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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With so many excellent options, the best Scottish golf course for a beginner depends on the type of experience you're looking for.
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.
Few regions in golf can match the concentrated quality found within an easy drive of Inverness. The Highland capital sits at the centre of a circuit that takes in Royal Dornoch, Cabot Highlands, Nairn, Brora and a supporting cast of links courses that would be headline attractions almost anywhere else in the world. What makes the Inverness region genuinely special is the combination of world-class golf and genuine accessibility. Inverness Airport receives direct flights from London, Amsterdam and several European cities, and the city itself is a comfortable, well-served base with excellent hotels and restaurants. The courses here are open to visitors, the locals are welcoming, and the long summer days mean you can cram extraordinary value into every trip. The Highlands have a microclimate that surprises most first-time visitors. When the rest of Scotland is under cloud, the strip of coastline running from Inverness north to Dornoch and beyond often basks in sunshine. Golf writers speak of this phenomenon reverently, and it is real enough that locals regard it as one of the region’s open secrets. Inverness Golf: Why It Should Be on Your List The case for an Inverness golf holiday builds quickly once you start looking at the map. The density of Top 100-ranked courses within striking distance of the city is genuinely remarkable, and visitor access is far more straightforward than the coastal resorts of East Lothian or the Ayrshire coast. Royal Dornoch consistently ranks among the top ten courses in the world, yet green fees remain considerably lower than comparable links on the Open rota Cabot Highlands (formerly Castle Stuart) now operates two 18-hole links courses following the 2025/26 opening of Tom Doak’s Old Petty, creating one of Scotland’s most exciting 36-hole venues Nairn and Brora offer championship-quality links with a fraction of the waiting times and booking anxiety of more famous venues A James Braid trail threads through the Highlands, connecting courses designed or remodelled by the five-times Open champion at Brora, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Inverness and beyond Summer golf until 10.30 pm in June and July, with twilight tee times available at Royal Dornoch and Cabot Highlands for those who want to maximise every long daylight hour ⛳ The Highland Region’s Finest Golf Courses The stretch of coastline north and east of Inverness contains more world-ranked links than almost any comparable area in golf. These are courses that have shaped the game’s history and continue to set the standard for what links golf at its purest can be. Royal Dornoch Championship Course The Royal Dornoch Championship Course sits 45 miles north of Inverness and consistently appears in the world’s top ten courses. Golf has been played on this stretch of natural linksland since 1616, and Old Tom Morris shaped the formal layout when he visited in 1886, creating the famous plateau greens that have puzzled and delighted golfers ever since. Tom Watson, an honorary member, described it as the most fun he had ever had playing golf. Andrew Carnegie, who lived in Dornoch, called the town “heaven on earth.” The first eight holes follow the ridge of dunes at the upper inland perimeter before the course turns back towards the sea; the two par threes at the 2nd and 6th are devilishly difficult and define how the round will go. Cabot Highlands (Castle Stuart & Old Petty) Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart sits on the southern shores of the Moray Firth, a ten-minute drive from Inverness city centre. When American developer Mark Parsinen and architect Gil Hanse opened Castle Stuart in 2009, it immediately took its place among Scotland’s modern classics. Four Scottish Open appearances between 2011 and 2016 confirmed the course’s championship credentials, with Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson and Alexander Norén among the winners. Unlike traditional links courses that sit flat against the sea, Castle Stuart rises dramatically above the Firth, delivering panoramic views of the Black Isle and the Highland mountains from every hole. Old Petty, which takes its name from a 400-year-old castle on the grounds, opened for play in 2025/26 and meanders along the Moray Firth shoreline and through hillsides on a very different piece of ground to Castle Stuart. Cabot Highlands now stands as one of Scotland’s most compelling 36-hole destinations. On-site accommodation and stay-and-play packages are available directly through Cabot Highlands. Nairn Golf Club Nairn sits 15 miles east of Inverness along the Moray Firth coast and delivers the full experience of traditional Scottish links golf. The championship course is a classic out-and-back layout with the sea visible on every hole, and recent improvements by architect Tom Mackenzie have significantly enhanced the test without compromising the course’s inherent character. The fairways run fast in summer, the greens become famously true and quick, and the coastal breeze adds an exhilarating layer of difficulty. Nairn has hosted the Amateur Championship and the Walker Cup, underscoring its standing as a serious test of golf. Brora Golf Club Brora Golf Club lies 25 miles north of Dornoch along the A9, and for many seasoned golfers it represents the Highland visit that stays with them longest. The late Peter Thomson, five-times Open champion, named Brora his favourite course in the world. James Braid redesigned it in 1923, and virtually nothing has changed since, making it one of the most authentic and undisturbed links experiences in Scotland. The opening nine holes run very close to the North Sea with no dunes to obscure the view – when the wind arrives off the water, golfers earn their scorecard. 💎 Hidden Gems Worth the Journey The courses described above would anchor any great golf trip, but the Inverness region has a supporting cast that most visitors never discover. These are courses where the welcome is warm, the pace of play refreshing, and the scenery no less spectacular. Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club Twenty minutes north of Inverness on the Black Isle, Fortrose & Rosemarkie occupies an extraordinary narrow peninsula almost entirely encircled by the Moray Firth. The club was founded in 1793, making it the 15th oldest in the world, and James Braid redesigned the course in 1932. Eight of the first holes play with the sea no more than a few paces away, and the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins is often visible feeding just off the fairways. This is not a long course at approximately 6,000 yards, but the gorse-framed fairways, small undulating greens and crosswinds sweeping across the peninsula demand precision. Tain Golf Club Forty minutes north of Inverness along the Dornoch Firth, Tain Golf Club is another Old Tom Morris layout, originally designed in 1890 as St Duthus Golf Club. The course has been compared to Carnoustie for its combination of bumpy fairways, penal pot bunkers and genuine links challenge, but it sits in a beautifully sheltered position that allows year-round play when coastal courses to the north are battling the elements. Recent gorse removal has opened up the routing and improved the flow significantly. Tain is often combined with Brora and Golspie. Nairn Dunbar Golf Club The second links course in Nairn offers championship-quality golf at a considerably lower price point than its more famous neighbour. Nairn Dunbar opened in 1899 along the Moray Firth coast. The raw beauty of the linksmmakes every round a genuine test. A partnership ticket playing one round each at Nairn and Nairn Dunbar represents one of the best value propositions in Highland golf. ✈️ Getting There and Getting About Getting to Inverness Inverness Airport (INV) serves the region with direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Bristol, plus Amsterdam, Dublin and several other European cities. The city is also reachable by train from Edinburgh (approximately 3.5 hours) and Glasgow (approximately 3 hours), making Inverness well-connected for those who prefer not to fly. International visitors connecting through Edinburgh or Glasgow can hire a car and drive north in three to four hours, a journey that passes through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Getting Around A hire car is the practical choice for a golf trip based in Inverness. All the major courses are between 20 minutes and 90 minutes from the city, and public transport connections to courses in Brora, Dornoch or Fortrose are limited for golfers carrying clubs. Hire cars are available from Inverness Airport from all major companies; book well in advance for peak summer weeks. Distances are not enormous by Scottish standards: Royal Dornoch is approximately 65km (40 miles) north, Brora approximately 95km (60 miles) north, and Nairn approximately 25km (16 miles) east. Weather and Packing The Highland microclimate around Inverness and the Moray Firth is genuinely more benign than Scotland’s reputation suggests. Summer temperatures typically range from 15°C–20°C (59°F–68°F) with long dry spells possible. Rain can arrive without warning at any time of year. 🏨 Where to Stay for an Inverness Golf Holiday Inverness city centre offers the most practical base for a multi-course Highland golf trip. The cluster of quality hotels within a mile of each other allows golfers to walk between restaurants, bars and the city’s compact centre, whilst being well placed for the road north and east to the main courses. Golf Resort Options Cabot Highlands operates on-site accommodation directly on the Castle Stuart estate, placing guests within walking distance of two championship links courses. This suits golfers who want to immerse themselves entirely in the Cabot experience over two or three days. Links House at Royal Dornoch in Dornoch itself is the premium option for those committed to Dornoch as a base; the property is small, exclusive and puts guests a short walk from the first tee of one of the world’s finest courses. Guesthouses and B&Bs Inverness has a strong tradition of quality B&Bs and guesthouses, particularly on the streets running south from the city centre towards the golf club. These offer better value than the main hotels, often with the warm Highland hospitality that creates the best travel memories. 🏞️ Explore Beyond the Fairways Inverness and the surrounding Highlands offer non-golfing companions an itinerary every bit as compelling as the courses. Loch Ness begins a 20-minute drive south of the city and remains one of the world’s most captivating landscapes regardless of any mythological considerations. Urquhart Castle, on the loch’s western bank, is among Scotland’s most photographed ruins. Culloden Battlefield, six miles east of Inverness, is one of the most affecting historical sites in Britain – the 1746 battle that ended the Jacobite rising is told with exceptional clarity at the modern visitor centre. Fort George, 11 miles northeast of Inverness on the Moray Firth coast, is one of the finest and most complete 18th-century military fortifications in Europe and conveniently sits near Fortrose & Rosemarkie for a combined day out. Chanonry Point, just past the golf course, is one of Scotland’s most reliable places to spot bottlenose dolphins from dry land, particularly around incoming tides. The North Coast 500, Scotland’s celebrated scenic driving route, passes through Inverness and provides context for the spectacular landscapes that surround every golf course in the region. Distillery tours give the Inverness trip an additional dimension. The Tomatin Distillery is 15 miles south on the A9, while the Speyside region to the south and east contains dozens of distilleries on the Malt Whisky Trail. Afternoon fishing on the River Ness, guided wildlife tours of the Cairngorms and sea kayaking on the Moray Firth round out the activity options for those with days between courses. 💡 Insider Knowledge for Highland Golf Book Royal Dornoch first, then plan everything else around it. Peak summer tee times disappear months in advance; securing Dornoch should be the first act of trip planning Embrace the twilight. In June and July, 6 pm tee times at Royal Dornoch and Cabot Highlands are not a compromise; they are an experience. Finishing at 10 pm with the Firth still lit is something that stays with golfers for years. Don’t skip Brora. At approximately £95 it is the best value round in Scottish links golf. Build the trip around it, not around saving an hour on the road Check the weather by course, not by city. The Highland microclimate means Dornoch can be sunny when Inverness is overcast, and Brora can be blowing a gale while Nairn plays in calm. Build in some scheduling flexibility. Drive north, not south. Most visitors use Inverness as a gateway south to the Cairngorms, but the driving north along the A9 to Dornoch and Brora is among the finest road journeys in Scotland. Shoulder Season Value September and October represent the best combination of quality golf, manageable green fees and reduced booking pressure. Those who know go in the autumn and are rewarded. 🏴 The Highland Golf Trip, Planned An Inverness golf holiday rewards both the serious golf traveller and the first-time visitor to Scotland with equal generosity. The combination of Royal Dornoch’s historic perfection, Cabot Highlands’ cinematic drama, Nairn’s classic links discipline and Brora’s authentic wildness creates a trip that covers the full range of what Scottish golf can be. The supporting cast of Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Tain, and Nairn Dunbar means no two Highland golf trips need to be identical. The city of Inverness provides a genuinely comfortable and well-served base throughout. Its restaurants, hotels and direct flight connections remove the logistical complications that can make Scottish Highland golf feel like an expedition. Book early, pack properly, embrace the microclimate and discover why golfers who make the journey north from Inverness Airport tend to plan their return before they have reached the car park.
Most inbound travellers dismiss London as a golf destination in favour of Scotland and Ireland. Ardent travelling golfers have made multiple trips to Scotland to visit secondary regions after Fife, such as East Lothian, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, and Ayrshire. After Scotland, Ireland draws the most attention with the delights of County Kerry and County Donegal leading the way. The curious thing is, most will access the richest golfing destination in GB & Ireland en route to other destinations – London! Why is Golf in London So Special? What makes London so special is the concentration of world-class golf in a small geographic area. London is a massive city, but the golf is more or less concentrated to the south-west corner or between 6 and 9 on the clock face. Why? The Bagshot Beds – a massive geological formation stretching across the South of England. The sandy loam and acidic nature provide a perfect canvas for creating golfing conditions that one usually finds only on links land… with one added perk – heather! Heather is a ruddy, low-growing shrub that vibrantly flowers, creating a gorgeous bouquet seen rarely elsewhere on golf courses. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also a perfect half-shot hazard that typically lines the wide fairways of London’s heathlands. The Best Time to Golf In London The best time to visit is June to August. Recently, rains have all but ceased during the summer months, with England enduring drought most summers for the last decade. The conditions of London’s heathland golf courses are never better when the heather is in full bloom, the turf grasses have browned off, and the golf is firm and fast. London is a busy city with millions visiting every year. The demand in summer is high, so prices increase accordingly. Additionally, many of the more exclusive private clubs limit visitor play during peak season, so it is often best to book early or work your black book to gain access. Tee times are more readily available in Autumn and the shoulder season still has superb playing conditions. Winter can also be an option as most of the heathland courses are free draining. Daylight will limit 36-hole days, but access will be much easier, and the cost will be reduced. You’ll also be changing the weather, but if you're willing to take a chance, the trip could turn out to be one of the best value destination golf vacations on the planet. I guess what we’re trying to say is, with a bit of luck, there is never a bad time to visit London! Why Golf in London is Great – A Historic Explanation As golf’s popularity took off in the late 19th century, a growing middle class had more leisure time but also less flexibility as many moved from blue-collar to white-collar jobs in offices in the city. Previously, the aristocratic elites had no such concerns and travelling to the seaside to enjoy pursuits like golf posed no issue. As more flocked to the game, the newly converted golfing zealots shouted for golf links closer to home. Many attempts were made to create golf inland until they stumbled across the London heathlands and found the equivalent ingredients that replicated the game so well seaside. St Andrews was still the beating heart of golf but London became the hotbed of golf because of its unique mix of wealthy elites, a massive emerging middle class, and the combination of ready funding, virgin golfing land and ambitious talent. Harry Colt, Herbert Fowler, Tom Simpson, JF Abercromby, Sir Guy Campbell, and James Braid would have all been active in the immediate area. This all created a perfect storm the results of which we still marvel at today. The London Golf Dream Itinerary - Introducing Harry Colt If all the pieces come together and you can line this up, you’ll probably never experience a better trip for the rest of your life. All of these are in the World Top 100, have been recently or could be again… The Addington is just about there, and with renovation work ongoing - it’s only a matter of time. Sunningdale Old – Willie Park Jr & Harry Colt - World 22/ GB&I 9/ England 2 Sunningdale New – Harry Colt & Tom Simpson - World 53/ GB&I 18/ England 5 Play 36 in a day. Visitors are welcome from April to July, and from September to October visitors are welcome. You won't be able to play from Friday to Sunday, so plan ahead. If you play on two separate days, the 2024 Sunningdale Green Fee is £350. If you play 36 on a single day, you save £100 and have one of the best days of golf in the world. Swinley Forest – Harry Colt - World 47/ GB&I 17/ England 4 Monday to Friday, limited numbers are allowed strictly by prior arrangement. 36-hole days are possible during the summer months. You can call or email the club directly. St George’s Hill – Harry Colt - World 72/ GB&I 28/ England 9 From April to December, you are able to play the course from Monday to Friday. It is best to call the club directly to discuss the options. Green Fees for 2024 are £255 for 18 holes on the Red & Blue. West Sussex – 3 Majors (Hotchkin, Campbell & Hutchison) GB&I 31/ England 12 Some may baulk that Pulborough isn't in London, but travel times in the UK, and especially around London, are relative... You're welcome to play at West Sussex year-round, 7 days a week. In what must be the best value green fee in the London area, green fees for 2024 range from £110 to £175. Theoretically, you could play all five golf courses in three days, but you'll want to pace yourself... As well, these courses are extremely busy and sought after. If you plan well enough in advance, you might be able to get them done in a week... Your Second Visit to Golf in London - Introducing Herbert Fowler If you’ve been to London once or need to substitute out one or two rounds mentioned above, here is the next set: The Addington – Harry Colt & JF Abercromby - England 58 Visitors are welcome Mondays to Fridays and after Noon on weekends. 2024 Green Fees range from £110 to £165 and can be booked online. The Addington will become world-renowned very soon... get in now before the tee times reflect the scarcity and desirability of the golf courses mentioned previously. Walton Heath Old - Herbert Fowler - GB&I 39/ England 14 Walton Heath New – Herbert Fowler - GB&I 89/ England 38 Walton Heath Golf Club is an epic 36-hole experience. Visitors are welcome 7 days a week, but after the members play earlier in the morning. 36-hole days range from £385 to £450, depending on time and day for 2024. Berkshire Red - Herbert Fowler - GB&I 50/ England 21 Berkshire Blue – Herbert Fowler - GB&I 82/ England 33 The Berkshire Golf Club is perhaps the sister club to Walton Heath in that it too offers 36 holes of Herbert Fowler. Visitors are welcome seven days a week and after midday on weekends. 36-hole days are available year-round and range from £220 to £330. Woking – John Low, Stuart Paton, and Tom Simpson - GB&I 67/ England 28 Visitors can pay green fees from Monday to Friday for £180 to £195, depending on the season. Your Third Visit to Golf in London The same applies to these courses… if you’ve been bit by the bug, here are quality golf courses that will add depth to your golf course architecture resume. Any of these could be swapped for ‘Your Second Visit’ Courses. Worplesdon – JF Abercromby - GB&I 73/ England 30 Be careful crossing the road and enjoy golf Monday to Friday for £185. New Zealand – Tom Simpson - GB&I 94/ England 41 Call or write to the Secretary for more details... It's a great club worth the patience to access. It is everything a traditional English golf club could want to be. Hankley Common – Harry Colt & James Braid - GB&I 58/ England 25 A wee drive from London, Hankley is known for and provides many other courses with heather... Visitors can play on weekdays and weekends after lunch. Green fees range from £175 to £195. Liphook – 3 Majors (Hotchkin, Campbell & Hutchison) & Tom Simpson - GB&I 75/ England 31 Visitors are only allowed from March to October, seven days a week, with restricted play from Friday through Sunday. If you plan it right, you can get a rare Twilight Round for £110. Normal rates range from £145 to £175. West Hill – Cuthbert Butchart & Sir Guy Campbell - GB&I 78/ England 32 The 3rd W, year-round play is possible. Monday to Thursday will set you back £160 and Fridays have a £20 premium. Summer Twilight is a bargain for £100. Weekends after 2 p.m. are £210. Winter rates plummet, with weekdays costing just £95 and weekends at £160. London Golf on a Budget Some of these will fly below the radar even for English golfers. Make no mistake, golf in England is some of the richest in the world and these will compete in terms of quality with those higher up the list. All of these will accept visitors for green fees. Knole Park – JF Abercromby - England 89 Visitors are welcome after 10:30 a.m. Monday to Thursday and after 12:30 p.m. on Friday to Sunday. Green fees range from £75 to £120. A Twilight Offer is available 7 days a week after 3 p.m. for £70! Tandridge – Harry Colt - England 74 Depending on the season, you can play one of Harry Colt's most bunkered courses from £100-£160 during weekdays. Hindhead – JH Taylor - GB&I 91/ England 39 A very unique design, play is possible from £149. It's also a little drive from London - car hire will be needed. Camberley Heath – Harry Colt - England 79 Of 1913 Harry Colt vintage, it has pedigree. Summer green fees are just £98 from Monday to Friday. North Hants – Harry Colt, James Braid, and Tom Simpson - 82 England Monday to Thursday, rack rates are £120 with a £30 premium for a tee time from Friday to Sunday. You can play after 4 p.m. for £80 or £90 on Friday to Sunday. Editor’s Gourmet Choice Jasper Miners has lived in and around London since 2009 and has played all the golf courses on the list. He has studied in depth the history of most of them and has done the golf course architectural history of St George's Hill in association with Renaissance Golf Design. In a few words, he explains why he chose the courses below: Sunningdale Old – Willie Park Jr & Harry Colt - The UK's finest inland golf course that makes up one-half of the best 36-hole day in golf. The course largely follows the original routing with a handful of new holes from Mr Colt. This is arguably where the transition from penal golf course architecture to strategic golf course architecture was perfected. Sunningdale New – Harry Colt & Tom Simpson - How good is the land at Sunningdale? harry Colt laid out the first iteration. Tom Simpson rerouted some of the holes before Colt was called back to adjust it further. Oversimplifying it, Colt used Simpson's loop in reverse and we have the course as it stands today... Photos of all three iterations are immense. St George’s Hill – Harry Colt - Swinley Forest was considered to be Harry Colt's favourite golf course. St George's Hill was built in 1913 by Colt, overseeing works. This is the very best of Harry Colt the pinnacle of his career. St George's Hill inspired much of the design at Pine Valley. Work is ongoing, led by Brian Schnieder, that will only elevate this course further up the World Rankings. Walton Heath Old – Herbert Fowler - Cut from similar cloth to Ganton and Woodhall Spa, this is heathland golf with features that aren't found anywhere else. Walton Heath New – Herbert Fowler - The perfect compliment to the Old, the New is a little shorter and just as sporty. 36 at Walton Heath is one of the best experiences in golf. The Addington – Harry Colt & JF Abercromby - The Addington has become a beacon of light for restoration in the UK. Other clubs have put a renewed focus on heather regeneration, firm and fast turf and tree removal but nothing like has been seen here. The golf course has the quality and pedigree of any of the others on the list and it won't be long before you can tell your friends you knew of The Addington before the world did... West Sussex – 3 Majors - Perhaps the most complete set of 18 holes near London. No weak holes and work to improve the 10th with a return of Sahara. The visuals are astounding with some of the par 3's looking like the incarnation of a Tom Simpson sketch. London Golf Courses Left Off The courses listed below are private members’ clubs that most golfers would love to play given the opportunity. However, if you’re travelling halfway around the world to experience something different, we would prioritise others on the list. New builds dominate here but similar golf can be enjoyed at elite private clubs throughout the Western world. Queenwood – David McLay Kidd Beaverbrook - David McLay Kidd & Tom Watson The Wisley – Robert Trent Jones Jr Wentworth West - Harry Colt & EGD Wentworth East - Harry Colt & EGD - This is the one exception we'd make. The East was the first of the two courses Harry Colt courses on property. Mr Colt made good use of the land on offer and with recent work, the course will shine a little more brightly. Access isn't possible without an invite. Nuances of London & English Golf If you're used to a warm-up on the Driving Range or powered golf carts (called buggies) in the UK, be warned, most golf clubs don't have either... You may also need to check which socks are acceptable and if you should pack a jacket and tie. Embrace it - it's part of the experience. Getting to London - Private Airports If you’re flying private, here are the closest airports to the golf. A helicopter or short private hire later, you’ll be teeing off in less than an hour from touchdown. Luton Farnborough Stansted Biggin Hill London City Getting to London - Airports London has a plethora of airports – some named London that still require a journey into the city after you’ve arrived. Heathrow is the preferred option when flying with commercial carriers. Heathrow - Located inside the ring road around London (M25), frequent services throughout the day mean you can get to London Paddington with ease. The journey takes 15 minutes directly from the airport, but it will still be a taxi from your hotel to the train station. Alternatively, a private hire minicab or taxi can have you on the first tee at St George’s Hill in 20 minutes from the Arrivals Terminal. Gatwick – Frequent services throughout the day mean you can get to London Victoria with ease. The journey takes 30 minutes directly from the airport but it will still be a taxi from your hotel to the train station. Stansted - Frequent services throughout the day mean you can get to London Liverpool Street with ease. The journey takes 30 to 45 minutes directly from the airport, but it will still be a taxi from your hotel to the train station. You’ll also be on the wrong side of London for golf. Luton – Connecting Luton to St Pancras International, trains run frequently and take 30-45 minutes, but it will still be a taxi from your hotel to the train station. City – Located in the East End of London, it is mainly used to access continental Europe by suit-wearing business executives. It is very well connected but away from the action on the wrong side of London. If you get invited for a golf vacation in London’s East End, go to work instead. Preferred Airlines Heathrow (LHR) is the preferred option when travelling to London for golf. Most inbound travel will come by air from the USA. With that in mind, let's look at some of the options: American Airlines There is direct service from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/ Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Boston, Raleigh/ Durham and seasonal service from Seattle/ Tacoma. United Airlines There is direct service from Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington. Delta There is a direct service from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/ St Paul, New York (JFK), Salt Lake City, and Seattle/ Tacoma. British Airways There is a direct service from Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago (O'Hare), Cincinnati, Dallas/ Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New Orleans, New York (JFK), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, San Fransisco, San Jose, Seattle-Tacoma, Washington - Dulles. If you're travelling Economy Basic, you'll need to pay extra to bring your golf clubs. As well, it pays to tell the airline as soon as you book you're bringing your golf clubs. In some instances, they won't travel with you due to constraints... Virgin Atlantic There is a direct service from Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, and Washington-Dulles. Driving In The UK If you’re not put off by ‘driving on the wrong side of the road’, car hire is a great option. Be warned, though, that large vehicles are not the norm in Europe, and parking can be an issue even at hotels. Check for car parking – often it incurs a fee, and the spaces may be tight! Trains are the traditional transport for golf in Scotland and whilst that is one way to do it, you will still need a taxi from most stations to the golf course. Taxis in London are very expensive with longer journey's hundred's of pounds. Download Uber and you'll save a bundle. Hire a car, and you'll save more. Drink driving laws are enforced, but it is not zero tolerance like Scotland.
