Scotland Golf Courses

Have a look at each of the 6 regions and you will find the most popular golf courses in each area.

St Andrews & Fife

St Andrews & Fife stands as the ultimate pilgrimage for any golfer, seamlessly blending centuries of history with stunning coastal scenery. The region is anchored by the historic town of St Andrews and its legendary Links Trust, headlined by the ancient Old Course, the challenging New and Jubilee, and the dramatic cliffside Castle Course. Beyond the town limits, the Kingdom of Fife boasts modern coastal masterpieces like Kingsbarns Golf Links, the clifftop tracks at Fairmont St Andrews, and traditional seaside gems like Crail and Lundin Links. With an incredible density of world-class courses, this region provides an unforgettable journey through the very roots of the game.

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is a premier golfing destination in northeast Scotland, boasting a dramatic mix of historic seaside links and breathtaking highland layouts.

The region is anchored by the world-class “Big Four” along its rugged coastline: the ancient Royal Aberdeen, the wildly creative Cruden Bay, the towering dunes of Trump International Golf Links, and the ferocious challenge of Murcar Links. Beyond these marquee venues, golfers can discover incredible value at historic hidden gems like Fraserburgh and Peterhead.

Ayrshire

Ayrshire, hugging Scotland’s historic west coast, is a powerhouse of Open Championship pedigree and classic, rolling terrain. The region is famed for its trio of legendary Open venues: Royal Troon, Prestwick—the birthplace of the Open Championship—and the breathtaking, cliffside Ailsa Course at Turnberry. Alongside these historic giants lie superb, wind-swept links tests like Western Gailes, Dundonald Links, and Kilmarnock Barassie. With its deep, punishing bunkers, iconic views across to the Isle of Arran, and rich golfing heritage, Ayrshire remains a premier destination for a world-class golf tour.

East Lothian

East Lothian, proudly known as Scotland’s “Golf Coast,” boasts the highest concentration of championship golf courses in the world. Stretching along the scenic Firth of Forth just east of Edinburgh, the area is anchored by the historic Open venue Muirfield and the ancient Gullane Golf Club. Golfers flock to the region to experience the iconic stone walls of North Berwick West Links, the stunning modern layout at Craigielaw, and historic gems like Kilspindie. Blessed with a microclimate that offers relatively dry, optimal playing conditions year-round, it provides a spectacular coastal paradise.

Highlands

The Highlands of Scotland offer an awe-inspiring mix of remote, wild coastal links and majestic mountain backdrops. The region is anchored by the world-renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, legendary for its elevated greens, alongside modern coastal masterpieces like Castle Stuart Golf Links (Cabot Highlands). Golfers can also explore breathtaking gems like Brora and Tain. Offering dramatic landscapes framed by sweeping sea views and rugged heather, the Highlands deliver a genuinely pure and spiritual golfing pilgrimage.

Tayside

Tayside delivers a magnificent contrast of elite championship venues and dramatic glens. The region is famously headlined by Gleneagles, featuring its iconic Ryder Cup host layout, the PGA Centenary, alongside the historic King’s and Queen’s courses. Nearby, the formidable Carnoustie Golf Links stands as one of the world’s most unrelenting and revered championship tests. Nearby is the wonderful Panmure. Beautiful heathland and parkland tracks like Blairgowrie and the scenic Alyth offer a completely different, sheltered style of play, making Tayside an incredibly diverse golfing hub.