Editor ’ s Welcome Letter
Welcome to the 2021 edition of Destination Golf Scotland
Welcome to the fifth edition of the Destination Golf Guide to Scotland ’ s Top 100 Courses . It was from Scotland that golf spread to the rest of the world . It was a gift that we are grateful for and today 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 2021 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 , we have decided to exclude these courses from the guide . If , however , you receive an invitation to play one , drop everything and go .