Can you play golf in Scotland all year round? Yes, you absolutely can play golf in Scotland all year round, though the best time to play golf Scotland is generally considered to be late spring through early autumn (May to September) due to better weather and longer daylight hours.
Scotland is the birthplace of golf. Playing here is a dream for many golfers. It is a trip full of history and amazing views. This guide will help you plan your perfect Scottish golf adventure. We will cover where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.
The Magic of Scottish Links Golf Courses
When people think of golf in Scotland, they think of links golf. Links courses are special. They sit on sandy soil right next to the sea. They are the oldest style of golf course in the world. The wind is a major factor. The ground is firm and fast.
What Makes Links Golf Unique?
Links courses have very few trees. They use natural dips and mounds. The rough is often thick, wiry grass called fescue. You must use your imagination to play these courses well.
- Wind: Expect the wind to change direction often. It will affect every shot.
- Firm Ground: The ball runs far on the fairway. Your approach shots need to fly low.
- Bunkers (Pot Bunkers): These are deep and steep-sided. Getting out can be tough.
Exploring the Scottish links golf courses is a must-do experience. These are the true tests of golf skill.
Planning Your Trip: Key Considerations
A great trip needs good planning. Think about when you want to go and where you want to play. These decisions affect everything else, including the cost of playing golf in Scotland.
Best Time to Play Golf Scotland
Choosing the right month makes a big difference in your enjoyment.
| Season | Months | Weather Notes | Daylight Hours | Crowds/Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April – May | Mixed. Can be chilly. Good firm turf. | Increasing | Moderate |
| Summer | June – August | Mildest weather. Longest days. Rain is possible. | Maximum | Highest |
| Autumn | September – October | Often excellent golf weather. Beautiful colors. | Decreasing | Moderate |
| Winter | November – March | Cold, wet, and windy. Many courses have winter greens. | Short | Lowest |
If you want the best chance of good weather, aim for June or September. These months often balance decent weather with slightly fewer crowds than peak July/August.
Booking Tee Times Scotland
Do not wait to book your rounds, especially at famous spots. Booking tee times Scotland needs to happen months in advance for top courses.
For iconic rounds, like those near St Andrews, you might need to book a year out. Smaller clubs require less notice, maybe one to three months ahead. Always check the club’s website first. Some clubs use ballot systems for high-demand slots.
Equipment Choices
Do you bring your clubs or rent them? This is a common question.
Bringing Your Own Gear
If you love your clubs, bring them. Be ready for extra airline fees. Transporting them on trains or buses can be tricky too.
Golf Equipment Rental Scotland
Many major golf destinations offer rentals. This is simpler for travelers flying in. Rental quality is usually high at top courses.
- Pros of Renting: Easier travel, no risk of damage during flights.
- Cons of Renting: You don’t play with your familiar gear. Cost adds up over a long trip.
Most major pro shops can supply quality clubs for hire. Check prices when booking tee times Scotland.
The Mecca of Golf: St Andrews
No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting the home of golf. Our detailed St Andrews golf guide starts here. St Andrews is not just one course; it is a collection of seven public and private courses.
The Old Course
This is the jewel. It is perhaps the most famous course in the world. Playing the Old Course is an experience steeped in history.
- The Swilcan Bridge: Crossing this small bridge on the 18th hole is iconic. Take a moment for a photo.
- The R&A Clubhouse: This historic building oversees the first tee.
- The Weather: The wind off the North Sea can be brutal here.
Getting a guaranteed tee time on the Old Course is difficult. It relies heavily on the advanced ballot system or booking accommodation packages that include a guaranteed slot.
Other St Andrews Courses
Do not just focus on the Old Course. These others offer superb golf:
- The New Course: Often considered just as good as the Old. It plays more like a traditional inland course at times but has huge, challenging greens.
- The Jubilee Course: A true links experience. It plays over the edge of the property, offering stunning sea views and tough winds.
- The Castle Course: Newer, dramatic cliff-top views. Very scenic but demanding.
Navigating St Andrews
St Andrews is a small, walkable town. You can easily manage without a car if you stay centrally. Many hotels offer deals that include guaranteed Old Course access. This is often the simplest way to secure your round.
Exploring Famous Scottish Golf Trips
Scotland offers routes tailored for every golfer. Planning famous Scottish golf trips involves choosing a region or a theme.
The Ayrshire Coast Route
Located in the southwest. This area hosts several world-class links.
- Turnberry (Ailsa Course): Famous for hosting The Open Championship many times. Recently renovated, it is stunning and challenging.
- Royal Troon: Another Open venue. It is known for its punishing bunkers and demanding opening holes.
- Prestwick Golf Club: The oldest golf club in the world, dating back to 1854. It is quirky and historic.
The East Lothian Coast
East Lothian is known as Scotland’s Golf Coast. It is easily reachable from Edinburgh.
- Muirfield: A private club, famous for its superb routing and brilliant conditioning. It is a challenging test of traditional golf.
- North Berwick: A delightful, quirky links course with fantastic short holes and stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
Playing Golf in the Highlands
If you seek dramatic scenery alongside your golf, head north. Playing golf in the Highlands offers a different, wilder experience. The courses here are often more remote. They are less crowded than the central belt.
- Castle Stuart: Near Inverness, this modern links course quickly became world-renowned. The views over the Moray Firth are breathtaking.
- Royal Dornoch: Arguably the most famous inland-feeling links course. It requires careful navigation and rewards thoughtful play. It is remote but worth the journey.
Highland courses offer a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. They are perfect for golfers seeking solitude and epic landscapes.
Fathoming the Cost of Playing Golf in Scotland
The cost of playing golf in Scotland varies wildly. It depends on the course prestige and the time of year.
Green Fees Breakdown
You will pay much more to play the Open Championship venues than local municipal courses.
| Course Type | Example Course | Estimated Peak Green Fee (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon/Open Venue | Old Course, St Andrews | £250 – £300+ | Non-resident rates are high. |
| Top Links | Royal Troon / Muirfield | £200 – £280 | Usually require advance booking. |
| Excellent Public | Castle Stuart | £150 – £200 | Great value for modern links design. |
| Local Gems | Various smaller clubs | £50 – £100 | Excellent way to save money. |
Important Note: Many of the most historic courses, like Muirfield and Royal St George’s (in England, but follow similar rules), are private. You must be a guest of a member or book through a reputable tour operator to play them.
Package Deals vs. Pay-as-You-Go
Tour packages bundle accommodation, transport, and green fees. They can sometimes offer better value and guarantee access to exclusive courses. Pay-as-you-go offers flexibility but requires you to manage all bookings yourself.
For budget-conscious travelers, look at municipal courses, often called “Muni” courses, near larger cities. They offer real Scottish golf at a fraction of the price.
Improving Your Game: Golf Tuition Scotland
If you want to conquer the wind and firm turf, perhaps professional help is needed. Golf tuition Scotland is available at many major clubs.
Why Take Lessons Here?
Learning to play links golf requires different skills than parkland golf. A local pro can teach you:
- Ground Game: How to use bumps and run-ups instead of flying the ball all the way.
- Controlling Trajectory: Hitting low shots to fight the famous wind.
- Bunker Play: Mastering the challenging pot bunkers.
Many leading golf academies are attached to major courses, especially around St Andrews and the major resort areas. Book lessons when you book your rounds. This ensures you get instruction tailored to the courses you will play next.
Logistics: Getting Around and Staying
How you travel affects your itinerary, especially if playing golf in the Highlands is planned.
Transport Options
- Rental Car: Best for flexibility, especially if playing golf in the Highlands. Roads can be narrow. Remember: drive on the left!
- Train/Bus: Good for traveling between major hubs like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews. Less useful for reaching remote Highland courses.
- Organized Tours: If you want zero stress, use a dedicated golf tour company. They handle transport and booking logistics.
Accommodation Choices
You can choose from luxury hotels, historic inns, or self-catering apartments. Staying near the course saves significant travel time each morning. In St Andrews, staying near the town center allows you to walk to the main courses and restaurants easily.
Deciphering Etiquette on Historic Golf Courses
Scottish golf culture is steeped in tradition. Respecting the local ways makes the experience better for everyone.
Course Care
This is vital on historic golf courses Scotland.
- Rake Bunkers: Always replace the sand where you hit from. Smooth your footprints.
- Pitch Marks: Repair your pitch marks on the greens immediately. Better yet, repair one extra mark you see!
- Speed of Play: Keep up with the group ahead. If you are slow, let faster groups pass. This is non-negotiable.
Dress Code
Most clubs require a collared shirt. Denim, tracksuit bottoms, and trainers are generally forbidden on the course. Call ahead to confirm the specific dress code for any private club you plan to visit.
Creating Your Bucket List: Famous Scottish Golf Trips
To help structure your trip, here are some classic combinations that feature the best of the country. These itineraries form the basis of many famous Scottish golf trips.
The Grand Tour (10-14 Days)
This covers the icons from North to South.
- St Andrews (3-4 Days): Focus on the Old, New, and Jubilee. Enjoy the town atmosphere.
- East Coast Swing (2 Days): Play Muirfield (via a tour package or introduction) and North Berwick.
- West Coast/Ayrshire (3 Days): Challenge yourself at Royal Troon and Turnberry.
- Highland Finale (2 Days): Drive north to play Castle Stuart or Royal Dornoch.
The History Buff Tour (7 Days)
Focuses entirely on the oldest and most atmospheric tracks.
- St Andrews Old Course.
- Prestwick.
- Carnoustie (Known for its brutal final hole).
- Royal Dornoch.
This kind of focused trip maximizes historical immersion and deepens your appreciation for the roots of the game.
Special Considerations for Golfers
Playing in the Wind
Wind is the great equalizer. You must adapt. Use a lower lofted club than you normally would. Aim for a lower trajectory flight. Do not try to fight the wind; work with it. If the wind is howling, play shorter clubs into the wind and let the ground do some work downwind.
Caddies
On many premium links courses, hiring a caddie is highly recommended. They know the subtle breaks on the greens and how to navigate the tricky terrain. They often carry your bag too, saving your back!
FAQ Section
Q: Do I need to book caddies far in advance?
A: Yes, for peak season (May–September) at historic golf courses Scotland, book your caddies when you secure your tee time. Some courses limit the number of caddies available daily.
Q: Are there many non-links courses suitable for a visit?
A: Yes. While links are the signature, Scotland has fantastic parkland courses too. Courses near Glasgow and Perthshire offer excellent tree-lined play if you want a break from the sea air.
Q: What should I pack besides golf gear?
A: Waterproof outer layers are essential, even in summer. A lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers will save your trip. Bring layers of clothing. A warm hat is useful anytime outside of high summer.
Q: Is Scotland expensive for a golf trip?
A: It can be, depending on your choices. If you stick to the major icons and stay in high-end hotels, the cost of playing golf in Scotland rivals any major golf destination. Utilizing municipal courses and self-catering options makes it much more affordable.
Q: Can I access Muirfield as a visitor?
A: Muirfield is highly exclusive. Access is typically only granted if you are part of a pre-booked golf tour package, or if you are introduced by a member. Walking up on the day is nearly impossible.
Q: How far is the drive when playing golf in the Highlands?
A: The drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow to central Highland courses like Castle Stuart can take 3.5 to 4 hours one way. Plan overnight stays when playing golf in the Highlands to avoid exhausting drives.