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Center of the Golfing Universe. |
Scotland
may not have been the birthplace of golf, but it's where the game grew up.
Indeed Scotland continues to be home of golf's ruling body outside of the United
States. As a world class destination for golfers Scotland has no equals, for
nowhere are so many of golf's fabled courses found in such close proximity.
Remarkably, most of these shrines are accessible to the public and, compared
with the great courses of the United States, most legendary Scottish courses are
value priced. Scotland is best known for its top-ranked championship seaside
links courses. Currently 13 Scottish links courses are ranked in the top 100
courses in the world outside the United States by Golf Digest: 1.
St.
Andrews Old Course; 5.
Royal
Dornoch; 6.
Muirfield;
11. Turnberry Ailsa; 12.
Carnoustie;
20. Kingsbarns; 21. Loch Lomond; 34.
Royal Troon;
37 Cruden Bay; 39. Macrihanish; 65. Western Gailes; 86.
North
Berwick; 98. St. Andrews New.
But there's much more to
Scottish golf than the famed courses that regularly host the British Open.
Excellent, inexpensive 9-hole and 18-hole courses are found throughout Scotland,
in inland locations as well as along the coasts. Many of these are steeped in
golf lore and were designed by legendary course architects whose work shaped the
game. Thanks to the world's focus on the internationally famed courses of
Scotland, there are many little-known, underplayed and under
priced Scottish courses of great challenge and character. Finding these
gems is one of the great pleasures of golf in Scotland.
GUESTS ARE WELCOME ON MOST
COURSES IN SCOTLAND (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE)
Most Scottish courses welcome
guests, at least on weekdays (Monday through Friday), and offer club rental. The
availability of motorized golf carts is limited in Scotland, so be prepared to
walk. Top courses offer caddies for hire, often a good idea on links courses
with many blind approach shots. Advance booking of tee times is always
recommended, and, at the prestige courses, may require booking months ahead of
time. Most courses welcome players of all levels, but the famed championship
courses may require that guests provide a handicap card from the USGA certifying
the candidate's proficiency at the game and perhaps a letter of introduction
from their home course in order to obtain a tee time.
See the
following charts for information about some excellent courses within reach of
HOME AT FIRST locations in
Central Scotland,
Glasgow,
Edinburgh,
Inverness and Northern Scotland, and the
Southern Borders
with England.
YOUR OWN COTTAGE IN THE HEART OF
SCOTLAND'S PRIMARY GOLF KINGDOM
HOME AT FIRST has several
cottages within 5 miles of St. Andrews, and within easy
reach of many of the great links courses of the Fife (Firth of Forth to Firth of
Tay), Lothian (Edinburgh and east), and North Sea (Angus and Eastern Perthshire)
coasts.
FREE
ADVANCE BOOKING OF TEE-TIMES!
HOME AT FIRST can
pre-arrange golf tee times at many of the courses listed below for its Scotland
guests, who order by completing a special form after they sign up for their
Scotland trip. There is no additional booking charge for this service, and
golfers can arrange to play a different course each day if they wish, paying
only the regular guest fees at each golf course.
HOME AT FIRST also offers a
special
pre-paid
three-day golfing package with pre-reserved tee-times for rounds at the famed
Scottish courses of Carnoustie, St. Andrews (New or Eden courses), or Turnberry.
Guests
also can arrange tee times independently in Scotland, as weather and their mood
dictate, but it's best to do so at least 24 hours in advance (more for the
internationally famed courses).
|
— CENTRAL SCOTLAND COURSES — The Trossachs & Perthshire |
|||
| COURSE NAME | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
Greens Fees* |
|
CALLANDER Tel: +44 (0)1877 330090 callandergolf@btconnect.com H HIDDEN GEM H |
Take the A84 to Callander, then follow signs for the course on south side of town. |
Designed by Tom Morris in 1890 and lengthened by Willie Fernie in 1913, this relatively short, tight 18-hole course offers a good challenge in the scenic Trossachs uplands. 5185 yards, par 66. Private, but welcomes guests at almost any time. Phone for tee-time. |
ROUND: £25-£35 DAY: £35-£45 |
|
COMRIE Tel: +44 (0)1764 670055 enquiries@comriegolf.co.uk |
13 miles east of Lochearnhead on the A85. 6 miles west of Crieff. | Short 9-hole public Highland course of 3008 yards. Play it twice for a par 70 (rating of 69). Hilly, interesting, scenic and mature (built 1891). Club, cart, and pull cart rental available. |
£15
weekdays |
|
CRIEFF Tel: +44 (0)1764 652909 bookings@crieffgolf.co.uk |
On NW side of the A85 Perth Road, on the NE side of Crieff. Follow the A85 east from Lochearnhead through St. Fillans, Comrie, and Crieff. The course entrance is just outside of town on the left side of the A85. | A classic inland gem on the edge of the Highlands with an impeccable design pedigree. Originally a 9-hole layout by no less a master than Old Tom Morris, Comrie was enlarged and updated by the great James Braid, golf's Johnny Appleseed. A challenging 6,427 yard, par-71 (SSS 72) course from the white tees, Crieff has hills, trees, and fine views over the Strathearn valley. Pull trolleys, carts, clubs and caddies available for rent. |
£12-£16 9-hole Dornock Course
£28-£45 |
|
DUNKELD & BIRNAM Tel: +44 (0)1350 727524 secretary-dunkeld@tiscali.co.uk |
NE of Crieff and SE of Aberfeldy. 1 mile North of Dunkeld on A923 Blairgowrie Road east of the A9 (midway between Perth to the south and Pitlochry to the north). |
Short (5,511-yard, par 69) 18-hole heathland/parkland course overlooking the Tay River valley. Original first 9-hole course built in 1892 to an Old Tom Morris design, but was eradicated by military use during WWI. Second 9-hole course built in 1922 and expanded to 18 holes in 2000. Rolling hills, fair amount of water, and fine views make this inland course a treat. The prices makes it a bargain, too. Guests always welcome. |
£25
weekdays £30 weekends 18 holes |
|
KENMORE Tel: +44 (0)1887 830226 info@taymouth.co.uk |
16mi east of Killin on the A827 Loch Tay road. Turn left just before the bridge into Kenmore. | Scenic 9-hole public parkland course on rolling terrain along north bank of River Tay. Played twice, it's 6,052 yards, par 70 (rated 71). Built 1992 on a John Duncan design. Visitors always welcome. Club, cart, and pull cart rental available. |
£15
weekdays £17 weekends 9 holes £20 weekdays £25 weekends 18 holes |
|
KILLIN Tel: +44 (0)1567 820312 secretary@killingolfclub.co.uk |
East edge of Killin on Aberfeldy road. | 9-hole public parkland course on hilly terrain along north shore of Loch Tay with grand views of Ben Lawers & Tarmachan Ridge mountains. Played twice, it's 5,036 yards, par 66 (rated 65). Built 1913 on a John Duncan design. Visitors always welcome except on competition days. Club, cart, and pull cart rental available. |
£15
weekdays £17 weekends 9 holes £22 weekdays £25 weekends 18 holes |
|
GLENEAGLES Tel: 0800 389 3737 UK toll-free Tel: 866-881-9525 US toll-free Tee-times mandatory. |
This most famous of Scottish inland courses is located south of Crieff on the
A823 just north of the A9 near Auchterarder village, half-way
between Perth and Stirling. The courses of
Gleneagles are the primary attractions of this hotel/resort complex, which
is to Scotland what the Greenbrier is to the USA. Expect fancy amenities and
equally fancy prices. Caddies, trolleys, clubs, and shoes available for hire. Motorized Carts available for the Centenary Course only. |
KING'S COURSE: Public course founded
1919. One of James Braid's monuments and perhaps the best inland course in
Scotland. Championship tees: 6471 yards, par 71. Middle tees: 6125 yards,
par 68. Open always to visitors.
The King's Course features springy moorland turf underfoot, sweeping views from the tees all around, rock-faced mountains to the north, green hills to the south, and the peaks of the Trossachs and Ben Vorlich on the western horizon. Perhaps surprisingly, handicap certification NOT required. QUEEN'S COURSE: Public course designed by the great James Braid and opened 1919. Championship tees: 5965 yards, par 68. Middle tees: 5660 yards, par 68. Open always to visitors. Threading through high ridges on the north and west sides of the estate, the Queen's offers lovely woodland settings, lochans and ditches as water hazards, as well as many moorland characteristics. CENTENARY COURSE: New Jack Nicklaus design. From the back tees, the par 72 Centenary measures 7,088 yards, the longest inland course in Scotland. However, the tees are graded at each hole in five stages, including a challenging par 72 6,558 yards from the white markers down to a par 72 5,072 yards from the red. |
APR—Mid-MAY Mid-MAY—OCT |
|
MUTHILL Tel: +44 (0)1764 681523 muthillgolfclub@btconnect.com |
South of Crieff and six miles north of Gleneagles, 500 yards off Stirling-Crieff road A822, signposted at the west end of Muthill village on Peat Road. | Another inexpensive 9-hole public course, this one shorter and flatter than the upland Trossachs courses. Par 66, 4,673 yards (when played twice), with a rating of 63. The nearest golf course to Gleneagles is also the antithesis of Gleneagles, although they do share the same undulating terrain and some of the same sweeping views. |
£13
weekdays £15 weekends 9 holes £18 weekdays £20 weekends 18 holes |
|
ST. FILLANS Tel: +44 (0)1764 685312 stfillansgolf@aol.com |
7 miles east of Lochearnhead on the A85 in St. Fillans village | Largely flat 9-hole parkland course (6,054 yard, par 70, when 18 holes are played). Designed by the legendary Willie Auchterlonie in 1903, the course is wedged between the mouth of Loch Earn and the neighboring hills. Club, cart, and pull cart rental available. |
£10
weekdays £12 weekends 9 holes £18 weekdays £20 weekends 18 holes |
|
STIRLING Tel: +44 (0)1786 464 098 enquiries@stirlinggolfclub.com H HISTORIC COURSE H |
1 mile west of Stirling town centre on B8051 Queen's Road. | This public 6,123 yards, par 72 championship course was founded in 1869 on a spectacular site at the base of Stirling Castle. Golf has been played here since at least 1506, when King James IV played a recorded match. Its parkland character makes for easy walking but challenging golf year round. Visitors are welcome. Proof of club membership and/or handicap certification may be requested. |
£30/round £45/day |
|
TAYMOUTH CASTLE Tel: +44 (0)1887 830 228 APR-SEP Tel: +44 (0)1887 830 205 OCT-MAR o.kelly@btconnect.com APR-SEP reception@kenmorehotel.com OCT-MAR H HIDDEN GEM H |
Just east of the village of Kenmore, Perthshire. On the east end of Loch Tay where the River Tay emerges. On the A827 About 18 miles east of Killin, and 5 miles west of Aberfeldy. | Private 6,066 yard, par 72 championship course designed by James Braid in 1923 and placed on fairly flat bottom land by the River Tay. Placed on former grand estate of of powerful clan of the Campbells of Breadalbane, Taymouth Castle is a private estate whose future development is uncertain. The golf course, however, is thriving. Its concessionaire, the Kenmore Hotel, oversees bookings during the off-season (OCT-MAR) when the clubhouse does not maintain regular hours. Its parkland character makes for easy walking, but challenging golf year round. Visitors are very welcome. |
£27-£32/round APR-SEP £15/round OCT-MAR £44-£54/day APR-SEP |
|
— WESTERN SCOTLAND COURSES — Glasgow & the Ayrshire Coast |
|||
| COURSE NAME | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
Greens Fees* |
|
BARASSIE (KILMARNOCK) Tel: +44 (0)1292 313920 golf@kbgc.co.uk |
29 Hillhouse Rd, Barassie, Ayrshire. West of the A78 just north of Troon opposite Barassie rail station. |
Founded 1887, this seaside
links offers three course configurations from its 27 holes including challenging golf on its par 72 6817/6484-yard (championship/visitors tees) Barassie Course. One of the great string of Ayrshire coast courses, Barassie Links is cheaper than most, and almost as memorable. Open to visitors daily with restrictions on Saturdays & Sundays. |
£50-£60 |
|
GLASGOW KILLERMONT Tel: +44 (0)141 942 2011 secretary@glasgow-golf.com |
Killermont, Bearsden, Glasgow. 6 miles SE of Glasgow near Killermont Bridge on A81 or A806. | Club founded in 1787 (9th oldest in the world) with the parkland Killermont course designed by Old Tom Morris in 1903 and revised by James Braid in 1924, and by David Thomas (2002-5), this venerable 18-hole parkland course is open to the public by advance application only. Rated one of the best of Scottish inland courses, it is short (5,977 yards, par-70, SSS 69) but sweet. | £70 |
|
GLASGOW GAILES Tel: +44 (0)141 942 2011 secretary@glasgow-golf.com |
Gailes, Irvine, Ayrshire. Six miles from Kilmarnock, two miles south of Irvine on the A78, five miles north of Troon. | Another challenging links in the Ayrshire cluster. Each hole of this 6,535-yard, par 71 (SSS 72) beauty presents a unique character. Used as a British Open qualifier course when the Open is at Turnberry or Troon. Club founded 1787 (9th oldest in the world). Course designed by Willie Park, Jr., this ancient (1892) test requires submission of application in advance to obtain a tee time. | £75–£80 |
|
PRESTWICK Tel: +44 (0)1292 671020 bookings@prestwickgc.co.uk |
2 Links Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire. 1 mile from Glasgow's Prestwick Airport adjacent to Prestwick station. Trolleys, clubs, and caddies available for hire. | Old Tom Morris designed this excellent 18-hole 6544-yard, par 71 inland course in 1851. The course is open to the public but advance tee-times are necessary. Undulating fairways and greens, treacherous rough, and very challenging tee-shots. Caddies recommended for your first round. Visitors welcome daily except Saturdays and not Thursday PM. Handicap certification required: Men–24, Ladies–28. £50/player advance booking deposit required. |
Apr–Oct: £125/round £150/round Sunday £180/day Nov–Mar: Mo-Fr: £85/round Sa-Su: £110/round |
|
ROYAL TROON Tel: +44 (0)1292 311555 bookings@royaltroon.com |
Craigend Road, Troon, Ayrshire,
3 miles from Prestwick Airport. Trolleys, clubs, and caddies are available for hire. Caddies should be requested in advance. 50% of total greens fees due within 3wks of booking. Balance due 2mo. prior to tee-time. |
Founded 1878, the 18-hole Old Course true links is often the site of the
British Open. From the championship tees the Old Course plays 7,175 yards in
par 71 SSS 75 (6,641 yards par 71 SSS 73 from the middle tees). Neighboring Portland
Course (6,289 yards, par 71, SSS 71) is also a links. Although a private club, Troon
opens for visitors Mon, Tues and Thurs (& some Sundays) only with starting time restrictions;
max men's handicap 20; ladies max handicap: 30, with handicap certification.
Expect a distinctly Scottish exclusiveness to leave you feeling a privileged outsider. |
OLD COURSE £160 M-Tu-Th £175 Su
PORTLAND |
|
TURNBERRY Tel: +44 (0)1655 334 032 turnberry@luxurycollection.com |
Turnberry, Ayrshire, 1/4 mile off A77 from Glasgow, 15 miles south of Ayr Caddies available for hire (reserve in advance). |
The two principal courses operated by the upscale Turnberry Resort are renowned links courses, especially the Ailsa course with its lighthouse and view of the rock Ailsa just off the coast. The courses are principally reserved for resort residents; non-residents are fit in to available tee-times. MacKenzie Ross re-designed the original 1897 Ailsa course (6976 yards, par 70) in 1951. Like all great out-and-back links courses, Turnberry's linkses change their personalities with the frequently changing weather. The stretch of holes from 4 through 11 along the Firth of Clyde are superb and very scenic. Holes 6, 7, 8 (while against the wind) maybe the toughest stretch in Scotland. Turnberry's Ailsa course is used regularly but infrequently as a venue for the (British) Open Championship (1977, 1986, 1994, and 2009). |
AILSA COURSE £210/MAY-OCT £125/NOV-MAR KINTYRE COURSE £140/MAY-OCT £90/NOV-MAR |
|
WESTERN GAILES Tel: +44 (0)1294 311649 enquiries@westerngailes.com |
Gailes by Irvine, Ayrshire.
5 miles N of Troon on A78. |
Another of the great Ayrshire links courses, Western Gailes is a public course dating from 1897 which welcomes visitors Mon., Weds., Fri., and briefly Sat. & Sun. PM. Some players think this course better than its more famous neighbors, Troon, Prestwick, or Turnberry. Its par-three's are excellent and every hole is a challenge. Among its strong advocates is Tom Watson. From the championship tees Western Gailes is a real test: 6,899 yards, par 71, SSS 75. Even from the white tees the course is a challenge: 6,640 yards, par 71, SSS 74. |
£115–£125 (weekday greens fee includes lunch) |
|
— EASTERN SCOTLAND COURSES — Edinburgh & the Fife Coast |
|||
| COURSE NAME | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
Greens Fees* |
CRAIL |
In Crail, 11 miles SE of St Andrews on A917. |
Crail's Balcomie Links is one of the Fife Coast's ancient and revered
courses. Designed by revered Old Tom Morris in 1895, this short links mixes
seaside and parkland terrain, and provides good bang for the buck. From the
white tees Balcomie plays 5,861
yards in par 69 (SSS 70). From the
yellows it's only 5,402
and par 67 (SSS 68). In 1995 Crail added a second links, Craighead, designed by American Gil Hanse. Longer and tougher than Balcomie (6,728/71/74 & 6,250/71/70), and in the same beautiful coastal scenery, Craighead may become the course at Crail for the next 100 years! |
BALCOMIE LINKS: £52 Mo-Fr £65 Sa-Su CRAIGHEAD LINKS: £52 Mo-Fr £65 Sa-Su |
|
ELIE Tel: +44 (0)1333 330301 Fax: +44 (0)1333 330895 book@golfhouseclub.org |
Elie, 12 miles south of St. Andrews on A915, 6
miles east of Leven on A917. |
Another well-respected, inexpensive, traditional (jack & tie in the smoking lounge), public seaside links course on the Fife Coast. 6273 yards, par 70. Handicap certification required (24/men; 36/women). Formalized in 1875, with roots going back at least 300 years earlier, this 18-holer welcomes visitors daily, except summer Sundays and by daily ballot only in July & August after 10AM. |
£70
Mo-Fr £80 Sa-Su |
|
GULLANE Tel: +44 (0)1620 842255 bookings@gullanegolfclub.com |
Off A1, on A198 to Gullane, Lothian Coast
about 18 miles east of Edinburgh. |
Three private links courses dating from 1882 with Number 1 being the prize. Its championship tees play to a 6466-yard par 71 (6077-yard, par 71 from the middle tees). Visitors are welcome on No. 1 with handicap certification (24/men; 30/women), and on Nos. 2 & 3 without restriction. Many visitors enjoy Gullane as a similar course to the neighboring Muirfield or even St. Andrews (across the Firth of Forth) without the distractions and for much less cost. |
Course #1: £87 PER ROUND Course #2: £42 PER ROUND H HIDDEN GEM H Course #3: £26 PER ROUND |
|
KINGSBARNS Tel: +44 (0)1334 460860 dclark@kingsbarns.com http://www.kingsbarns.com/booking-requests.php |
6 miles SE of St. Andrews, Fife Coast. American-designed links (opened 2000) already ranked in the top 100 outside the US. |
Coastal links on Fife Coast between St. Andrews and Crail. Par 72, 7,126
yards. Walkers only. Links course. Handicap restrictions: Men–28, Women–36.
Caddies, shoes, clubs, and trolleys available. Book caddies in advance. |
May-Oct: £165 Apr-May: £135 Dec-Mar: closed |
|
LEVEN LINKS Tel: +44 (0)1333 428859 secretary@leven-links.com |
Promenade Rd., |
Another traditional links course in Fife, not far from St. Andrews. Private seaside links shared by two golf clubs with roots to 1820. Old Tom Morris designed the original nine. His son, Young Tom Morris, won the first tourney in 1868 on the expanded 18-hole course.Open to visitors weekdays and many weekends. Advance tee-times required. Par 71, SSS 72, 6,506 yards from the back tees; Par 69. SSS 71, 6,250 yards from the middle tees). |
£50
Mo-Fr £55 Sa-Su PER ROUND H HIDDEN GEM H |
|
LUNDIN
LINKS Tel: +44 (0)1333 320202 secretary@lundingolfclub.co.uk |
Location: Fife
Coast. 12 miles southwest of St.
Andrews of the A915. Address: |
Private Fife Coast seaside links course designed by Old Tom Morris in 1857 then redesigned fifty years later by James Braid. 6371 yards, par 71. Lundin Links serves as a British Open qualifying course when the Open is played at St Andrews. Although a private club, Lundin Links accepts visitors daily by advance booking. |
£55-£60
Mo-Fr £60 Sat-Sun |
|
MUIRFIELD Tel: +44 (0)1620 842123 hceg@muirfield.org.uk http://www.muirfield.org.uk/index.cfm?action=visitorTeeTimes |
Muirfield in Gullane, on the Lothian Coast,
about 18 miles east of Edinburgh. Take the last road on left leaving Gullane
for North Berwick on A198. |
One of the fabled ancient Scottish courses, Muirfield, a private course belonging to one of the earliest golf societies—The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (founded in 1744)—was first laid out in 1891 by the equally legendary Old Tom Morris. Rated number 2 in Scotland and in the top ten in the world. Relatively affordable and (remarkably) bookable (but do so well in advance), Muirfield welcomes visitors Tues. and Thurs. but they must be members of recognized golf club with handicaps of 18 or lower (men) or 20 (ladies, who must be accompanied by a man). The 6,801-yard, par 70 course rewards accuracy with scoring, but punishes errant shots with deep bunkers and deeper rough. Muirfield is on the British Open rotation, which it hosts regularly. Everyone who plays Muirfield comments on the superb lunch in the clubhouse. Order in advance (about £25/person) and bring jacket and tie and a change of shoes. (Advisory: ladies are not invited to the clubhouse luncheon, but can order—in advance—sandwiches and drinks in the Captain’s Room.) |
£190/round £240/two rounds |
|
NORTH BERWICK Tel: +44 (0)1620 892135 http://www.northberwickgolfclub.com/VisitorBooking.aspx secretary@northberwickgolfclub.com |
On Beach Road, North Berwick, Lothian Coast.
23 miles east of Edinburgh on A198. Address: |
TThe West Links at North Berwick is another well-known course among the many on this Scottish coastline, and a British Open qualifying course. North Berwick would be much celebrated if located, say, on the Welsh or Cornish coasts. The golf club was founded in 1832. The famed West Course began as a 6-hole links that same year, and gradually evolved into an 18-hole championship links by 1877. Four clubs are headquartered here, but the course remains a public, year-round course unrestricted to visitors (but advance tee-times necessary). Rated a par 71 from the 6,458 yards of the back tees, the course becomes a par-71of 6,033 yards from the visitors' tees. Considered one of the most scenic courses in Scotland, appreciated for several memorable holes, and a British Open qualifying course whenever the Open Championship is played at nearby Muirfield, when compared with other better known courses in the region, North Berwick can be considered a challenging, value golfing experience.. |
APR–OCT £80 Mo-Fr £95 Sa-Su |
|
ST. ANDREWS Tel: +44 (0)1334 466666 http://www.linksnet.co.uk/ reservations@standrews.org.uk |
Address: |
OLD COURSE:
Founded circa 1400 AD. Architecture credited to God with help from Old Tom
Morris, A. Robertson, and Alister MacKenzie. Public, but bookable only by
daily lottery. Closed Sundays. Par 72 (SSS 73) 6,721 yards (mids). Par 77 (women) 6,032
yards. Called "The Home of Golf", the Old Course has no credible competitors
for the title. Site of the British Open in years ending in 0 and 5. Handicap
limit: 24/men, 36/women. NEW COURSE: Started in 1895 due to demand on neighboring Old Course. Another traditional "out and back" links by legendary Old Tom Morris. Plays 6,742 yards, par 72 (SSS 73) from the medal tees. Golf carts (buggies) permitted for seniors & those with medical certificates. JUBILEE COURSE: First opened as a 12-hole junior course in 1897, its seaside layout has been lengthened and extensively modified into a 6,742-yard, par 72 (SSS 73), championship links. Golf carts (buggies) permitted for seniors & those with medical certificates. EDEN COURSE: Opened in 1914, a Harry S. Colt design, Eden is slightly less challenging than the other St. Andrews courses, probably due to being further away from seaside conditions. Donald Steel gave the course a make-over in 1989. Length: 6,250 yards. Par 70 (SSS 71). STRATHTYRUM COURSE: Modest (5,620 yards, par-69, SSS 67) 1993 Donald Steel course built for casual golfers, novices, and families. Excellent value. BALGOVE COURSE: 9-hole walk-on course for beginners and casual golfers. Par-30, 1,520 yards with modest hazards. Donald Steel re-design from 1993. Inexpensive way to say you played St. Andrews. THE CASTLE COURSE: Newest (2008) course at St. Andrews is this links two miles from central St. Andrews town. Designed by Scottish-born American David McLay Kidd on cliff-side farmland (not sandy links land) along the coast. Five tee lengths from 5,300-7,300 yards. Open April through November only. No handicap limits. Scenic. Ranked #65 in the world outside the USA. |
£130 mid-Apr — mid-Oct £91 MAR to mid-APR and 2nd half of OCT £64 NOV–DEC £65 mid-Apr — mid-Oct £46 MAR to mid-APR and 2nd half of OCT £32 NOV–DEC £65 mid-Apr — mid-Oct £46 MAR to mid-APR and 2nd half of OCT £32 NOV–DEC £40 mid-Apr — mid-Oct £28 MAR to mid-APR and 2nd half of OCT £20 NOV–DEC H HIDDEN GEM H £25 mid-Apr — mid-Oct £18 MAR to mid-APR and 2nd half of OCT £12 NOV–DEC £12 mid-Apr — mid-Oct £8 MAR to mid-APR and 2nd half of OCT £8 NOV–DEC £120 mid-Apr — mid-Oct £82 1st half of APR and 2nd half of OCT |
|
FAIRMONT ST. ANDREWS RESORT & SPA Tel: +44 (0)1334 837000 Tel: 866-840-8208 US Toll-free StAndrews.Scotland@Fairmont.com |
2.5 miles SE of St. Andrews along the A917, Fife Coast road. American-owned resort with two 18-hole seaside courses. |
KITTOCKS COURSE:
Par 71, 6,998 yards. Golf carts permitted. Cliffside course. TORRANCE COURSE: Par 72, 7,037 yards. Walkers only. Links course. British Open qualifier. |
BOTH COURSES: June-Sep: £95-£110 May & Oct: £80 Nov-Apr: £45 |
|
— EASTERN SCOTLAND COURSES — Eastern Perthshire & Angus |
|||
| COURSE NAME | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
Greens Fees* |
|
ABERFELDY Tel: +44 (0)1887 820535 feldygc@tiscali.co.uk http://www.aberfeldygolfclub.uk/contact.asp |
Taybridge Rd. (B846) Aberfeldy, 6 miles east of the east end of Loch Tay (about 20 miles east of Killin) on the A827. | Public 18-hole parkland course dating from 1895. 5,283 yards, par 68, SSS 66. Its glass reinforced suspension bridge has put the course in the Guinness Book of Records. Guests always welcome. Carts available. | £22-£27 |
|
ARBROATH Tel: +44 (0)1241 875837 |
At Elliot, on the A92 Dundee Road, 1 mile SW of Arbroath. |
Public seaside links course. 6,185 yards, par 70. Originally designed by Old Tom Morris in 1877, the course was redesigned by Willie Fernie in 1907 and again in 1931 by none other than James Braid. this 18-hole beauty is another relatively unknown gem. Visitors welcome anytime but Sat. & Sun. mornings, and must have proof of golf club membership. | £30-£35 |
|
BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: +44 (0)1250 872622 office@theblairgowriegolfclub.co.uk H HIDDEN GEM H |
In
the hill country of eastern Perthshire, at
Rosemount, Blairgowrie. Take A93 north from Perth. Handicap Limit: Men-24, Ladies-36. Trolleys, golf carts (buggies), clubs, and caddies available for hire. |
Two 18-hole championship moorland courses. The Rosemount Course, dating from 1930 is a James Braid design incorporating some of the original 9-hole layout designed by Alistair McKenzie. The newer (1990) Lansdowne Course is a Peter Alliss/Dave Thomas design. Guests welcome daily with some restrictions, especially weekends. |
Rosemount Course: £70 Lansdowne Course: £50 |
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CARNOUSTIE Tel: +44 (0)1241 802270 golf@carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk |
Links Parade, Carnoustie, on A930, 13 miles east of Dundee. Trolleys, clubs, and caddies available for hire. Reserve caddies in advance. Handicap restrictions on Championship and Burnside Courses: Men-28, Women-36 |
3 Seaside links courses. Known for great
difficulty especially during bad weather, Carnoustie's Championship Course
plays regular host to the British Open. It’s long, with small fairways and
nasty rough. Wind and sloping fairways only add to the difficulty. The
current course is primarily a James Braid design from 1926, revising earlier
designs of Old Tom Morris (1870) and Alan Robertson (1850). Guests are
welcome with advance reservations. Payment required to confirm any tee-time
reservations.
The Championship Course is a par 72 (SSS 75) , 7,316 yards; par 72, 6,692 yards (middle); par 72, 6,405 yards (front). |
Championship:
£130 Burnside: £35 Buddon Links: £30 |
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KENMORE Tel: +44 (0)1887 830226 info@taymouth.co.uk |
Mains of Taymouth at Kenmore on the eastern edge of Loch Tay, 20 miles east of Killin on the A827. |
Public 9-hole inland course founded in 1992. Some tight tee
shots and raised greens. As 18 holes, course plays 6,052 yards and par 70
(SSS 69). Guests always welcome. |
9 Holes:
£15-£17 18 Holes: £20-£25 |
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LETHAM GRANGE Tel: +44 (0)1241 890373 lethamgrangegolf@yahoo.co.uk |
Letham Grange, Colliston by Arbroath. Take theA9 to Perth, the A85 to Dundee, and the A92 from Dundee to Arbroath. At Arbroath take A933 north toward Brechin. At Colliston (4 miles) turn right at the sign for Letham Grange. |
Two public parkland/woodland courses not far inland from Arbroath. Operated
as an international resort, Letham Grange calls itself "The Augusta of
Scotland". The championship Old Course is 6,968 yards, par 73 (SSS 73)
from the back tees and 6,632 par 73 from the visitors' middle tees. Fairway
play important here due to very deep rough and the many water hazards. The Glens Course has no water, is shorter (5,528 yards, par 68, SSS 68) and about half the cost. |
Old Course:
£40-£45 Glens Course: £22-£27 |
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MONTROSE GOLF LINKS Tel: +44 (0)1674 672932 secretary@montroselinks.co.uk |
Trail Drive, Montrose. 35 mi. NE of Dundee. Take A90 N to Brechin, then the A935 E to Montrose. Guests are welcome daily (Medal Course restrictions on weekends). |
Two public seaside links courses on a site that has seen golf for over 400
years. The Medal Course (a Willie Park design from 1903) is a(n) (British)
Open qualifying course: 6,544 yards, par-71, SSS 72. The 1920s-era Broomfield Course is shorter (4,825 yards, par-66, SSS 63) and easier. |
Medal Course:
£49-£54 Broomfield Course: £20-£22 |
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— NORTHERN SCOTLAND COURSES — Sutherland & Inverness-shire |
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| COURSE NAME | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
Greens Fees* |
|
BOAT OF GARTEN Tel: +44 (0)1479 831282 boatgolf@enterprise.net H HIDDEN GEM H |
Nethybridge Rd., Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire. 25 miles southeast of Inverness via the A9 and A95. Turn right in the middle of Boat of Garten village. | Short & scenic 18-hole Highland course designed by the ubiquitous James Braid in 1898. 5967 yards, par 70. Guests welcome always, except on tournament days. |
£32/weekdays £37/weekends |
|
BRORA Tel: +44 (0)1408 621417 secretary@broragolf.co.uk H HIDDEN GEM H |
Golf Rd., Sutherland. 50 miles north of Dingwall on A9. Turn at the sign in the middle of Brora village. | An 18-hole seaside public links designed by the ubiquitous James Braid in 1891. 6110 yards, par 69. Watch for cows on the 9th hole. Guests welcome at any time, except on tournament days. |
£35/weekdays £40/weekends |
|
GOLSPIE Tel: +44 (0)1408 633266 info@golspie-golf-club.co.uk H HIDDEN GEM H |
Ferry Rd., near Golspie, Sutherland. Take the A9, north from Inverness 53 miles to Golspie village. Take the 1st right in Golspie, and follow signs to the seaside course. | Short (5890-yard, par 68) 18-hole public seaside links course along the North Sea mid-way from Inverness to John O'Groats with superb views. Built in 1889. Architect was the ubiquitous James Braid. Five testing par-3's plus 1 ocean-hugging par-5 in this mix of seaside, heath, and parkland course. | £30 |
|
KINGUSSIE Tel: +44 (0)1540 661600 sec@kingussie-golf.co.uk H HIDDEN GEM H |
Gynack Rd., Inverness-shire. Take the A9, exiting onto the A85 just north of Kingussie village. Drive into village, turn right at Duke of Gordon Hotel and continue to end of road. | Short (5555-yard, par 66) 18-hole public course in high country just west of the Cairngorm Mountains with superb views. Open April-October. Built in 1891 on a Vardon & Herd design. A few golf carts available (rental: £7). |
£24/weekday £28/weekend |
|
NAIRN Tel: +44 (0)1667 453208 bookings@nairngolfclub.co.uk |
Just west of Nairn, 29 miles east of Dingwall and 16 miles east of Inverness on the south shore of the Moray Firth. 1 mile north of A96, turn off onto Seabank Road at church. | A well-respected seaside links dating from 1887. Designed by James Braid and Old Tom Morris, the course is a 6721-yard, par 72 from the back tees, and 6472 yards, par 71 from the mids. Narrow fairways even by Scottish links standards. Excellent fast greens. Daunting rough and deep, wood-bolstered pot bunkers. Six outstanding finishing holes. Guests are welcome weekdays with restrictions on Sat. & Sun. mornings. |
Championship: £75/May-Sep £50/Apr & Oct Newton Course (9 holes) £14 |
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ROYAL DORNOCH Tel: +44 (0)1862 810219 ext. 185 bookings@royaldornoch.com |
At Dornoch, 41 miles northeast of Dingwall, 45 miles north of Inverness. Take the A9 to Evelix, then the A949 east 2 miles to Dornoch. | Currently rated 16th in the world, and 3rd best in Scotland (after St. Andrews Old Course and Muirfield), Royal Dornoch is a Tom Morris designed seaside links from 1877. A short course (6682 yards, par 70 from the back tees; 6514, par 70 from the mids; but 5956 yards, par 76 from the front tees), Royal Dornoch is known for challenges other than length, and for its great beauty, which is enhanced by its remote location in Scotland. Its location and lack of local accommodations keeps Royal Dornoch from being on the British Open rotation. Guests are welcome providing they make tee reservations in advance. Handicap certification (max 24 Men; 35 Ladies) is required for guest play on the Championship course. |
May–Sep £78 weekdays £88 weekends Apr & Oct £68 weekdays £78 weekends Nov–Mar £52 weekdays £58 weekends |
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— SOUTHERN SCOTLAND COURSES — Berwickshire & Roxburghshire |
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| COURSE NAME | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
Greens Fees* |
|
GALASHIELS Tel: +44 (0)1896 753724 H HIDDEN GEM H |
Ladhope Recreation Ground,
Galashiels, 5 miles west of Melrose. NE of Galashiels off A7. |
18 holes. Very hilly and
scenic! |
Weekdays:
£15/round-£20/day Weekends: £17/round-£22/day |
|
HIRSEL Tel: +44 (0)1890 882678 H HIDDEN GEM H |
Kelso Rd., Coldstream, Berwickshire. At the west end of the town of Coldstream on A697, 25 miles east of Melrose. |
18-hole parkland course founded 1948. |
£20 |
|
JEDBURGH Tel: +44 (0)1835 863587 H HIDDEN GEM H |
Dunion Rd., Jedburgh, Roxburghshire. Take the A68 from Melrose 15 miles southeast to Jedburgh. Course is 3/4 mile west of Jedburgh on the B6358. | Hilly public 9-hole parkland course designed by Willie Park and dating from 1892. When 18 holes played, course totals 5760 yards, par 68, SSS 67. Guests welcome except on weekend competition days. Cart & trolley rental. Pro shop, restaurant, and bar. Advance tee times recommended. |
£16 |
|
MELROSE Tel: +44 (0)1896 822855 |
Dingleton, Melrose. Off A68 1/2 mile south of Melrose. |
Public 9-hole parkland course from 1880. 5579 yards and
par 70, SSS 68 over 18 holes. Scenic, tree-lined, & hilly. Set beneath
Eildon Hills. Club house refreshments and bar. |
£16/round £20/day |
|
MINTO Tel: +44 (0)1450 870220 |
Denholm, Hawick, 14 miles south of Melrose. From Melrose, take the B6453 south to Minto Village, by Denholm, Hawick. | Vintage 1926 18-hole public parkland course. 5542 yards, par 69, SSS 67. Lots of trees, no bunkers, forgiving rough, few steep inclines. Guests always welcome. Tee times recommended. Cart & trolley rental. Clubhouse restaurant and bar. |
Weekdays:
£22/round & £27.50/day Weekends: £27/round & £35/day |
|
PEEBLES Tel: +44 (0)1721 720197 H HIDDEN GEM H |
1 mile west of Peebles off A72. 20 miles west of Melrose and 23 miles south of Edinburgh. A few golf carts available. | Moderately hilly public 18-hole parkland course dating from 1892. A James Braid design, altered by H. S. Colt in 1934. 6160 yards par 70 from the back tees. 5763 yards par 70 from the mids. 5195 yards, par 70 from the ladies' tees. Guests always welcome but no denim or golf footwear permitted in clubrooms. New clubhouse & restaurant in 1998. |
£20-£25 |
|
SELKIRK Tel: +44 (0)1750 20621 |
The Hill, Selkirk, 7 miles SW of Melrose. |
9 holes. When played as 18
holes:
Length 5575 yards, Par: 68, SSS: 68. Challenging variety. |
£18/day |
|
ST. BOSWELLS Tel: +44 (0)1835 823527 H HIDDEN GEM H |
Braeheads, St. Boswells, 4 miles SE of Melrose. Quarter of a mile off truck route A68 at St. Boswells Green. |
Public 9-hole course, place twice as 5250-yard, par 66, SSS 66. A Willie Park design from 1899. On the banks of the River Tweed across from Dryburgh Abbey, St. Boswells has easy walking thru attractive parkland. Club house restaurant & bar. |
£15/day |
|
TORWOODLEE Tel: +44 (0)1896 752260 H HIDDEN GEM H |
Edinburgh Road, Galashiels, 7 miles west of Melrose. |
18 holes. Length 6200 yards,
Par: 70, SSS: 70. An expanded Willie Park- designed 9-hole course, with a
good challenge and full services, including pro shop, golf cart and trolley
rental, and club rental. |
Weekdays:
£18/round
&
£25/day Weekends: £22/round & £30/day |
|
WOLL Tel: +44 (0)1750 32711 www.wollgolf.co.uk |
New Woll Estate, Ashkirk, 12 miles SW of Melrose. |
18 holes. Length 6051 yards,
Par: 70, SSS: 69. |
£20/day |
*GREENS FEES (in UK£):
LOW = £15-35
MODERATE = £36-50
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For more information on HOME AT FIRST's SCOTLAND travel programs.
To Main Golf Page!
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