Scotland's Top Golf Courses

Filed in archive Misc on April 16, 2009

© tiarescott


As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, the time has come to find your clubs and clean your cleets. So why not contemplate a trip to the cradle of civilization (golf civilization, at least), Scotland. Consider the possibilities...

• St. Andrews - While the precise origins of golf are open to debate, Wikipedia says that most scholars agree on this: golf originated in Scotland about 900 years ago, with shepherds knocking stones into rabbit holes in the place where the famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews now sits. You could stay at The Old Course Hotel where the bar boasts single malts from 119 different distilleries and the rooms offer fantastic views across the links, towards the town and the golden West Sands.
  


• Dalmahoy - One of the most complete golf destinations around the Lothians. Dalmahoy offers two great courses. The East Course here is the longest in Scotland - almost 7,500 yards. The West Course tests a golfer's accuracy more than stamina.
  


• Westerwood - One of Scotland's newer course, Westerwood takes golfers through silver birches and firs, and the heathland and heather that are so typical of Scotland. The course is a challenging par 72.
  


• Cardrona - A flat course surrounded by Scottish hills, the par-73 is a regular stop on the PGA Europro Tour.
  


• Gleneagles - Three of the best courses in the country. The King's Course has been part of the PGA tour since it began in 1919. The Queen's Course offers a beautiful woodland settings an incorporates many natural elements as course hazards. The PGA Centenary Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

When you think of golf, remember that Scotland is its heart.