Best courses to play in Scotland this St Andrew’s Day
What better winter golf destination could there be than Scotland? It’s the birthplace of the sport, home to stunning coastlines and also a country used to a fair amount of weather – so of course the Scots have adapted to play golf all year round. With St Andrew’s Day on 30 November, now is the perfect time to get your hat and mitts on and explore Scotland’s finest links available to book with GolfNow. We’ve rounded up 12 must-play courses from across the country that you can book right now.
West Coast
Rowallan Castle Golf Club
Golf is a social game and your post round analysis over a wee dram and a bit of scran is just as important as the round itself. At Rowallan Castle in Ayrshire you’ll find a fantastic championship course that’s playable year-round, as well as top notch dining in the Glasshouse Restaurant.
Gailes Links Golf Course
Quite simply traditional links golf at its best. Gailes Links in Ayrshire is truly the unsung hero of this famous stretch of golfing coastline and no must-play list for the discerning golfer would be complete without it. Expect a stern test from this Open Qualifying venue if you play off the Championship tees.
Dundonald Links
If you’re heading to Scotland to play golf (or if you’re lucky enough to live there) this is a course you won’t want to miss. Topping many golfers’ ‘must-play lists’, Dundonald Links in Ayrshire is a new(ish) addition to Scotland’s links – it opened in 2005 – but has already cemented its reputation as one of the finest courses in the UK.
The West Kilbride Golf Club
Stunning views over the Firth of Clyde and island off Arran and a sublime 18-hole round of golf… all for £40. You can’t say better than that. Get your tee time booked for West Kilbride Golf Club at this fantastic winter rate. It’s the perfect spot for golf in November thanks to west coast’s micro climate.
East Coast
Leven Links Golf Course
Leven Links in Fife is a unique golfing experience in Scotland – an inland links course that is one of the country’s oldest. The front nine offers breath-taking views out of Largo Bay, while on the back nine these links boast one of the finest closing holes in golf. The 18th requires an approach shot over water to the green which sits under the magnificent clubhouse. Tee it up at this stunning, six-time Open Qualifying venue. And watch out for the Scoonie Burn! 
Gullane – No. 2 and No. 3 Courses
Head to North Berwick and play either one of Gullane’s stunning links courses this St Andrew’s Day. The No. 2 and No. 3 courses are both available to book with GolfNow and offer incredible views of Aberlady Bay, Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Either one of these rugged links will give you a proper golfing test and the clubhouse a proper welcome when you come in from the elements.
Tee Times @ No.2 Tee Times @ No.3
Fairmont St Andrews – Torrance and Kittocks Courses
If you’re celebrating St Andrew’s Day where better to do it than St Andrews itself! From November 2022 until then end of February 2023, Fairmont St Andrews will be offering an incredible £37 tee time rate. The coastal views of the North Sea and the historic town of St Andrews from this clifftop set golf destination are truly remarkable and the hotel facilities on site means there is plenty of opportunity to warm up after your round, with three restaurants, bar and spa to enjoy.
Tee Times @ The Torrance Tee Times @ The Kittocks
Drumoig Golf Course
Just a short jaunt north of St Andrews town you’ll find Drumoig Golf Course. Take in the views of St Andrews Bay, the River Tay, Dundee and Carnoustie as you take on 18-holes that wend their way through wildlife havens and old whinstone quarries. It’s a fantastic hotel as well, so a perfect spot to play and stay if you’re planning to extend your trip.
Scottish Borders
Eyemouth Golf Club
The only coastal course in the Scottish Borders, Eyemouth Golf Club has a unique clifftop setting with spectacular views of the Berwickshire coastline. It’s a fairly short jaunt around the picturesque coast road from Edinburgh, and not far from Newcastle or Carlisle either if you’re coming from the other side of the border. The club is exceptionally welcoming to visitors and you’ll find The Heathers restaurant is the perfect spot for après golf food and drink.
Highlands/Aberdeenshire
Newburgh on Ythan Golf Club
North of Aberdeen in the seaside town of Newburgh is one of Scotland’s hidden golfing gems. Newburgh on Ythan Golf Club has many famous neighbouring courses, which means it can fly a little under the radar. But we would recommend a visit to this ancient links course any day of the week. It’s fantastic greens and fairways surrounded by rolling dunes are playable year round in all types of weather. So what are you waiting for?
Moray Golf Club – Old Course and New Course
No golfing trip to Scotland would be complete without playing a course (or two) designed by Tom Morris. We might even go so far as to say it would be sacrilegious! You all know St Andrews of course and the likes of Carnoustie and Muirfield as his most famous designs, but we recommend a jaunt up to Lossiemouth (not far from Inverness) to play the Old Course at Moray Golf Club. A steal at just £30 for 18-holes. The club also boasts a slightly shorter New Course these days. Both offer fabulous links golf in a spectacular setting.
Tee Times @ The Old Tee Times @ The New
Perthshire
The Gleneagles Hotel – PGA Centenary and King’s Courses
These courses likely need no introduction. Ever since Gleneagles hosted the Ryder Cup in 2014 this spectacular golfing destination has been at the top of many golfers’ bucket lists. You can play the PGA Centenary or the King’s with GolfNow from £83 – make sure you check the ‘View Available’ button on the tee time page as these times sell out fast and may not be available on your chosen date.
