Scottish Open Golf Courses

Having only opened in 2009, Cabot Highlands is one of the younger courses to feature on this list, but it is certainly deserving of its place. The brilliant mind behind Kingsbarns, Mark Parsinen, has created yet another, brilliant late addition to the beautiful tapestry of golf courses Scotland has to offer.

Built on the banks of the Moray Firth, Castle Stuart Links has already hosted 4 Scottish Opens, its thrilling changes in elevation and ‘infinity greens’ make for exciting play.

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"A modern day links course, which encompasses wide fairways that make it playable for nearly all levels of golfers and so was great when playing with my friends of a mixed ability. One thing that strikes you playing it is the fantastic views from nearly all the holes, plus a large percentage of them are next to the water."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)

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Royal Aberdeen is again one of the world’s most historic golf courses and is one of the classic links golf courses. The heavily bunkered course offers almost no protection from the strong coastal breezes and can cause havoc to golfers on the elevated tees in places.

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"Royal Aberdeen contains some wonderful golfing terrain including a 'Postage Stamp' style 8th hole, it's also a traditional club so remember to take your jacket & tie if you wish to use the liunge or dining room after your round."
Gareth (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 12)

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Established in 1884, Gullane is one of the greatest golf courses in Scotland. Situated on one of the most fantastic pieces of golfing turf in the East Lothian area, you are guaranteed a perfect lie if you find the fairway whatever the weather.

Silky greens, pot-bunkers and knee-high rough make Gullane No. 1 absolutely essential to a golf break in East Lothian

More info on Gullane Golf Club >>

"There are a lot of strategically placed bunkers which I advise you try to avoid, if possible! It's a hilly track with some of the best par 3's I've ever played."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)

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Carnoustie is considered the toughest track of any in The Open rotation by pros and amateurs alike, however, it is also one of the greatest. Coming in at 21st on the Golf Digest 2018 ‘World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses’ list, Carnoustie arguably has the finest closing holes of golf of any course in the world.

With the Barry Burn snaking through the fairways, distance control is a must when attempting to tame this beast of a course. Despite the challenge, a must play course for any serious golfer.

More info on Carnoustie Golf Links >>

"Depending on the wind, 16, 17 and 18 are the hardest finish in golf."
Gareth (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 12)

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You'll likely find Kyle Phillips name mentioned on our website a lot. It's because he has designed some fantastic golf courses such as Kingsbarns. And Dundonald Links is another beautiful creation. Although it a 'new' links, it has matured very nicely since its inception in 2005 and has since hosted the Scottish Open and measures a whopping 7100 yards from the back tees.

More info on Dundonald Links >>

"This course is definitely a test of your game, especially the Par 5's - but when is golf not a challenge! Big bunkers protect raised greens and it's the Par 3's that really stand out here."
Paul (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)

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It would be impossible to compile a list of the best golf courses, in Scotland and the world, and not include the Old Course at St Andrews. By far and away the most iconic course on the planet, you can feel how special the place is the moment you set foot in town.

The Home of Golf needs little introduction and should be played by every golfer at least once, follow in the footsteps of golf legends and see where golf was born.

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"The 1st tee is undeniably the happiest place on earth for golfers, it is impossible not to smile standing there awaiting the centuries old challenge."
Gareth (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 12)

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The King's Course at Gleneagles has been a frequent stop on both the Men's and Women's Tours since its inception in 1919. The layout exudes quality with well-maintained fairways and tightly clipped greens making for perfect playing conditions.

The subtle changes in elevation from tee to green can make club selection vital while the clever use of bunkering makes approach play challenging for all levels of ability.

More info on Gleneagles, Kings Course >>

"You will obviously want to play the Ryder Cup PGA Centenary course but in my opinion you should also play the King's course, it is a classic James Braid layout that will test your golfing ability to the max."
Rick (Marketing: Handicap 12)

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Downfield Golf Club is located in beautiful parkland in the city of Dundee, Downfield has been described by Paul Lawrie, 1999 Open Champion, as "one of the finest inland courses in Britain".

Combining wonderful scenery with the natural wildlife of squirrels, water fowl, buzzards and deer, Downfield offers a truly challenging and enjoyable experience to all golfers regardless of their abilities.

More info on Downfield Golf Club >>

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Belleisle is considered to be one of the UK's finest parkland courses. The layout winds through the picturesque Belleisle Estate, combining the natural landscape with spectacular views to Arran.

Wide fairways are surrounded by majestic mature trees which can make the visiting golfer a feeling of being on an Island far from civilisation.

More info on Belleisle Golf Club >>

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The Renaissance Club was designed by the renowned American course architect Tom Doak who is also responsible for the likes of Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand, Barnbougle Dunes in Australia and Pacific Dunes in America.

The design is carved out of 300 acres of pine forest which offers strategic greenside positioning as well as holes in the middle of the round connecting the course to the coast.

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Loch Lomond Golf Club is located on the bank of Loch Lomond in Argyll & Bute, built upon land previously held by Clan Colquhoun with Rossdhu House as its clubhouse.

This Tom Weiskopf gem comes in at over 7,000 yards from the back tees, with beautiful manicured fairways and perfect greens set against a backdrop of mountainous landscape and the calm waters of the Loch.

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Haggs Castle was originally a 9 hole layout, with updates from Dave Thomas it is now a championship standard wooded, parkland course only a short drive from the city of Glasgow.

As well as hosting the Scottish Open the club has played host to a number of regional and national tournaments. Set in the magnificent mature parkland of Pollok Country Park, the treelined fairways provide a wonderful contrast to the nearby, bustling city-centre.

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