Golfing in Scotland
When you think of Scotland you think of golf; after all it's the birthplace of this hugely popular sport and an integral part of the Scottish heritage and lifestyle. There are many different courses available to play throughout Scotland, ranging from public to private so finding a place to play is not at all difficult. The difficult part, it seems, is deciding which ones to play during your visit there.
All types of courses for all types of golf experiences
One of the unique aspects of golf in Scotland is the tremendous number of public links available throughout the country, both 9 hole and 18 hole courses. In fact, the Scottish society is much more focused on golf as a sport to be played by everyone rather than on golf as a more exclusive or elite sport as it is seen in some other countries around the world. This is in keeping with several centuries of tradition and one of the most charming and interesting parts of experiencing the sport of golf while visiting Scotland.
Here are some of the courses visitors typically find most interesting and are most anxious to play when in Scotland:
St Andrews Golf Courses - St Andrews is often referred to as the home of golf, and rightfully so since the sport dates back over 600 years at this location. The "Old Course" at St Andrews is perhaps the most famous thanks to the many world class tournaments it has hosted over the years, but the entire St Andrews complex actually contains seven golf courses all together. It is the complex of its kind in Europe, as all seven of the courses are public rather than private.
Turnberry Golf Courses - Another of the most famous golf complexes in Scotland, Turnberry is a golf resort with three separate courses as well as a popular golf academy, a historic lodge, charming cottage accommodations, and a world-class five start rated hotel owned by The Leisurecorp Luxury Collection. The courses themselves are among the most scenic in Scotland, including stunning seaside views of notable landmarks such as the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig.
Inverness Golf Course - Although not a huge complex like many of the other famous courses in Scotland, Inverness is among the most charming and enjoyable courses to play. It is a truly local and friendly course, with a tradition of welcoming visitors and players from around the world. The course itself is located just a mile from the city of Inverness, making it easy and convenient to access. Special arrangements can be made for groups as well, including tee times, meals, and social function.
Balmedie Golf Course - This is a golf course and resort area currently under development by Donald Trump, and it promises to be one of the most spectacular complexes ever built in Scotland. The site itself is over 14,000 acres and is planned to include two golf courses, a world-class clubhouse, a world-class hotel, and 1,500 holiday and primary residence homes. It has faced some significant resistance from environmental groups opposed to the impact construction will have on the scenic area, but the government and local councils assure the impacts will be minimal thanks to strict environmental agreements in place with the Trump development company.
As you can see, when it comes to golf there is no place in the world as scenic, interesting, and historic as Scotland. There are courses located throughout the country, with most of them being public and easy for visitors to access and play. Whether you choose one of the older and most traditional courses of St Andrews or look forward to trying the newest course at Balmedie once it is completed, a golf vacation in Scotland is one that you will never forget!
All types of courses for all types of golf experiences
One of the unique aspects of golf in Scotland is the tremendous number of public links available throughout the country, both 9 hole and 18 hole courses. In fact, the Scottish society is much more focused on golf as a sport to be played by everyone rather than on golf as a more exclusive or elite sport as it is seen in some other countries around the world. This is in keeping with several centuries of tradition and one of the most charming and interesting parts of experiencing the sport of golf while visiting Scotland.
Here are some of the courses visitors typically find most interesting and are most anxious to play when in Scotland:
St Andrews Golf Courses - St Andrews is often referred to as the home of golf, and rightfully so since the sport dates back over 600 years at this location. The "Old Course" at St Andrews is perhaps the most famous thanks to the many world class tournaments it has hosted over the years, but the entire St Andrews complex actually contains seven golf courses all together. It is the complex of its kind in Europe, as all seven of the courses are public rather than private.
Turnberry Golf Courses - Another of the most famous golf complexes in Scotland, Turnberry is a golf resort with three separate courses as well as a popular golf academy, a historic lodge, charming cottage accommodations, and a world-class five start rated hotel owned by The Leisurecorp Luxury Collection. The courses themselves are among the most scenic in Scotland, including stunning seaside views of notable landmarks such as the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig.
Inverness Golf Course - Although not a huge complex like many of the other famous courses in Scotland, Inverness is among the most charming and enjoyable courses to play. It is a truly local and friendly course, with a tradition of welcoming visitors and players from around the world. The course itself is located just a mile from the city of Inverness, making it easy and convenient to access. Special arrangements can be made for groups as well, including tee times, meals, and social function.
Balmedie Golf Course - This is a golf course and resort area currently under development by Donald Trump, and it promises to be one of the most spectacular complexes ever built in Scotland. The site itself is over 14,000 acres and is planned to include two golf courses, a world-class clubhouse, a world-class hotel, and 1,500 holiday and primary residence homes. It has faced some significant resistance from environmental groups opposed to the impact construction will have on the scenic area, but the government and local councils assure the impacts will be minimal thanks to strict environmental agreements in place with the Trump development company.
As you can see, when it comes to golf there is no place in the world as scenic, interesting, and historic as Scotland. There are courses located throughout the country, with most of them being public and easy for visitors to access and play. Whether you choose one of the older and most traditional courses of St Andrews or look forward to trying the newest course at Balmedie once it is completed, a golf vacation in Scotland is one that you will never forget!