THE TRIPS
Eight ways to play Scotland.
From the Open Rota to the Islands - Pick your itinerary.
TRIP 01 · THE OPEN ROTA
The Ultimate Trip
Six legendary names. The places every serous golfer shouldaim to play at least once.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"Play it like the members — fourballs in the morning, an incredible lunch in the clubhouse, then afternoon foursomes."
COURSE 01 · OPEN ROTA
£395 · 18 holes · £605 · 36 holes
Muirfield
The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers — 35 minutes from Edinburgh. Sixteen Opens, eleven Amateur Championships, the Ryder, Walker and Curtis Cups, and the 2022 AIG Women's Open. A legendary venue with a unique concentric layout, widely considered one of the fairest tests of links golf in the world.
LOCAL TIP
"If you don't have a guaranteed time, enter the 48-hour ballot or join the singles queue at the Pavilion well before sunrise. The Dunvegan pub is roughly a pitching wedge from the 18th green — you'll want one after."
COURSE 02 · THE HOME OF GOLF
£320 · high season · £210 · shoulder · £160 · low
St Andrews — Old Course
The oldest and most prestigious golf course in the world. The Open has been played here 30 times. The Swilcan Bridge, the Road Hole, the Valley of Sin — every iconic landmark in golf is on this course. The most coveted tee time in the world.
LOCAL TIP
"The Postage Stamp is only 123 yards, but anything off the green is a disaster. Aim for the centre, regardless of the pin."
COURSE 03 · OPEN ROTA
£340 · per round
Royal Troon — Old Course
Founded 1878 in South Ayrshire, southwest of Glasgow. Nine Opens hosted, plus the 2024 Open. The 11th — the par-3 "Railway" — is regularly named one of the toughest holes in golf. The 8th — the par-3 "Postage Stamp" — is one of the most famous.
LOCAL TIP
"The halfway hut is a converted lighthouse. Take the time to enjoy it — there's nowhere else like it in golf."
COURSE 04 · OPEN ROTA
£495–£650 · non-resident peak season
Turnberry — Ailsa
Spectacular doesn't really cover it. Views to Arran, Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre and on clear days, Ireland. Four Opens hosted, including Tom Watson's near-miss in 2009 at age 59. The course was extensively remodelled a few years ago — the changes are excellent. Plays through the ruins of Turnberry Castle, where (legend has it) Robert the Bruce was born in 1274.
LOCAL TIP
"Visit the Rookery Restaurant at Links House after your round for a fantastic view of the 18th green you just survived."
COURSE 05 · OPEN ROTA
£360 · high season · £249 · April
Carnoustie — Championship
Designed 180 years ago by Allan Robertson with help from Old Tom Morris. Eight Opens hosted, plus the Women's British Open and Senior Open. Widely regarded as the toughest course on the Open rota — known to professionals as "Carnasty" for a reason.
LOCAL TIP
"Take a caddie. Between the Cardinal bunker and the blind Himalayas shot, you need a guide to navigate the history."
COURSE 06 · OPEN ROTA · WHERE IT BEGAN
£270 · weekdays · £300 · Sundays
Prestwick
Where the Open Championship was born. Played here 24 times — more than any other course. Designed by Old Tom Morris on land where golf had already been played for years. Iconic and quirky: blind shots, railway boundaries, the Cardinal bunker, the Himalayas.
TRIP 02 · OFF THE OPEN ROTA
The Hidden Gems Trip.
The courses every working caddie tells visitors about. Less famous than the Open Rota, no less brilliant.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"The par-3 15th requires a carry over the sea. If the wind is up, don't be afraid to take two extra clubs and aim left."
COURSE 01 · TOP 100 IN THE WORLD
£418 · per round (2025/26)
Kingsbarns
Near St Andrews. Commonly ranked in the Top 100 golf courses in the world. Hosts the Alfred Dunhill Links alongside Carnoustie and St Andrews. Originally opened in 1793, redesigned and re-established several times — and the only Scottish course built on links land in the last 70 years.
LOCAL TIP
"Tie in a trip to Dornoch with a stop at one of the local distilleries — Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair are all within 20 minutes."
COURSE 02 · KING OF SCOTTISH LINKS
£280 · high season
Royal Dornoch — Championship
The club is 145 years old. The Championship course was designed by Old Tom Morris and sits on the Dornoch Firth. Often called "the King of Scottish Links" — if it were closer to central Scotland, it'd be on the Open rota. Don't be put off by the location. You'll regret not making the trip.
LOCAL TIP
"Take a local caddie. Arguably the best in Scotland — I might know one."
COURSE 03 · MY PICK
£385–£395 · high season
Castle Stuart
Now part of Cabot Highlands. Designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, hugging the shoreline of the Moray Firth. Where Phil Mickelson won the Scottish Open the week before lifting the Claret Jug at Muirfield. On-site lodges available for stay-and-play packages.
LOCAL TIP
"Book a 36-hole 'Castle & Petty' ticket to be among the first to experience both courses in one trip."
COURSE 04 · NEW IN MAY 2026
£385 · standard · £695 · 36-hole Castle & Petty package
Old Petty
The newest must-play in Scotland. Tom Doak's design at Cabot Highlands officially opens 15th May 2026 — debuted at No. 34 in Golf World's Scotland Top 100 during preview play last summer. A different beast to Castle Stuart: rolling inland over old farmland, with the 400-year-old castle and Old Petty Church woven into the routing.
TRIP 03 · EDINBURGH
The Edinburgh Trip
Five East Lothian courses, all within 45 minutes of the city. The most concentrated stretch of links golf in Scotland — and base camp is one of Europe's great cities.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"On the 13th ('Pit'), your approach has to clear a literal stone wall to reach the green. Trust your yardage."
COURSE 01 · EAST LOTHIAN
£230 · high season
North Berwick
The 13th oldest golf club in the world — and the first to admit female members. Spectacular links with views of the Firth of Forth, Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra. Has hosted Open Championship final qualifying and major amateur events.
LOCAL TIP
"Arguably the best golfing facility near Edinburgh. Like St Andrews — the main course gets the plaudits, but No. 2 is brilliant in its own right."
COURSE 02 · 54 HOLES
£260 · weekday · £300 · weekend
Gullane
Three courses suited to all abilities, with some of the best facilities in the area. Home to the Scottish Open and the Ladies Scottish Open. Views over Aberlady Bay, the Fife coast and the Lomond Hills. If you have time, play more than one.
LOCAL TIP
"Traditional Scottish links, old clubhouse, limited practice facilities — but a brilliant golf course. Starts with two par 5s, then never lets you forget the sea."
COURSE 03 · OLD TOM MORRIS
£130–£160 · high season
Dunbar
Established 1857, redesigned by Old Tom Morris in 1894. Records of golf being played in Dunbar go back over 400 years — few Scottish courses can match that. Sea comes into play on numerous holes from the 4th onwards.
LOCAL TIP
"Visitor tee times exist but it's enquiry-based — call ahead and ask. The course is worth the call."
COURSE 04 · MODERN PRIVATE
£350–£450 · enquiry only
Renaissance
One of Scotland's most exclusive private clubs. Hosts the Scottish Open, Scottish Senior Open and Ladies Scottish Open. A few minutes from North Berwick. Modern by Scottish standards but already running with the heavyweights.
LOCAL TIP
"Worth pairing with North Berwick or Gullane on the same trip. The forest course is a genuine change of pace from the rest of East Lothian."
COURSE 05 · TWO COURSES ON SITE
£299 · high season
Archerfield
Two contrasting courses on the same estate — one traditional links, one a mix of pine forest and fast-running links land. Between Gullane and North Berwick, 45 minutes from Edinburgh. Markets itself as "the full Archerfield Experience."
TRIP 04 · GLASGOW
The Glasgow Trip
Where the Open began. Seven Ayrshire courses including three of the most iconic names in the sport — and a few quietly brilliant ones the locals would prefer you didn't know about.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"Quieter and more affordable than the famous Ayrshire names — but every bit as well-conditioned. The kind of course you'll be glad you played."
COURSE 01 · WORLD-CLASS HIDDEN GEM
£240 · high season
Western Gailes
One of the finest links in the game — its reputation has spread worldwide and visitors have included Gary Player and Tom Watson. 45 minutes from Glasgow, in Irvine on the Ayrshire coast.
LOCAL TIP
"Don't let the affordable green fees fool you. This is championship-quality links at half the price of the famous names down the road."
COURSE 02 · OPEN QUALIFIER
£155–£185 · high season
Glasgow Gailes
An Open qualifying course, part of the prestigious Glasgow Golf Club — one of the oldest in the world, established 1787. Has hosted 32 international competitions since 1927. Sits in Ayrshire near both Turnberry and Royal Troon.
LOCAL TIP
"The Postage Stamp is only 123 yards, but anything off the green is a disaster. Aim for the centre, regardless of the pin."
COURSE 03 · OPEN ROTA
£340 · per round
Royal Troon — Old Course
Founded 1878 in South Ayrshire, southwest of Glasgow. Nine Opens hosted, plus the 2024 Open. The 11th — the par-3 "Railway" — is regularly named one of the toughest holes in golf. The 8th — the par-3 "Postage Stamp" — is one of the most famous.
LOCAL TIP
"The halfway hut is a converted lighthouse. Take the time to enjoy it — there's nowhere else like it in golf."
COURSE 04 · OPEN ROTA
£495–£650 · non-resident peak season
Turnberry — Ailsa
Spectacular doesn't really cover it. Views to Arran, Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre and on clear days, Ireland. Four Opens hosted, including Tom Watson's near-miss in 2009 at age 59. The course was extensively remodelled a few years ago — the changes are excellent. Plays through the ruins of Turnberry Castle, where (legend has it) Robert the Bruce was born in 1274.
LOCAL TIP
"If you're playing Royal Troon, Barassie is a 5-minute drive away. Pair them and you've got two rounds of links golf at the best £/round ratio in Ayrshire."
COURSE 5 · 36 HOLES
£120–£150 · high season
Kilmarnock Barassie
36 holes of brilliant links on the outskirts of Troon. Perfect for golfers wanting to properly explore the Ayrshire coastline without the famous-name green fees.
LOCAL TIP
"Take a caddie. Between the Cardinal bunker and the blind Himalayas shot, you need a guide to navigate the history."
COURSE 06 · OPEN ROTA · WHERE IT BEGAN
£270 · weekdays · £300 · Sundays
Prestwick
Where the Open Championship was born. Played here 24 times — more than any other course. Designed by Old Tom Morris on land where golf had already been played for years. Iconic and quirky: blind shots, railway boundaries, the Cardinal bunker, the Himalayas.
LOCAL TIP
"Extremely difficult off the back tees — only for the brave."
COURSE 07 · MODERN LINKS
£235–£275 · high season
Dundonald Links
Designed by Willie Fernie in 1911 — once one of the longest courses in the world. Recent significant investment in a new clubhouse and accommodation facility, both highly rated. West coast of Ayrshire.
TRIP 05 · FIFE
The Fife Trip
The home county of golf. Six courses spanning 460 years of history — from the Open rota to hidden gems most visitors drive past on their way to St Andrews.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"Don't be fooled by the modest length — the wind off the Forth makes club selection a guessing game on every shot."
COURSE 01 · OPEN QUALIFIER
£130–£160 · high season
Lundin Links
Almost unchanged in 100 years. The first five holes are pure traditional links from the clubhouse to the Mile Dyke; the middle nine were designed by James Braid on a mix of links and parkland; the closing four return to traditional links. Has hosted final-stage Open Qualifying. Not long, but it tests every golfer's ability.
LOCAL TIP
"Pair Leven and Lundin in one day. Both clubs are next door to each other and you've got 36 holes of pure links for under £300 combined."
COURSE 02 · NEXT DOOR TO LUNDIN
£90–£120 · high season
Leven Links
Right next door to Lundin. Best stretch of bents and fescues in Scotland according to Golf Monthly's editor — the place in summer to put away the solid ball, leave the wedge in the locker, and hone your chip-and-run game. The 18th, "Scoonie," is fronted by a wide natural water hazard that's claimed many an approach shot.
LOCAL TIP
"The shorter Broomfield course is no slouch on a breezy day. Worth playing both if you've got time — most visitors don't, which is exactly why I send people here."
COURSE 03 · 5TH OLDEST IN THE WORLD
£100–£130 · high season
Montrose
The 5th-oldest golf course in the world — golf has been played here for 460 years. The current 1562 Championship course was finalised in 1913 by Harry Colt, who used the natural dunes brilliantly. A second course (Broomfield, also Colt-designed) sits alongside.
LOCAL TIP
"The detour off the road to or from St Andrews. Add it to a Fife itinerary and you've got an effortless extra round on a course that punches well above its age."
COURSE 04 · NEW BUT INSTANTLY CLASSIC
£350 · high season
Dumbarnie Links
11 miles from St Andrews, on a 345-acre site along Largo Bay. Panoramic views from every hole across the Forth to Muirfield, North Berwick and Edinburgh. Dolphins and seals offshore. New (still bedding in) but immediately playable, and a perfect addition to any St Andrews trip.
LOCAL TIP
"The Centenary gets all the attention because of the Ryder Cup, but the King's and Queen's are arguably more enjoyable. Don't skip them."
COURSE 05 · 3 COURSES, 1 RESORT
£275–£350 · peak season
Gleneagles
One of the great golf resorts in the world. Three championship courses spanning the history of the game: the King's Course (James Braid's "inland links" masterpiece), the Queen's Course (a fine par-68 heathland) and the PGA Centenary (Nicklaus-designed, hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup). The hotel is magnificent.
LOCAL TIP
"Visit the Rookery Restaurant at Links House after your round for a fantastic view of the 18th green you just survived."
COURSE 06 · OPEN ROTA
£360 · high season · £249 · April
Carnoustie — Championship
Designed 180 years ago by Allan Robertson with help from Old Tom Morris. Eight Opens hosted, plus the Women's British Open and Senior Open. Widely regarded as the toughest course on the Open rota — known to professionals as "Carnasty" for a reason.
TRIP 06 · ABERDEEN
The Aberdeen Trip
The North East coast — quietly home to some of the best links golf in Scotland. Five courses spanning Old Tom Morris, James Braid and a 21st-century blockbuster, all within 40 minutes of each other.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"Worth pairing with Murcar Links next door for 36 holes in a day. Two genuinely great courses for under £450 combined."
COURSE 01 · FOUNDED 1780
£240–£270 · high season
Royal Aberdeen
One of Scotland's oldest clubs — founded 1780. Has hosted the Amateur Championship and the Walker Cup. The course runs alongside the coastline with iconic dunes, and is suitable for all levels (though a handicap is required to play).
LOCAL TIP
"Hit the back tees on the 18th and see if you can reach the par-5 green in three. The view from the tee box is one of the best in golf."
COURSE 02 · MODERN BLOCKBUSTER
£395–£495 · peak season
Trump International
Spectacular setting along the North East coast. Two out-and-back loops of nine that thread through enormous dunes, rising for sea views and plunging into secluded valleys. Architecturally impressive and visually arresting — even golfers who'd rather not play here usually agree the course itself is exceptional.
LOCAL TIP
"Once you've caught your breath, get the camera out on the 9th tee. One of the best views in Scottish golf."
COURSE 03 · OLD TOM MORRIS
£205 · weekday · £220 · weekend
Cruden Bay
Designed by Old Tom Morris, opened 1899. Rated one of the best in the world — and one of the most beloved in Scotland. The mix of skill, power and judgement it demands is what makes it special. Quirky holes including a blind par-3 add to the character.
LOCAL TIP
"This course backs directly onto Royal Aberdeen, making it the perfect 36-holes-in-a-day pairing. Most visitors miss it. Don't be most visitors."
COURSE 04 · JAMES BRAID
£150–£180 · high season
Murcar Links
Founded 1909 in Bridge of Don. James Braid and George Smith refined the course in the 1930s — and it's essentially the same layout today. The Strabathie Burn comes into play on six of the nine practice holes; on the main course, the dunes do the work. Major refurbishment in 2006 brought the clubhouse and practice facilities up to modern standard.
LOCAL TIP
"Tie it in with a visit to Glen Moray distillery just down the road. And watch for the RAF jets — Lossiemouth airbase is next door, and the low-flying Typhoons add a unique soundtrack to your round."
COURSE 05 · WHISKY HERITAGE
£120–£150 · high season
Moray
Founded 1898 in Lossiemouth. The Old Course was laid out by Old Tom Morris. Two courses on site (Old and New), suitable for all abilities. The club has a brilliant history with Scotch — laid down hogsheads of Glen Grant in 1900, switched to Macallan in 1992, and now bottles its own "club malt" with the local Glen Moray distillery.
TRIP 07 · THE HIGHLANDS TRIP
The Highlands Trip.
Links golf as it was meant to be played — quieter than the famous names, every bit as memorable.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"The opening 9 hugs the Moray Firth and you can taste the salt on every shot. Brilliant from the first tee."
COURSE 01 · WALKER CUP HOST
£230–£260 · high season
Nairn Golf Club
Founded 1887. Tricky and brilliantly enjoyable. The clubhouse holds a serious archive of golf history — books, photographs, trophies, artefacts going back to the club's earliest days. Has hosted the Walker Cup, played by future names including Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Charley Hull.
LOCAL TIP
"Tie in a trip to Dornoch with a stop at one of the local distilleries — Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair are all within 20 minutes."
COURSE 02 · KING OF SCOTTISH LINKS
£280 · high season
Royal Dornoch — Championship
The club is 145 years old. The Championship course was designed by Old Tom Morris and sits on the Dornoch Firth. Often called "the King of Scottish Links" — if it were closer to central Scotland, it'd be on the Open rota. Don't be put off by the location. You'll regret not making the trip.
LOCAL TIP
"Take a local caddie. Arguably the best in Scotland — I might know one."
COURSE 03 · MY PICK
£385–£395 · high season
Castle Stuart
Now part of Cabot Highlands. Designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, hugging the shoreline of the Moray Firth. Where Phil Mickelson won the Scottish Open the week before lifting the Claret Jug at Muirfield. On-site lodges available for stay-and-play packages.
LOCAL TIP
"Book a 36-hole 'Castle & Petty' ticket to be among the first to experience both courses in one trip."
COURSE 04 · NEW IN MAY 2026
£385 · standard · £695 · 36-hole Castle & Petty package
Old Petty
The newest must-play in Scotland. Tom Doak's design at Cabot Highlands officially opens 15th May 2026 — debuted at No. 34 in Golf World's Scotland Top 100 during preview play last summer. A different beast to Castle Stuart: rolling inland over old farmland, with the 400-year-old castle and Old Petty Church woven into the routing.
LOCAL TIP
"Pair Nairn and Nairn Dunbar for an easy 36-hole day. Local hotels make it the perfect spot to base yourself for a few nights."
COURSE 05 · NORTH OF NAIRN
£100–£130 · high season
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
Ranked 9th out of the North of Scotland's top 100. Sits on the Moray Firth with the same incredible scenery as Nairn next door. Opened 1899 by Sir Alexander Duncan of Boath.
LOCAL TIP
"Don't be fooled by the modest length. The wind off the Moray Firth makes club selection a guessing game on every shot."
COURSE 06 · JAMES BRAID DESIGN
£75–£95 · high season
Golspie Golf Club
Founded 1889 with a design influenced by James Braid. 6,021 yards across links, heathland and stunning views over the Moray Firth and surrounding mountains. On the North Coast 500 route. The friendliest welcome in the whole of Scotland (their words — but they're not wrong).
LOCAL TIP
"Tain, Brora and Golspie are three of the best-value rounds in Scottish golf. Try to fit at least one into your trip — ideally all three."
COURSE 07 · OLD TOM'S NORTHERN JEWEL
£70–£90 · high season
Tain Golf Club
34 miles north of Inverness. Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1890 — the holes that have stood the test of time include the 9th, 10th, 14th and 15th. Often called Old Tom's northern jewel.
LOCAL TIP
"Brora has roaming sheep on the course. Don't be put off — it's part of the charm and one of the things you'll talk about for years."
COURSE 07 · BRAID'S MASTERPIECE
£100–£125 · high season
Brora Golf Club
50 miles north of Inverness. Recognised as one of James Braid's finest designs — the green staff work tirelessly to preserve the original layout. Frequently acclaimed for its quality, regularly named among the best in the north. The clubhouse views over the links land are spectacular.
LOCAL TIP
"If you can get on, take it. The whole property — castle, course, dining — is one of the most luxurious experiences in Scottish golf."
COURSE 08 · ULTRA-EXCLUSIVE
Members + guests only · enquiry essential
Skibo Castle — The Carnegie Club
40 miles from Inverness. The Carnegie Links is the jewel in Skibo's crown — 6,903-yard championship course on the banks of the Dornoch Firth. No tee times; members play whenever the mood takes them. The Halfway House serves a wee tipple. The clubhouse has modern Highland luxury, views over the links and the Firth.
TRIP 08 · THE ISLANDS TRIP
The Islands Trip.
Five courses on the wild west — Jura, Islay, Kintyre. Reached by ferry, propeller plane or a long drive. The Scotland that postcards don't show — and golf as it was intended to be played.
THE COURSES
What you'll play.
LOCAL TIP
"A long journey to get there. Worth every minute of it. Quickly becoming one of the most talked-about courses in Scotland."
COURSE 01 · MODERN MASTERPIECE
£1,225+ · enquiry essential
Ardfin Golf Club
Built over six years on the Isle of Jura by Bob Harrison (Moonah, Ellerstina, Nirwana Bali). Wild, rugged, designed to minimise interference with nature — narrow greens, few bunkers, dramatic cliffside terrain. Already hailed as a modern masterpiece.
LOCAL TIP
"Pick a line and be brave on the 1st. The shot across the bay is one of those golfing moments you'll never forget. Most short hitters bail out left — but the closer to the cliff edge, the better the angle in."
COURSE 02 · KING OF SCOTTISH LINKS
£110–£140 · high season
Machrihanish
One of the most spiritual experiences in Scottish golf — Old Tom Morris reportedly called it "The Almighty." Located north of the Mull of Kintyre. Rolling dunescape, marvellous green sites, golf as it was intended. The opening tee shot plays across the Atlantic — frequently rated the best in Scotland.
LOCAL TIP
"Reached by boat and with accommodation on site. Comes highly recommended by everyone I know who's been."
COURSE 03 · MY PICK
£385–£395 · high season
The Machrie — Islay
Now part of Cabot Highlands. Designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, hugging the shoreline of the Moray Firth. Where Phil Mickelson won the Scottish Open the week before lifting the Claret Jug at Muirfield. On-site lodges available for stay-and-play packages.
LOCAL TIP
"Much easier the second time round once you know the blind shots — and worth playing twice if you can. The course will demand creativity from your first round."
COURSE 04 · PURIST'S LINKS
£100–£130 · high season
Machrihanish Dunes
Just 5 miles from Machrihanish. A modern layout but built to feel ancient — wholly natural, ever-changing terrain, blind shots aplenty. Pure links golf with the Atlantic as the backdrop. The kind of course that rewards thought and creativity over textbook play.
LOCAL TIP
"Don't be put off by the short length — it's spectacular. Fences round the greens to keep the sheep out, holes running along the beach. Pair it with Machrihanish and Machrihanish Dunes for a perfect Kintyre triple. Pay your green fee in the honesty box."
COURSE 05 · HONESTY BOX
£55–£75 · high season
Dunaverty
A par-66 natural links course in Southend, Argyll. 4,799 yards — short by modern standards but with arguably one of the finest sets of greens in Scotland. Views over Sanda Island, Ailsa Craig, Ayrshire and Northern Ireland on a clear day.