The Scottish Islands offer something no mainland course can match—a profound connection with the land that feels almost mystical. There's simply nothing quite like the remoteness and connection with the land offered by the golf courses of the Scottish islands, where windswept links create golf experiences that are both humbling and utterly unforgettable.
The Scottish Islands are golf's final frontier—a collection of courses where the game returns to its purest roots. The stunning landscapes and amazing settings create an atmosphere that beats ordinary golf tourism. Here's what makes these destinations special:
• Authentic Links Heritage: Over half the courses feature genuine links turf with the rest offering coastal parkland with spectacular sea views, giving you variety whilst keeping that quintessential Scottish character
• Unrivalled Value: Green fees range from approximately £25 (€30/$35) for a full day at some courses to £185 (€220/$245) at premium venues, offering brilliant value compared to mainland championship courses
• Untouched Landscapes: The unspoilt nature of the landscapes provides a real contrast to the amazing quality of the golf courses, creating a genuine escape from commercialised golf destinations
• Island Adventure: Ferry journeys and remote locations turn each round into a proper expedition, making the golf part of a bigger adventure
The Scottish Islands have several courses that rank among Britain's finest, each offering different challenges. These six courses are the absolute best of island golf:
The Machrie Links, Islay - The crown jewel of Scottish island golf, this DJ Russell redesign opened in 2018 and immediately got into the UK's top 100 courses. Set on Laggan Bay's pristine dunes, the course has holes that play directly towards the Atlantic, including the magnificent 9th where golfers tee off straight at the sea. Green fees: approximately £150-£185 (€175-€220/$195-$245) depending on season.
Ardfin, Jura - Scotland's most exclusive golf experience. This clifftop masterpiece sits on rugged terrain of peat and rocks around Jura House. Access is extremely limited, but for those who get a tee time, it's an unparalleled links adventure with views across to the Inner Hebrides.
Askernish Golf Club, South Uist - The jewel of the Outer Hebrides, originally laid out by Old Tom Morris and beautifully restored by some of the game's top architects. This rugged, pure links lets visitors experience golf as it was originally conceived, with natural hazards and no earth-moving machinery.
Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club, Arran - Scotland's most famous 12-hole course delivers concentrated golf excitement on wind-battered terrain above Blackwaterfoot. The Dell hole (7th) makes St Andrews' original look tame with its burn behind the green, whilst the 11th has a remarkable double punchbowl. Green fees: approximately £40 (€50/$55).
Isle of Harris Golf Club - Set on crystal-blue Atlantic waters with Scarista Mhor and Taransay Sound creating one of golf's most photogenic backdrops. This volunteer-maintained 9-hole links punches well above its weight, offering world-class scenery and authentic Highland golf culture.
Isle of Skye Golf Club - A clever 9-hole layout that gets the most from its terrain through creative tee positioning, sometimes rotating 90 degrees from front to back nine. Views over to Raasay Island and the mainland Highlands provide constant distraction from the golf itself.
Beyond the championship venues are courses that offer equally memorable golf at a fraction of the cost. These hidden gems give you the most authentic Scottish island golf experience:
Corrie Golf Club, Arran - All 9-holes appear to cross each other in an amazing quarry-like setting, creating intrigue rarely found on such compact layouts. Daily rate: approximately £25 (€30/$35).
Lamlash Golf Club, Arran - This course climbs then drops down Arran's hills and valleys, offering elevation changes and spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde. Perfect for golfers who enjoy walking challenges alongside their golf.
Brodick Golf Club, Arran - The ideal warm-up course located near the ferry terminal, Brodick gives you an excellent introduction to Scottish island golf without the intimidation factor of more challenging venues. Easy to get to and welcoming to visitors of all abilities.
Stornoway Golf Club, Lewis - Often overlooked by visiting golfers, this municipal course offers solid golf with Highland hospitality. The starting point for many island-hopping adventures, it gives you authentic local golf culture without the tourist crowds.
Most of these courses are easy to get to, but Isle of Harris and Isle of Skye are both maintained by local volunteers, creating a wonderful community atmosphere where visitors are genuinely welcomed as temporary members rather than mere customers.
This itinerary makes the most of ferry connections whilst ensuring golfers experience the different character of island golf from dramatic Skye through to the remote Outer Hebrides:
Morning departure from Glasgow/Edinburgh, drive to Mallaig for afternoon ferry crossing. Evening arrival at Isle of Skye Golf Club for sunset round, taking advantage of extended summer daylight. Overnight in Uig to be ready for early ferry connections.
Early morning ferry crossing to North Uist, drive south through stunning Hebridean landscapes. Afternoon round at Askernish Golf Club, one of the most authentic links experiences in Scotland. Overnight near the course to enjoy the remote location.
Ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh on Harris, experiencing some of Scotland's most spectacular coastal scenery. Round at Isle of Harris Golf Club with its crystal-blue Atlantic setting. Overnight locally to avoid rushing this magical location.
Drive north to Stornoway Golf Club for morning round, then prepare for afternoon ferry back to Ullapool mainland. This gives you a gentler finish whilst keeping the island golf atmosphere throughout.
Return journey with optional stop-off depending on departure times and weather conditions, allowing flexibility for ferry delays or extended island exploration.
Include Islay and Jura by adding The Machrie Links and potentially Ardfin (if accessible), though this needs significant extra ferry travel and advance planning due to Ardfin's exclusive access.
Golf experts recommend avoiding trips outside of May to September except for the hardiest golfers, though determined winter visitors can find unique solitude but dramatically different conditions.
Ferry travel with rental cars gives you the authentic Scottish island experience. The Scottish islands are best experienced by ferry in a rental car since public transport is limited and some courses, like Askernish, aren't particularly close to ferry ports or local airports like Benbecula. You'll need a valid licence, awareness of left-hand traffic, and patience at single-track passing points.
Flight options exist to major islands (Islay, Skye via bridge), but ferry journeys are part of the island golf experience. CalMac ferries run regular services with car spaces you can book in advance—essential during summer months.
Weather patterns remain unpredictable year-round, though May to September typically offer drier conditions with July and August being when you're least likely to get soaked. However, you should prepare for four seasons in one day at any point in the year. Pack base layers, waterproofs, wind protection, and multiple golf gloves.
Waterproofs and wind protection are essential regardless of forecast. Island weather changes rapidly, and exposed coastal courses make wind conditions much stronger.
Most golfers travelling to the islands bring clubs personally due to remote locations and limited rental options. Club shipping services exist but need extra time for island deliveries.
English is spoken everywhere, though Gaelic place names are common. Golf terms remain standard, and golfing attire will make you very welcome anywhere with casual dress codes at most venues except premium resorts.
Most courses don't require handicap certificates, though they're recommended for championship venues. Golf experts advise that visitors playing Ardfin should bring plenty of spare balls, as it's one of those courses where even very good golfers can lose balls easily.
Caddies generally aren't available on the islands. You might be able to request one at The Machrie or Ardfin, but there isn't a ready supply and you're unlikely to find any elsewhere in the islands.
Seven courses exist on Arran and all are reachable from anywhere on the island, making Arran ideal for golf-focused stays. Lamlash Bay Hotel gives you mid-range comfort with course proximity, whilst smaller B&Bs offer authentic Highland hospitality.
For comprehensive golf tours of the islands, you'll likely move each day to find the next course.
A camper van is the most budget-friendly option for touring the Scottish islands, giving you flexibility and authentic adventure travel whilst keeping accommodation costs down.
The Machrie Hotel has championship-level facilities but at premium pricing (approximately £300-£500+ per night). Local B&Bs offer genuine Highland culture, home-cooked meals, and insider knowledge of the local history.
The Three Chimneys on Skye is one of the few fine dining spots needing bookings. The Machrie Hotel restaurant serves sophisticated Scottish cuisine with Atlantic views, whilst championship clubhouses offer substantial meals at approximately £20-£35 (€25-€40/$30-$45) per person.
Seafood quality is consistently excellent across all islands. Local specialities include fresh langoustines, hand-dived scallops, and locally-caught salmon. Prices range from approximately £15-£40 (€20-€50/$20-$55) for proper meals.
Most villages and towns on the islands have local pubs on the main street, so they're always easy to find. These are great spots where visitors can enjoy a drink with friendly locals after a round.
Pub meals and local cafés provide hearty food at approximately £10-£20 (€12-€25/$15-$25), whilst most accommodations offer packed lunches for remote course visits where dining options may be limited.
For The Machrie and Ardfin, golfers should plan 6 to 12 months ahead, whilst for all other courses, you'll likely find a tee time on the day or within a week. The Machrie currently charges approximately £150-£185 (€175-€220/$195-$245) per round depending on season, with hotel guests getting priority booking.
Very few golfers visit the Scottish islands outside of May to September, creating excellent availability during shoulder seasons for hardy golfers willing to accept potential issues with weather. Islay gets very busy during the whisky festival (last week in May) and Ardfin is unavailable when the owner is in residence.
An Arran Golf Pass gets you access to all seven island courses for approximately £175 (€210/$230). Similarly, you can buy a weekly ticket at Shiskine for £175 (€210/$230). These packages are brilliant value for golfers planning extended island stays.
Most smaller courses accept walk-up bookings or need minimal advance notice. Some courses offer twilight rates, but finding value on the islands generally isn't an issue.
Courses rarely close unless there's snow on the ground, though ferry cancellations due to storms can disrupt travel plans more than actual golf course access.
The Scottish Islands offer brilliant experiences beyond golf that showcase Highland culture and natural beauty. Many great beaches and historical sites await exploration. Must-see spots include The Old Man of Storr on Skye, Luskentyre Beach on Harris, and The Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis.
Wildlife watching opportunities abound, from seal colonies to golden eagles, whilst whisky enthusiasts can explore Islay's world-famous distilleries during downtime between rounds. Historic sites, dramatic coastlines, and traditional Highland villages add cultural depth to any golf-focused trip.
Flying in and out rather than taking time to explore via ferry is the most common mistake international golfers make. Ferry journeys provide essential transition time between mainland stress and island calm, while offering spectacular coastal scenery.
Golf experts advise against trying to pack too much in. Leave time to relax and enjoy a drink in a local pub. Island golf rewards unhurried exploration over checkbox tourism, with spontaneous discoveries often giving you the most memorable experiences.
Playing with locals is invaluable since they're excellent company and will guide you around without caddies. Local golfers offer course knowledge, weather insights, and cultural context that turns ordinary rounds into authentic Highland golf experiences.
The quality of turf at so many of these courses surprises many visitors expecting softer parkland conditions. The firm, fast-running surfaces make both good and bad shots more dramatic, so adjust your expectations and enjoy the golf and views.
Pricing varies dramatically with The Machrie (approximately £185 peak season) and Ardfin (exclusive access) at one end and Corrie (approximately £25 per day) at the other. Most courses fall between Corrie's rate and Shiskine's rate of approximately £40.
Arran Golf Pass gets you all seven island courses for approximately £175 (€210/$230), which is brilliant value for dedicated golfers. Weekly passes at individual courses like Shiskine offer similar savings for extended stays.
The Scottish Islands are golf tourism's final frontier—destinations where the game returns to its elemental roots amidst landscapes of breathtaking beauty. From championship tests like The Machrie Links to charming 9-hole gems maintained by local volunteers, these courses offer experiences you can't get anywhere else.
Bottom Line: Scottish island golf delivers exceptional value, authentic culture, and unforgettable scenery at prices that seem almost old-fashioned in today's golf tourism market. Whether golfers want championship challenges or hidden gems, the Islands give you adventures that beat ordinary golf holidays.
