Scottish Golf Courses

Our aim is to provide you the opportunity to play not only the great, world-renowned Championship courses but also to introduce you to some of the lesser known Scottish golf courses; hidden gems which epitomize the quality and diversity that Scotland has to offer.

Links

Scottish golf is probably most often associated with the iconic “links” courses such as; St Andrews, Muirfield, Carnoustie, Royal Troon and Turnberry. However, there are actually less than 100 true links courses in the country. Links courses occupy the land between the sea and the inland terrain. In geological terms, these are undulating areas of “raised beach deposits”.

There are links courses throughout Scotland, but they are most common in East Lothian, along the Ayrshire coast, the East Neuk of Fife, the Aberdeenshire coast and in the Isles.

True links soil is sandy and very free-draining. As a result, grass tends to have short blades with long roots; making play out of the rough very difficult. The lack of moisture also provides a very firm golfing surface and lightening quick putting greens.

Other great links courses include; Nairn, Kings Barns, Gullane, Prestwick, Brora and The Glen.

Parkland

Most of the Scottish courses are “parkland” courses. As the name suggests, these are inland courses characterized by mature trees and shrubs. Some of Scotland’s finest parkland courses are found throughout the fertile river valleys of Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Stirlingshire, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders.

A few of the very best parkland courses are; Dalmahoy, Letham Grange, Cardrona, Roxburghe and Inchmarlo.

Moorland

Moorland, or “heathland” as they are also known, courses are high altitude courses characterized by a dominance of heather over trees. These courses tend to be underlain by soft, peat-rich, poorly draining soils.

Some of our favorite moorland courses include; Blairgowrie, Boat of Garten, Gleneagles Kings Course, The Carrick and Ladybank.

To book your golfing holiday with River & Green click here.

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