St. Andrews Region

CARNOUSTIE
Founded: 1842
Designer: Allan Robertson, Tom Morris, James Braid
Championship Length: 6,948 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Home to the 2018 British Open, the Carnoustie Championship Course is an iconic, world-leading golf destination and known as “golf’s greatest test”. Golf has been played here since the 16th century and has hosted eight British Open Championships, one ladies British Opens, and two Senior Opens. The layout is such that no two consecutive holes face the same direction, a factor that does nothing for the golfer in finding their rhythm in the face of often-stiff winds. Carnoustie’s famous burns that snake their way around the course – Jockie’s Burn and the Barry Burn represent two more obstacles to posting a respectable tally.
Info from www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

St. ANDREWS – OLD COURSE
Founded: 1764 (18 holes)
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,721 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
“I fell in love with it the first day I played it. There’s just no other golf course that is even remotely close” – Jack Nicklaus, British Open Champion 1970, 1978.” Such is the history attached to the Old Course at St. Andrews, it is virtually impossible to do it justice by mere words – but try we must. Until 1764, the course comprised 12 holes and a round consisted of 22 holes. By 1764, the Society of St. Andrews Golfers decided to combine some holes, thus reducing a round to 18 holes. Due to the growing popularity of the game, the greens were enlarged in 1832, catering for incoming golfers playing two different holes, an economical way of creating 18 separate holes and fairways. Though adjusted by Tom Morris, the Old Course is essentially natural, its layout changing little in over 200 years. The course has been modeled by the winds of God that formed the dunes into randomly complex shapes, indifferent then as now, to the vanities of mankind.
Website: www.standrews.com

St. ANDREWS – JUBILEE COURSE
Founded: 1897
Designer: John Angus, Willie Auchterlonie, Donald Steel
Championship Length: 6,742
PAR: 72
Type: Links
The third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous Links. Built in 1897, it was originally intended for use by ladies and beginners; however, after seeing its prime golfing location between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was converted to a championship layout in 1988.
Website: www.standrews.com

ST. ANDREWS - NEW COURSE
Founded: 1895
Designer: W. Hall Blyth, Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,604
PAR: 71
Type: Links
The oldest ‘new’ course in the world, the second course at the Home of Golf was built by the Keeper of the Green Tom Morris in 1895 and it was imaginatively named to differentiate from its famous neighbour. Boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, the New Course is a classic test of Links golf.
Info from www.standrews.com

ST. ANDREWS - CASTLE COURSE
Founded: 2008
Designer: David McLay Kidd, Mick McShane
Championship Length: 6,759
PAR: 71
Type: Links
The newest addition to St Andrews Links, The Castle Course opened in 2008 becoming the seventh course at the Home of Golf and part of the largest public golfing complex in Europe. Set on a rugged cliff-top with spectacular views over St Andrews, The Castle Course offers a memorable golfing experience.
Website: www.standrews.com

KINGSBARNS
Founded: 2000
Designer: Kyle Phillips, Mark Parsinen
Championship Length: 7,224 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking links courses ever developed. Though it only opened for general play in July 2000, it is not untrue to say that the links appears to have been in site for centuries as golf was played on this very site as far back as 1793.
Info from www.kingsbarns.com

CRAIL
Founded: 1786
Designer: Tom Morris (Balcomie)
Championship Length: 5,861 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Perched on the edge of the North Sea on the very point of the golfing country of Fife, the Crail Golfing Society’s course at Balcomie is picturesque with stunning views across the North Sea towards the mountains of Angus. Founded in 1786, the Crail Golf Club is the 7th oldest in the World and one of Scotland’s classics. On the outskirts of Crail it has views of the sea from every tee.
Info from www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk

CARNOUSTIE
Founded: 1842
Designer: Allan Robertson, Tom Morris, James Braid
Championship Length: 6,948 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Home to the 2018 British Open, the Carnoustie Championship Course is an iconic, world-leading golf destination and known as “golf’s greatest test”. Golf has been played here since the 16th century and has hosted eight British Open Championships, one ladies British Opens, and two Senior Opens. The layout is such that no two consecutive holes face the same direction, a factor that does nothing for the golfer in finding their rhythm in the face of often-stiff winds. Carnoustie’s famous burns that snake their way around the course – Jockie’s Burn and the Barry Burn represent two more obstacles to posting a respectable tally.
Info from www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

ST. ANDREWS – OLD COURSE
Founded: 1764 (18 holes)
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,721 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
“I fell in love with it the first day I played it. There’s just no other golf course that is even remotely close” – Jack Nicklaus, British Open Champion 1970, 1978.” Such is the history attached to the Old Course at St. Andrews, it is virtually impossible to do it justice by mere words – but try we must. Until 1764, the course comprised 12 holes and a round consisted of 22 holes. By 1764, the Society of St. Andrews Golfers decided to combine some holes, thus reducing a round to 18 holes. Due to the growing popularity of the game, the greens were enlarged in 1832, catering for incoming golfers playing two different holes, an economical way of creating 18 separate holes and fairways. Though adjusted by Tom Morris, the Old Course is essentially natural, its layout changing little in over 200 years. The course has been modeled by the winds of God that formed the dunes into randomly complex shapes, indifferent then as now, to the vanities of mankind.
Website: www.standrews.com

ST. Andrews – Jubilee Course
Founded: 1897
Designer: John Angus, Willie Auchterlonie, Donald Steel
Championship Length: 6,742
PAR: 72
Type: Links
The third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous Links. Built in 1897, it was originally intended for use by ladies and beginners; however, after seeing its prime golfing location between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was converted to a championship layout in 1988.
Website: www.standrews.com

ST. Andrews – New Course
Founded: 1895
Designer: W. Hall Blyth, Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,604
PAR: 71
Type: Links
The oldest ‘new’ course in the world, the second course at the Home of Golf was built by the Keeper of the Green Tom Morris in 1895 and it was imaginatively named to differentiate from its famous neighbour. Boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, the New Course is a classic test of Links golf.
Info from www.standrews.com

ST. Andrews - Castle Course
Founded: 2008
Designer: David McLay Kidd, Mick McShane
Championship Length: 6,759
PAR: 71
Type: Links
The newest addition to St Andrews Links, The Castle Course opened in 2008 becoming the seventh course at the Home of Golf and part of the largest public golfing complex in Europe. Set on a rugged cliff-top with spectacular views over St Andrews, The Castle Course offers a memorable golfing experience.
Website: www.standrews.com

KINGSBARNS
Founded: 2000
Designer: Kyle Phillips, Mark Parsinen
Championship Length: 7,224 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking links courses ever developed. Though it only opened for general play in July 2000, it is not untrue to say that the links appears to have been in site for centuries as golf was played on this very site as far back as 1793.
Info from www.kingsbarns.com

CRAIL
Founded: 1786
Designer: Tom Morris (Balcomie)
Championship Length: 5,861 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Perched on the edge of the North Sea on the very point of the golfing country of Fife, the Crail Golfing Society’s course at Balcomie is picturesque with stunning views across the North Sea towards the mountains of Angus. Founded in 1786, the Crail Golf Club is the 7th oldest in the World and one of Scotland’s classics. On the outskirts of Crail it has views of the sea from every tee.
Info from www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk
Highlands Region

ROYAL DORNOCH
Founded: 1877
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,748
PAR: 70
Type: Links
Ranked #2 in Golf Digest’s 2018 World’s Greatest Courses, Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course is one of the finest achievements of Old Tom Morris, and a must-play course if you’re visiting Scotland. It’s wild, isolated and, at the same time, absolutely beautiful. Tucked in an arc of dunes along the North Sea shoreline in the Scotland Highlands, and dating back to 1616, Dornoch has been called the most natural course in the world. Tom Watson called it the most fun he’d had playing golf. The sister course at Dornoch, Struie is enjoyable and entertaining, and a great second round while you’re in the area. Info from www.royaldornoch.com

NAIRN
Founded: 1887
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,774
PAR: 72
Type: Links
The Nairn Golf Club’s truly remarkable feature is that from every hole you can see the Moray Firth and the golden coloring and changing lights of the Black Isle. What delights the visitor and member alike is the Scottish-ness of the links. Other than in a strong westerly, it leads you in gently before demanding accurate driving and precision second shots. Gorse is a hazard. The par 4 holes tease and confound and all four short holes are cunningly angled, with the 4th a little gem and the 14th simply spectacular. As three of the par 5 holes are over 530 yards long, it is a test for all. Yet, even more challenging than the humps and hollows that lurk in the fairways, is the trickery of the greens. Eighty years ago, having played the Championship Course, James Braid commented on their quality – “The texture of the turf and the character of the greens is unrivalled”.
Website: www.nairngolfclub.co.uk

CASTLE STUART
Founded: 2009
Designer: Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse
Championship Length: 7,009
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Voted Best New Course in 2009 by Golf magazine, and home to four Scottish Open’s since then, Castle Stuart has quickly become a centerpiece amongst the other great Highlands courses. The course enjoys a setting and topography that combine to make the golf experience visually memorable. The golf holes are 18 compositions that place the notable landmarks of the Moray Firth directly into the player’s perspective.
All in all Castle Stuart can be described as a throwback to golf as it once was – a simple walk through pleasing natural surrounds with some companionable and competitive rules attached to it.
Website: www.castlestuartgolf.com

Royal Dornoch
Founded: 1877
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,748
PAR: 70
Type: Links
Ranked #2 in Golf Digest’s 2018 World’s Greatest Courses, Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course is one of the finest achievements of Old Tom Morris, and a must-play course if you’re visiting Scotland. It’s wild, isolated and, at the same time, absolutely beautiful. Tucked in an arc of dunes along the North Sea shoreline in the Scotland Highlands, and dating back to 1616, Dornoch has been called the most natural course in the world. Tom Watson called it the most fun he’d had playing golf. The sister course at Dornoch, Struie is enjoyable and entertaining, and a great second round while you’re in the area. Info from www.royaldornoch.com

Nairn
Founded: 1887
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 6,774
PAR: 72
Type: Links
The Nairn Golf Club’s truly remarkable feature is that from every hole you can see the Moray Firth and the golden coloring and changing lights of the Black Isle. What delights the visitor and member alike is the Scottish-ness of the links. Other than in a strong westerly, it leads you in gently before demanding accurate driving and precision second shots. Gorse is a hazard. The par 4 holes tease and confound and all four short holes are cunningly angled, with the 4th a little gem and the 14th simply spectacular. As three of the par 5 holes are over 530 yards long, it is a test for all. Yet, even more challenging than the humps and hollows that lurk in the fairways, is the trickery of the greens. Eighty years ago, having played the Championship Course, James Braid commented on their quality – “The texture of the turf and the character of the greens is unrivalled”.
Website: www.nairngolfclub.co.uk

Castle Stuart
Founded: 2009
Designer: Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse
Championship Length: 7,009
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Voted Best New Course in 2009 by Golf magazine, and home to four Scottish Open’s since then, Castle Stuart has quickly become a centerpiece amongst the other great Highlands courses. The course enjoys a setting and topography that combine to make the golf experience visually memorable. The golf holes are 18 compositions that place the notable landmarks of the Moray Firth directly into the player’s perspective.
All in all Castle Stuart can be described as a throwback to golf as it once was – a simple walk through pleasing natural surrounds with some companionable and competitive rules attached to it.
Website: www.castlestuartgolf.com
Muirfield/Aberdeen Region

CRUDEN BAY
Founded: 1899
Designer: Tom Morris and Archie Simpson
Championship Length: 6,609
PAR: 70
Type: Links
CrudenBay is situated on the east coast of Scotland 23 miles north of Aberdeen and 8 miles south of Peterhead.
It is claimed that golf was played in the village of Cruden Bay as early as 1791. The original course, on the present site, was commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway (GNSR) following the expansion of the railways at the end of the 19th century, designed by Old Tom Morris of St Andrews, and opened in 1899.
Cruden Bay offers an internationally famous golfing experience – old fashioned links golf at its best – on one of the best links courses in Scotland, and in 2018 was No. 56 in Golf Digest’s World Rankings.
Info from www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

TRUMP ABERDEEN
Founded: 2012
Designer: Dr. Martin Hawtree
Championship Length: 7,428
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Trump International Golf Links Scotland sits on a rugged stretch of the Aberdeenshire coastline. Covered in sandy dunes, the landscape is the ideal terrain for links golf. The layout of the golf course follows the natural contours of the land, dipping into the scenic valleys and tumbling across gentle hills. The course stretches to just over 7,400 yards, routed in a classic pattern of two out-and-back loops of nine holes. The golf course has a varied layout that offers both spaciousness and seclusion. Golfers will enjoy plenty of variety from hole to hole as well as panoramic views of the sea. Like any traditional links course, the strategically placed bunkers and prevailing coastal winds present the most formidable challenges. Five sets of tees make the course approachable for all skill levels, however.
Website: www.trumpgolfscotland.com

ROYAL ABERDEEN
Founded: 1780
Designer: Archie and Robert Simpson, James Braid
Championship Length: 6,861
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Royal Aberdeen, originally known as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, is the 6th oldest golf club in the world. The Balgownie Course is one of the truest linksland layouts in golf, running along the shore of the North Sea, and regarded as having the finest first nine holes in golf. Royal Aberdeen is a traditional golf club, so remember to take your jacket and tie if you want to use the dining room.
Website: www.royalaberdeengolf.com

Cruden Bay
Founded: 1899
Designer: Tom Morris and Archie Simpson
Championship Length: 6,609
PAR: 70
Type: Links
CrudenBay is situated on the east coast of Scotland 23 miles north of Aberdeen and 8 miles south of Peterhead.
It is claimed that golf was played in the village of Cruden Bay as early as 1791. The original course, on the present site, was commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway (GNSR) following the expansion of the railways at the end of the 19th century, designed by Old Tom Morris of St Andrews, and opened in 1899.
Cruden Bay offers an internationally famous golfing experience – old fashioned links golf at its best – on one of the best links courses in Scotland, and in 2018 was No. 56 in Golf Digest’s World Rankings.
Info from www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

Trump Aberdeen
Founded: 2012
Designer: Dr. Martin Hawtree
Championship Length: 7,428
PAR: 72
Type: Links
Trump International Golf Links Scotland sits on a rugged stretch of the Aberdeenshire coastline. Covered in sandy dunes, the landscape is the ideal terrain for links golf. The layout of the golf course follows the natural contours of the land, dipping into the scenic valleys and tumbling across gentle hills. The course stretches to just over 7,400 yards, routed in a classic pattern of two out-and-back loops of nine holes. The golf course has a varied layout that offers both spaciousness and seclusion. Golfers will enjoy plenty of variety from hole to hole as well as panoramic views of the sea. Like any traditional links course, the strategically placed bunkers and prevailing coastal winds present the most formidable challenges. Five sets of tees make the course approachable for all skill levels, however.
Website: www.trumpgolfscotland.com

Royal Aberdeen
Founded: 1780
Designer: Archie and Robert Simpson, James Braid
Championship Length: 6,861
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Royal Aberdeen, originally known as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, is the 6th oldest golf club in the world. The Balgownie Course is one of the truest linksland layouts in golf, running along the shore of the North Sea, and regarded as having the finest first nine holes in golf. Royal Aberdeen is a traditional golf club, so remember to take your jacket and tie if you want to use the dining room.
Website: www.royalaberdeengolf.com
East Lothian Region

GULLANE
Founded: 1884
Designer: Willie Par, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 6,873
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Laid out over prime seaside land, Golf has been played at Gullane for more than 350 years. Gullane Golf Club's No. 1 course, one of several East Lothian golf courses, might get lost in the shadow of its famous neighbors, if it weren't such a great championship course in its own right. Gullane No. 1 is an Open qualifying course and jointly hosted the 1998 British Amateur Championship, won by Sergio Garcia. Gullane is blessed with the most exquisite turf – winter rules are not needed here. If you hit the fairways, a perfect like awaits, even in the depths of winter. To complete the Gullane experience, visit the club’s fascinating museum.
Website: www.gullanegolfclub.com

MUIRFIELD
Founded: 1891
Designer: H.S. Colt, Old Tom Morris, Tom Simpson, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie
Championship Length: 7,245
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Host of sixteen Open Championships, the Ryder Cup, the Walker Cup, and the Curtis Cup, it’s no surprise that Muirfield was ranked 4th in the world in the 2018 Golf Digest top 100 courses. The design layout is a masterpiece and highly unusual for links courses of this era. Most links courses are laid out simply, nine out and nine back. Muirfield was designed to be two concentric rings of nine holes. The outward nine running clockwise and the inward nine, counter clockwise. The layout ensures the wind hits you from all directions.
Website: www.muirfield.org.uk

NORTH BERWICK
Founded: 1832
Designer: David Strath
Championship Length: 6,101
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Golf has been played over the historic West Links course since the 17th century, and we continue to play over the same piece of land as they did back then. With breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra, as well as the town of North Berwick itself, there are few places better in the world to play golf!
A true championship links course, having hosted Final Qualifying for The Open Championship and both Gentlemen and Ladies Amateur Championships. An excellent test of golf awaits you.
Website: www.northberwickgolfclub.com

Gullane
Founded: 1884
Designer: Willie Par, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 6,873
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Laid out over prime seaside land, Golf has been played at Gullane for more than 350 years. Gullane Golf Club's No. 1 course, one of several East Lothian golf courses, might get lost in the shadow of its famous neighbors, if it weren't such a great championship course in its own right. Gullane No. 1 is an Open qualifying course and jointly hosted the 1998 British Amateur Championship, won by Sergio Garcia. Gullane is blessed with the most exquisite turf – winter rules are not needed here. If you hit the fairways, a perfect like awaits, even in the depths of winter. To complete the Gullane experience, visit the club’s fascinating museum.
Website: www.gullanegolfclub.com

Muirfield
Founded: 1891
Designer: H.S. Colt, Old Tom Morris, Tom Simpson, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie
Championship Length: 7,245
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Host of sixteen Open Championships, the Ryder Cup, the Walker Cup, and the Curtis Cup, it’s no surprise that Muirfield was ranked 4th in the world in the 2018 Golf Digest top 100 courses. The design layout is a masterpiece and highly unusual for links courses of this era. Most links courses are laid out simply, nine out and nine back. Muirfield was designed to be two concentric rings of nine holes. The outward nine running clockwise and the inward nine, counter clockwise. The layout ensures the wind hits you from all directions.
Website: www.muirfield.org.uk

North Berwick
Founded: 1832
Designer: David Strath
Championship Length: 6,101
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Golf has been played over the historic West Links course since the 17th century, and we continue to play over the same piece of land as they did back then. With breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra, as well as the town of North Berwick itself, there are few places better in the world to play golf!
A true championship links course, having hosted Final Qualifying for The Open Championship and both Gentlemen and Ladies Amateur Championships. An excellent test of golf awaits you.
Website: www.northberwickgolfclub.com
Ayrshire Region

ROYAL TROON
Founded: 1878
Designer: Willie Fernie, James Braid
Championship Length: 7,208
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Host of nine Open Championships from 1923 to 2016, Royal Troon is consistently ranked one of Scotland’s top links golf courses. The Old Course provides real challenges with its winds and lush rough, its gorse and its broom, requiring straight and sure shooting.
Start strong on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club because the back nine gets tough when you're golfing into the northwesterly winds.
Website: www.royaltroon.co.uk

PRESTWICK
Founded: 1851
Designer: Old Tom Morris, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 6,908
PAR: 71
Type: Links
While the St. Andrews Old Course is the birthplace of golf, the birthplace of The Open Championship is Prestwick Golf Club, which conducted the first championship in 1860. Old Tom Morris, who designed the course, was the greenkeeper, and Young Tom Morris spent his formative years at Prestwick during those years. Together they won eight of the twenty-four Open Championships held at Prestwick between 1860 and 1925. Although the Open Championship is no longer played there, Prestwick has maintained its allure and is must play for any discerning lover of the game.
Website: www.prestwickgc.co.uk

TURNBERRY
Founded: 1946
Designer: Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 7,489
PAR: 70
Type: Links
Host of four Open Championships including the legendary 1977 Watson – Nicklaus showdown, the Ailsa Course is one of the finest golfing destinations in the world. Set alongside the glorious Ayrshire coastline, with a dramatic layout, and stunning views, Trump Turnberry underwent a £200m restoration in 2016 without losing the proud history created over hundreds of years.
Website: www.turnberry.co.uk

Royal Troon
Founded: 1878
Designer: Willie Fernie, James Braid
Championship Length: 7,208
PAR: 71
Type: Links
Host of nine Open Championships from 1923 to 2016, Royal Troon is consistently ranked one of Scotland’s top links golf courses. The Old Course provides real challenges with its winds and lush rough, its gorse and its broom, requiring straight and sure shooting.
Start strong on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club because the back nine gets tough when you're golfing into the northwesterly winds.
Website: www.royaltroon.co.uk

Prestwick
Founded: 1851
Designer: Old Tom Morris, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 6,908
PAR: 71
Type: Links
While the St. Andrews Old Course is the birthplace of golf, the birthplace of The Open Championship is Prestwick Golf Club, which conducted the first championship in 1860. Old Tom Morris, who designed the course, was the greenkeeper, and Young Tom Morris spent his formative years at Prestwick during those years. Together they won eight of the twenty-four Open Championships held at Prestwick between 1860 and 1925. Although the Open Championship is no longer played there, Prestwick has maintained its allure and is must play for any discerning lover of the game.
Website: www.prestwickgc.co.uk

Turnberry
Founded: 1946
Designer: Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 7,489
PAR: 70
Type: Links
Host of four Open Championships including the legendary 1977 Watson – Nicklaus showdown, the Ailsa Course is one of the finest golfing destinations in the world. Set alongside the glorious Ayrshire coastline, with a dramatic layout, and stunning views, Trump Turnberry underwent a £200m restoration in 2016 without losing the proud history created over hundreds of years.
Website: www.turnberry.co.uk