Scotland’s Top Golf Ranges

Scotland not only has a wonderful history, historic landmarks, and stunning beaches, it’s also home to a range of impressive golf courses. Next year, one of Scotland’s most famous golf courses, the PGA Centenary Golf Course at Gleneagles in Perthshire, will be hosting the Ryder Cup. As the 3rd largest sporting event in the world, over 250,000 golf enthusiasts are expected to gather in the Scottish countryside to witness this prestigious event. This is the first time the tournament has been held in Scotland for over 40 years and it’s expected to boost the local economy by £100 million.

Photo by New Brunswick Tourism / License: Creative Commons

Due to the unpredictable Scottish climate, the golfing season in Scotland usually runs from April to August. Although the PGA Centenary Golf Course is one of Scotland’s most famous courses, golf enthusiasts can choose from a range of scenic courses during their trip to Scotland. While most golf ranges also offer accommodation, many visitors opt to stay out with the resort and take advantage of the day passes offered by most ranges. Make sure you get a handicap certificate and an introductory letter from your local golf club before you travel to Scotland.

If you want to experience the best golf that Scotland has to offer, make sure to visit these top golfing ranges:

Royal Troon Golf Club

Founded in the year 1878, the Royal Troon Golf Club has grown to be one of the finest championship courses in the world. The course is home to some of Scotland’s most competitive golfing events and has hosted the Open Championship on eight occasions. The 123 yard 8th hole known as “The Postage Stamp”, is the shortest and one of the most difficult in the history of the Open Championship. Be careful not to get distracted by the stunning views from the course, on a clear day you can see Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.

Loch Lomond Golf Club

A must see for nature lovers, the Loch Lomond Golf club lies on 7,100 yards of parkland on the banks of Loch Lomond and offers golfers spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands. Visitors should look out for the historic Rossdhu Mansion on the estate grounds and the ruins of Rossdhu Castle behind in the 18th hole. Unfortunately, as one of the most exclusive clubs in Scotland, you must either be able to afford the joining fee of £75,000 or be invited to play by an existing member.

Cruden Bay Golf Club

The Cruden Bay Golf Club in Aberdeenshire is a magnificent 18-hole championship course that allows golfers to put their abilities to the test. The rugged tertian is home to blind shots and major elevation changes. World-renowned golfer, Pete Dye once described the location as “outsized, non-conformist, unpredictable, flamboyant.” Yet, the picturesque location, views of Slains Castle and surrounding attractions such as the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve, makes the course a firm favourite amongst golfers from across the globe.

Turnberry Golf Club

The Turnberry Golf Club in Ayrshire is home to the Open Championship’s legendary Ailsa course where the the famous “Duel in the Sun” match between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus occured in 1977. The course comprises of numerous bunkers, small lakes, fairways, and high fescue grasses. Golfers should look out for the course’s most iconic feature, the functional lighthouse that offers stunning sea views. The course attracts visitors from around world who are eager to experience the cliff-top location.

Fiona writes for Moness, luxury 4 star golf & spa resort in the heart of Perthshire.

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