosphere. The Schloss Roxburghe Hotel is another excellent option, located on a historic estate with the only championship-standard 18-hole course in the Scottish Borders.
No matter your preference, Scotland has a range of accommodation options to suit your needs, ensuring you can make the most of your golfing trip.
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What to expect: unpredictable weather, stunning scenery, friendly locals
Golfing in Scotland is a unique experience. With over 550 courses to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. The country's long association with the sport—it has been played here since at least the 15th century—is sure to be felt. Scotland is also home to some of the world's most prestigious golf tournaments.
One thing to expect when golfing in Scotland is unpredictable weather. While the country does experience its fair share of storms and rain, the weather can clear just as quickly. One golfer described their experience of a sunny morning at Cruden Bay, with clear skies and no wind, wondering "if I was still in Scotland".
The stunning scenery of Scotland's golf courses is another highlight. The West Links at North Berwick Golf Club offers stunning sea views across to Craigleith Island and Bass Rock. Kingsbarns Golf Links also provides beautiful vistas of the North Sea from almost every part of the course. The Ardfin Estate golf course, meanwhile, is routed across a rugged landscape of peat and rocks, occupying a mainly cliff-top location on either side of Jura House.
Finally, the friendly locals you'll encounter while golfing in Scotland are sure to make your experience memorable. One golfer described playing a round with two young Irishmen, making "new friends" and having a "fun, fast round on a world-class course". So whether you're teeing off at St Andrews, the Home of Golf, or exploring the many other courses Scotland has to offer, you're sure to be greeted with a warm welcome.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start planning your trip around January of the year before your trip. Tee times for marquee courses are usually released in the spring of the year prior, and they don't last long.
Scotland has over 500 golf courses, including St Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns, Muirfield, Carnoustie, Turnberry Ailsa Course, and Royal Dornoch.
The best golf courses in Scotland are spread across the country. It is recommended to choose two or three regions and play the marquee courses within those areas, rather than trying to fit in as many big-name courses as possible.
