Fall in love with the game all over again in Scotland, the birthplace of golf
Playing golf in Scotland is more than just a vacation; it’s a pilgrimage. And it is something that every golfer should experience in their lifetime. This is the very cradle of the game, a country blessed with beautiful scenery, history, and culture, plus the small matter of the most historic golf courses on the planet.
From the iconic Open Championship venues of St Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry and Prestwick, to the classic Royal links of Dornoch, Aberdeen or Troon, our Scotland golf packages offer you an experience of a lifetime. Wherever you choose to base yourself, Edinburgh, St Andrews, the Highlands, or the South West Coast, check out our best-selling Scotland vacations and let us make your golf dreams a reality with a tailor-made golf tour that you’ll never forget.
Why book a golf package to Scotland?
- Scotland is the 'Home of Golf' & where the game began
- Play incredible historic courses dating back to the 15th century
- More golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world
- From St Andrews to Turnberry – indulge in Open Championship venues
- Explore breath-taking scenery, majestic castles & great pubs
- Immerse yourself in the legendary Scottish hospitality & friendly welcome
The history of the game begins here
Take a pilgrimage to the Home of Golf on your next overseas golf vacation. Follow in the footsteps of Open Championship winners such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods, and experience the birthplace of the game for yourself.
Throughout Scotland, you'll find an abundance of incredible golf throughout the country and the variety of links courses coupled with picturesque scenery will take your breath away. With so many golf-rich areas and over 550 courses to play, there is no right answer when selecting a golf trip to Scotland.
A good place to start is with some of Scotland's top golf courses:
St Andrews Old Course The most iconic course in the world & a must-play for any golfer
The history of the game dates back to St Andrews in 1553 and has been synonymous with golf ever since. The Old Course has hosted countless major events since its inception, most notably The Open Championship on 30 occasions.
This, combined with the beautiful St Andrews town center and its rich history, has produced one of the world’s best and most in-demand golf courses in the world. It’s THE must-play course in Scotland… check out our tips for getting a tee time on the Old Course.
Carnoustie Golf Links A legendary Open Championship venue & one of the toughest tests in golf
Located 45 minutes north of St Andrews sits another historic links layout with an incredible pedigree. Another regular on The Open rota (8-time host), golf fans will remember Carnoustie best from Jean van de Velde’s epic collapse on the final hole to hand Paul Lawrie The Claret Jug.
The course is known for being very difficult when the wind is up, with tricky pot bunkers and very few par-5s to score on. That said, it is one of the very best golf courses in Scotland and ranks within the top 50 in the world on most people’s lists!
Turnberry Ailsa Course World Top 10 course with breathtaking coastal views
Located in southwest Scotland, on-site at the five-star Turnberry Resort, the Ailsa Course is one of the most visually stunning links courses in Scotland. A former fixture on the Open rota, this course is in the world's top 10, providing fantastic views over the Firth of Clyde.
Back in 2015, the course went through a complete facelift, upgrading every hole to an extremely high standard, even the famous lighthouse was brought back to life, now operating as the new halfway house. As one of the best golf courses in the world, the Ailsa Course is an absolute essential for any Scotland golf trip.
Castle Stuart Golf Links Highland golf at its finest, with dramatic scenery & immaculate conditions
Opening in 2009, Castle Stuart Golf Links lies on the tranquil shores of the Moray Firth in the Scottish Highlands. This classic par-72 links layout is always kept in immaculate condition, offering incredible views of the Highlands.
Regarded as the best golf course in the area and host to the Scottish Open 3 years in a row, this really is a course to add to your itinerary on any Scotland golf tour.
Kingsbarns Golf Links Everything you’d expect from a world-class modern links course
Situated just a 15-minute drive from St Andrews, rivaling some of the most prestigious courses in the area is no easy task. Kingsbarns Golf Links has achieved just that. Golf was first played on the land at Kingsbarns in 1793, and after being rebuilt in 2000, it became the only course to be built on official Scottish links land in over 70 years.
Despite being relatively new, Kingsbarns has firmly established itself as a consistent member of the Top 100 Courses in the World and is recognized as a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
Championship Course at Royal Dornoch One of the best courses in the UK to never have hosted an Open
Many golfers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to experience a round of golf at The Championship Course of Royal Dornoch. Located in the magical Highlands with views across the Dornoch Firth, you will find gorse-lined fairways and the famous ‘upturned saucer’ greens.
Some would even say that if Royal Dornoch were positioned further south, it would be the 10th course on the Open Championships roster. If you're looking for a course where you can put away the scorecard and take in the magnificent surroundings, this is one to add to your itinerary.
A golf vacation in Scotland is a chance to experience the game in its purest form. Check out our top tips for a golf trip to Scotland!
Visit the best golf destinations in Scotland
Whether it’s the beautiful Highlands, the rugged West Coast, the ancient Kingdom of Fife, or East Lothian, the deep golfing history combined with spectacular and varied scenery makes Scotland an incredible golf destination.
Top Golf Destinations in Scotland
St Andrews – Best for history and iconic golf
As the oldest and most iconic golf destination in the world, St Andrews needs no introduction. Universally recognized as the Home of Golf, it is the perfect stop on your Scottish golf experience.
This lively town offers incredible golf, countless dining options, and a rich history. It is also one of the few places in the world where multiple top-tier courses are located right in the town center, making it a truly special destination. From here, you can travel to nearby courses and resorts, including Carnoustie, Gleneagles, and Kingsbarns.
Edinburgh & East Lothian – Best for combining golf with a city trip
Experience the best of both worlds in the incredible capital city of Edinburgh, with its rich history, plenty of sightseeing opportunities, and endless restaurants and bars.
Just 40 minutes from the city, East Lothian, known as Scotland’s Golf Coast, is a gold mine for golfers with 22 courses (including Muirfield, North Berwick, and Gullane) and some of the best weather in the country!
Highlands & Inverness – Best for dramatic landscapes and bucket-list courses
There’s truly no experience like the Highlands of Scotland, offering dramatic coastlines, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the best golf courses in the world, such as Royal Dornoch, Nairn, and Brora.
It’s a must-visit destination for golfers who appreciate a blend of adventure and tradition. Off the course, explore numerous hiking and biking trails, visit iconic castles, and discover magnificent lochs.
South West Scotland – Best for Open Championship courses
Known as the 'birthplace of The Open,' South West Scotland boasts several Open Championship venues (Turnberry, Royal Troon, Prestwick) and offers a fantastic range of options for a golf tour.
With a great mix of luxury resorts and classic links courses, this region is ideal for those looking for a true championship experience. As the gateway to all that inland Scotland has to offer, this region is steeped in history and excellent golf.
Aberdeen – Best for coastal links golf
With many top-quality links golf courses (Cruden Bay, Balgownie Links, Trump International) near this lively coastal city, Aberdeen is a top location for a golf tour in Scotland. The city features impressive links layouts spread over 165 miles of unspoiled coast, many designed by legends like James Braid and Old Tom Morris.
Beyond golf, venture into the vast Cairngorms National Park and explore the breathtaking landscape that makes up this beautiful country!
Travel tips:
- Best time to visit: May to September offers the best conditions, with long daylight hours and mild weather. Spring and fall are also great for quieter courses and value deals.
- Booking tee times: Popular courses like St Andrews’ Old Course require advance booking or entry via the ballot, so plan ahead and check out our tips for getting a Tee Time at St Andrews here.
- Travel essentials: Many courses offer club rentals, but bringing your own clubs ensures the best experience. Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and waterproofs.
- Accessibility: International access is best through either Edinburgh or Glasgow. From there, every region is reachable by car.
- Insider tip: Although Scotland is a relatively small country with an abundance of wonderful golf courses, we recommend not trying to fit too much into your itinerary. Stick with one or two regions and simply come back again and again!
Check out our guide to booking a golf trip to Scotland here!
Scotland is a golfing paradise, steeped in history and tradition. Whether you’re playing legendary links or exploring hidden gems, a golf trip to the Home of Golf is an experience like no other!
Popular Scotland golf tour destinations
Best-selling golf trips in Scotland
Discover Scotland's luxury golf resorts & stunning hotels
When it comes to places to stay, golfers are truly spoilt for choice with a range of first-class resorts and hotels. Golf vacations in Scotland are more than just stunning golf courses and beautiful views.
Its world-class resorts offer the perfect blend of championship courses, breathtaking scenery, and five-star hospitality. From five-star stay & play golf resorts to boutique hotels and intimate B&Bs, we offer multiple options to suit all personal tastes, group types, and budgets.
One thing you will never forget is the legendary 'full Scottish breakfast' that sets you up perfectly for the day.
Some of the best places to stay in Scotland include:
Best for championship golf & luxury For those looking to play on iconic courses while enjoying five-star treatment.
- Trump Turnberry – located on the West Coast of Scotland, and one of Scotland’s most prestigious golf resorts, Turnberry is home to the legendary Ailsa Course, a four-time Open Championship host, and consistently ranked among the world’s best. Overlooking the stunning Ayrshire coastline, this five-star resort delivers an unforgettable golf and leisure experience.
- Gleneagles – renowned for its luxury and elegance, Gleneagles is tough to beat. Featuring three on-site golf courses, a luxury spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant in the hotel, it’s the perfect Scottish golf resort. Home to three championship courses, including the PGA Centenary Course, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup. This world-renowned resort features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a luxury spa, and impeccable service. Off the course, a wide range of outdoor adventures awaits: from tennis, climbing, off-road driving, zip lining, shooting, and many more! Gleneagles is Scotland’s ultimate playground for luxury and adventure seekers.
Best for city & golf getaways For golfers looking to combine a city break with incredible courses.
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Fairmont St Andrews – set in 520 acres of idyllic coastal setting, this fantastic five-star resort is just minutes from the Old Course and lies in the spiritual heart of the game, with two championship golf courses on-site.
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Old Course Hotel, St Andrews – Offering luxurious spa facilities, elegant dining, and unparalleled proximity to the Old Course itself, The Old Course Hotel seamlessly blends city buzz with golf tradition for a truly unique Scottish getaway.
Want a bit more variety? Try a customized golf tour
If staying in one place isn’t your style, a Scotland golf tour is the ultimate way to experience the full spectrum of Scottish golf. Most of our golf tours combine multiple destinations, traveling across regions like Ayrshire, the Highlands, East Lothian, and Fife, playing a variety of top-ranked courses along the way, from Open Championship venues to lesser-known local gems.
Here are a few accommodations that are perfect for a golf tour:
- Piersland House Hotel (Ayrshire) – A charming country retreat steeped in golfing history, just steps from Turnberry.
- The Albany Hotel (St Andrews) – A boutique, welcoming stay right in the heart of St Andrews’ vibrant town center.
- Malmaison Edinburgh – Chic, contemporary luxury near Edinburgh’s buzzing Leith district, perfect for golfers exploring East Lothian.
- Rusacks St Andrews – The ultimate Old Course experience, with luxury rooms and direct views over the famous 18th green.
Our golf tours are fully customizable to suit your preferences, travel group, and budget. Whether you want to:
- Play a bunch of Open Championship courses in a single epic trip
- Journey from the Highlands down to Edinburgh and East Lothian
- Mix world-class golf with whisky tasting, castle visits, and outdoor adventure
As the world’s no.1 golf tour operator, we'll find an option that’s perfect for you!
Golf travel tips for Scotland
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Add a little something extra to your Scottish golf package
While Scotland proudly holds the title of the Home of Golf, your trip can be so much more than just incredible rounds on legendary courses. From iconic landmarks and ancient castles to world-famous whisky and warm Highland hospitality, there’s something magical waiting around every corner.
Some of our popular golf vacation experiences include:
- Scotland hidden gem golf trips - Discover secluded locations and some of Scotland's best-kept secrets on your next golf trip. Venture beyond the more congested big-name courses and uncover secluded links set against dramatic coastlines and serene Highland backdrops.
- Bucket-list Scotland & Ireland golf trips - If playing the world’s most iconic courses is on your golfing bucket list, there’s nowhere like Scotland. Follow in the footsteps of legends on Open Championship venues, while soaking in the culture, history, and spirit of the game’s birthplace. A Scotland bucket-list tour is the ultimate pilgrimage for any passionate golfer.
- Scotland golf tours - Find a perfectly tailored golf tour that offers everything you could ever want from your dream trip across the pond. Tee off where legends made history at Open Championship venues, embrace the charm of centuries-old links, and uncover hidden gems along dramatic coastlines. Choose from some of our curated itineraries, like the Iconic East Coast Adventure, an Epic Trilogy Tour, or a Coast-to-Coast Classic.
Check out our tips and tricks for a trip to Scotland here!
Beyond the Fairways
When the final putt drops, Scotland still has plenty to offer. Take time to explore this land steeped in myth, culture, and natural beauty.
- See the Sights: From dramatic castles perched on cliff edges to charming villages and vibrant cities, Scotland is bursting with unforgettable scenery. Cruise past the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, wander cobbled streets in Edinburgh, or watch the mist roll over the Highlands. Keep an eye out, you might spot a kilted Highlander or hear the distant call of the bagpipes!
- Embrace the Outdoors: For those who love the fresh air, Scotland’s great outdoors is second to none. Hike through the Highlands, kayak on glassy lochs, or simply enjoy a scenic drive through glens and coastal byways. With more than 30,000 lochs and countless peaks to explore, adventure is always nearby.
- Discover Scotch Whisky at the Source: Scotland is the birthplace of whisky, and there’s no better place to sample it than at the source. Visit Speyside, the world’s most whisky-rich region, to tour famous distilleries and enjoy tastings right from the barrel. Or unwind in a cozy pub in St Andrews or Edinburgh, where stories flow as freely as the Scotch.
- Experience Authentic Scottish Hospitality: Whether you're in a rustic Highland inn or a buzzing city tavern, Scottish pubs are the heartbeat of local culture. Grab a pint, join in a folk song, and toast to a trip well spent, it's the perfect way to end your day. Join the locals for a pint and a story — it’s the perfect way to end the day.
Popular highlights:
- Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle: Set sail on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness and try your luck spotting the legendary Nessie. A boat tour offers stunning views of the Highlands and takes you past the ruins of Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest strongholds. It’s a perfect blend of myth, history, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
- Edinburgh Castle & The Royal Mile: No visit to Scotland is complete without a trip to its capital city. Walk the historic Royal Mile, explore the towering Edinburgh Castle, and soak in panoramic views of the city from Castle Rock. Along the way, discover hidden closes, historic pubs, and some of the best shopping for Scottish crafts and souvenirs.
- Isle of Skye Day Trip: A true postcard destination, the Isle of Skye is famous for its dramatic landscapes, fairy pools, and rugged coastline. Drive across the Skye Bridge or take a ferry, then spend the day exploring natural wonders like the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and Kilt Rock. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
- Speyside Whisky Trail: Home to over half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries, Speyside is the ultimate destination for Scotch lovers. Join a guided tasting tour and visit world-famous distilleries like Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Aberlour. Learn how the “water of life” is made, and sample it right where it’s born.
- Stirling Castle & Wallace Monument: Step into the pages of Scottish history at Stirling Castle, a key site in the Wars of Independence and once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Just nearby, climb the Wallace Monument for sweeping views and a deeper connection to the story of William Wallace (yes, Braveheart fans, this one’s for you).
Why book with anyone else?
- ValueGuaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.
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