Where to Play Golf in Scotland

A Guide to the Best Regions for Your Trip

When choosing where to play golf in Scotland, the hardest part is often knowing where to begin.

With dozens of exceptional courses across the country, the choices can feel endless at first glance. But here’s the good news: most of Scotland’s top golf is clustered within six distinct regions. That narrows your first decision to something far more manageable.

For most H&B travelers, the sweet spot is one or two regions per Expedition. If you have ten days or more to devote to the journey, you might stretch it to three. Beyond that, you risk needing a vacation from your vacation.

Whether you’re chasing championship pedigree, hoping to pair city life with seaside golf, or simply looking to keep logistics smooth for your group, this guide will help you land on the right golf in Scotland for your trip—and what to expect in each region.

Visit our dedicated page for Scotland golf trips to explore the regions, courses, and Good Life experiences that make every H&B itinerary truly unforgettable.

The Expedition led by Conor Yunits from Thorny Lea Golf Club at The Home of Golf

St. Andrews

Where the Story Often Begins and Rarely Ends

Whether it’s the dream round you’ve waited years to play or a return visit to familiar fairways, for many travelers, golf in Scotland begins and ends with one place: St. Andrews.

It’s not just the thrill of stepping onto the 1st tee of The Old Course. It’s the feeling that settles in the moment you arrive in town. It’s hard to describe, and even harder to forget.

But there’s more here than just that one long-awaited round. The town and surrounding coastline offer a full roster of top-ranked courses and timeless links, all within reach of the Auld Grey Toon.

Notable Courses

The Old Course: Getting a guaranteed tee time here takes serious planning. If it’s a must, let us walk you through the process. Our Complete Guide to Old Course at St. Andrews Tee Times is a good place to start.
Kingsbarns: The course for which the term "modern classic" was invented, with views that live up to the hype.
Carnoustie Golf Links: Demanding, notorious, and rich with Open history.
Dumbarnie Links: The new kid on the block and already a fixture on must-play lists.
Crail, Lundin Links, and Elie: Pure links golf with fewer crowds and all the charm.
New, Jubilee, and Castle: Frequent stops for travelers with guaranteed Old Course tee times, and enjoyable rounds in their own right.

The Good Life

St. Andrews offers more than world-class golf. It’s a town that invites you to slow down and explore. Mornings might begin with coffee overlooking The Old Course. Evenings often end with a pint and stories at The Dunvegan or The Jigger Inn.

Between rounds, take a quiet stroll through the cemetery and tip your cap to Old and Young Tom Morris. Or, if you’d like to enjoy Scotland’s second greatest export—whisky—schedule a visit to Kingsbarns Distillery for a guided tour and tasting.

All of this can be enjoyed from two of golf’s landmark hotels: The Rusacks and The Old Course Hotel. Both offer refined comfort and, if you reserve the right room, unforgettable views across the course that brought you here.

What to Expect

St. Andrews remains a magical place to enjoy Golf at its Finest and Life at its Best. If playing The Old Course is part of the dream, you’ll need to begin planning at least 18 months in advance. But the extra effort is worth it. And even if The Old Course isn’t part of your final tee sheet, there's a reason why so many private club members return here time and time again.

There’s simply nothing else like it.

A group playing golf in Scotland at The Old Course

The Expedition led by Justin Ham from Midland Country Club at The Old Course

Edinburgh & East Lothian

Where the Heritage of Golf and Scotland Run Deep

If you’re looking to combine exceptional golf with a deep sense of place, Edinburgh and East Lothian offer one of the most well-rounded experiences in Scotland. Along this stretch of the country’s eastern coast, you’ll find some of the most historic clubs in the game, each woven into the fabric of Scottish golf.

But it’s not just about what’s on the scorecard. This region invites you to settle in, take your time, and enjoy the balance between championship links and the Good Life that surrounds them.

Notable Courses

Muirfield: Home to the original rules of golf and the best single day experience in the game. 36-holes with the storied lunch in jacket & tie in-between.
North Berwick Golf Club: Eccentric, historic, and beloved around the world, with a closing stretch that's unmatched.
Gullane Golf Club: A roller coaster of links golf and two-time Scottish Open host. The view from the 7th tee will linger in your memory.
Dunbar Golf Club: Coastal golf in its classic form, with sea views on nearly every hole.
Kilspindie & Musselburgh Links: One is a charming, under the radar links. The other is a 3-time host of The Open set inside a horse racecourse. Both are the ideal choice for an extra round along the way.

The Good Life

Whether you stay in the city or along the coast, this region offers comfort and culture in equal measure. In Edinburgh, refined hotels like The Balmoral and The Caledonian place you within easy reach of historic landmarks and celebrated restaurants. North Berwick’s Marine Hotel offers a more relaxed pace just minutes from the fairways.

Off the course, explore Edinburgh Castle, stroll the Royal Mile, or visit the Scotch Whisky Experience. Along the coast, you’ll find charming towns and a leisurely pace.

What to Expect

Tee times at Muirfield and North Berwick often fill 12 to 18 months in advance, so early planning is essential. For groups looking to combine championship links with a deep sense of history and hospitality, few regions deliver quite like Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Travelers playing golf in Scotland at Muirfield

Kyle Horton, PGA and the members of Kalamazoo Country Club at Muirfield

Ayrshire & the West Coast

Where The Open Championship Was Born

If your idea of the perfect trip includes walking in the footsteps of champions, Ayrshire and the West Coast might be exactly where you want to be. This stretch of Scotland’s west coast is the birthplace of The Open, and the legacy of the game runs through nearly every round you’ll play.

You won’t find quite as many off-course diversions as in other regions, but there are still a few Good Life moments worth seeking out. And for golfers who appreciate the stories behind the game, this part of Scotland delivers them with ease.

Notable Courses

Turnberry: A dramatic setting and one of the finest stretches of seaside holes in the game..
Royal Troon: Known for The Open, the Postage Stamp, and a back nine that tests every club in the bag.
Prestwick Golf Club: The Birthplace of The Open and one of the most memorable walks in golf.
Western Gailes Golf Club: Often overlooked, always appreciated. A classic links that charms at every turn.

The Good Life

Turnberry sets the tone here, with a five-star resort experience and a setting that stays with you. Just up the coast, the Marine Troon provides a comfortable base overlooking the 18th fairway of Royal Troon. Perfect for those who want to be close to the action without ever feeling rushed.

While this region leans more toward golf than sightseeing, there are still a few worthwhile diversions. Culzean Castle offers a glimpse of Scottish history, and a ferry to the Isle of Arran makes for a rewarding day away from the course.

What to Expect

The tee sheets in Ayrshire are competitive, but not quite as tight as St. Andrews or East Lothian. Planning a year in advance is usually suggested to ensure the best availability. And if you're looking to blend the best of Scotland and Ireland into one journey, the nearby ferry to Belfast makes this region an ideal jumping-off point.

Visitors playing golf in Scotland at Turnberry

Justin Foster, PGA and the members of Ridgewood Country Club at Turnberry

The Highlands

Where Golf and the Good Life Go Hand in Hand

If you’re the type of traveler who values the journey as much as the destination, The Highlands may be your perfect match. This is where golf unfolds at a quieter pace, surrounded by landscapes that feel both timeless and untouched.

The courses here offer something a little different. They’re rewarding and deeply connected to the setting. Add in a warm Highland welcome and a few thoughtful detours, and you have a region that feels less like a side trip and more like a destination that's all its own.

Notable Courses

Royal Dornoch: One of the highest ranked courses in the world and a links that stays with you long after the round is over.
Cabot Highlands: Home to Castle Stuart and Old Petty. A pair of modern designs as celebrated as their historic neighbors.
Nairn Golf Club: A classic links that hosted the Walker Cup, complete with a halfway house tucked inside an old fishing bothy.
Brora Golf Club: Remote, rugged, and unforgettable. Expect sheep, sea air, and a purer version of the game.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Tain, and Golspie: Lesser known, wonderfully authentic, and full of character.

The Good Life

The Highlands is one of the finest regions in Scotland to enjoy the Good Life alongside the game. In Inverness, Ness Walk offers a refined base with easy access to many of the top courses. Or you can head north to Dornoch, where Dornoch Station and Links House provide two distinct takes on Highland hospitality. Both are just steps from the first tee.

For dinner, Mara at Links House has quickly become one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country. And if you plan to take a day off from golf, a full-day guided tour is a wonderful way to explore the area’s culture and history. You might visit Dunrobin Castle, stop at Glenmorangie Distillery, or enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the Highlands.

What to Expect

Planning in the Highlands tends to be more flexible than in Scotland’s marquee regions. That said, the earlier you start, the better your chances of securing the courses, accommodations, and pace you have in mind. The region requires a little further commute from the main airports in Glasgow and Edinburgh, but it's worth every minute of the added journey. If you're drawn to a more relaxed rhythm, memorable scenery, and a version of the game that feels closer to its roots, The Highlands will feel like a natural fit.

Travelers playing golf in Scotland at Royal Dornoch

The Expedition led by Dr. Ed Holland from Triple Crown Country Club at Royal Dornoch

Aberdeen

Scotland's Less-Heralded Golf Coast

If you’ve already played the best golf in Scotland and are wondering what’s next, Aberdeen might be the answer. The golf is quietly spectacular, the crowds are few, and the planning window is far more forgiving.

This is a region made for discovery. The courses don’t clamor for attention, but those who play them often leave wondering why they didn’t come sooner.

Notable Courses

Cruden Bay: Equal parts quirky and unforgettable. It’s the kind of course you finish, then want to play again the next morning.
Royal Aberdeen: Historic, challenging, and home to one of the finest opening stretches in Scotland.
Trump International: A bold design cut through massive dunes, with spectacular views to match.
Murcar Links, Peterhead, Fraserburgh: Understated and authentic. They're the kind of courses that make the journey feel like exploration.

The Good Life

Aberdeen gives you a few ways to settle in, depending on the kind of experience you’re after. The Marcliffe offers refined charm, The Chester brings a more modern boutique feel, and Meldrum House provides a country house setting with space to unwind.

If you enjoy exploring between rounds, the best of the Good Life is found in the city center. Aberdeen’s pubs, restaurants, and shops offer a lively backdrop and a warm welcome after a day on the links.

For something a little further afield, plan a visit to Dunnottar Castle. Perched above the North Sea, it’s one of Scotland’s most dramatic and memorable sights.

What to Expect

Aberdeen tends to work best as part of a larger journey. With three marquee names and a handful of under the radar courses, you’ll find more than enough great golf to fill a few days, but most travelers pair it with another region.

The planning window is more forgiving here, which gives you some flexibility if you’re coming together on shorter notice. If you enjoy finding places that others tend to overlook, Aberdeen will reward the effort.

The Expedition led by Kevin Long from Yardley Country Club at Cruden Bay

Kintyre & The West

Where the Road Narrows and the Joy of Discovery Grows

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys the path less taken, Kintyre and its neighboring isles offer a journey worth the extra effort. This is a region for purists and explorers alike. Where the golf is raw and the landscapes feel untouched by time.

Getting here takes a bit of planning and extra effort. But for those who make the journey, the reward is a version of Scotland that few travelers get to see.

Notable Courses

Machrihanish Golf Club: Famous for its unforgettable opening tee shot and natural Old Tom Morris design along the Atlantic.
Machrihanish Dunes: A modern course shaped by nature, paired with stunning views and comfortable accommodations.
Shiskine Golf Club (Isle of Arran): A 12-hole gem that breaks every mold in the best possible way.
Machrie Golf Links (Isle of Islay): Recently redesigned and paired with a sleek on-site hotel, this is golf and hospitality in perfect balance.

The Good Life

There’s no rush in this part of Scotland, which is exactly the point. In Campbeltown, the Ugadale Hotel offers a welcoming stay within walking distance of the course. A visit to Springbank Distillery is more than a tasting—it’s a window into a community where whisky is still made by hand, with care and character.

On Islay, the appeal goes well beyond the golf. The Machrie offers refined lodging with wide views across the coast, and the island's legendary distilleries provide a perfect complement to your time on the links.

What to Expect

Reaching Kintyre takes a bit of effort—usually a lengthy ride in the coach, a ferry ride, or both—but that’s part of what makes it special. With fewer marquee courses than other regions, it’s best suited for travelers who want to go deeper into the spirit of the game. If you’re looking for solitude, storytelling, and a few rounds you’ll never forget, this corner of Scotland delivers all of it.

Travelers playing golf in Scotland at Shiskine

The Expedition led by John Harris from San Diego Country Club at Shiskine

Where You Play Shapes the Journey

Choosing where to play is one of the most important decisions in planning a golf trip to Scotland. It sets the pace of your itinerary, the flow of your days, and the character of your time off the course. Some regions offer a deep connection to the game’s history. Others bring a sense of discovery or a change of scenery. The best trips often strike a thoughtful balance.

At Haversham & Baker, we guide each traveler through these choices to design an experience that feels both personal and seamless. However your journey takes shape, we’re here to help you get it just right.