Scotland's east and west coasts are littered with the spectacular links courses that are so inherently Scottish; famous names from Open Championship history such as St Andrews, Carnoustie and Turnberry offer golf breaks with a slice of history in golf's home, while Gleneagles' Perthshire landscape offers unrivalled beauty.
Though lacking the international repute of the Open Championship rotation, Scotland is bursting with hidden gems - the Green Hotel and Dalmahoy are two hotels with golf courses that come highly recommended. Hundreds of years of golfing heritage are combined with the legendary Scottish hospitality, ensuring that for those fortunate enough to experience a golf break in Scotland, it will be an incredible experience.
Whether it is Ryder Cup venues (Muirfield - 1973 & Gleneagles - 2014) or Open Championship venues (no less than 7 courses have hosted the event), a golf trip to Scotland is one that is sure to satisfy any Championship golf experience as well as providing a host of luxury 5 star resorts to base yourself in for both golf and spa breaks and relaxing Sunday Drivers.
Scotland boasts five current Open Championship venues: Turnberry, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Muirfield and The Old Course at St Andrews. In 2015, the Open returned to the Old Course, where past winners have included Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, and most recently Louis Oosthuizen in 2010. The Scottish Open was held at Loch Lomond Golf Club from 1996-2010, before switching to Castle Stuart Golf Links between 2011-2013 and most recently to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in 2014, with Justin Rose winning the title.
Every October, Scotland plays host to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. It’s a pro-am event and one of the richest golf tournaments on the European Tour. Many of the world’s leading players join a host of big name celebrities to battle it out over The Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns Golf Links. Previous winners include Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington and Martin Kaymer.
There are plenty of venues scattered throughout Scotland which afford groups great value breaks on some terrific courses. Popular favourites include the MacDonald Cardrona Hotel, whose outstanding golf course has been earmarked as a potential future Tour venue. Murrayshall is one of few destinations in the country to offer two excellent 18-hole courses, plus it’s a convenient 25 minute drive from Dundee airport. While the Championship Course is the obvious star at Carnoustie, there are two less brutal courses at the resort which will appeal to society golfers. After your round, you can share your tales of success and demise over a pint in the history soaked walls of Calder’s Bar, conveniently located in the hotel which overlooks the 18th green.
For the perfect golf and spa break for two, Fairmont St Andrews has everything - from the stylish rooms, outstanding food options and true 5* service, to the European-style health spa and the hotel’s spectacular position overlooking the two championship golf courses and back towards St Andrews. You are also perfectly placed to explore the town’s historic castle and cathedral ruins. The Roxburghe Hotel, located in the picturesque Scottish Borders, is another great option for couples. Owned by the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, the service here is befitting of royalty; you’ll feel more like you’ve arrived at a luxurious family home than at a formal hotel. If it’s an extra special weekend, you can ask for a room upgrade and cuddle up by your own log fire in the comfort of a four-poster bed. For something closer to the major cities, Mar Hall is a popular luxury wedding venue with spectacular views - and it’s just 10 minutes from Glasgow airport.
The pick of Scotland’s nightlife is centred around Edinburgh and Glasgow, where a vast number of bars, clubs and atmospheric old pubs provide the perfect setting for some late night shenanigans. Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club is located just 7 miles from Edinburgh and its popular evening haunts on George St and the Royal Mile. For easy access to Glasgow, the Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort is just a short drive from both the city centre and international airport. You may like to time your trip with a visit to either Celtic Park or Ibrox Stadium to watch Rangers and Celtic in the Old Firm derby - one of world football’s fiercest rivalries. As a student town, St Andrews also offers a lively atmosphere most nights of the week. You won’t find many better bases than at the Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, which backs onto the famous 18th hole of the Old Course.
There are several top-class golf hotels in Scotland of which Gleneagles, Trump Turnberry and The Old Course Hotel are perhaps the most famous. Besides being chosen to host the recent Ryder Cup, Gleneagles has been a venue of international repute since its inception as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Turnberry and the Old Course boast magnificent hotels befitting the world-renowned golf courses on their doorstep, with guests assured of only the best in service, pampering and fine dining.
Visit Scotland - Scottish Golf Trails
5 things you didn’t know about Turnberry
A to Z of Scottish Golf
10 reasons to play golf in Scotland this summer
Golf in Scotland - a photo guide
