France's northern coast harbours one of Europe's most underrated golf destinations. The Côte d'Opale stretches from Calais to Dunkirk, offering twelve exceptional courses, including five ranked among France's finest.
What makes this region special isn't just the championship-calibre golf – it's the seamless blend of world-class courses, rich wartime history, outstanding seafood, and genuine French hospitality, all just 35 minutes through the Channel Tunnel from Dover.
Northern France deserves serious consideration for your next golf adventure. The region offers five courses ranked amongst France's best, with two having hosted European Tour events. Reasonable green fees make it an exceptional value compared to premium English courses across the channel.
The area combines outstanding golf with profound historical significance. Major First World War battlefields, including the Somme, are nearby, creating opportunities for meaningful historical exploration alongside your rounds. Many visitors combine golf with battlefield tours, paying respects at Commonwealth War Graves whilst experiencing some of France's finest links and parkland courses.
Location proves ideal for British golfers – drive through the Channel Tunnel and reach the main resort town of Le Touquet in under an hour. The maritime climate ensures year-round golf on coastal courses, whilst accommodation ranges from budget chains to luxury resort hotels.
The Côte d'Opale's championship courses rival anything in northern Europe, with several having proven their mettle on the professional stage.
Le Touquet La Mer - The region's flagship course and former European Tour venue combines challenging links-style holes with resort amenities. Located in the heart of Le Touquet, green fees run approximately £90 (€110/$120).
Le Touquet Le Forêt - The resort's forest course offers a completely different character from La Mer, winding through mature woodland. Green fees run approximately £70 (€85/$95) for this parkland-style layout.
Hardelot Pines (Les Pins) - Another European Tour host course offering championship-standard golf through mature pine forests. Expect to pay around £90 (€110/$120) for one of France's most testing layouts.
Belle Dune - This clifftop course provides spectacular views across the English Channel whilst delivering a stern examination of your game. Green fees approximately £70 (€85/$95).
Wimereux - A private club welcoming visitors, this 18-hole links course sits atop dramatic cliffs overlooking England. The views alone justify the green fees of roughly £70 (€85/$95), whilst the course challenges with traditional links characteristics.
Beyond the championship venues, the Côte d'Opale offers excellent courses providing outstanding value and authentic French golf culture.
Sénart - This inland course previously hosted European Tour events and maintains professional standards. Expect green fees around £75 (€90/$100) for a course that many consider underrated compared to its coastal cousins.
Arras - Historic town setting with a course that's welcomes Ladies European Tour events. Green fees are approximately £70 (€85/$95) making this an excellent value option when exploring the inland battlefield areas.
Amiens - Highly regarded within French golf circles, this parkland course offers championship-standard golf in beautiful surroundings. Green fees around £70 (€85/$95) provide access to one of northern France's hidden gems.
The Côte d'Opale Pass offers excellent value, allowing play at Le Touquet (both courses), Belle Dune, and Wimereux over five days. Package pricing varies seasonally but typically saves 20-30% compared to individual green fees.
Day 1: Arrival and Coastal Introduction Drive through Channel Tunnel, arriving Le Touquet by early afternoon. Check into accommodation and play Le Touquet La Mer for your introduction to French coastal golf. Evening dinner at local brasserie.
Day 2: Championship Challenge Morning round at Hardelot Pines, testing your skills on this former European Tour venue. Afternoon exploring Le Touquet's shops and cafés. Evening meal featuring local seafood specialities.
Day 3: Clifftop Links Play Wimereux for dramatic clifftop golf with views of England. Afternoon visit to nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer for cultural exploration. Return to Le Touquet for final evening.
Day 4: Departure or Extension Morning round at Belle Dune before tunnel return, or extend stay for battlefield touring around Arras and the Somme memorials.
This itinerary allows comfortable travel between courses whilst experiencing the region's diverse golf offerings. Flexibility built in accommodates weather changes or course availability.
Transportation Rental cars prove essential. Car hire at Calais or Le Touquet offers reasonable rates, though booking ahead ensures availability.
Train travel reaches major towns including Le Touquet, Arras, and Amiens, but golf courses require additional transport arrangements. The French rail system excels for city-to-city travel but proves challenging for golf-specific itineraries.
Channel Tunnel provides the quickest UK access – 35 minutes Dover to Calais, then 45 minutes to Le Touquet.
Ferry alternatives from Dover or Portsmouth offer more luggage space for golf equipment at longer journey times.
Weather and PackingThe maritime climate resembles southeast England with changeable conditions. Summer temperatures reach 20-25°C (68-77°F), but rain remains possible year-round. Pack waterproofs regardless of the forecast.
Equipment and Course Conditions Golf trolleys and buggies are available at major courses, though walking remains the preferred culture.
Communication and Customs Basic French proves helpful, though most pro shops accommodate English speakers. Restaurant staff in tourist areas speak English, whilst golf courses employ multilingual staff during peak season. French golf etiquette mirrors British traditions, with a quick pace of play emphasised.
Resort Hotels Le Touquet offers numerous hotels within walking distance of both courses. The Westminster and Hotel des Cimes provide luxury accommodations with golf packages available.
Town Centre Hotels Le Touquet's centre features boutique hotels and traditional establishments. Hotel Red Fox and Hotel Bristol offer character accommodation with easy restaurant access.
Budget Options Chain hotels, including Ibis and Campanile, provide reliable accommodation.
Strategic Location Planning Base yourself in Le Touquet for coastal course access, or choose Arras for inland courses and battlefield touring. Le Touquet provides superior restaurant and entertainment options, whilst Arras offers historical immersion and quieter evenings.
Accommodation booking ahead proves wise during the summer months and school holidays. Many hotels offer golf packages, including guaranteed tee times and equipment storage.
Seafood Excellence Coastal location means exceptional seafood throughout the region. Le Touquet's restaurants specialise in fresh catches from Boulogne fishing fleets.
Boulogne-sur-Mer offers authentic fishing port dining with restaurants serving catches landed that morning.
Traditional Brasseries French brasserie culture thrives throughout the region. Traditional meals featuring steak-frites, boudin (stuffed sausage), and regional specialities with house wine carafes. Local specialities include smoked herring starters and moules-frites (mussels and chips).
Beer Culture Northern France's brewing heritage rivals Belgium's finest. Local breweries produce distinctive beers complementing regional cuisine. Belgian imports also feature prominently in local establishments.
Post-round drinks culture resembles British golf traditions with clubhouse bars offering local and imported beers.
Advance Planning Summer months require advance booking, particularly for championship courses and weekend times. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for July-August visits, whilst shoulder seasons allow more flexibility.
Most courses accept online bookings or telephone reservations in English. Resort courses in Le Touquet prove most accommodating for visitor bookings and special requests.
Côte d'Opale Pass Strategy The regional golf pass offers excellent value for multiple course sampling. Five-day validity allows flexible scheduling whilst providing significant savings over individual green fees. Purchase through participating pro shops or online.
The Côte d'Opale Pass includes Le Touquet's two courses, Belle Dune, and Wimereux – an ideal combination for experiencing regional golf diversity. Additional courses can be added for comprehensive regional exploration.
Package Deals Hotels frequently offer golf packages including accommodation, breakfast, and guaranteed tee times. Le Touquet's resort hotels excel at golf packages.
First World War History The Somme battlefields lie 90 minutes south, offering profound historical experiences. Thiepval Memorial, Delville Wood, and numerous Commonwealth War Graves provide moving tributes to fallen soldiers.
Vimy Ridge (Canadian National Memorial) and Beaumont-Hamel represent must-visit sites for understanding the war's impact. Many golf visitors dedicate full days to battlefield touring between golf rounds.
Cultural Attractions Arras features remarkable Flemish architecture with underground tunnels (boves) offering unique historical perspectives. The Grand Place rivals Brussels' finest squares for architectural beauty.
Amiens Cathedral represents Gothic architecture at its finest, whilst the floating gardens (hortillonnages) provide a peaceful contrast to golf. Both cities offer excellent shopping and dining opportunities.
Coastal Activities Beaches around Le Touquet provide relaxation between golf rounds, whilst Boulogne's old town offers medieval architecture and excellent shopping. The region's markets feature local produce perfect for picnic preparations.
Nature reserves along the coast attract bird watchers and walkers, whilst the Cap Gris-Nez offers dramatic coastal walks with English Channel views.
Common Visitor Mistakes Many visitors arrive expecting Mediterranean conditions and struggle with changeable weather.
Cultural Etiquette Restaurant reservations prove wise during peak season, particularly in Le Touquet. Many establishments close Monday evenings or Tuesday lunch – check ahead to avoid disappointment.
Strategic Planning Wisdom Base location affects your entire experience. Le Touquet provides resort amenities, whilst Arras offers historical immersion. Choose based on your primary interests beyond golf.
Car hire proves essential despite additional costs. Public transport limits course access and flexibility. Book car hire with Channel Crossing for seamless travel.
Money-Saving Opportunities Côte d'Opale Pass provides significant savings for multiple rounds. Lunch at brasseries rather than resort restaurants cuts costs whilst providing authentic experiences.
Shoulder season visits (April-May, September-October) offer better value with excellent course conditions. Summer premium pricing affects both golf and accommodation.
Green Fee Expectations Championship courses cost £70-£90 (€85-110/$95-120) during peak season, representing excellent value compared to equivalent UK venues. Shoulder season rates drop 20-30% whilst maintaining course quality.
Hidden gems and inland courses cost £60-£75 (€70-90/$80-100), providing outstanding golf at modest prices.
The Côte d'Opale offers exceptional golf value just 90 minutes from London. Championship courses, rich history, outstanding cuisine, and genuine French hospitality create memorable golf adventures. Whether seeking golf or culture, northern France delivers beyond expectations on a reasonable budget.
Review of the Month July 2019 – Dinard L'expérience du sublime. Dinard is correlative with Pebble Beach and Old Head where the experience is so much more than the golf course in terms of the traditional ratings criteria such as design, challenge, variety of holes, condition/presentation etc. Yes, there are ordinary holes in the above terms but that is the trade off when the topography limits design options. Dinard is the 2nd oldest course in France and has experienced a number of iterations since the original routing was established in 1887. The Club is set amongst a sensitive natural environment and embraces ecology particularly with respect to the utilisation re-cycled water on the course which synthesises with an ethos of “just keeping the grass alive”. Understandably, the most pedestrian holes are located at the start of the course. Although decent enough holes with some challenge (first 3 holes are par 4s ranging from 370 to 460 yards) the 4th hole is probably the first hole of note. It is a severe dog leg par 5 which gives the long hitters an opportunity to cut off the dogleg on the drive and leave a medium / short iron ton to the green. The first moment to cherish is the tee shot to an infinity fairway on the par 4, 5th hole. After cresting the hill, the golfer is confronted with the maelstrom of sea, cliffs, coves, beaches and peninsulas which is truly mesmeric. Dinard photo courtesy of Dinard Golf Club The 6th hole is a par 4 which plays downhill into a valley before rising to the green. There are undulations on the fairway and swathes of rough comprising a high percentage of the landing area for the tee shot. This hole is celebrated in “ The 500 World’s Greatest Golf Holes ” book authored by George Peper, which is testament enough. In my view that 12th can be included in any greatest hole conversation. It is a medium length par 3 whose green is semi blind from the tee and has a pronounced slope from left to right. Running down the right side of the hole, the cliffs are at its closest point to the course. Although relatively far from the coastline, the 16th is the best hole from a pure playing standpoint. It is 460 yards from the tips and moves to the right towards an uphill green with out of bounds on the right. It is both challenging and beautiful with some natural dune sculpting surrounding the back of the green and the strategic use of a small number of wind blasted pine trees. Dinard photo courtesy of Dinard Golf Club As described, there are a number of ordinary holes and possibly too many “blind shot” holes. It is a short course at under 6,000 yards with a par of 68 and only one par 5. I was lucky to play the course with a one club wind, which the members tell me is extremely rare. In conclusion, it was an absolute pleasure to play. In some ways the course at Dinard is the antithesis of Frenchness and could be described as “blue collar”. The location however is overwhelmingly “no collar”. David Oliver Review of the Month July 2019 selected by Editor-in-Chief, Keith Baxter, and sponsored by TaylorMade – click to read David's full review and more about Dinard.
The Moray Firth coast has been quietly harbouring some of Scotland's finest and most characterful golf for well over a century. While golfers queue for tee times at Royal Dornoch and St Andrews, a compact strip of Scottish coastline stretching from Forres east through Elgin to Buckie delivers genuine links golf, outstanding parkland, and an authenticity that money-no-object resort destinations struggle to replicate. Seven featured courses — Hopeman, Covesea Links, Forres, Elgin, Spey Bay, Maverston, and Buckpool — form the spine of a golf trip that combines coastal drama with inland variety, whisky distillery visits, and the kind of warm club welcome that reminds visitors why they fell in love with Scottish golf in the first place. Moray has 16 courses in total, meaning those who want to extend their stay or return have plenty more to explore. This is a region where a round of proper links golf can be had for £35 to £45 (€40–€52/$44–$57), where the 19th hole might involve a dram from a nearby Speyside distillery, and where bottlenose dolphins occasionally patrol the waters visible from the 12th tee. Moray: Why It Should Be on Your List The Case for Moray Scotland has no shortage of golf destinations, but Moray's combination of quality, variety, and value is genuinely difficult to match. The region sits within a natural microclimate that makes it one of the drier parts of northern Scotland, which matters considerably when planning a multi-day golf trip. The seven courses in this guide span coastal links, clifftop drama, historic parkland, and modern design — all within a 45-minute drive of each other. Moray has 16 courses in total, so a travelling golfer could comfortably play a different course every day for a week without covering more than 60km (37 miles) between rounds. Seven distinct courses in a compact region — links, clifftop, and parkland Green fees are on average, much more competitive compared to Highland rivals Combined with world-class Speyside whisky distilleries, Johnstons of Elgin cashmere, and a genuinely spectacular landscape Bottlenose dolphin sightings from multiple course tees — a uniquely Moray experience AKH Golf's professional golf photography service (akhgolf.com) is available in the region for trips worth commemorating 🏌️ The Seven Hopeman Golf Club Paul Lawrie, 1999 Open Champion and Honorary President of Hopeman Golf Club, once described the club's 12th hole as probably the best par 3 he has ever played. It is a description that stops golfers in their tracks when they encounter it for the first time. The Prieshach plays just 150 yards from an elevated tee, but the green sits over 100 feet below in Clashach Cove, guarded by two bunkers and framed by gorse. On calm summer evenings, dolphins surface in the Moray Firth below. Originally a 9-hole course established in 1909, Hopeman was extended to 18 holes in 1985 and has undergone a significant improvement programme since 2018 following recommendations from Tom MacKenzie of Mackenzie & Ebert. The fairways are defined throughout by gorse and broom. Hopeman welcomes visitors seven days a week, with weekend bookings recommended. The Mashie Niblick clubhouse serves freshly cooked, homemade food. hopemangolf.club | View on Top100GolfCourses Covesea Links Golf Course Two miles south of Lossiemouth, down a single-track farm road that reveals nothing of what lies beyond, Covesea Links is one of the most delightful surprises in Scottish golf. The 9-hole course occupies a natural valley of dunes between farmland and the Moray Firth. With the sea visible from every hole, it was built by owners Andy and Angela Burnett as a labour of love. The course is short, naturally routed, and plays with genuine links character: firm ground, blind shots, a tee played from the edge of the Moray Firth at the 4th, and a completely blind 135-yard par 3 over a great red rock to a tucked green. Angela welcomes visitors from a small hut on-site; the warmth of that welcome has become as much a part of the Covesea experience as the golf itself. It is one of the most remarkable values in Scottish golf. A round at Covesea in the early evening, with the sun low over the firth, is an experience that stays with you. covesealinks.com | View on Top100GolfCourses Forres Golf Club Forres Golf Club carries impressive architectural credentials… the original 9 holes were laid out by James Braid, whilst Willie Park extended the course to 18 in 1912. Two Open Champions shaping one parkland course. The result is a beautifully balanced layout set on rolling ground with mature tree-lined fairways, excellent views towards Findhorn Bay and the Moray Firth, and greens that visitors consistently rate among the best in the north. The course has hosted the Scottish Professional Championship and the PGA Northern Open. The most discussed hole is the 16th, named The Pond, a risk-reward par 4 where a watery grave awaits those who take on the direct line to the green. The front nine is tighter and more varied; the back nine opens up before tightening dramatically for the finish. forresgolfclub.co.uk | View on Top100GolfCourses Elgin Golf Club Founded in 1906, Elgin Golf Club is set at Hardhillock on the edge of the town of Elgin. The heathland course measures 6,458 yards at par 71 and has a reputation for having some of the best par 4s in Scotland, and it is hard to argue. The setting is quietly dramatic: the course commands views north over the Moray coast and south to the distant Cairngorm Mountains, with the Highland skyline providing a constant backdrop. Elgin accepts visitors throughout the week and at weekends. elgingolfclub.com | View on Top100GolfCourses Spey Bay Golf Club Spey Bay Golf Club occupies one of the most unusual pieces of golfing terrain in Scotland: a series of raised storm-beach ridges that accumulated some 6,000 years ago at the mouth of the River Spey. The 18-hole course was designed by legendary club-maker Ben Sayers in 1907, and the natural topography made of pebble and shingle ridges rising and falling between gorse-filled hollows has produced a layout unlike anything found elsewhere. The course was acquired by LinksDAO in 2022, bringing significant investment and ongoing renovation work by CDP Architects with ambitions to restore and enhance the original routing. The 8th hole is the signature, a short par 3 played to a green perched atop a sizeable hillock with nothing to stop the ball except accuracy. Spey Bay operates on-site accommodation pods through Spey Bay Pods (speybaypods.co.uk) — a novel option for golfers wanting to wake up beside the course. The club also operates a camping and caravanning site in the grounds. links.golf/speybay | View on Top100GolfCourses Maverston Golf Course Moray's newest course opened in 2014 and was designed by former Scottish international golfer Euan McIntosh. Set in the Maverston Highland Estate near Urquhart, just minutes from Elgin off the A96. The 18-hole parkland course of 6,284 yards plays to par 70 across gently undulating, free-draining ground with spectacular views towards the Cairngorm Mountains and the Moray Firth. Maverston was designed with year-round playability in mind: the free-draining soil means the course remains open and dry during winter conditions that close neighbouring courses. A 9-hole par-3 Kempston Course alongside the main layout makes it accessible for families or for golfers wanting an evening warm-up round. The clubhouse sources food from locally selected ingredients, and the backdrop of the Cairngorm skyline from the 19th hole terrace is one of the better post-round views in Moray. Visitors are welcome throughout the week and at weekends. maverstongolf.com | View on Top100GolfCourses Buckpool Golf Club Buckpool occupies a remarkable position in Scottish golf history, as the course was created in the 1930s as part of a job creation scheme for unemployed workers from Buckie's herring fishing industry. Designed by J.H. Taylor, the course that emerged from this project remains one of the funnest links layouts in the north-east of Scotland. The course sits on an elevated clifftop position above the town of Buckie, measuring 6,169 yards at par 70. Fast, firm fairways are lined throughout by mature gorse, and the undulating greens — routinely praised as the best in the north-east - all surrounded by swales, hollows, and cavernous bunkers. Paul Lawrie claimed his first professional win here in 1986. The views across the Moray Firth towards the hills of Caithness are spectacular on clear days. Buckpool is the easternmost of the seven featured courses and provides natural geographical bookends to a Moray golf itinerary. Visitors are welcome every day; advance booking is recommended at weekends. buckpoolgolf.com | View on Top100GolfCourses The Headliner - Moray Golf Club Moray Golf Club sits on the edge of Lossiemouth and offers two distinct links experiences on the same stretch of Moray Firth coastline. The Old Course, designed by Old Tom Morris in 1889, is the more celebrated of the two — a classic out-and-back links of 6,643 yards that rewards local knowledge and punishes anything wayward in the wind. The New Course, added by Henry Cotton in 1979, is shorter and more forgiving but no less characterful, sharing the same firm, fast turf and sea views. Whilst most will focus on Moray on the Moray coastline, there is plenty more to see here! Sample Itinerary: Five-Day Moray Golf Adventure The distances between Moray's courses are short enough that back-to-back rounds are perfectly achievable without long drives. The following five-day outline suits golfers flying into Inverness Airport, which is approximately 35km (22 miles) from Forres and around 50km (31 miles) from Elgin. Day 1: Arrival & Forres Fly into Inverness Airport and collect a hire car — essential for exploring Moray. The drive east on the A96 to Forres takes approximately 25 minutes. An afternoon round at Forres Golf Club eases visitors into the trip without the immediate coastal wind challenge of the links courses. Dalvey House near Forres provides elegant country house accommodation ideal for a first-night stay, with private grounds and a genuinely luxurious base from which to explore the week's golf. Day 2: Hopeman & Covesea Links Morning round at Hopeman Golf Club — book the tee time in advance if visiting at a weekend. The 12th hole (The Prieshach) demands to be experienced rather than described. From Hopeman, it's a short drive of around 8km (5 miles) west to the turn-off for Covesea Links. An evening 9 holes at Covesea, with the Moray Firth lit by late afternoon sun, provides an extraordinary contrast to the morning's conventional links challenge. Stay in Elgin or take a second night at Dalvey House before moving east the following day. Day 3: Elgin, Distillery Visit & Move to Seafield Arms Morning round at Elgin Golf Club. The parkland setting and quality of greens make Elgin a natural highlight of any Moray trip. Afternoon visitors might consider a tour at Benriach Distillery in Longmorn, just south of Elgin (benriachdistillery.com) — the distillery's experimental approach to cask maturation and single malt production makes for an excellent post-round visit. The combination of golf at Elgin followed by whisky at Benriach has become something of a Moray classic. Johnstons of Elgin cashmere mill on the northern edge of Elgin is worth a visit for non-golfing partners on this day. After the round, move east to check in at The Seafield Arms in Cullen — the natural base for the final two days. Day 4: Spey Bay, Maverston & Buckpool Morning round at Spey Bay Golf Club — allow additional time to absorb the completely unique terrain. The WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre on site is worth 30 minutes before or after the round if dolphins are actively in the estuary. Afternoon round at Maverston, approximately 10km (6 miles) south on the A96, provides a contrasting parkland perspective with views south to the Cairngorms. Buckpool Golf Club in Buckie is just 20 minutes from The Seafield Arms and can be added as an evening round. More in Moray Tours & Transport can arrange transport on days when driving between multiple courses, allowing golfers to relax fully between rounds. Day 5: Buckpool & Departure Morning round at Buckpool Golf Club in Buckie — approximately 35km (22 miles) east of Elgin, easily reached from The Seafield Arms. Buckpool's clifftop views and J.H. Taylor links design provide a worthy final-day challenge. Afternoon departure towards Inverness Airport via the A96. Allow 90 minutes for the journey from Buckie to the airport during peak travel times. Getting to Moray & Getting Around Arriving in Moray Inverness Airport is the natural gateway, served by British Airways, easyJet, and Loganair from London, Edinburgh, and Bristol. Aberdeen Airport, approximately 105km (65 miles) to the south-east, provides further connectivity with international carriers. Edinburgh Airport, 230km (143 miles) south, connects to virtually all major European cities and works well for international visitors who want to spend a night in Edinburgh before heading north by hire car or train. The A96 is the primary road corridor linking Inverness, Forres, Elgin, and Keith — a well-maintained route that connects every course in this guide. Journey times between courses rarely exceed 45 minutes, and the roads are generally uncongested outside of summer weekend afternoons. A hire car is genuinely essential for Moray golf; while rail services connect Forres and Elgin to Inverness and Aberdeen, the course locations are not accessible by foot from stations. Organised Transport & Tours More in Moray Tours & Transport operates local transport and tour services throughout the region, making them a practical option for groups who want to be driven between courses, or for golfers who prefer to arrive and hand over the logistics. This is particularly useful for larger groups where not everyone wishes to drive, or for the final night of a trip where a meal with wine is on the agenda. Scottish Links Golf Tours specialise in Moray golf itinerary design and booking, handling tee time coordination across multiple courses and combining golf with distillery and cultural visits. Their Moray-specific expertise means local knowledge is genuinely baked into the planning. Weather & When to Visit Moray benefits from a relatively dry microclimate for northern Scotland, with Forres often cited as one of the sunniest towns in Scotland. May through September offer the most reliable weather window, with June and July delivering long evenings and the longest daylight hours. August is the busiest month; golfers visiting in late May or early September will typically find shorter queues, slightly lower accommodation rates, and excellent course conditions. March and April can produce beautiful, clear days, but also unpredictable cold winds. The essential packing list for a Moray golf trip includes waterproofs (always), an extra base layer, a windproof mid-layer, and sun protection for clear summer days. The temperature difference between a warm inland course like Forres and a north-facing coastal course like Spey Bay on the same afternoon can be surprisingly significant. Pack as if for variable conditions regardless of the forecast. Equipment & Practical Matters Golf photography with AKH Golf is available across Moray. Worth considering for groups marking a milestone trip or for golfers who have waited years to visit and want professional images to take home. Having seen their work, the on-course experience with a dedicated photographer is genuinely different to phone photography. Alan at AKH Golf can join your group for single or multiple rounds, whether that be in Moray or across Scotland. The Golf Moray website is a useful resource for planning, listing courses, visitor information, and local golf news across the region. Where to Stay for Moray Golf Dalvey House near Forres is a private country house hotel that provides a luxurious western base for exploring Moray's golf courses. The house sleeps small groups in a private-hire arrangement ideal for golf societies or groups of friends who prefer their own space over a conventional hotel. The setting, featuring rolling grounds with views towards the Moray Firth, is genuinely special, and the proximity to Forres Golf Club makes a pre-breakfast practice round entirely feasible. The Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen provides a characterful coastal base on the eastern edge of the golf region. The hotel is a traditional Scottish inn with a strong local reputation for food, situated in the attractive fishing town of Cullen above the Moray Firth. For golfers who want to include Buckpool in their itinerary, the Seafield Arms is the natural local choice. Buckpool is just 20 minutes west along the coast road, and Spey Bay is 25 minutes in the same direction. Spey Bay Golf Club Pods offer the most immersive accommodation option in the guide: camping pods on the grounds of the golf club itself, with direct access to the course and the coastal environment. The pods have proven popular with golfers who want an early morning tee time without a commute, as well as with couples where one partner is a committed golfer and the other values coastal walking and dolphin watching. Other Accommodation Options Elgin acts as the natural accommodation hub for the region, with several hotels and guesthouses within easy distance of the A96 corridor. The town's compact centre has a good range of independent restaurants and pubs. For golfers on a tighter budget, self-catering cottages across Moray provide excellent value and often come with golf storage — a practical consideration when travelling with a full set of clubs. Lossiemouth, 9km (5.5 miles) north of Elgin, is a pleasant coastal town that places golfers within easy reach of Hopeman, Covesea Links, and both Moray Golf Club courses. It retains the character of a working fishing town alongside increasing numbers of independent cafés and accommodation options. 🥃 Dining, Whisky & Local Culture Speyside Whisky — Essential Context No golf trip to Moray makes complete sense without at least one distillery visit. The Speyside whisky region is, in practical terms, on the doorstep of every course in this guide. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs in late April and early May, bringing an extraordinary concentration of distillery events to the region. Benriach Distillery in Longmorn, just south of Elgin, is an excellent post-golf choice. Experience options range from full distillery tours to streamlined tasting sessions, with walk-in guests welcome or advance booking available online. The staff are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about explaining the distillery's history, production process, and the eclectic range of casks in the warehouses — alongside a shop and bar at the visitor centre for a quicker stop. Combine with a morning round at Elgin Golf Club for the ideal Moray golf and whisky day. Cashmere & Culture Johnstons of Elgin has been working with natural, biodegradable fibres for more than 229 years, and their Elgin mill remains the only vertical weaving mill in Scotland — dyeing, spinning, weaving and finishing everything on-site using soft Scottish water and generations of accumulated craft. The mill experience gives visitors a genuine look behind the scenes of a working family-owned business, and the on-site coffee shop, featuring locally sourced produce, is one of the better lunch options in Elgin. Non-golfing partners on a Moray trip frequently cite Johnstons as a highlight, and the shop carries the full range at Scottish retail prices. Clubhouse Dining & Post-Round Options Forres Golf Club's Muiry Bar & Restaurant is the standout clubhouse dining option in the region — genuinely good food served in a warm environment with views that remind you where you are. Elgin Golf Club's Hardhillock Bar & Bistro is a close second, combining good bar food with the kind of post-round atmosphere that makes it worth lingering. Hopeman's Mashie Niblick specialises in homemade cooking and has a reputation among locals for quality that outstrips its modest size. The Seafield Arms in Cullen is the natural dinner destination for the eastern part of the itinerary, combining proximity to Buckpool and Spey Bay with a kitchen that makes good use of locally landed seafood. Cullen Skink — the smoked haddock chowder that originated in this area — is an essential experience for first-time visitors to Moray. 📋 Booking Golf in Moray Most courses in this guide accept online booking. Covesea Links operates on a turn-up-and-play basis with payment on the day. Spey Bay should also be booked in advance. Most courses in this guide accept online booking. Covesea Links operates on a turn-up-and-play basis with payment on the day. Spey Bay should also be booked in advance; all course improvement work is completed over the winter, and the course remains available throughout the season. Caddies are not normally available at Moray's courses. The courses are easily walkable, but buggies and golf carts should be booked in advance if required — contact the club directly when making a tee time reservation. Scottish Links Golf Tours handles end-to-end planning, including tee time coordination across multiple courses, accommodation booking, transport, and cultural add-ons. For groups of four or more who want a seamless trip without the logistics overhead, this represents good value. Independent travellers should aim to book tee times at least two to three weeks in advance for summer visits. 🏰 Beyond the Fairways Moray rewards curiosity beyond the golf course. Elgin Cathedral, the 13th-century ruin known as the Lantern of the North, sits in the heart of the town and is among the most atmospheric medieval buildings in Scotland. Sueno's Stone in Forres is one of the tallest and most elaborately carved Pictish standing stones anywhere in Britain, dating to around 900 AD. Both are free to visit and accessible without a significant detour. The Speyside Way is a 100km (62-mile) walking and cycling route that follows the River Spey from the Cairngorms to the Moray Firth coast, which makes for excellent non-golf half-day walks. The WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay is particularly rewarding in summer, when the resident bottlenose dolphin population is most active in the estuary. The Moray Firth holds the most northerly resident dolphin population in the world. The Speyside Cooperage near Craigellachie is a working cooperage where visitors watch craftsmen making and repairing casks for the whisky industry — a 30-minute detour well worth making. More in Moray Tours & Transport offer bespoke tours around Moray and Speyside distilleries, as well as the transport services referenced throughout this guide. 💡 Insider Tips for Moray Golf Twilight golf at Hopeman from 3pm offers approximately 7 hours of daylight in June and July at reduced rates — one of the best-value evening golf experiences in northern Scotland. Covesea Links operates on a turn-up basis - try to visit on a clear evening in summer and allow time to absorb the location. Scottish Links Golf Tours can arrange multi-course logistics, including transport, meaning groups can share driving duties rather than every member needing their own hire car. The A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen is the only route connecting most of these courses, meaning early morning or early evening travel avoids the modest congestion that can build around Elgin at peak times. 💷 Budget Planning for a Moray Golf Trip Green Fee Overview Moray's green fees occupy a range that makes multi-round visits affordable without sacrificing quality. Buckpool and Covesea Links represent genuine bargains by any Scottish standard; Spey Bay's recent investment is reflected in its pricing, which now sits at the premium end of the local range. Covesea Links (9 holes): approximately £30 (€35/$37) Buckpool Golf Club: approximately £40 (€46/$50) Hopeman Golf Club: approximately £75 (€86/$95) Forres Golf Club: approximately £80 (€92/$101) Elgin Golf Club: approximately £85 (€98/$107) per round Maverston Golf Course: approximately £45 (€52/$57) Spey Bay Golf Club: approximately £80 (€92/$101) 🌊 The Moray Verdict Moray's golf is worth travelling for. The combination of coastal links drama, historic parkland pedigree, extraordinary value relative to better-marketed Scottish golfing destinations, and a wider cultural offer that includes the world's greatest whisky-producing region makes this compact stretch of the Moray Firth coast one of the most rewarding golf destinations in Scotland. What visitors consistently discover is that the region's relative obscurity works in their favour: tee times are available, courses are quiet, and the welcome from staff and members retains an authenticity that disappears when a destination becomes a tourist trap rather than a community hub. That authenticity is Moray's most valuable characteristic… and it is worth experiencing before it becomes more widely known. A hire car and a willingness to follow an evening round at Hopeman with a dram in Forres is genuinely all the planning required. The rest takes care of itself.
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 - Your Next Golf Holiday? Remote Links Perfection The Scottish Islands are golf's final frontier. The stunning landscapes and amazing settings create an atmosphere that beats ordinary golf tourism. Here's what makes these destinations special: • 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 creates 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 Scotland's Island Links The Best Golf Courses on the Scottish Islands The Scottish Islands have several courses that rank among Britain's finest, each offering different challenges. These 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. 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. 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 Barra A goat track on every sense of the word, and were saying that as a compliment. You don’t come this far for manicured links. If you did, you’d be disappointed. It is raw golf in its purest form. Iona Golf Course Iona Golf Course is accessible on foot after taking a short ferry from Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull. It’s free to play and one of the best natural golf courses in the world. To read more about the West Coast of Scotland and island golf in Scotland, read the full travel blog from Jasper Miners. Hebridean Travel Logistics Getting There and Getting About Getting Around 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. Flight options exist to major islands, but ferry journeys are part of the island golf experience. CalMac ferries run regular services with car spaces you can book in advance. You will need to seriously plan this one to avoid major issues. Weather & Packing 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. Waterproofs and wind protection are essential regardless of forecast. Island weather changes rapidly, and exposed coastal courses make wind conditions much stronger. Equipment Logistics Most golfers travelling to the islands bring clubs personally due to remote locations and limited rental options. Bring everything you need and more, especially balls. Despite having golf courses, there are few pro shops and no retailers. Selection is very limited and costs are high. Caddie & Cart Availability Caddies generally aren't available on the islands. You might be able to request one at The Machrie, but there isn't a ready supply and you're unlikely to find any elsewhere in the islands. Accommodation Where to Stay for Island Adventures Island-Hopping Accommodation For comprehensive golf tours of the islands, you'll likely move each day to find the next course. Chains do not exist so B&B’s or independent hotels are a necessity. Vacancies are rare in high season. Budget-Friendly Options 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. Dining Strategy It may seem odd but tables are very ahrd to find without prior booking. The area is so remote, the restaurants often order to cater only for reservations. The local supermarket is usually a Co-Op and is relied upon if one hasn’t booked a table ahead of time. Booking Golf on the Scottish Islands Seasonal Booking Considerations 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. Honesty Box Access Most smaller courses accept walk-up bookings or need minimal advance notice. You’ll probably encounter an honesty box and envelope - bring cash and don’t rely upon card in more remote locations. Explore Beyond Golf Activities for Non-Golfing Partners 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. Insider Local Knowledge Strategic Planning Wisdom 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. Local Knowledge 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. Equipment & Preparation Reality Check 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. Your Scottish Islands Golf Adventure Awaits 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.
