With a total of 587 courses Scotland has more places to play golf per head of capita than any other country on on the plant, so there’s no lack of choice for people looking to play a round.
But not all courses are created equal, with location, layout, course architect, length and numerous other variables combining to make every 18-hole journey a unique adventure.
And the best courses are a destination in their own right – in 2019, pre-pandemic, 47 per cent of overnight visitors to Scotland from overseas played golf.
Golf tourism is worth £286million each year to the country’s economy and is expected to continue to grow exponentially in the future.
Most visitors to the ‘Home of Golf’ will have bucket list of places they are keen to play, with a number of key courses likely to play a part in their sporting pilgrimage.
Here are some of the most prestigious – the 10 best golf courses in Scotland, as rated by global golf site www.top100golfcourses.com.
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5. Carnoustie
Coompleting the top five in Scotland, and ranked 28th worldwide, is the Championship Course at Carnoustie Golf Links. Known as ‘Golf’s Greatest Test’, it has hosted eight Open Championships, one Ladies British Open and two Seniors Opens one of very few courses to have hosted all three. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. North Berwick
Golf has been at North Berwick's historic West Links since the 17th century and it is now recognised as being the sixth best course in Scotland. With breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and the islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra, it's just a short walk from the bustling seaside town of North Berwick. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Kingsbarns
Located to the south of St Andrews next to the pretty East Neuk of Fife village of the same name, Kingsbarns Links offers the seventh best round in Scotland. Occupying 1.8 miles of coastline, the North Sea is never far away. Kingsbarns co-hosts the annual European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship together with St Andrews and Carnoustie. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Royal Aberdeen
Located on the outskirts of Scotland's third largest city, the Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Aberdeen is the eighth greatest Scottish test for golfers. The club's 'Royal' patronage was awarded by Edward VII in 1903. Photo: Canva/Getty Images