Welcome
Welcome to the third edition of
the Destination Golf Guide to
Scotland’s Top 100 Courses.
Welcome to a publication – and a team – that is passionate
about golf and passionate about the country where this great
game of ours began.
It was from here that golf spread to the rest of the world and
this planet of ours boasts in the region of 34,000 golf courses.
Over 600 of them are here in Scotland. The greatest early
designers came from here – names such as Old Tom Morris
(1821-1908), Willie Park Jr (1864-1925), James Braid (1870-
1950), and Donald Ross (1872-1948) spring to mind – and their
legacy can be found on every fairway you walk because their
creations helped to influence the generation of designers that
followed. ‘The Home of Golf’ says it all.
In our 2019 guide you will find 100 exceptional courses*. Some
are clustered together to the point they run into each other,
while others sit miles from anywhere, clinging to a peninsula
or tucked away on the islands that sprinkle the coastline like
confetti. Rich pickings are to be had and your toughest decision
will be choosing where to start.
Scotland boasts six excellent golfing regions. I have my
favourites, just like any golfer, but wherever I’ve played I have
always been thrilled by the courses this country has to offer
– indeed, many of them don’t even appear in this Top 100,
emphasising the country’s quality in depth.
Scotland is not only about golf. It is a stunningly beautiful
place to spend time and explore, and it boasts a proud and
rich history… and even richer whisky. You’ll have plenty
of opportunities to combine all of these on one visit and
sometimes on one course, so use this guide to map out the
perfect golf trip. The people of Scotland will welcome you with
open arms.
Kevin Markham
Editor
Destination Golf Media Ltd.
Twitter: @kevinmarkham
* Please note that due to the exclusivity of Loch Lomond,
Renaissance and Archerfield, these courses have not been
included in this guide. If, however, you receive an invitation
to play one, drop everything and go.
1