Watching on TV is great. Attending is even better. But nothing beats taking on the top Scottish Open golf courses.
That’s why we’ve shortlisted six of the best for your next golf trip to Scotland.
From Major icons to modern masterpieces and classic links, this guide brings you to championship courses that embody the remarkable history, challenge, and grandeur across the birthplace of the game.
A legendary golfing adventure beckons.
Hosted: 2015 & 2018
East Lothian has become the modern home of the Scottish Open.
Only 20 miles from enchanting Edinburgh, you’ll find the world’s greatest concentration of championship links courses along Scotland’s Golf Coast.
Gullane Golf Club, a mouthwatering three-course feast, serves up two of the very best.
Blessed with breathtaking vistas across the Firth of Forth, this exquisite expanse of pure linksland has twice provided Scottish Open golf courses.
In 2015, on Gullane No. 1 (combined with No. 2), Rickie Fowler birdied the last hole to snatch a dramatic single-stroke victory.
Then, in 2018, Gullane staged both the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Open.
The former event saw Brandon Stone shoot a scintillating, record-equalling 60 in the final round to claim the title.
Hosted: 2017
Dundonald Links, nestled within the heart of Open Championship country, is the first of two Scottish Open golf courses to debut in the 21st century.
Designed by Kyle Phillips, who also created Kingsbarns, Dundonald boasts a tournament pedigree that belies its age – but befits its surroundings.
After all, this is Ayrshire, where the iconic Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon await you.
In 2017, Dundonald Links staged a classic Scottish Open.
Starting the final day four shots off the lead, Rafa Cabrera Bello staged an improbable comeback before defeating Callum Shinkwin in an epic sudden-death playoff.
Dundonald, a stay-and-play paradise, belongs on your southwest Scotland itinerary.
A memorable, picturesque test, expect quilted fairways, sneaky streams, crafty bunkers, and fast, firm greens.
Hosted: 1995 & 1996
Jack Nicklaus called Carnoustie Golf Links the toughest layout on The Open rota.
In fact, following the infamous 1999 edition, the Championship Course earned the moniker Car-nasty.
Why?
It’s the insatiable bunkers, prevailing winds, and impenetrable rough. It’s narrow fairways laden with humps and hollows. And it’s those dreaded burns that beset seven holes.
Yet it’s also why the classic seaside links course was chosen to host back-to-back Scottish Opens.
In 1995, Wayne Riley carded an incredible -12 final score to defeat Nick Faldo.
A year later, you could say normality was restored at Carnoustie.
Ian Woosnam claimed his third Scottish Open with a +1 finish.
Are you up to this legendary challenge? Then explore our tailormade Fife Golf Tour.
Hosted: 2014
Welcome to Aberdeenshire.
Just outside the iconic Granite City, along the heaving North Sea, you encounter one of the best golf courses in Scotland.
The Balgownie Links at the storied Royal Aberdeen Golf Club unfurls among soaring sandhills and, from your very first shot, delivers an unforgettable golfing adventure.
In 2014, having already hosted The Senior Open (won by Tom Watson) and The Walker Cup, it joined the ranks of Scottish Open golf courses.
Finishing on -16, Justin Rose earned a deserved two-shot win.
However, after the first round, a young upstart seemed primed for victory. Rory McIlroy set the Royal Aberdeen course record with a blistering 62.
His challenge faded, but a week later, he won The Open Championship.
Hosted: 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2016
Notably, in this collection of Scottish Open golf courses, no venue has hosted it more than the newest.
Then again, Castle Stuart is absolutely electrifying, on every level.
Its sublime fairways, lined with vibrant heather and blazing gorse, ripple across coastal cliffs to mesmerising infinity greens atop the Moray Firth.
Near Inverness, at the now 36-hole Cabot Highlands, the blockbuster championship links premiered in 2009 to widespread acclaim.
Castle Stuart soon had four Scottish Opens on its resume – all memorable.
In 2011, Luke Donald overcame torrential Highlands rain to win the maiden event.
The next two Scottish Opens brought dramatic playoff victories for Jeev Milkha Singh and Phil Mickelson.
Finally, in 2016, Alex Noren just about edged out Tyrrell Hatton.
Hosted: 1973
It all started here – 457 years before Castle Stuart opened – on the shores of Fife.
The Old Course at St Andrews Links, that sacred, timeless shrine, connects you to everyone who has, or will, love the game
For heritage, allure and prestige, the Home of Golf is unparalleled.
For quality, majesty and mystique, perhaps only Royal Dornoch and Royal County Down compare.
Curiously, while no venue has staged more battles for the Claret Jug, the record shows only one Scottish Open at St Andrews.
In 1973, at the second event, Graham Marsh coasted to a six-stroke victory and earned the princely sum of £2,500 for his Old Course exploits.
Feeling inspired?
Let’s get your championship links adventure underway.
It’s never too early to plan your next getaway, especially if you want to play the best Scottish Open golf courses.
Start by exploring our handpicked Scotland golf tours.
Spanning five uniquely compelling regions, from city to countryside and coast, each itinerary combines exceptional links courses, elegant luxury stays and enchanting natural beauty for a truly extraordinary golfing adventure.
The IGT experts will be waiting to create your dream trip.
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Author: Tom Rooney
