Oldest golf courses in the world

For golf enthusiasts, there is nothing quite like turning up to a golf club and immediately getting a sense of history. Making your way to the course early, learning about the club’s traditions and geeking out over old photos is just part of the experience, and that’s even before you’ve stepped foot on the course.

From Old Tom Morris designs in Scotland to early layouts down south, we explore some of the oldest golf courses in the world to play on your next break.

Let’s be honest, we weren’t going to start anywhere else! The Old Course is known the world-over as the ultimate golfing pilgrimage. Golf has been played on this hallowed turf for almost 500 years, with The Open contested here on 29 separate occasions and counting.

The town of St Andrews is a golfing destination unlike any other, with several of the pubs in town having dedicated golf bag storage facilities – perfect for that post-round pint! Away from the ‘Auld Lady’, six other layouts belong to the St Andrews Links Trust, with more than 25 additional courses in close proximity. If you’re looking for something a little more modern on your next trip to the Home of Golf, check out the New Course… built in 1895.

It’s fair to say that if your club hosted the very first Open, it’s likely to have been around for a while. Prestwick welcomed the world’s best 24 times between 1860 and 1925, and is still a hotbed for US travellers, as well as those looking to play every course which has hosted the game’s oldest Major.

Conveniently then, the course is situated on Scotland’s West Coast, and just a short journey from both Royal Troon and Turnberry. Old Tom Morris famously was the Keeper of the Green at Prestwick from 1851-1864, following a fall out with his former boss and mentor Allan Robertson at his previous base in St Andrews. Old Tom designed the initial 12-hole layout at Prestwick, before going on to lift the Claret Jug on four occasions, although he finished runner up in the first Championship to Willie Park Jr.

Old Tom’s input wasn’t restricted to Scotland, and in 1864 he headed to Royal North Devon (often known as Westward Ho!), helping to create the oldest golf course in England. One of the most natural and rugged layouts in our portfolio, Royal North Devon provides an incredible backdrop for the sport, with its original fairways still in use today.

Our golfers love the secluded nature of the course, heading away for a few days with golf truly at the heart of the trip. The course has a particular dedication to sustainability, becoming one of the first to ban the use of plastic tees and limiting its use of some of the lesser-environmentally-friendly greenkeeping techniques.

Following the success of The Open in Scotland, the tournament ventured south for the first time in 1894. The course in Sandwich was first laid out by local surgeon, Laidlaw Purves, and has grown over the last century into one of the finest courses on the planet.

Constantly ranked within the Top 10 courses in the UK, and Top 100 in the World, the course has accumulated an incredible history – including playing host to one of the most prestigious Amateur tournaments in the world, the Grand Challenge Cup, won in 1959 by a young Jack Nicklaus. Nowadays, Golfbreaks guests often tie a trip to this corner of the Kent coast in with a visit to Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s, with The Lodges at Prince’s being our most popular base in the area.

Established in 1834, Carnoustie Golf Club stands among the world's oldest, initially offering a 10-hole course designed by Allan Robertson. Expanded to 18 holes by Old Tom Morris in 1867, it laid the groundwork for the revered Championship Course. James Braid's 1926 upgrades further elevated its status, leading to its hosting of the Open Championship in 1931, won by Tommy Armour.

Today, Carnoustie Golf Links features three courses, including the Burnside, Buddon and the renowned Championship Course. Nicknamed 'Carnasty' because of its formidable challenges and unforgettable moments, such as Jean van de Velde's infamous collapse in the 1999 Open. This historic club, a testament to golf's enduring legacy, continues to captivate players with its trio of courses, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its challenging terrain and rich history.

Nestled along Montrose Bay to shield the town from coastal weather, Montrose Golf Links dates back to 1562. Being the second oldest course on this list the club hosts two unique experiences - the esteemed 1562 Course and the scenic Broomfield Course.

The 1562 Course is famed for hosting prestigious events and Open Championship qualifiers, attracting golfers worldwide. In 2023, it earned a spot in Scotland's top 100 golf courses, described as "a magnificent stretch of marvellously natural ground." With its breathtaking coastal views and rich history, this course is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.

Established in 1832, the West Links Golf Course at North Berwick Golf Links is a historic gem among the world's oldest golfing destinations. From novices to seasoned pros, navigating this course is no easy feat. With its unforgiving rough, deep bunkers, and various other obstacles, success demands precision and nerves of steel.

Despite the challenges, the course's array of superb holes makes it a beloved choice for amateurs and professionals alike. It's no wonder that many of the world's top golfers choose to hone their skills here, especially in preparation for The Open Championship.

Nestled along the coast near St Andrews, Kingsbarns treats golfers to panoramic views of the North Sea and boasts a rich history dating back to 1793. After 3 years of development, a new modern layout emerged in 2000. Designed by Kyle Phillips the new course is a par 72 spanning 7,224 yards and is the modern layout we all enjoy today.

Consistently ranked among the world's Top 100 Courses, the course is a beautiful example of links golf at its best and is characterised by its perfect incorporation of all the features you would think to find on a links golf course: high winds, pot bunkers, long rough, undulating fairways, tight greens, and incredible coastal views.

Located in Tayport, Scotscraig Golf Club's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a renowned links course is a testament to its evolution. Established in 1817, it ranks as the 13th oldest course globally, blending a coastal charm with heathland features. Spanning 6,669 yards with a par of 71, its layout presents a captivating challenge.

Since 1984, Scotscraig Golf Club has been a prestigious venue for the Final Open qualifying during St Andrews' Open tournaments. Legends of the game, such as Ian Baker-Finch and Duffy Waldorf, have graced its fairways, leaving behind tales of memorable golfing experiences.

Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Moray Firth, Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club offers a truly distinctive Scottish links experience. Crafted by the legendary James Braid, this course is a testament to both tradition and innovation, with its layout intricately intertwined with the surrounding sea. From every vantage point, golfers are treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Moray Firth.

The rich history of golf at Fortrose & Rosemarkie dates back to 1702, marking it as one of the oldest golfing destinations in the world. What began as the Fortrose Golf Society in 1793 has blossomed into a premier links course, spanning 6,085 yards with a par of 71.

Rivalling the Old Course for the title of ‘Oldest Course in The World’, Musselburgh Links has documented evidence of golf being played as early as 1672. However, many note Mary Queen of Scots playing the sport in the area more than 100 years earlier.

The course hosted six Open Championships in the 1800’s and is responsible for helping to standardise many of the rules of golf, notably the official size of a hole, 4.25” … which (conveniently!) had long been the size of the implement used to create the holes at Musselburgh.