Scotland Golf Trips
How to plan your Scotland Golf Tours
Scotland prides itself on being the home of golf. There is evidence in the Scottish nation archives of a receipt for golf balls purchased for King James the IV.
The oldest existing golf course in Scotland is Musselburgh links, which was established in 1672, and in 1754 the famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews was established, and so to was the construction of what is now known as ‘the old course’.
Scotland is home to an abundance of wonderful golf courses. For most, if not all, passionate and enthusiastic golfers, the idea of coming to Scotland to visit the home of this beloved sport is most certainly near to the top of their bucket list. The idea of doing a Scotland Golf tour would be a lifetime ambition.
Planning your Scotland golf trips
Making the most of your time when planning your trip is important. One of the key questions you’re likely to have is – should I do St Andrews at the beginning or at the end of my Scotland Golf tour? In all honesty, St Andrews is a ‘must’ for all golfers.
To put your name down for a round at the Old Course and posting your ballot with the hopes of playing on this iconic course would be a dream come true.
The next question is likely to be…where should I go next on my Scotland Golf trip?
Heartland Travel has compiled a list of some of the best golfing experiences in Scotland and we have star rated them from 1 to 5.
Golf course reviews
The historic Ailsa course at Turnberry situated on the west coast of Scotland 40 minutes’ drive from Glasgow has hosted four Open Championships including the famous 1977 “duel in the sun between” Nicklaus and Watson.
Frequently ranked in the top 10 of the Top 100 World Golf Courses, the views at Turnberry across the Firth of Clyde towards Arran and the Ailsa Craig are both breath-taking and ever-changing due to the changing winds and waves crashing into the craggy headland.
Recent changes to the course have only enhanced the challenge and beauty of this stunning course ensuring it remains a must-play golf course for visitors to Scotland.
We give this 5 stars
Situated 20 miles East of Edinburgh, Gullane Golf Club has three immaculate courses all featuring links turf and quality all-year-round greens.
The signature course, Gullane 1, has been host to the Scottish Open and to the final qualifying for the Open Championship on many occasions.
With fabulous views across the Firth of Forth towards Fife, links bunkers and firm greens it is a real challenge for all standards of golfer and with being less than 1 hours’ drive from Edinburgh Airport, it is a perfect venue to start off your golf tour of Scotland.
We give this 3 stars
Ancient course in superb condition. A real golfing challenge with some clever bunkering. Long par 4’s and some of the best greens in the world.
The views are spectacular and the rough is tough. Deep rough starts at 6 ft and after the first cut you really need to be accurate as the fairways are narrow. The clubhouse there is fantastic.
A very tough course for an amateur but extremely enjoyable. A must to add to your Scotland Golf tours.
We give this 4 Stars
This is Scotland’s greatest golf course. Visually stunning and a real treat to golf. It is a brilliant modern links coursed and is now on the bucket list for all golfers from across the world.
You get a taste of everything, seaside fairways, par 3s over rocks, one of the best par 5s in Europe. You should definitely include this on your Scotland golf tours.
We give this 5 stars
Third oldest play golf course in the world. This fabulous location is the best of the old links courses in Scotland. The course itself is located in the far north, but any serious golfer should make the pilgrimage at least once as part of their Scotland golf trips.
We give this 5 Stars
The 18 hole is so player friendly to suit every level of golfer. Always kept in immaculate tournament condition. Relax in the clubhouse with a drink and food being served of the highest quality at very reasonable prices.
This is a real gem and again, should not be missed. It would be a real winner on your Scotland golf tours.
We give this a respectable 3 stars
A fantastic location. The golf course is up there with the best in Scotland with some memorable, if not iconic, holes. The staff at the resort from greenkeepers at the golf course to the receptionist at the hotel are wonderful.
Machrihanish Dunes is worth visiting and we are proud to have this on our list of Scotland golf tours.
We give this 4 stars
This is a great golf club and course. High quality without any snobbery. One of the best links courses you can play, especially the stretch of 9 down the beach side.
A real sweet spot to include on your Scotland golf trips. Great staff, very hospitable. Brilliantly laid out.
We give this 3 stars
Blairgowrie has three top quality Championship courses nestled in the wonderful Perthshire countryside.
Often featured in Scotland’s Top 100 rankings, the quality of these fairways is truly exceptional.
When hitting from the fairway, every detail has been meticulously considered in order to provide an enjoyable and memorable round of golf.
The green keepers pride themselves on the condition and presentation of our courses. A real lesser known gem to have on your Scotland golf tours.
Need we say more. This course is truly considered the home of golf. Not the hardest course you will play, especially when the weather is nice, but the history and prestige around this course makes it a must play.
It’s worth it just for the 1st, 17th and 18th. I recommend hiring a caddy, they are excellent and should be include in your Scotland golf trips.
We give it 4 stars
A first-class golf course with great views of Edinburgh. Course layout is well thought out, and the greens are in great condition. Clubhouse facilities are good – the staff are efficient and welcoming. Definitely worth visiting on our Scotland golf tours.
We give it 3 stars
The oldest playing golf course in the world. If you have time, just for fun, play this course. It is only 9 holes and for the best experience, hire a set of hickory clubs and put on your plus fours and you can now tell everyone you have played the oldest course on the planet as part of your Scotland golf trips.
We give it a 1 star, but a MUST on your Sotland golf trips
The next steps on planning your Scotland golf tours
Private, bespoke tour of Scotland
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