Scotland is the home of golf, and our pick of picturesque courses highlight some stunning locations that will suit all visitors down to a tee.
Our country is home to some of the oldest, most prestigious golfing locations and courses around the globe. Every golfing season, hundreds of tourists will flock to Scotland to enjoy a game in what is widely regarded as the home of golf.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro, weekend hacker or keen beginner, there are plenty of places to cater to your level of skill and offer an unforgettable experience.
DUMBARNIE LINKS
Blessed with spectacular views and a heart-felt welcome and service from the skilled team at the club, Dumbarnie Links is already internationally acclaimed as a member of that elite group of golf courses where the discerning player finds the pure experience of traditional Scottish links golf. To back these bold statements up, the Fife links has hosted the co-sanctioned Women’s Scottish Open, won the World’s Best New Course and also Development of the Year, 2021, all since opening back in May 2020.
With its spectacular setting around the golden sands of Largo Bay on Fife’s historic southern coastline, Dumbarnie Links offers not only breath-taking views across the Firth of Forth to Muirfield and Gullane, but a modern challenge that every true lover of the purest form of our ancient game cannot afford to miss.
What former GB & I Ryder Cup player Clive Clark created on this expanse of ancient linksland is a tribute to his lifetime love of classic links golf. His challenge combines strategy and risk-and-reward shot-making against not only a carefully crafted layout but the ever-changing elements that are the ever-present backdrop to golf beside the seaside.
In recognition of the great support Dumbarnie Links has had from residents across Scotland, they are offering a low-season rate of £109 per player to the 17 April and thereafter, £129 per player.
Dumbarnie Links is ready to welcome you to a very special golfing experience.
T: 01334 845945
F: www.facebook.com/dumbarnielinks/
THE MACHRIE
With panoramic views and so much to explore from its doorstep, The Machrie is a modern, relaxed hotel with a world-renowned championship golf links. Nestled by the dunes of a pristine seven-mile beach on the stunning Scottish island of Islay, The Machrie is a proper links, but with an atmosphere of its own. In Golf World’s top 50 top golf courses in the UK & Ireland, The Machrie was also named one of the best golf resorts in the world by Today’s Golfer.
The Machrie combines the very best of a traditional, historic links course from a previous age, with a modern links. The need for thought, imagination and creative shot-making has not changed throughout the years and carries as much of a premium over sheer power now as it did 130 years ago.
The rich solitude of the place is a beautiful thing and just one more aspect of the overall course experience that will never change.
In addition to the championship links, there are multiple facilities to work on your game for all levels of player. The Wee Course, Hebrides Putting Green, Driving Range and short game facilities means there’s something for everyone.
The Machrie features 47 beautifully designed rooms, suites and lodges, some with stunning views across the links.
The 18 Bar & Restaurant has a south-west facing terrace affording stunning, sunset views over the Atlantic. The menu celebrates the very best Scotland has to offer.
In homage to Islay’s nine whisky distilleries, The Machrie’s bar features an impressive collection of whiskies, as well as The Machrie’s own gin. The Snug, Stag Lounge and Courtyard Lounge offer a cosy place to relax whilst sipping on a favourite tipple in front of the log fires.
The Machrie Hotel, Port Ellen PA42 7AN
T: 01496 302310
E: reservations@themachrie.com
F: www.facebook.com/TheMachrie/
BUCHANAN CASTLE GOLF CLUB
NESTLED within the heart of the Loch Lomond National Park, Buchanan Castle Golf Club offers members and visitors a challenging test of golf, outstanding scenery and an insight into Scottish history.
The club is proud to be one of the best rated golf courses in the West of Scotland. The course was set out by the celebrated James Braid for the Duke of Montrose in 1936, with its holes and fairways framed by majestic trees and magnificent views of the Trossachs.
W: www.buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk
ROWALLAN CASTLE GOLF CLUB
Rowallan Castle Golf Club is undoubtedly one of the finest in Ayrshire. The good news for visitors to the area is that they are welcome to play the course.
Although membership is available, the course near the village of Kilmaurs welcomes visitors on all days. It’s only 18 miles south of Glasgow and in east reach of all Ayrshire towns.
The course is in its fifth full season of play now. Its glorious setting and challenging holes are gaining a favourable reputation in the golf world. You can see the hand of a great golfer in its design and you would be right. The course worked with Colin Montgomerie, eight times number one golfer and 2010 winning Ryder Cup Captain.
Rowallan Castle has the laidback atmosphere of a country club. After the rigours of the course, relax with excellent food in the clubhouse overlooking the 8th green or sip something long and cool on the terrace beside the putting green.
From April 1 to November 1, the costs are £45 per person, with a 4 Ball available for £150.
To check the availability of tee-times, including special offers and group discounts, call 01563 530550 or e-mail george@rowallancastle.com
Rowallan Castle Golf Club, Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, KA3 2LP
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