WHY PLAY?

GULLANE 2

£135

SUMMARY

The drive along Scotland’s Golf Coast to Gullane is mesmerizing.  There are great courses on either side of the road. Once you pass Lufness, you will see the huge expanse of Gullane Golf Club on both sides of the road.  Make sure to leave time to check out the brand new pro shop, where you will receive a warm welcome, and the brand new Visitors Clubhouse, with its fabulous food and Beveridge options.

The Gullane Golf Club No. 2 course has a fantastic layout of holes.   As soon as you cross the road and climb the hill expect stunning views across the Firth of Forth and golf holes as far as the eye can see.  This really is a little piece of golf heaven.  The Number 2 course will provide a great test of golf, even more so if the wind blows.  Just make sure you are equipped for the changeable weather.

Gullane has 3 amazing, unique courses that have the same characteristics and look and play the same way.  So if you are looking for 3 Top quality courses that all look the same but provide very different tests, it is time for a visit to Gullane.

WHY PLAY?

DUNBAR GOLF CLUB

£145

SUMMARY

A mixture of everything the perfect golf experience needs, Dunbar Golf Club is located on Scotland’s beautiful East Coast. It provides golfers with stunning surroundings, an incredible championship course, and great facilities. A challenging but fair course, Dunbar is a gem within East Lothian and is regularly voted as one of Scotland’s best, along with widespread high regard.

WHERE IS THIS

KING ROBERT THE BRUCE (RTB)

£150

WHY PLAY

Recently named the 2019 Best Golf Resort in Europe by LeadingCourses.com, Trump Turnberry offers an incredible golfing experience on the magnificent King Robert the Bruce course.

The magnificent new King Robert The Bruce (RTB) was built on land which was once known as the Kintyre.  After Turnberry was acquired in 2014 Martin Ebert, fresh from his success on the Ailsa Course, was then tasked with creating a 2nd World-Class Golf experience name after Robert the Bruce.

In typical Trump ‘go big or stay home’ fashion an ambitious plan was created.  Significant modifications were made to the old track.  Bunkers were overhauled, a burn which used to cross the 1st hole was removed and many new waste areas were introduced as well as a large wetland.  These changes resulted in a stunning new course routing that follows the stunning coastline with spectacular views in every direction.  Ebert reimagined the land and delivered a stunning new course that put Turnberry back on the Map as one of Scotland’s ultimate golf resorts.

Many people are unaware of the true history of Turnberry and the fact that the iconic lighthouse, which was built by the family of celebrated author Robert Louis Stevenson, is situated amongst the ruins of Turnberry Castle. It was in this medieval castle that King Robert the Bruce was born in July 1274. Turnberry is steeped in a strong history, leading us to name our new golf course after the King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, the historical warrior who led Scotland to claim its right as an independent country in the Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314.

Martin Ebert, who was the architect responsible for his acclaimed work on the Ailsa Open Championship links, was commissioned to create a new world-class golf experience. The result was a thrilling new golf experience that is playable for golfers of all abilities. The breathtaking vistas from the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th of the new King Robert the Bruce course will provide golfers the opportunity to play 2 world-class courses and experience spectacular views of Turnberry’s stunning coastline, castle ruins, and the lighthouse.

The overall design concept for the course has been to introduce fairway bunkers with sand faces and marram grass “eyebrow” faces tempting “risk or reward” shots whilst greenside bunkers are shaped and neatly revetted to require perfect recovery shots. With 18 holes of magnificent golf, the King Robert the Bruce course reinforces Trump Turnberry’s reputation as a true golfer’s paradise.

WHY PLAY?

MURCAR LINKS

£150

SUMMARY

Murcar Links is a fantastic addition to any golf tour on Scotland’s North East Coast.  These classic links are located right next to Royal Aberdeen on a stunning stretch of linksland.  The course is defined by its huge sand dunes, magnificent elevation changes, rock and roll fairways, and an abundance of bonnie Scottish Heather and Yellow Gorse.

The Golf experience here includes magnificent vistas from many elevated tees.  One of the highlights of your round will be at the 15th Tee where you can expect a stunning  360-degree view of the whole of the City of Aberdeen and the North Sea all the way to Peterhead.  The course has a wild rugged appearance with lots of natural features created by Mother Nature and the weather elements over many centuries.

Murcar Links Golf Club was founded in 1909 and quickly became one of Scotland’s leading seaside courses.  The course was initially designed by Archie Simpson who at the time was the Golf Professional at neighbouring Royal Aberdeen. Simpson, and later the renowned James Braid, together created a magnificent layout with many wonderful elevation changes.  Many holes have a wonderful sloped-tiered effect that not only provides stunning views but also creates a perfect terrain for exciting and unpredictable links golf. As you look down the greens are exquisitely sited on majestic tiers and surrounded by dunes and the odd bunker.

Murcar is a championship course that has hosted an array of Prestigious events including The European Tours Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play.  The course is not a monster in length but you can expect a seriously challenging round of golf.  The narrowness of many of the early fairways at Murcar sends an early warning that straight hitting will be the order of the day. Scoring here will require imagination, creativity, and shot-making rather than distance to master this impressive venue  The golf courses ultimate defence will be the weather which can play havoc at any time with rain, sleet and ever-changing wind gusts and direction. Murcar Links can be an absolute brute but whatever the weather, this is a must-play golf course. It’s fun. exhilarating and is guaranteed to provide you with some tremendous entertainment.

WHY PLAY?

MONTROSE 1562

£75

SUMMARY

Montrose Golf Links was founded in 1810 and is considered to be the seventh oldest course in the world.  Golf is known to have been played on these hallowed Links all the way back to 1562.  In 1845 Prince Albert granted the club royal patronage and it Became Royal Montrose.  If you want to experience the historic course make it a Priority.  Don’t wait too long as coastal erosion is not slowly redefining the course.

Montrose links embody every detail that makes a round of golf so addictive and original.  No 2 rounds played here are ever the same.  The course has been shaped by mother nature and its elements over hundreds of years and there are just so many small things that have fused together to create a unique golf experience.  If you are looking for a natural true links experience then it’s time to play 1562 and add your name to the thousands who have gone before you

Influenced and redesigned by both Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Junior the layout at Montrose is truly excellent and it is sure to test every department of your game.  There’s lots of fun to be had on a course that you will never tire of playing. Expect some elevation changes as you head out towards a rugged coastline before reaching the sheltered gorse land.  Then you’ll slowly climb back up to higher grounds before reaching the elevated 18th tee and completing a satisfying journey through the sandhills and Gorse Bushes of Montrose.

Expect a great challenge.  The 1562 course lays down a strong marker at the very first hole.  You will require a straight drive between the fairway bunkers.  This will set you up for your approach to a raised green at the summit of the gradually rising hill. It’s an intimidating hole and one that certainly doesn’t allow you to ease your way into the round.  If you are lucky enough to play the course when the cold wind is whipping in off the North Sea. The next five holes will provide you with the most exhilarating round of links golf.

No golfing trip to Scotland would be complete without playing this nostalgic and historic links course.  The quality of Montrose is continually acknowledged when it hosts prestigious golf events such as The Scottish Professional Championship in 1967 and 1970 and Final Qualifying for the Open Championship held at Carnoustie in 1999 and 2007.

WHY PLAY?

PANMURE

£145

SUMMARY

The Historic Panmure Golf Course is a classic natural links that is often overlooked because of the abundance of world-class golf in the area.  If you are in Angus to play Carnoustie there is no better place for a challenging warm-up than this historic golf club.

Panmure is actually the nearest links to Carnoustie and it’s fairly similar in its low-lying terrain and toughness. Unlike Carnoustie, the course follows the traditional out-and-back routing and combines the best elements of links and heathland, with tight fairways, challenging carries, undulating greens, and sandhills forged by nature.  The touches of heather add a wonderful texture to the course and the moderately undulating hillocks add visual appeal as well as imparting their strategic influence.

Steeped in history the Legendary Old Tom Morris was originally hired to survey the land.  He and Designer James Braid had a major influence on the design. Golfers playing Panmure will require both strategy and skill .  The links is a par 70 that plays to 6,551 yards and has been recognised several times over the years with many significant competitions being staged on the course such as Qualifying for The Open Championship.

The Panmure Golf Club dates back to 1845.  It is recognised as one of the 26 clubs that originally helped purchase the Amateur Championship trophy first played for in 1885.  The Club was founded in 1845 when seventeen gentlemen met and commissioned Allan Robertson and Alexander Pirie from St Andrews to lay out nine holes in the area of Monifieth.

In 1880, Panmure was extended to eighteen holes, but before the turn of the century, with the number of clubs playing the course increasing, the Panmure Club resolved to move and settled on the present site in Barry in 1899. Apart from the Championship course at Carnoustie, the best golf course in this wonderful part of Scotland. We were warmly welcomed by the members and staff. An excellent day’s golf.

Ben Hogan was smitten by it during his practice here and so was I. Like Carnoustie, Panmure is generally flat and hidden from the sea so it lets its layout (by James Braid) do the talking. Low-handicappers will love the true test and everyone will love the condition of the course. If you want more scenery and lower green fees (and a bit easier links), head east to Montrose and Arbroath.

Panmure is an absolute gem of a golf course to play. The course is renowned for always being in wonderful condition and the layout is highly acclaimed by many. The greens are magnificent

WHY PLAY?

NAIRN CHAMPIONSHIP

£190

SUMMARY

Nairn Golf Club is one of Scotland’s most spectacular seaside Links courses.   If you are in this remote area of Scotland, this Hidden Gem is a must-play Course.

The Nairn Championship Links was founded in 1887 and in the years that followed a who’s who of some of the world’s leading golf course designers has been responsible for many changes and improvements to the course.  The Elite list includes  Archie Simpson the original designer, the legendary Old Tom Morris, James Braid, and even Ben Sayers!.  Together Nairn was shaped from a rugged coastline topography of rolling sandhills into a Championship Golf Course fit to Host the 1999 Walker Cup and the 2021 Amateur Championship

Despite its excellent reputation.  The course stayed under the radar of worldwide golfers for many years.  That all changed with the emergence of Royal Dornoch, now rated as a Top 10 Course in the World by Golf Magazine and The New Castle Stuart Links which has already become a host Course for the European Tours Scottish Open.  The subsequent exposure of the area firmly put the Highlands of Scotland on the Map as a World Class Golf Destination.

Like many Links, Courses in Scotland the first item in your bag should be your waterproofs.  A round of golf at Nairn can sometimes result in wind and quickly changing weather.  Some golfers have even been known to experience all 4 seasons of weather during the same round!.  Your golf experience is likely to include superb Perfectly maintained greens, traditional deep revetted bunkers, tight fairways, and a lot of danger.

Expect a tough start to your round as The North sea is in play on six of the first seven holes so expect.  Nairn enjoys a stunning setting along the Moray Firth Coastline so golfers will experience beautiful views of the North Sea from every single hole. The course has built a reputation for its conditioning and its greens are recognised amongst as some of the best in The Highlands.

If you are a walker this is the course for you. You will be hard-pressed to find an easier stroll on a golf course anywhere.  The routing at Nairn also helps as many of the greens are close to the next tee making it a quick round of golf.

WHY PLAY?

KILSPINDIE GOLF CLUB

£85

SUMMARY

Kilspindie Golf Club is a charming links golf course located on Scotland’s Golf Coast close to the elite courses of Muirfield, Gullane, and Renaissance Club.  From its very beginnings Kilspindie, as a golf club, built a reputation as a warm and welcoming Club.  To this day a warm welcome is extended to all golfers.

The course is also very popular with the growing society of Hickory Golfers and is a host course for the Scottish Hickory Golf Tour.  Few changes have been made to Kilspindie links in over a century, so golfers – irrespective of their standard of play – can continue to enjoy the same challenges as have so many in the past. The course is a magnet for hickory-shafted enthusiasts, and the Club can even arrange to hire you a set should you care to try it.

Kilspindie is a Hidden Gem that is simply a joy to play.  Although the course plays to just 5500 yards, from the Medal Tees, this Hidden Gem is likely to be one of your favourite golf experiences in all of Scotland.   You will need to be accurate and avoid its well-placed bunkers, perfect green complexes whilst you enjoy some spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and coast. There’s also the opportunity to experience a variety of birds, plants, and Marine Mammals such as Seals which are courtesy of the nearby nature reserve which is a breeding ground and resting place for many birds and wildlife.

Kilspindie has a wonderful variety of Par 3s. The 1st Hole – The Point is a 158 Yard hole with the green located directly in front of the Bay, The 8th Hole – Gosford Bay is 167 yards played over the Shoreline to a green protected by bunkers.  The 10th Hole – The Pond is a 152 Yard Hole played downhill towards the nature reserve and a protected green.  The 13th Hole – The Kirk is the final and Longest Par 3 at 182 Yards.  The green is framed by the ruins of a Dry Stane Dyke Wall, protected by Pot Bunkers,  and out of bounds to the right!. These wonderful par 3s together with their combination of long Par 4s, short drivable par 4s, and just one par 5 creates a unique fun golf experience that may remind you of why you fell in love with golf.

Although the par is 69, the Standard Scratch Score is 66 so that lets you know you should not be in for too torrid a time when playing here.  If the weather is not to harsh you can expect to experience a charming, old-fashioned, traditional Scottish links course.  Kilspindie is only one of the many golfing pearls in Scotland’s Golf Coast with courses strung out along the southern shores of the Firth of Forth.

The East Coast of Scotland and Fife is known as The Home of Golf.  In the mid-1500s, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots played on the Links at St Andrew’s and kept a vacation cottage there, often doing her own shopping and cooking. An avid golfer who has been referred to as the “Mother of Golf,” the athletic Queen helped popularize the game. Unfortunately, her hobby was a factor in her demise. The daughter of the Scottish King James V, Stuart made a bold statement by playing a round of golf a few days after the murder of her estranged husband,

King James V was a frequent visitor to Aberlady in the early 16th century when he came for “the archery and golfing” though his attention for the ladies of nearby Gosford was also known to be another reason for his presence in the area! The former course at Aberlady was a short, 5-hole layout known as the Wanster course and it was built on holes seven to eleven of the present 18-hole layout. The club moved here four years after the breakup of Luffness Golf Club in 1894, when some members broke away to form.

WHY PLAY?

NORTH BERWICK WEST LINKS

£150

SUMMARY

The West Links Course at North Berwick Golf Club is among the world’s oldest golf courses. Established in 1832. It’s believed to be the 3rd oldest golf course in the world after St. Andrews Old course and Musselburgh.

Located on Scotland’s Golf Coast, which boasts 21 Scottish golf courses along 30 miles of stunning Firth of Forth coastline. There truly is something for everyone. Wonderful Championship links golf courses, Hidden Gems and an unparalleled selection of courses to suit golfers of all standards.

Located on the Firth of Forth, the sea comes into play on six holes (!), and the course begins and ends directly adjacent to the town of North Berwick. All 18 holes at the 6,500-yard track present unique design features that stimulate a golfer’s creative juices. From rock walls that snake across and along several holes to huge swales that dissect greens, every shot is met with challenges that can be both fun and frustrating at once. Visitors aren’t allowed to play the course from the tips, so the three single-digit handicappers I played with teed it up from the white tees, which measure 6,140 yards. That might seem short, but it was plenty difficult.Golf has been played over the historic West Links course since the 17th century, and we continue to play over the same piece of land as they did back then. With breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra, as well as the town of North Berwick itself, there are few places better in the world to play golf!

A true championship links course, having hosted Final Qualifying for The Open Championship and both Gentlemen and Ladies Amateur Championships. An excellent test of golf awaits you.

The West Links Course is a true links located on the edge of the Firth of Forth. It is a championship course having hosted many events over the years.

Playing the course is all about imagination with the sea in play on 6 holes! The beach is just one long and sometimes wet hazard if the tide is in. You will find walls in the middle of fairways and in front of a green. All of these hazards are an important part of our history charting the development of the course from a few holes through to the full 18 hole course. You will enjoy on your visit.

WHY PLAY?

CRUDEN BAY

£160

COURSE SUMMARY

Cruden Bay is a thrilling and visually stunning golf course located on Scotland’s east coast just 23 miles north of Aberdeen. Even in Scotland, the Home of Golf,  it’s very rare to find a course with such incredible, elevated views of the sea.  Expect to experience the sense of seclusion created by numerous towering sandhills,  some 3 stories high,  enabling that wonderful feeling of intimacy.

Golfers will enjoy the surprise of not knowing what comes next and the highlights that lie in store ahead.  This is part of Cruden Bays charm.  There are a few quirks such as blind shots and back to back par 3s but your focus will be occupied by navigating some of the most fearsome sand dunes in Scotland. This is the course that keeps on giving so you should expect to discover some unexpected features and enjoy some great surprises during your round.

So If you love the idea of playing a wild-looking, rugged course with Huge sand dunes, rolling fairways, and incredible elevation changes this would be a superb choice.  The golfing test here has remained consistent for almost 100 years.

.Originally designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris who was assisted by Archie Simpson a Professional Golfer and the Head Greenkeeper at the nearby Royal Aberdeen Golf links. The course open for play in 1899 however it is believed that golf has been played on these links since 1791.

Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler were brought in to make some revisions to Cruden Bay’s design in 1926.  They helped incorporate more of the natural elements of the land and dunes to wonderful effect.  This created a thrilling duneland that was designed for golf whilst adhering to much of the course’s original routing.

Considered a masterpiece by many you can expect a thrilling golf experience as you navigate the huge sand dunes, elevated tees and rolling fairways with its humps and hollows. The punchbowl greens are fun to play and the spectacular views of the partially wooded glens set against the backdrop of the North Sea will stay with you. Many of the holes are secluded by the huge dunes which surround,

The 4th hole at Cruden Bay is called Port Erroll.  It is described in the book ‘A Century of Golf at Cruden Bay’  as follows: “Thus named because the Water of Cruden runs along the left side of the fairway, with the old fishing village of Port Erroll on the opposite bank. The harbour is itself visible in the near distance. This is one of Simpson’s best par threes and one of Cruden Bay’s best holes. Playing straight towards the sea (and often into the wind) from an elevated tee carved out of one imposing sandhill across a deep grassy hollow to an elevated green carved out of the facing sandhill. The tee shot must carry straight and all the way to the green – it is serious business, indeed

Cruden Bay is a must-play course as it provides great entertainment with its stunning panoramic sea views framed with a perfect white sandy beach, driveable par fours, blind drives, back-to-back par threes.

WHY PLAY?

MACHRIHANISH OLD

£80

SUMMARY

Machrihanish Golf Club is an authentic Scottish golf links located on a remote Peninsula off the West Coast of Scotland.  The area known as The Mull of Kintyre, was made famous by Paul McCartney who had a number 1 hit record in 1977.

The course is famous for its wonderful opening hole, designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris, which requires an opening tee shot over the Atlantic Ocean to the first fairway.  You will need to decide how much risk to take and decide your line. Many golfers who underestimate the wind start their round with the unforgettable experience of playing their 2nd shot from the beach!.  Machrihanish has self-proclaimed this hole as ‘the best opening hole in world golf’. At 436 yards, it is a scary and intimidating start more so when the wind is gusting.  If you enjoy links golf Machrihanish will be right up your street. Weather permitting you can expect a fabulous day and experience.

Machrihanish, which was originally named The Kintyre, opened in 1876  with 10 holes.  The name was changed to Machrihanish and the course was quickly expanded to 12 holes using some land on the north side of the burn.  In 1879 Old Tom Morris created the Masterpiece that is the opening hole and also redesigned and extended the course to 18 holes using some newly acquired land on the other side of the burn.  To mark the occasion, a prize match was held between Old Tom Morris, Jim Morris (Champion Golfer in 1876) and Bob Martin

The golf at Machrihanish is outstanding as are the magnificent views across to the islands of Arran, Jura and Islay.  The greens are believed to be Old Tom Morris’s best set of greens in Scotland.  The fairways are always immaculate and the front nine is widely considered to be amongst the best in Scotland.

This Hidden Gem is a lot of fun to play with its blind shots into greens, holes that are sunk into valleys.  You should expect to use every club in your bag and all of your creativity as you navigate the heavy rough, sand dunes, contours of the land to get your ball on the green. The classic links holes are the fifth, which is another par 4 with its fairway like an elephant’s graveyard, the 10th, a clever dogleg par 5, and the par-3 15th, a one-shotter with real difficulty if the elusive green is missed from the tee.

If you are taking the long journey to the Mull of Kintyre you should also play David McLay Kidds Machrihanish Dunes next door.

WHY PLAY?

WESTERN GAILES LINKS

£185

SUMMARY

Western Gailes is fun to play Scottish links course located in Ayrshire just down the Firth of Clyde coast from The Open Championship venue Royal Troon.  The Course has a very linear routing that directly follows the narrow strip of land between the railway and the Firth of Clyde. The first four holes follow the coast straight out North.  Golfers then before turn around and head back South with the next nine holes along Irvine Bay. The Remaining holes follow the Train Tracks back to the clubhouse.

Western Gailes is one of Ayrshire’s most acclaimed Hidden Gems and holds its own despite its close proximity to the historic courses of Prestwick, where the first Open Championship was held in 1860, and Royal Troon. The views over the Firth of Forth seduces golfers into loving these narrow links just as much, if not more, than its prestigious neighbors. Like many of the true links golf courses in Scotland such as The St Andrews Castle Course, the course was allowed to develop naturally by nature and the elements. The course was used for tank

Western Gailes with its wild natural sand dunes provides a very authentic Scottish links golf experience.  There is very little gorse and only a few blind shots to navigate.  The course’s close proximity to the Firth of Clyde can result in wind and very changeable weather making it vitally important to keep your ball in play here. maneuvers during the war which resulted in the reshaping of the original 10th and 17th holes,

in keeping with its reputation as a fantastic venue.  Western Gailes has a long history of hosting top amateur and Professional events including The PGA Championship, The Curtis Cup, The Scottish Professional, The Scottish amateur, British Seniors, and European Tour Team events.

NOW ON THE TEE FULL REVIEW

Rockstar Golf has partnered with On The Tee Golf Blog to bring you great original content on many of Scotland’s top courses and Hidden Gems.   Along with great images of the courses, we will provide links to in-depth Course reviews written by a Golfer for Golfers. WESTERN GAILES FULL REVIEW

WHERE IS THIS

ELIE – THE GOLF CLUB HOUSE

£128

SUMMARY

Golf at The Golf Club House in Elie was first played by villagers in 1589 after a royal decree was issued allowing locals to play on the hallowed turf.  The course enjoys a magnificent coastal setting and It is one of the oldest and must play courses anywhere in Scotland.  If you are planning a Pilgrimage to The Home of Golf or are just interested in golf history.  Look no further. James Braid, 5 times Open Champion and renowned links golf course designer was born right here and the Legendary Old Tom Morris turned Elie into an 18 Hole course.

Elie is an exciting and challenging links golf course located in a corner pocket of land on the Fife coast. You will experience wind, weather changes, and spectacular scenery.  There are many unforgettable holes which follow the beautiful coastline.  On a good day you will be able to see over The Firth of Forth water to the East Coast of Scotland and Muirfield where the first 13 rules of golf were written in 1744.

The course at Elie is quirky.  There’s no par 5s, only 2 x par 3s, and lots of very strong 400-yard par 4 holes.  The course is certain to quickly capture your imagination as you encounter holes that run in all directions. Expect a fun round where you will need to be incredibly creative and take some risks just to play to your handicap!. If you are used to golfing in perfect weather in other parts of the world. Waterproofs would be a sound investment.  Whilst in Scotland you might want to keep your waterproofs permanently in your golf bag until you are safely back at the airport.

Located in the gorgeous East Neuk of Fife – Elie is within easy reach of Edinburgh and just 20 minutes from St Andrews. The course is open all year round, offering up its charms to visitors whether they come in the height of summer or the depth of winter.

Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE once said: “If you love links golf, you will love Elie. Close-cut running fairways with their firm, fast, true greens. A memorable and enjoyable test for golfers of every ability.”

WHY PLAY?

LUNDIN LINKS

£100

SUMMARY

Lundin Golf Club is an authentic Scottish links golf course carved into a wonderful piece of land overlooking the Firth of Forth.  Recognised for some of the truest greens in Scotland.  This challenging ‘British Open Final Qualifier’ course is often overlooked by golfers because of the sheer number of world-class links golf courses located in Fife.  St Andrews the mecca of Golf,  with its 7 fine courses is just 10 miles away and Kingsbarns and the new Dumbarnie Links are also right on its doorstep.

Laid out East to West.  Some of the holes you see today were originally the work of Old Tom Morris in the mid-1800s.  The course was redesigned by renowned designer James Braid in 1908 after an amalgamation of the original 9 holes and 9 more holes on the ground that formerly occupied by the Lundin Ladies Golf Club to the North of the railway line.

The new Lundin Links challenges golfers with its complex array of challenges such as blind drives, elevated greens, open burns, internal and external out of bounds, and too many strategically placed bunkers (many Deep) to count.  Also expect incredible views especially holes 1-5, narrow fairways, strong winds that blow in from the Firth of Forth estuary, and the changing Scottish weather!.  Lundin is a lovely hidden gem and should be a serious contender for your playlist.

WHY PLAY?

MACHRIHANISH DUNES

£110

SUMMARY

If you are looking for the ultimate Scottish links golf experience and a whole lot of fun.  Look no further.  Get ready to go back in time to experience the wild ride that is Machrihanish Dunes.

This Hidden Gem which opened in 2009 was designed by David McLay Kidd.  Scottish Course Designer Kidd whose other recent masterpieces include The St Andrews Castle Course, Bandon Dunes, and Cabot Cliffs the number 1 course in Canada.  Mclay is renowned for creating some of the world’s most natural, wild, and dramatic looking golf courses. Other than the tee blocks and greens.  The vast majority of Machrihanish, such as the sand dunes, have been created by nature itself and the Scottish weather!

Built on once protected land discovered by Golf Legend Old Tom Morris more than 125 years ago.   McLay turns the clock back to allows modern-day golfers to use their imagination to hit golf shots that are no longer required in the modern game.  Experience pure links golf in the most natural and exhilarating setting.  You will be required to think your way around the course.  Plan your attack, use your creativity, and enjoy the experience.

At Machranish there are 2 courses.  The old Championship course which once hosted its own open and the new Dunes.

WHY PLAY?

ST ANDREWS LINKS – EDEN

£55

SUMMARY

The Eden Course at St Andrew’s has long been loved by local golfers and widely regarded to be the most fun and exhilarating of the 7 St Andrews Trust courses. The front 9, in particular, has a little bit of everything. You are sure to enjoy the 230 Yard driveable par 4 which plays along the very edge of the Eden Estuary and the 2 tier Par 3 green which slopes from back to front. Anything played long here will filter back to the hole. Also if you get the chance to play the 7th Hole from the Back Tees you are in for a treat. The back tee will test your metal as you drive your ball over the Eden Estuary to a tight fairway. This is similar to Hell Hole at nearby Balcomie Links at Crail and will be carved into your memory banks of great golf holes.

The Eden was designed by Harry Colt a local member of the R&A. Colt was an up and coming course designer who received some acclaim for his work at Sunningdale. His ingenious use of Pot Bunkers, Gorse, Heather, ravines, and some Internal boundaries results in many quirky risk and reward holes. Did I mention that there’s also water in play on 5 of the holes?….so pick your best 14 weapons and get ready for a wild ride!. Many good scores have come undone in the last few holes so keep your wits about you until your safely back in the clubhouse.

WHY PLAY?

CRAIL – BALCOMIE LINKS

£90

COURSE SUMARY

Balcomie Links, founded in 1786, is the seventh oldest golf club in the world. This hidden gem is located on the Fife coast just 8 miles from St Andrews. Designed by The legendary Old Tom Morris you should expect stunning views, fantastic use of the rocky terrain and many wonderful holes. The traditional links features some fantastic risk-reward holes such as ‘Hell Hole’ where you drive out over the Sea and sandy beach to a tight fairway. Its called Hell Hole for a good reason. If the wind blows a perfect drive is required to find any semblance of safety. Anything else is likely to result in disaster or walk of shame to the beach!. You can bail out left but need to avoid the huge strategically placed bunker.

The course is fun to play and has many wonderful features.  Many of the holes are framed by the Rocky terrain and there are a few Clifftop greens where you only see the very tip of the flag to navigate. There’s also a lovely wee barn on the first hole that plays from a clifftop to a wide fairway below. Stay left to avoid some knee-high fescue and prepare to hit a great pitch over a bunker to a blind green and avoid the surrounding burn at the same time. Playing this hole in the strong wind will remind you to never again hit a 60-degree wedge into the Scottish wind.

The par 3s are long and you need to carefully plan your approach. After the round, there’s a lovely Cliff Top Clubhouse that looks out over the 18th Hole. You’ll see some wonderful antiques that go back to 1786 and artifacts in the huge display cabinet. The Clubhouse is very friendly, not pretentious and perfect for refreshment and perhaps some wonderful Scottish Fish and Chips after your round.

WHY PLAY

THE GLEN – NORTH BERWICK

£60

SUMMARY

If you are in the North Berwick area make time to play one of Scotland’s very best Hidden Gems.   The Glen Golf Course, which is also known as North Berwick’s East Links,  is sometimes overlooked by golfers as a result of the world-class golf courses which surround it.

The Glen is set on a clifftop high above the Town.  You can expect a visually stunning golf experience with wonderful elevated views of North Berwick, The Bass Rock, The historic Tantallon Castle, and the beach which runs adjacent to a number of back 9 holes. On a clear day, you can see over the Firth of Forth to Fife to the new Dunbarnie Links.

Expect numerous good golf holes and some of the best green complexes (3rd Hole) in the area.  Sea Hole, the spectacular 13th, is set on the edge of the cliff where the wind howls.  This hole is fun to play and is one of the most photographed Par 3s in Scotland.

With some huge elevation changes, some parts require steep climbs.  If you need a golf cart you should book early as there is a limited number available [£25]. Like any links course, It is not difficult to lose balls so make sure you carry some spares.