Explored: The best golf courses in Scotland

Scotland is known as ‘the home of golf’ and, over the years, huge chunks of the country’s rugged landscape have been transformed into some of the most renowned luscious greens in the world. In fact, Scotland has gone crazy for the sport with hundreds of courses covering the land. Here is a guide to the best golf courses in Scotland to help sort the eagles from the bogies!

St Andrews

No ‘Best Of’ list would be complete if it did not include St Andrews (pictured above). The course is packed with history and has become a Mecca for golf pilgrims. St Andrews has played host to more championships than any other course in the world. Players need to provide a handicap certificate before they book a round. Men need a minimum of a 24 handicap and for the ladies the all important figure is 36. So practice that swing as anyone who considers themselves a true fan of the sport should add St Andrews to their bucket list. Low season green fees weigh in at £75 rising to £155 during high season. For off the green entertainment, there is West Sands beach, the castle, the cathedral, the university’s museum or even day trip to Dundee.

Kingsbarns

Further south along the coast from St Andrews is Kingsbarns. Compared to St Andrews, this course is the new kid on the block but don’t let that deter you! In 2000, it was completely redesigned to carve out a very exciting course! Kingsbarns is strikingly beautiful with ever present sea views. However, all this comes at a price and one round will set you back £195. If you decide to play again within one week, the second round is reduced to £97. Juniors get a much better rate at £60.

Carnoustie

Want a really test your talents? Carnoustie is believed to be one of the most challenging courses Scotland has to offer. The course is often referred to as ‘Carnasty’ as making a mistake here can be costly. At Carnoustie, the emphasis is all about technique and skill, hence the minimum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for women. The Championship course costs £147 for adults and £73.50 for 14 to 18 year olds. Carnoustie offers two further courses (Buddon and Burnside) which are great for golfing families. On these greens, adults will pay no more than £40 and under 14 year olds are permitted to play for as little as £5. Off the course, the surrounding area has plenty to keep everyone entertained with Glamis Castle and Barry Mill nearby.

Royal Troon

With a slightly lower handicap limit than St Andrews and Carnoustie (20 for men and 30 for women), Royal Troon still offers a good challenge due to a strong sea breeze. The 128 yard ‘postage stamp’ eighth hole is the shortest in any Open Championship course, whereas the 601 yards of the sixth hole is the longest. Royal Troon remains the first and last golf course to receive royal patronage since the queen came to the throne. Enjoy the course’s great views over the Isle of Arran. Once the round is finished, investigate the atmospheric Dundonald Castle, Somerset Park or Scottish Maritime Museum. Only open three days a week, a round on the Championship and Portland course costs £180 between April and September.

As these are some of the best Scottish golf courses around with highly regarded international reputations, it is always best to book your tee-times way in advance. All the mentioned courses are near good campsites with great facilities and are conveniently located close to public transport. Now all you need to do is head out in search of that elusive hole in one, or if you’re unlucky, that elusive ball in the rough!

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