Carnoustie Golf Links (Burnside)

The Second Hundred Golf Courses of Scotland 2016 We preview the challengers for the next Top 100 Golf Courses of Scotland rankings and list the second hundred Having just published the latest 2016 edition of our Top 100 for Scotland, we thought we’d take a close look at our golfing crystal ball to see if we could predict which of our “second hundred” Caledonian courses might make it into the top chart next time around. Edzell (Old) dropped out from the latest listings (from position 92 in 2014) but extensive upgrading work currently being carried out on the course could well see the modified layout bounce straight back into the chart when it’s next re-evaluated. Also from the Angus & Dundee region, the highly regarded Burnside links at Carnoustie has featured in our Scottish top 100 before (at number 91 in 2008 and 93 in 2010) and its current high riding regional position gives every indication that it might also make a re-appearance in the near future. A couple of Lothians courses just missed out on the 2016 edition of the Top 100: Duddingston, a nationally ranked course in the first three editions of our chart from 2008 to 2012, and Gullane (No.3), which was placed at number 96 and 99 in our 2008 and 2010 listings. Both of these well-respected tracks should have a reasonable chance of making a swift return next time around. Another four 18-hole layouts that have previously graced our Scottish Top 100 are also in with a good shout of securing a spot in the next set of national rankings: Duff House Royal from the North East (it was listed 2008-12), Cardrona in the Borders (it appeared 2008-10), Dunfermline from Fife (it was in the 2008 edition) and Kingussie in the North, which featured at number 99 in our 2014 chart. Last year, half a dozen courses around the country received strong support when we polled every club and every club professional in Scotland regarding our district rankings and they all narrowly missed out on a Top 100 place in this edition. From our Lanarkshire district, the parkland courses at Strathaven - where the original 9-hole layout was designed by Willie Fernie in 1907 – and Hamilton (which James Braid designed in 1925) both came very close to attaining Top 100 status and they’ll certainly be knocking on the door again next time. Two Glasgow courses may also feature when we next update our table. The first of these is another Braid layout at Cawder Golf Club’s Cawder course, where a number of revisions have sadly diluted much of the original design. The other layout is the delightful moorland track at Cathkin Braes, on the other side of the city, which is said to be the oldest golfing layout still in play in the Glasgow area. Royal Troon’s Portland course in Ayrshire has lurked just outside the Top 100 for a while now and this old Willie Fernie track, which Alister MacKenzie remodelled in the 1920s, might just make its presence in the future. Further north, the New course at Moray is a modern design that Sir Henry Cotton laid out in the late 1970s and it too might make its mark in the listings for 2018. We mustn’t disregard the possibility of a dark horse emerging from the pack and, if that was to happen, we suggest the unexpected candidate could come from the likes of Glenbervie from our Central district (which recently featured in the Scottish Top 100 chart of a national golf magazine) or the moorland Hilton course at Hilton Park Golf Club in Dunbartonshire. Both 18-hole layouts impressed members of the Top100 Team following recent visits so their emergence as a bona fide Top 100 course would not come as a surprise. Perhaps there’s a genuine contender that we’ve missed? If so, please click the “Respond to this article” link below and tell us which course you think deserves Top 100 recognition. The full second hundred list is as follows with the challengers highlighted: Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses

Scotland has golf courses for every standard of golfer. While its famous championship links attract visitors from around the world, some of the best places for beginners are shorter, less intimidating and considerably easier on the wallet. Top100 has compiled 10 courses that offer an enjoyable introduction to Scottish golf, taking into account their length, difficulty, green fees and overall atmosphere. Some are classic links, others are inland parkland courses, but all offer something that makes them worth considering for a golfer still finding their feet. 1. Gullane No.3 Why play it: Short, scenic East Lothian links Length: 5,134 yards (4,695m) - Par 67 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Price: £70 Best for: First taste of links golf Gullane No.3 may sit in the shadow of its more famous neighbours, but it's an excellent introduction to East Lothian links golf. At just over 5,200 yards, it's short enough to be approachable for beginners, with only one par four exceeding 400 yards, while strategically placed bunkers and slick greens still provide plenty of challenge. The biggest reward comes between the fourth and 15th, where the course climbs Gullane Hill before opening up to spectacular views across the Firth of Forth. With Muirfield, North Berwick, Luffness New and Kilspindie all visible from the higher ground, it's a brilliant way to experience one of Scotland's great golfing regions without the price tag or pressure of its more famous neighbours. 2. Kilspindie Golf Club Why play it: Quirky seaside golf packed into a compact layout Length: 5,494 yards (5,024m) - Par 69 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Price: £120 Best for: Fun, informal links golf Kilspindie is almost tailor-made for beginners looking to experience traditional Scottish links golf. Measuring just under 5,500 yards, the course places far more emphasis on accuracy than distance, with seven of its 13 par fours measuring less than 300 yards. Its compact layout beside Aberlady Bay also means you can enjoy a genuine seaside golfing experience without the intimidation of a long championship course. Founded in 1867, Kilspindie is steeped in history, while its secluded setting beside the nature reserve gives the course a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. From the opening ‘Point’ to the 252-yard closing hole, ‘Home’, the layout is packed with quirky, old-fashioned holes that reward beginners who learn to plot their way around rather than simply reaching for the driver. 3. St Andrews Links - Strathtyrum Course Why play it: The easiest route into playing St Andrews Length: 5,628 yards (5,146m) - Par 69 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Price: £60 Best for: First-time visitors wanting to play St Andrews The Strathtyrum is arguably one of the best options for beginners wanting to play at St Andrews. Opened in 1993 and designed by Donald Steel and David Thomas, the 5,628-yard layout is shorter and more forgiving than the Old Course, with generous fairways and relatively straightforward greens giving newer golfers room to enjoy themselves. Its fairways are framed by 15 bunkers, while cleverly positioned hazards and several water features provide enough challenge to keep experienced golfers interested. The Strathtyrum allows beginners to experience the atmosphere of St Andrews Links without the pressure associated with its more historic courses. 4. The Glen Golf Club Why play it: Spectacular coastal views and approachable links golf Length: 6,275 yards (5,738m) - Par 70 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Price: £100 Best for: Scenic golf The Glen is a brilliant choice for beginners who want to experience Scottish links golf without being overwhelmed by length. Nine of its 12 par fours measure under 400 yards, while relatively gentle greens and generous opportunities from the tee make it possible to enjoy the course without needing a perfect game. The real highlight, however, is the scenery, with much of the course perched above the Firth of Forth and views towards Bass Rock, Fidra and Fife. The famous 13th, known as the ‘Sea Hole’, runs alongside the coastline, while the dramatic downhill 18th at ‘Jacob's Ladder’ provides a memorable finish. With the beaches and walking trails of North Berwick surrounding the course, The Glen has a relaxed, holiday atmosphere that makes it particularly appealing to newer golfers. 5. Hopeman Golf Club Why play it: Affordable clifftop links with spectacular views Length: 5,624 yards (5,143 m) - Par 68 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Price: From £60 Best for: Affordable coastal golf Hopeman is a great reminder that Scottish links golf isn't all about length. The Moray Firth course rewards accuracy rather than power, with gorse lining its fairways and just one par five on the scorecard. For beginners, that makes it an inviting place to learn how to plot your way around a links rather than simply trying to overpower it. The highlight is the 12th, a 150-yard par three played from an elevated tee more than 100 feet above the green at Clashach Cove. With panoramic views across the Firth, it's the sort of hole that can make a beginner fall in love with Scottish golf. The course has been played since 1909 and remains a wonderfully traditional, unpretentious links experience. 6. Crieff Golf Club - The Ferntower Course Why play it: Friendly parkland golf in a spectacular setting Length: 6,493 yards (5,937m) - Par 71 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Price: From £70 Best for: Relaxed inland golf For beginners who want to experience Scotland beyond the links, Crieff is an excellent alternative. Set among the rolling parkland of the Strathearn Valley, the course offers generous fairways and relatively forgiving rough, making it possible for newer golfers to enjoy their round without constantly searching for their ball. Crieff has plenty of golfing pedigree, too, with an original nine-hole layout designed by Old Tom Morris in 1891 before Robert Simpson and James Braid helped develop it into an 18-hole course. Add in its friendly welcome and excellent value, and Crieff offers a relaxed way for beginners to experience Scottish golf away from the country's famous links. 7. Prestwick St Nicholas Why play it: Traditional links golf without the championship price tag Length: 6,044 yards (5,526 m) - Par 69 Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Price: £110 Best for: Traditional Scottish golf Prestwick St Nicholas is proof that a golf course doesn't need to be long to be a challenge. Described by Henry Cotton as a “miniature championship course”, its generous fairways make it approachable for newer golfers, but blind shots, strategically placed bunkers and tricky greens mean course management is essential. There's plenty of history here, too. The club's members originally played on the neighbouring Prestwick course, which hosted the first 12 Open Championships between 1860 and 1872. For beginners, it offers a chance to experience traditional Ayrshire links golf without having to take on one of the region's more intimidating championship layouts. 8. St Andrews Links - Eden Course Why play it: Authentic St Andrews links with a little more challenge Length: 6,140 yards (5,614m) - Par 70 Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Price: £80 Best for: Beginners ready to step up If the Old Course feels too intimidating, or its £355 green fee is simply out of reach, the Eden offers a far more accessible way to play at St Andrews. Designed by Harry Colt in 1914, this par 70 layout provides a genuine links experience without the pressure or price tag of the Old Course. The Eden is strategic rather than brutally difficult, with generous fairways giving beginners room to find their feet. The challenge comes around the greens, where deep bunkers, humps and hollows demand a little more thought. With a two-tiered fifth green and the tricky 17th among its highlights, the Eden is an ideal next step for golfers who want to experience the Home of Golf while testing themselves. 9. Dunbar Golf Club Why play it: Classic links golf with a little more bite Length: 6,547 yards (5,987m) - Par 71 Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Price: From £145 Best for: Beginners ready for a challenge Dunbar is a step up in difficulty from some of the shorter courses on this list, but it offers an excellent introduction to the more demanding side of Scottish links golf. The course hugs the North Sea coastline for much of its back nine, with spectacular views towards Bass Rock and the wind adding an extra layer of challenge. For beginners, it's a chance to discover why links golf requires more than simply hitting the ball straight and far. There's plenty of history to enjoy along the way, too. Golf has been played around Dunbar since the 17th century, while the course has benefited from the influence of Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers and James Braid. 10. Brora Golf Club Why play it: Wild, natural links golf with a relaxed atmosphere Length: 6,211 yards (5,679m) - Par 70 Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Price: From £180 Best for: An adventurous first links trip Brora offers beginners something that the famous championship courses often can't: the chance to experience a truly natural Scottish links without the pressure of a world-famous name. The 6,211-yard course isn't overly long, but its exposed coastal setting means the wind can quickly change the challenge. The opening nine runs remarkably close to the North Sea, with the second tee perched beside the beach and spectacular views stretching along the coastline. James Braid redesigned Brora in 1923, and relatively little has changed since. The 162-yard ninth, named the ‘Sea Hole’, is a particular highlight, while the closing par three provides a suitably challenging finish. Five-time Open Champion, the late Peter Thomson regularly played Brora and called it one of his favourite links courses in the world. Which Course is Best for You? With so many excellent options, the best Scottish golf course for a beginner depends on the type of experience you're looking for. Best for a first links experience: Gullane No.3 - Short enough to be approachable, but still delivers the classic East Lothian links experience. Best for experiencing St Andrews: St Andrews Strathtyrum - A more forgiving introduction to the Home of Golf than the Old Course. Best scenery: The Glen - Few courses on this list can match its views across North Berwick and the Firth of Forth. Best value: Hopeman - Affordable green fees and spectacular Moray Firth scenery make it an excellent option for golfers on a budget. Best traditional experience: Prestwick St Nicholas - A chance to experience traditional Ayrshire links golf without tackling one of the region's toughest championship courses. Best inland option: Crieff - A scenic alternative to links golf, with a more relaxed setting for golfers still finding their feet. Best for a challenge: Dunbar - Longer and more demanding than some of the other courses on this list, but a good choice for beginners looking to test themselves. Best for character: Kilspindie - A short, quirky and highly memorable links where no two holes quite feel the same. Green fees quoted are summer 2026 rates where available

Scotland is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world, but playing them during the peak season isn't as simple as picking a date and booking a tee time. In this guide, Top100 breaks down how far in advance you should book your Scottish golf trip, highlighting the courses you should target at 12–18 months, 9–12 months, six months and three months out. 12–18 Months Muirfield – Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers The second-ranked golf course in Scotland, Muirfield has hosted 16 Open Championships and remains one of the country's ultimate bucket-list destinations for avid golfers. It is also a prime example of why planning well in advance is essential when building a Scottish golf trip. Muirfield's visitor booking process is unusually structured. For 2027, the diary for independent golfers opened on March 18, 2026, and closed on March 27, with applications accepted only during that window. Visiting golfers could submit up to three preferred dates, with only one application permitted per group. Another important consideration for groups wanting to play Muirfield is that, during the peak months of May to September, the club does not accept bookings for singles, two-balls or three-balls. Smaller groups can instead join a waiting list in the hope that a fourball becomes available through a cancellation. If Muirfield is non-negotiable on your Scottish golf bucket list, it should be one of the first things your group books – even before flights and accommodation. Royal Dornoch Golf Club – Championship Course Regularly ranked among the finest golf courses in the world, Royal Dornoch's Championship Course is another Scottish bucket-list destination where the "book it when the diary opens" mentality is justified. The demand for tee times is enormous. When Royal Dornoch opened its 2027 tee sheet in May 2026, the club revealed that summer availability for 2026 was already extremely limited, with the remaining vacant fourball slots falling late in the afternoon. More than 13,000 rounds are allocated to visiting golfers each year, but the course's global reputation means those tee times are in huge demand. Booking applications are only accepted by email and processed in chronological order. The club itself advises golfers to look ahead when planning a trip to Dornoch, and with demand showing little sign of slowing, leaving it until six or three months before your trip is a gamble. If Royal Dornoch is a priority for your trip, it should be one of the first tee times you secure. St Andrews Links – Old Course No Scottish golf trip is complete without discussing the Old Course at St Andrews, but unlike Muirfield and Royal Dornoch, getting a tee time at the Home of Golf requires a slightly different approach. Your best chance of securing an advance reservation for the Old Course is by submitting an application through the St Andrews Links Trust annual advance reservation process, which typically opens at the beginning of September for the following year. At least two golfers are required in each group, with a maximum of eight. You don’t necessarily need to secure a confirmed Old Course tee time 12–18 months in advance, as golfers who miss out on an advance reservation can still enter the highly competitive 48-hour ballot or explore other last-minute availability. If you want to save yourself the stress of applying for a tee time at the Home of Golf, there are also a number of authorised providers – including golf tour operators and local accommodation providers – offering packages throughout the high season that include guaranteed Old Course tee times. 9–12 months Kingsbarns Golf Links Situated just six miles from St Andrews, Kingsbarns Golf Links is one of Scotland's most celebrated modern links. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course makes the most of its spectacular coastal setting, with the North Sea visible from almost every hole. Kingsbarns' reputation has continued to grow since opening, with the course now co-hosting the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside the Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie. Its popularity, however, means golfers planning to play during the peak summer months should think about their tee time well in advance. Advance booking is highly recommended by the club to guarantee your place. While Kingsbarns does offer a last-minute online booking service, tee times are only released a maximum of three days in advance and are available at the full rack rate. Nine to 12 months out is a sensible target for Kingsbarns. Its proximity to St Andrews also makes it particularly important to book early if you're hoping to combine the two in the same trip. Carnoustie Golf Links – Championship Course One of the most famous and challenging links courses in the world, Carnoustie's Championship Course is a key addition to any Scottish golf itinerary. Having hosted eight Open Championships, including Francesco Molinari's memorable victory in 2018, its reputation means tee times during the peak season are highly sought after. Unlike some of Scotland's most exclusive courses, Carnoustie offers visitors a number of ways to secure a tee time, with bookings available directly through the club. However, if you're planning to play during the busiest summer months, leaving your round until the final few weeks of your trip is a risk. For a peak-season trip, booking Carnoustie's Championship Course early is particularly important if you want a preferred morning tee time or are travelling as a larger group. Royal Troon Golf Club – Old A regular fixture on the Open Championship rota, Royal Troon's Old Course is another of Scotland's most sought-after links and a natural target for golfers planning a trip during the summer months. The course has hosted the Open nine times, most recently in 2024, and its reputation means popular tee times can be snapped up well in advance. Royal Troon offers more flexibility than some of Scotland's most difficult courses to access, with its visitor season running from mid-April to October. However, visitor tee times are limited to Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, making it worth securing your round well ahead of a peak-season trip. The club also opens its diary well ahead of the playing season. For a peak-season trip, securing your preferred date early is the safest approach, particularly given the limited days available to visitors. Turnberry – Ailsa One of Scotland's most recognisable links, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry combines a rich Open Championship history with one of the most dramatic coastal settings in the country. Perched on the Ayrshire coast with views across to the Isle of Arran, the course has hosted four Open Championships and remains a bucket-list round for many visiting golfers. Turnberry offers visitor tee times throughout the season, but demand for the Ailsa is high during the summer, particularly for the most desirable morning times. Booking Turnberry’s Ailsa Course early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date and tee time rather than relying on availability closer to your trip. 6 months Once you've secured the headline rounds on your itinerary, six months out is a good time to start filling in the rest of your trip. The courses in this category are still highly regarded and can be extremely popular during the summer, but generally offer more flexibility than the likes of Muirfield, Royal Dornoch or the Old Course at St Andrews. For a trip during the peak months, courses such as Gullane No. 1, Dumbarnie Links, Crail, Elie, Prestwick, Western Gailes, Nairn, North Berwick and Dunbar, as well as the New, Jubilee and Castle Courses at St Andrews, are well worth targeting. These courses can form the backbone of a fantastic itinerary, particularly if you're looking to experience a mix of famous championship layouts and traditional Scottish links. Six months out is also when location should start influencing your planning, with courses viewed as part of a wider itinerary. A trip based around St Andrews, for example, gives you access to Crail, Elie, Dumbarnie and the three St Andrews Links courses, while an East Lothian trip opens up Gullane, North Berwick and Dunbar. Further west, Prestwick and Western Gailes can be combined with Royal Troon and other Ayrshire links. At six months, you should still have a good selection of tee times available, but peak-season mornings and the most desirable days can begin to disappear. If there's a particular course in this category that is a must-play, don't assume you'll be able to pick it up at the last minute. Six months is a good balance between having plenty of choice and not needing to plan your entire Scottish golf adventure a year or more in advance. 3 Months Three months out is where you can start to take a more flexible approach to your Scottish golf itinerary. By this stage, the headline rounds should ideally be secured, but there are still plenty of excellent options for filling out your itinerary closer to your trip. If you haven't planned anything yet, don't panic – Scotland is full of authentic, characterful golf courses that don't require a year of advance planning. Courses such as Leven Links, Lundin Links, The Glen, Dunbar, Panmure, Montrose, Ladybank, Machrihanish, Musselburgh and Gailes offer plenty of variety, from traditional links with centuries of history to lesser-known hidden gems that could provide some of the most enjoyable rounds of the trip. This is also the point where flexibility becomes your biggest advantage. If you're happy to play in the afternoon, move between days or travel a little further from your base, you'll generally have more options. It can also be worth checking courses regularly for cancellations, particularly if there's a specific course you'd like to add to the itinerary. Don't mistake three months out for "leave everything until the last minute", though. Peak-season tee times at popular courses can still disappear, particularly for larger groups. If one of these courses is a must-play, book it once you've settled on your itinerary rather than assuming you'll find a tee time a few weeks before travelling. The good news is that you don't need to plan every round of a Scottish golf trip 18 months in advance. Identify the courses you simply can't miss and secure those first, before using the months that follow to build out the rest of your itinerary. With a little flexibility, even a trip planned just three months out can still feature some of Scotland's most authentic and enjoyable golf.