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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 and Carnoustie, to the classic Royal links of Dornoch 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
Where to play on your Scotland golf package?
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 best golf courses:
Old Course, St Andrews Ranked 3rd in Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses Designer: Evolved over centuries | Par: 72
As the spiritual Home of Golf since the 15th century, the Old Course is a bucket-list destination. With its famous Swilcan Bridge, undulating fairways, and the historic Road Hole, playing here is a true privilege.
Travel tip: Enter the ballot system for the best chance to secure a tee time on this bucket-list course.
Championship Course, Carnoustie Ranked 16th in Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses Designer: James Braid (redesign) | Par: 71
Carnoustie is known for its demanding layout and deep bunkers, offering a stern test for even the best players. With a history dating back to 1842, it is regarded as one of the finest links courses in the world.
Good to know: Often referred to as “Carnasty,” it’s a must-play for golfers seeking a true challenge.
Championship Course, Royal Dornoch Golf Club Ranked 2nd in Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses Designer: Old Tom Morris | Par: 70
Royal Dornoch offers a pure and traditional links experience, set against the quiet backdrop of the Dornoch Firth. Its natural routing, subtle undulations, and raised greens reward thoughtful shot-making throughout the round.
Insider tip: The course’s signature plateau greens demand precision on approach, making club selection absolutely key.
Ailsa Course, Trump Turnberry Ranked 8th in Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses Designer: Mackenzie & Ebert (renovation) | Par: 71
Set along the Ayrshire coastline, the Ailsa Course provides a stunning backdrop with views over the Firth of Clyde. Having hosted multiple Open Championships, including the famous Duel in the Sun between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, it is a true masterpiece of links golf.
Insider tip: Stay onsite to enjoy early or twilight tee times with fewer crowds and incredible light.
Kingsbarns Golf Links Ranked 22nd in Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses Designer: Kyle Phillips | Par: 72
Just 15 minutes from St Andrews, Kingsbarns blends natural beauty with championship-quality golf. With panoramic North Sea views and immaculate fairways, it’s one of Scotland’s most picturesque courses.
Travel tip: Pair with nearby St Andrews courses for the ultimate Fife golf itinerary.
Castle Stuart Golf Links Ranked 51st in Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses Designer: Mark Parsinen & Gil Hanse | Par: 72
Castle Stuart is consistently ranked among Scotland’s best courses. Overlooking the Moray Firth, its wide fairways and strategic bunkering make it an enjoyable challenge for all levels.
Good to know: Hosted the Scottish Open multiple times, showcasing its championship credentials.
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club – Balgownie Links Ranked 56th in Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses Designer: Archie Simpson & Old Tom Morris | Par: 70
Established in 1780, Royal Aberdeen’s Balgownie Links is a true traditional links course. With undulating fairways, fast greens, and stunning North Sea views, it’s one of Scotland’s hidden treasures.
Insider tip: The front nine is considered one of the finest stretches of links golf anywhere in the world.
A golf holiday 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.
Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Scotland here!
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, including the world famous Old Course, 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, there are also excellent railway links.
- 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
Discover Scotland's luxury golf resorts & stunning hotels
When it comes to stay & play golf packages, golfers are truly spoilt for choice with a range of first-class resorts and hotels. Golf trips 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. Whether you're seeking an indulgent golf getaway, a stay-and-play experience, or a scenic countryside retreat, this country caters to every golfer’s dream.
Here are some of the best golf resorts in Scotland:
Best for championship golf & luxury For those looking to play on iconic courses while enjoying five-star treatment.
- Gleneagles | Perthshire | Customer ranking: 4.8 Home to three championship courses, including the PGA Centenary Course, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and 2019 Solheim Cup. This world-renowned resort features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a luxury spa, and impeccable service.
- Turnberry | Ayrshire | Customer ranking: 4.8 One of Scotland’s most prestigious golf resorts, Turnberry is home to the legendary Ailsa Course, consistently ranked among the world’s best. Overlooking the stunning Ayrshire coastline, this five-star resort delivers an unforgettable golf and leisure experience.
Best for city & golf getaways For golfers looking to combine a city trip with incredible courses.
- Fairmont St Andrews | St Andrews | Customer ranking: 4.6 Overlooking St Andrews Bay and just minutes from the Old Course, this luxury resort features two championship courses on-site. It blends coastal views, modern comfort, and proximity to the Home of Golf for a well-rounded Scottish golf experience.
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, like many UK & Europe trips your vacation 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).
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Earn golf gift cards when you book a golf trip.Value
Guaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.Service
Hassle-free golf trip planning and expert travel advice.Trust
Over 25 years’ experience and rated excellent by our customers on Trustpilot.Choice
An extensive choice of venues across the USA and worldwide.Rewards
Earn golf gift cards when you book a golf trip.
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