The Clubhouse

Best golf resorts in Scotland

We break down the very best all-encompassing golf resorts that Scotland has to offer. From resorts in the Home of Golf to Ryder Cup & Open Championship venues, we’ve got your next Scottish golf break.

Chris Williams
Chris Williams
8 mins read
Stay & playUK & IrelandScotlandParkland

Scotland is, without a doubt, the best place in the world to play golf. Not only are you spoilt for choice with a wide range of Open Championship courses, the Home of Golf and a plethora of hidden gems, but you can also find world-famous golf resorts. The likes of Gleneagles, Turnberry and Fairmont St. Andrews are, when it comes to a golf break, perfect, with everything you need located on-site.

Experience luxurious accommodation, Michelin-starred restaurants and golf that leaves you wanting more, as we explore the very best golf resorts in Scotland…

1. Dalmahoy

Impressively situated in 1,000 acres of parkland lies the four-star Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club. This historic resort is located just a ‘wee’ drive from Edinburgh and offers views of the castle and Forth Bridges. The hotel itself has over 200 beautifully decorated rooms and suites, fitted with modern-day comforts you’d expect to find from a venue of this calibre, all with a Scottish twist.

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

Around the hotel you will come across a pool and spa ready to recuperate any golfers who have had a tough day on the course. And for any non-golfers in your party, a day spent relaxing is a day well spent, and this spa offers you just that! There are numerous dining options at Dalmahoy including The Brasserie which has a relaxed ambience, a great place to enjoy a post-golf dinner and drink, whilst the Pentland Restaurant offers a much more formal dining experience with beautifully prepared Scottish dishes.

The East Course, Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

There are two courses to choose from at Dalmahoy, the East and West. The former has hosted events including The Solheim Cup and Scottish Seniors Open, and is a true test for any golfer, requiring power and accuracy to navigate round the wide and undulating fairways. The West Course is a little more forgiving and if you’re short for time, you can really run round this course in no more than 2 hours.

Away from the golf course, this resort is located perfectly if you would like to venture into Edinburgh for a day’s worth of activities including Edinburgh Zoo and history/art museums, or for perusing the many the shops, cafes and bars that this incredible city has to offer.

2. Turnberry

Situated along the west coast of Scotland in one of the most beautiful corners of the world, Trump Turnberry is five-star through and through, and one of the most luxurious resorts within our portfolio. Wind your way down the roads and you will see the hotel from miles away in all directions as it stands on a hilltop overlooking the coast and golf courses, with its iconic silhouette that is known around the world. Once you arrive, experience a warm Scottish welcome as you step through the front doors before checking into a room that you wish you could take home with you.

Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort

Equipped with comfortable beds, luxurious bathrooms, and TVs bigger than a cinema, this place is truly built with golfers at its heart. Once you leave the room and explore the enormity of the hotel, you will find a completely refurbished spa that spares no expense for your own relaxation and enjoyment.

You’ll also discover multiple eateries including the fine dining experience of the 1906 restaurant, and the more casual Grand Tea Lounge or The Duel in the Sun Clubhouse. You’ll be talking about this golf break for years to come!

Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry has hosted four Open Championships and is etched in golfing history… who could ever forget the Duel in the Sun in 1977 or Stewart Cink’s infamous victory over Tom Watson in 2009? The course itself mixes classic Scottish links with a modern and pristinely manicured finish – honestly not a single blade of grass is out of place. Play yourself out onto the sea as you quite literally hit tee shots over the sand dunes and across the water to find fairways.

Make sure you stop at the incredible Lighthouse Halfway Hut where you can pick up a few drinks and snacks before continuing your round. Finally, be sure to soak in the grandeur of the course as you tee off down 18, with Ailsa Craig behind you and the Trump Turnberry Hotel in the foreground, it’s something you don’t want to forget.

The Ailsa Course, Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort

Unveiled in 2017, Turnberry’s second golf course went through major restructuring and was renamed King Robert the Bruce, after Scotland’s famous King! It plays slightly more inland than its big brother on the clifftops offering spectacular views and its well-manicured condition makes it a very enjoyable golf course.

3. Fairmont St Andrews

Set on the Scottish hilltops just 5 minutes from St Andrews town centre is the impressive Fairmont St Andrews, one of our leading stay & play golf resorts in Scotland. The interior is modern and luxurious and is the true definition of millionaire’s golf. On your break you’ll stay in lavish bedrooms, experience a tranquil spa and pool, dine in exquisite restaurants and bars, and play two top-quality golf courses along the way.

The Fairmont St Andrews

In addition to the elegant hotel rooms, Fairmont St Andrews offers Manor Homes, located just off The Torrance Course. These homes away from home are perfect for groups. Before you head out onto the golf course, make sure to take your time during breakfast and visit all the stations at this mouth-watering buffet.

Treat yourself to a full Scottish breakfast, pancakes, fresh fruit and so much more, they’ll be rolling you onto the first tee! The hotel offers its guests a free shuttle to and from St Andrews city centre where guests can explore golf’s most historic landmarks… take pictures on the iconic Swilican Bridge, visit the Golf Museum, or explore the local restaurants and bars for a vibrant nightlife.

The Torrance Course, Fairmont St Andrews

The resort has two on-site golf courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks. The former is the most famous of the two having hosted prestigious events, however, they are both championship quality and will leave you wanting more. These layouts offer the perfect Scottish links experience with long, thick rough, gorse and undulating fairways - they’re certainly designed for more experienced golfers and when the coastal winds are up, it can be quite the test. However, once you finish and enjoy your post-round drink in the clubhouse with the sunset views, you’ll want to do it all over again!

4. The Gleneagles Resort

Located in the heart of Scotland is arguably one of the world’s top golf resorts, Gleneagles. It’s nothing short of five-star and from the second you arrive you can see why. The stunning French chateau, which is the core of the hotel, offers accommodation that is second to none and beyond luxurious, there’s little to wonder why it attracts so many celebrities.

The Gleneagles Resort

The staff are welcoming and helpful, and the hotel provides an unrivalled variety of leisure activities in addition to golf, including fishing, shooting, falconry, horse riding and much more, so no matter what your interests there’s something for you to enjoy. Immerse yourself in a spa that creates a soothing haven throughout the entire body, whether you’re relaxing after a round or treating yourself to a well-deserved spa day.

PGA Centenary Course, The Gleneagles Resort

Two iconic golf course designers have helped create three wonderous, championship quality golf courses. The PGA Centenary is a Jack Nicklaus masterpiece that has hosted numerous events including the 2014 Ryder Cup and 2019 Solheim Cup, both of which helped Europe to dramatic victories. The course is full of undulations, immaculate greens, and fabulous fairways - each and every hole is picture-perfect and won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

The Queen's Course, The Gleneagles Resort

The first courses built at Gleneagles were designed by the legendary James Braid. Now over 100 years old, The King’s and The Queen’s golf courses have stood the test of time and are favourites amongst Golfbreaks customers as they thread their way through stunning Scottish landscapes, creating a fun challenge that includes water hazards, bunkers and much more.

5. Cameron House

Drive to the southwest point of beautiful Loch Lomond and you’ll come across Cameron House, one of the most spectacular places in Scotland. This stunning five-star resort is nothing short of luxurious and from the moment you arrive at the 18th-century Baronial Mansion, you’ll understand why.

Cameron House, Ayrshire

Despite the loch-side hotel being over 200 years old, the interior is incredibly modern with a traditional Scottish flare from accommodation, dining rooms and bars. It’s not just the surroundings that will impress, with four restaurants on-site including Tamburrini & Wishart, which has Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart at the helm, as well as plenty of choice for guests with each offering a different food experience.

If you’re looking for more than a golf break, then Cameron House can’t be beaten, it’s the perfect resort where you can try new experiences such as paddle-boarding on Loch Lomond, off-road mountain biking, shooting and falconry.

The Carrick Course, Cameron House

Cameron House has two golf courses that couldn't be more different. The Carrick championship 18-hole course meanders its way through an area of outstanding natural beauty, while The Wee Demon threads a delicate path through the estate grounds to The Boat House and Marina on the loch, offering spectacular views throughout.

6. Macdonald Cardrona Hotel

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel is an hour’s drive south of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible whether you’re flying into the city or driving across the country. The hotel itself is a classic and spacious design that makes you feel welcome from start to finish, with less than 100 guest rooms which creates an almost exclusive atmosphere for its guests. The rooms are modern and comfortable, the dining facilities and bars produce an incredibly fresh seasonal menu and have been awarded an AA rosette for their restaurant.

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa

The on-site golf course is the perfect accompaniment to this incredible hotel and offers a 7,000-yard masterpiece from the championship tees, however, don’t let that put you off as the forward tee boxes create an enjoyable course for higher handicapped players and beginners. Wind your way through Scottish countryside that features wide fairways, natural undulations, and some unique hole designs with elevated greens and tees.

Feeling inspired?
Experience beautiful golf courses, rugged coastlines and a plethora of luxurious hotels on your next Scottish golf break.

Published

Chris Williams avatar
Chris Williams

UK Travel Consultant

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