The East of Scotland boasts nearly 100 historical courses ranging from the challenging links of Muirfield 30 minutes east of Edinburgh to the Home of Golf in Fife, St. Andrews. In addition to the stunning links in this area like Gullane or Carnoustie where legends were made, you may want to venture to Gleneagles, one of the world’s best resorts, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Golf has been played at St Andrews for 600 years.
Edinburgh has more attractions based on size than any other European capital including Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s number one visitor attraction, Walk along the Royal Mile where the Queen resides and dozens of galleries can be toured including the National Gallery, the Royal Botanic Garden and the Gallery of Modern Art. In St. Andrews stroll the historical grounds of the University of St. Andrews, which is the oldest university in Scotland. Just a short drive away is Stirling Castle, the grandest of Scotland’s castles.
Edinburgh Castle is built upon the massive Castle Rock, part of an ancient extinct volcano.
Once you review the below golf courses and hotels, please Request a Quote from one of our golf travel specialists.
GOLF COURSES
KINGSBARNS GOLF LINKS: Opened in only July of 2000, Kingsbarns is the newest addition to the Scottish links golf landscape. Located just down the coast from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns is already considered a ‘must play.’ It offers spectacular views of the North Sea on every hole. Along with the Old Course and Carnoustie, it is the venue for the annual Dunhill Links Championship, a European PGA Tour event.
Kingsbarns was designed in an amphitheatre along the coast, nearly every hole boasts spectacular views of the North Sea.
CARNOUSTIE: The revered links course has hosted seven British Opens, most recently in 1999 where Jean Van de Velde met his doom in the famous 18th burn and again in 2007 where Padraig Harrington won his first major. THE BURNSIDE is often overshadowed by it’s illustrious neighbor but it oozes character and from the back tees is a splendid test of golf.
NEW COURSE, St. Andrews: The R&A engaged W Hall Blyth, an Edinburgh civil engineer, to design the New Course, and entrusted the layout to “Old” Tom Morris and his right-hand man David Honeyman. Opened in April 1895, the result is a classic links course which uses the natural features of the land to create a first class golfing challenge. The course has the traditional out and back layout, with the 18th green just to the right of the first tee. It also has, in the great St Andrews tradition, shared fairways and even a double green at the 3rd and 15th holes. It has frequently been said that if the New Course were not situated next to the Old, then its star would have shone with a far greater degree of brilliance.
CASTLE COURSE, St. Andrews: The course takes its name from Kinkell Castle and skirts along the sea for a mile and a half. The course is jam packed with memorable golf holes with stunning views of St. Andrews Bay. Landing areas for drives are spacious while fairways are pocked with mounds and hollows. The greens are large and dramatically contoured. The Castle course is a tremendous addition to the “Home of Golf”.
The Castle Course opened in 2008 and is set on a rugged cliff-top with spectacular views over St Andrews.
OLD COURSE, St. Andrews: The most famous course in the world. Commonly referred to as the “Home of Golf”, golf has been played on this site since as early as 1547. The unique layout offers shared fairways, double greens, intimidating bunkers and an abundance of history.
JUBILEE COURSE, St. Andrews: On Sunday 22 June 1997, the Jubilee Course celebrated its centenary. In the space of 100 years, it had developed from a 12-hole basic layout into what many consider to be the toughest test of golf in St Andrews. In 1993, the Jubilee was the venue for the Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship and in 2003 the British Mid-Amateur Championship.
EDEN COURSE, St. Andrews: Occupying the same classic terrain as its more famous sister course, the Eden Course opened for play in 1914. Designed by Harry S. Colt who used the natural features and partially buried field boundary walls gives the course an entirely natural feel.
DUKES COURSE, St. Andrews:With a spectacular setting above St Andrews, the championship Duke’s gives magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea. Designed by time Open Champion Peter Thomson, Duke’s is highly regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles and a ‘must play’ course for any golfer. Its style ranks alongside the great inland challenges which demand accuracy and inventive play as well as power golf. And with five separate tee positions at every hole, Duke’s has the flexibility and challenge to appeal to golfers at every level.
CRAIL (Balcomie Links): The seventh oldest club in the world, Crail occupies a dramatic piece of land perched above the North Sea. Crail members and guests have been enjoying some of the finest links golf in Scotland – many say the world – since 1786. Golfing legend Old Tom Morris laid out the original nine holes at Balcomie in 1895.
Crail is the 7th oldest golf club in the world and visitors have been enjoying some of the finest links golf in Scotland since 1786.
CRAIL (Craighead Links): The new Craighead Links, designed by an American Gil Hanse, has the features of many of the bests aspects of Scotland’s classic links. Craighead is a testing but fair course, but you have been warned about the numerous bunkers stategically placed.
SCOTSCRAIG: St Andrew’s and more particularly the St Andrews Society of Golfers, later to become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) founded this great club in 1817. A group of gentlemen dressed in red jackets trimmed with a green velvet collar, struck their first shots on the 11th day of October that year. In the early years the course was laid out by some of the late great St Andreans. The course is a typical links, with very undulating fairways and is the 13th Oldest Golf Club in the World. This challenging layout is always used as a qualifying venue when the Open is held in nearby St. Andrews.
KINGS COURSE, Gleneagles Hotel: Situated in the beautiful Perthshire area, the Kings Course provides majestic views of the Scottish Highlands. Although an inland course, it is no less challenging. Past host of the Scottish Open and numerous other championships.
QUEENS COURSE, Gleneagles Hotel: The Queen’s Course, in its long history, has played host to some of the world’s golfing greats. Threading through high ridges on the north and west sides of the estate, the Queen’s offers lovely woodland settings, lochans and ditches as water hazards, as well as many moorland characteristics. At 3192 yards long, the challenge of the first nine can be deceptive.
PGA CENTENARY, Gleneagles Hotel: The Jack Nicklaus designed layout (formerly known as the Monarch Course) is the newest addition to this venerable hotel and resort. The course is home to the Scottish PGA Championship and will be the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2014.
The PGA Centenary Course, created by Jack Nicklaus, is a modern classic and host venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup Matches.
ELIE: Golf has been played on Earlsferry Links, from possibly as early as the 15 th century. A royal charter in 1589 affirmed the ‘ancient servitude right of golf’ for the villagers over the Links. The first Club – The Elie and Earlsferry GC was formed in 1832. James Braid, five times winner of The Open was born and grew up in the village of Earlsferry and was a member of the Thistle aged 15. He considered the 13th hole, nestling beneath the towering cliffs of Kincraig Point to be ‘the best hole in golf’ and the 4th as needing ‘twa guid dunts wi’ a wood’ to reach the green into the prevailing wind.
LADYBANK: Established in 1879. The course then was 6 holes and designed by Old Tom Morris. 1910 was the first expansion programme when a circular 9 holes was formed. 1978 was a landmark year, Ladybank was chosen as a British Open Championship Final Qualifying course.
LEVEN LINKS: Leven Golfing Society and Leven Thistle Golf Club both play Leven Links, run by Leven Links Joint Committee. This is a private course, established in 1820 at the Promenade. It is a pre-qualifying course for the Open when it is held at St Andrews. The 18 hole course is 6436 yards, par 71. Leven Golfing Society is the11th oldest golf club in the world.
LUNDIN GOLF CLUB (Lundin Links). The Lundin Golf Club, a private club at Lundin Links founded in 1868,was originally played over what is known today as The Old Course, a composition of the seaward holes of both Lundin and Leven Links. As the game grew in popularity and membership numbers increased, ground to the north of the railway was obtained and the services of the legendary James Braid were sought. In 1909 a new course was born from the original seaside holes and the newly acquired area. From the14th tee the golfer can see the entire course plus enjoys panoramic views over the Firth of Forth. Lundin links is often used for Open Qualifying when the Open Championship is held at the nearby Old Course, St. Andrews.
GULLANE: Three courses make-up the Gullane Golf Club with #1 being the most famous and challenging. The course differs slightly from other links courses by sweeping along Gullane Hill instead of stretching along a narrow piece of links land. Often used as an Open qualifying site when the Championship is held at nearby Muirfield.
Gullane offers championship quality links with dramatic views across the Firth of Forth.
NORTH BERWICK: An Open qualifying course, North Berwick’s West Links has an antiquated charm all its own with walls, burns, yawning bunkers and in No. 15, ‘Redan’, probably the most frequently copied short hole in the world. Each hole on this venerable links sets a different problem of length, judgement, skill and direction. North Berwick is the thirteenth oldest golf club, second only to St Andrews for continuous play over the same course.
MUIRFIELD: Home of The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and venue for the 2002 British Open Championship.
DUNBAR: Although formally established in 1856, golf has been played on this wonderful links land for many years before. This classic links layout played host to the British Open Final Qualifying in 1992.
With a founding date of 1856, Dunbar is one of the ten oldest Scottish golf clubs still in existence.
SELECTION OF HOTELS
Budget
HAZELBANK HOTEL, St. Andrews (Budget): The Hazelbank is a small family run hotel overlooking St. Andrews bay only a drive and a wedge from the 18th green of The Old Course and yet only 5 minutes walk from the University and historic town centre. The ancient castle and cathedral, the picturesque harbour and the modern East sands swimming and Leisure Centre are all within 15 minutes walk. Whether you visit St. Andrews for golf or just to savour the peaceful historic beauty of the city, the Hazelbank Hotel is ideally placed.
ARDGOWAN HOTEL (pictured above), St. Andrews (Budget): The Ardgowan Hotel is centrally situated in St. Andrews and a mere 250 yards from the 18th Green and the first tee of the Old Course. The Ardgowan has twelve comfortable en-suite bedrooms, all of which have central heating, telephone, color television and tea / coffee making facilities. The hotel surroundings are further enhanced by a small residents lounge bar and a restaurant with a high standard of cuisine which includes a wide variety of fresh seafood and local game.
First Class
HOTEL DU VIN, St. Andrews (Superior First Class): The hotel is fashioned from two stately Victorian houses located on the Scores of the old town with breathtaking views over St. Andrews Bay and links. Your first impression will be of warmth and character. The interior has been tastefully and sensitively designed with only the comfort and convenience of guests in mind. The extra ingredient is the quality of service provided by a dedicated management and their local staff – real Scottish hospitality, friendly and professional without intruding. Old Victorian houses fortunately lack the uniformity of the modern hotel. As a result, you will find the 36 individually styled en suite bedrooms, rich in fabrics and textures, each with its own color scheme. Many have sea views and the two largest, the drawing rooms of yesteryear, make juniors suites with spacious sitting areas.
SCORES HOTEL, St. Andrews (Superior First Class): Situated within a few yards of the Old Course this welcoming hotel attracts an international clientele. Public areas include an all-day coffee shop and a choice of bars. Fresh local seafood features strongly on the restaurant menu. Bedrooms come in a variety of sizes and styles. This traditional hotel has magnificent sea views, and is only a few minutes walk from the historic town center. It underwent a complete refurbishment in 2005, prior to the Open Championship.
RUSACKS HOTEL (pictured above), St. Andrews (Superior First Class): The Rusacks, part of Macdonald Hotels, has been recently remodeled to provide luxury accommodation, to reflect the history of golf and to take advantage of its prestigious location. An historical, elegant and imposing building, Rusacks Hotel is complemented by a wealth of facilities and offers priceless views over the St Andrews Bay and the Old Course, in particular the 1st and 18th fairways. However ideal it may be for golfers, there is plenty to do and see for non-golfers and ‘off-duty’ golfers alike. This Victorian hotel offers 68 well appointed en-suite bedrooms, including seven suites, many of which overlook the Old Course. Every bedroom enjoys a golfing theme, whether it’s a player, course or infamous hazard. The spectacular panoramas provided by the Sun Lounge are best enjoyed over a rare malt whisky from the hotels considerable collection. Equally impressive is the cuisine at the Old Course Bar & Restaurant, which specializes in freshly prepared seafood and game dishes.
CARNOUSTIE GOLF COURSE HOTEL (Superior First Class): This new hotel is situated on the sea front facing the 1st Tee and the 18th of the Carnoustie Championship Golf Course. The Hotel is of 4 star Deluxe standard. The Carnoustie Golf Course Hotel has 75 Bedrooms and 10 Luxury Suites. All rooms have magnificent views over Carnoustie which include sea views. The Hotel offers Double Executive and Twin Executive rooms, Premier Twin rooms and a wide range of Deluxe one and two Bedroom Suites. The accommodation boasts the highest quality furnishings to make the visit to the Carnoustie Golf Course Hotel both comfortable and relaxing. Each of the en suite bathrooms have bathrobes and enhanced toiletries. Relax in the Hotel Bar and Restaurant which have magnificent views down the 1st and 18th holes of the Championship course, where you can enjoy the finest quality Fresh Scottish produce to perfection by our team of Chefs.
RUFFLETS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL, St. Andrews (Deluxe Country House): Located just on the outskirts of the town of St. Andrews, Rufflets is one of the oldest country house hotels in Scotland. The original turreted house has been tastefully extended over the years and the interior refurbished to luxurious standards. The award winning Garden Restaurant specializes in Scottish cooking using fresh local produce to create wonderful dishes. Each of the bedrooms is individually designed, a few even have four-poster and canopied beds.
MARINE HOTEL, North Berwick (First Class): This imposing hotel commands stunning views across the North Berwick golf course to the Firth of Forth. The beautiful Victorian hotel has recently undergone a major renovation. The public areas and many of the bedrooms share the view. Bedrooms come in a variety of sizes and some are impressively large. With 18 golf courses close by, this convenient hotel is perfect for a golfing break. Other nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Festival, Holyrood House and Princes Street. It is also an ideal hotel for the seaside or as a touring base for the Borders and Fife.
GREYWALLS HOTEL (pictured above), Gullane (Country House): Designed by the celebrated Edwardian architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, and built in 1901, the charming hotel with its beautiful walled garden overlooks Muirfield Golf Course and the Firth of Forth, Family owned Greywalls retains the atmosphere of a private house, which shows in the spacious, airy bedrooms, and the wood panelled library with its open fire. The bar is cosy and the sun room a delight. The acclaimed restaurant serves modern British cooking with classical influence and local produce. The cool green dining-room overlooks Muirfield Golf Course.
THE GOLF INN, Gullane (First Class): The Golf Inn is situated in the heart of Gullane village. Gullane itself is located 19 miles east of Edinburgh and an hour and a half drive from Glasgow and is the home of some of Scotland’s finest golf clubs. The Golf Inn offers superb comfort at very reasonable prices. All of it’s14 bedrooms are en-suite with tea and coffee making facilities, remote control TV, radio, and voice-mail message telephone system. A laundry service is also available. Their upstairs lounge, with it’s roaring fire, is exclusively for the use of residents.
Deluxe
GLENEAGLES HOTEL (pictured above), Auchterarder (Deluxe): The AA Five Red Star resort hotel is set in an 850 acre estate in Perthshire, adjacent to Gleneagles railway station and only an hour’s drive by motorway from Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. From your first wholehearted Scottish welcome you will be looked after warmly and well. Relax in total luxury in the hotel’s well appointed rooms – many with delightful views across the estate. The hotel offers guests an unrivalled choice of sports and leisure facilities. Three 18-hole championship golf courses, the King’s, Queen’s, and Monarch’s, with clubhouse and golf shop. Take time to enjoy the splendid interiors of the hotel where kings and queens, the stars and the successful have admired the grandeur and elegance of this famous 5 star resort. Choose from 229 luxurious bedrooms, including 15 exclusively decorated suites. Several luxurious new bedrooms are now available. Designed in classic contemporary style these are part of a £5 million major refurbishment program at the Five Red Star resort. The bedrooms, in muted colors with sensual fabrics and with spacious bathrooms, will ensure that guests enjoy the finest comforts and the ultimate in relaxation.
FAIRMONT, ST. ANDREWS(Deluxe): Recently opened in the Spring of 2001, Fairmont St. Andrews, Spa and Conference Centre is one of Scotland’s ultimate leisure destinations. Perched on the summit of a spectacular cliff formation the hotel and it’s two championship golf courses have breathtaking panoramic views of the River Tay estuary, the North Sea, the Fife countryside and the medieval skyline of nearby St Andrews. St Andrews Bay prides itself on an international standard of service and a meticulous attention to detail you will be fortunate to find elsewhere. It is a philosophy that pervades every single one of their 520 acres. So, whether it’s on the pristine fairways of their golf courses, table two in the Atrium Restaurant, a sunlounger by the pool, or in the main boardroom of their state-of-the-art conference facilities, you will be well and truly aware of it.
THE BALMORAL HOTEL, Edinburgh (Deluxe): Located at Number One Princes Street, on the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, the five-star Balmoral is only a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s nation’s monuments, museums and galleries and the new Scottish Parliament. First opened in 1902 in the tradition of the great railway hotels, The Balmoral was designed only after its architects had undertaken an extensive tour of every great hotel in Europe. The style and appearance of The Balmoral’s bedrooms and public rooms have been carefully designed to complement the historical elegance of the Edwardian architecture and the lavish and extravagant public rooms, which created a sensation when the hotel was opened.
OLD COURSE HOTEL (pictured above), St. Andrews (Deluxe): Set alongside the Old Course, the most famous course in the world, The Resort at the “Home of Golf” creates a sense of total well-being among its guests. It is a place where the active and the leisurely both find themselves perfectly at home in surroundings where history and modern luxury come together beautifully. All of the 108 bedrooms and 17 suites have been designed to offer a welcoming haven, where contemporary fabrics enhance the soft furnishings and Italian marble brings its cooling touch to the bathroom. All rooms are furnished to a luxurious standard and have unrivalled views, some looking over the Old Course to the sea, others towards the surrounding countryside.