Scotland has played host to some of the most thrilling golf competitions in history, from the very first Open Championship at Prestwick in 1860 to the mighty 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
Yes, the world's best golfers polish their best clubs and don their finest knitted vests to visit the Home of Golf. And, so can you! Don't miss a round of golf on some of Scotland's iconic championship courses, and follow in the footsteps of golfing legends.
1. ROYAL TROON
Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is considered one of the most challenging links courses in the world. Set within the beautiful Ayrshire coastline, an area dotted with incredible golf courses, in summer 2016 it proudly hosted the prestigious 145th Open.
2. CASTLE STUART
Overlooking the Moray Firth, Castle Stuart has been a longtime favourite with golfers across the globe. In 2016, the game's finest players were in action at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
3. THE CARRICK AT CAMERON HOUSE, LOCH LOMOND
Skirting the famous loch and making use of the uniquely varied landscape, The Carrick at Cameron House has hosted the Ladies Scottish Open and EuroPro Tour events in the past. Warning: the awe-inspiring surroundings might distract you from making the perfect putt.
4. DUNDONALD LINKS
Loch Lomond’s ‘sister’ course Dundonald Links proudly hosted the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and the AAM Ladies Scottish Open in 2017 - the first time in history that both events have been played on the same course back-to-back.
Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course gives a real test to all levels of golfer, with generous fairways, excellent facilities and even a cosy clubhouse to boot with magnificent views across to Arran. Dundonald is in great company with the likes of Prestwick and Royal Troon nearby, and is only around 40 minutes away from Glasgow Airport by car.
5. GLENEAGLES
The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles is a modern classic, a unique challenge set in the stunning hills and glens of Perthshire. Its designer, the legendary Jack Nicklaus, described it as “the finest parcel of land in the world I have ever been given to work with”, and it is easy to see why, with magnificent surrounding views of the lush straths and the rugged Grampians.
It has hosted many a world-class tournament, most famously The Ryder Cup in 2014 when Europe thrilled the home crowds by beating the USA 16½-11½, and in September 2019 it will be the stage for the biggest event in women’s golf: The Solheim Cup.
6. PRESTWICK
This illustrious course hosted the first ever Open Championship in 1860. With its pristine terrain, undulating greens and perfectly-designed holes, at Prestwick Golf Club you can immerse yourself in golfing history. A stone cairn marks the spot where the first tee was struck in Open Championship golf. There are two other courses nearby, the Prestwick St Nicholas (pictured) and Prestwick St Cuthbert, both offering fabulous 18-hole tests.
7. THE OLD COURSE AT ST ANDREWS
Last but certainly not least, the Old Course at St Andrews is at the top of every golfer's bucket list. The oldest public golf course in the world hosted last year's 144th Open (pictured) and offers many challenges along way, including the notorious Hell Bunker. At sunset, don't forget to snap a selfie at the Swilcan Bridge!