Scotland Golf Courses: The Complete Visitor's Guide

Scotland is the home of golf. The R&A counted 594 golf courses in Scotland at the end of 2020. For a country of its size, that is a remarkable number. In addition, few places combine history, scenery and quality in the same way.

This guide covers where to stay, what golf costs, when to go and how to book. You can also browse every course we list in Scotland. For the UK-wide picture, read our guide to how many golf courses there are in the UK.

Where should you base yourself?

It depends on how many courses you want to play and what style you prefer. Scotland’s main golf regions are Fife, Ayrshire, the Lothians and the Highlands.

Fife: home of St Andrews

St Andrews is the classic base. The town is compact and walkable, with rooms from guesthouses to grand hotels. The St Andrews Links Trust runs public courses beside the Old Course, while Crail, Elie and Kingsbarns lie nearby. Carnoustie is just across the Tay, and the directory lists golf courses near Dundee for that side.

Ayrshire and the west coast

Royal Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry sit along the Ayrshire coast south-west of Glasgow. Glasgow has good flights and trains, so it is an easy base. Our page on golf courses near Glasgow covers the region.

Edinburgh and East Lothian

Edinburgh has its own public courses, while Muirfield, Gullane and North Berwick lie a short drive east. Our page on golf courses near Edinburgh covers the area.

The Highlands

Golfers who travel north find wild scenery and quiet links. Royal Dornoch, Brora and Golspie lie north of Inverness, while Nairn and Castle Stuart sit on the Moray Firth. Our Highlands golf guide covers the region. The directory lists golf courses near Inverness and golf courses near Aberdeen as well.

The Open venues

Scotland has four courses on today’s Open rota: the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie, Muirfield and Royal Troon. The Old Course has hosted the Open 30 times, more than any other venue. Our guide to championship golf courses explains how to book them.

What does golf in Scotland cost?

Green fees in Scotland range from very low at council courses to high at the famous links. For example, Glasgow Life’s Littlehill course starts from £10.50 a round in winter (checked 11 October 2026). By contrast, the Open venues cost many times that. Since prices change each year, check each club’s own website before you book.

The good news is that many fine courses cost far less than the famous names. In particular, small Highland clubs and town courses often give superb value.

When is the best time to visit?

May and September often give the best mix of weather, pace of play and price. July and August are busier, while daylight in June lasts late into the evening. In addition, the Scottish school holidays start earlier than in England, so check the dates before you book.

Good-value courses in Scotland

Scotland’s famous courses get most of the attention. However, many fine and affordable courses lie close by:

• Carnoustie’s other courses, such as the Burnside, which share the town’s links
• Crail Golfing Society (Fife), with two links courses at Fife Ness
• Brora (Sutherland), a classic Highland links
• Edinburgh’s public courses, such as Braid Hills and Silverknowes
• The St Andrews Links Trust courses, such as the New and the Jubilee

Booking tips

Book the famous names early. The Old Course takes many tee times through a daily ballot. Meanwhile, other big names fill fast in summer.

Try the shoulder season. Spring and autumn are quieter and often cheaper.

Hire a caddie at the top links. Caddies know every slope and wind. As a result, a caddie can save you shots and add to the experience.

Consider a package. Tour operators bundle tee times, rooms and transfers. That can save time, especially for a group.

Do I need a handicap?

Most Scottish courses do not ask for one. However, some famous links ask for a handicap certificate and set a maximum. Check each club’s visitor page before you book. Our guide on how to get a golf handicap explains the process.

More Scottish golf

For a closer look at the coast, read our guide to the best links golf courses in the UK. Our UK golf breaks guide helps you plan rooms and travel. Wherever you start, Scotland offers golf of rare quality and history.

Planning kit? For putting together winter golf kit, see our guide.