Scotland Tours
-
About Golf in Scotland
No golfer’s life is complete without venturing off to the “Birthplace of Golf”. We will customize your Scotland Golf Tour to fit every desire you have. We can build a tour featuring the “Open Rota” courses, point you towards some hidden gems that are “off the beaten path” or create a combination of both. With several areas of Scotland being rich with fantastic golf, the possibilities are endless. From St. Andrews to Troon, up to the Highlands and along the Whiskey Trail, Back Nine Golf Tours will send you on a trip that will blow you away….figuratively and possibly quite literally!
Get a Customized Quote
St. Andrews and the East
Course Locator-
St. Andrews - Old Course
The home of golf. What more needs to be said? Each hole is unique, but the overall experience and “feeling” you get each time you play never lessens. We’ve all watched the Open at the Old course, but to play it and live it is a truly memorable adventure. The opening tee shot, hell bunker, the road hole and then finishing on the 18th green in front of a spattering of locals; the journey is exactly what you hope it would be.
Old Course -
St. Andrews - New Course
Many locals say they prefer the New to the Old as it is a more fair and more true test of golf. Translation: less quirky and less character! The New course should not be overlooked – although it hasn’t received the notoriety or recognition of the Old course, it provides a stern challenge and golfers are often at the mercy of the wind.
New Course -
St. Andrews - Jubilee
Originally designed in the late 1800’s as a course suitable for beginners, several renovations and nearly 100 years later sits a 6,800 yard championship caliber test. The noteworthy raised tee boxes provide unparalleled views across the St. Andrews Bay to the east and the fluttering flags on the other St. Andrews courses to the west.
Jubilee -
St. Andrews - Castle
The newest addition to St. Andrews Links, the Castle course opened in 2008. Mounding throughout the course results in many of the holes being played in isolation, leaving the golfers in much anticipation of what is to come. The greens are large, undulating and can be severe. A sharp short game is a necessity to score well on the Castle course.
Castle Course -
Carnoustie
Carnoustie will give golfers everything they can handle. It is widely known as one of the most difficult courses in the world. Many claim that Carnoustie is home to one of the greatest back nines in championship golf, highlighted by the 15th, 16th and 17th which are recognized as 3 of the best closing holes in the world.
Carnoustie -
Crail - Balcomie
While not a championship course, measuring in at just under 6,000 yards, the Balcomie course is part of the Crail Golfing Society, the 9th oldest club in the world. Located on the easternmost tip of the Kingdom of Fife, the ever-present winds make this course, despite its length, a challenging test of golf.
Crail - Balcomie -
Crail - Craighead
American architect Gil Hanse designed the Craighead course in the mid 1990’s, with it opening for play in 1999. Several stonewalls were incorporated into the design including one, “Dane’s Dyke”, that cuts across 5 different holes. Of particular note are the bunkering and green complexes, which are of a very high standard.
Crail - Craighead -
Leven Links
Measuring in at 6,500 yards, Leven Links is not the longest course, but it is said that the wind laughs in the face of the yardage. A classic, no frills, links course featuring humps and bumps in the fairways, well placed bunkers and large flat greens. While a traditional links, there are no weak holes at Leven. It is a course that is as genuine Scottish links as you can get.
Leven Links -
Lundin Links
This course features a little bit of everything. From simple humps and bumps, to out of bounds to numerous penal bunkers and excellent greens. The 6,400 yard layout, while relatively short, is a demanding challenge with the wind. Holes 6-14 are the “new 9” and create a nice, yet seamless, links variety.
Lundin Links -
The Golf House Club (Elie)
With no par fives and only two par threes, Elie manages to avoid monotony through its elevation changes and varying lengths (driveable par 4’s and some that are brutally long). Like so many other great Scottish links, Elie creates that same “feel good” factor by routing the course away from town, to the coast, and then back into town.
Golf House Club -
Kingsbarns
Opening in 2000, the layout will make you think that the course has been there for years, which is a testament to the quality of the design. Views of the North Sea can be had from virtually every hole. The immaculately maintained fairways, humps and hollows have created the style of course that is in high demand from golfers across the globe.
Kingsbarns -
Panmure
Not usually at the top of a "must play" list when visiting the St. Andrews area, however Panmure will exceed your expectations. Great fairways, great greens with significant undulation, this Open Championship qualifier course is of high caliber. Pair this course with nearby Carnoustie and Monifieth and you'll have 3 terrific golf experiences.
Panmure -
Scotscraig
Not situated by the sea, Scotscraig is difficult to describe as it isn't a links, heathland or moorland, but a little bit of them all. Throughout 2016 the course underwent a renovation project focusing on the restoration of many original features, including the improvement of nearly 50 bunkers and the addition of several more. The renovation project was in preparation for the celebration of the club's 200th birthday in 2017.
Scotscraig
Ayrshire (Troon)
Course Locator-
Royal Troon - Old
In 1978 Troon was granted Royal status by Queen Elizabeth II. The course is heavily bunkered (many of which can’t be seen from the tee). It tips out at over 7,200 yards, but accuracy here is more important than distance. The front nine is highlighted by the famous Par 3 8th “Postage Stamp”. The back nine is the more demanding side (unless you’re Henrik Stenson).
Royal Troon -
Machrihanish
Not long, not grand, nor a championship course. Just a sheer delight to play. It’s a thrill from the start, with the first tee along the beach (which is in play – not out of bounds). Golfers often find themselves hitting their second shot from among the seashells. Never a dull moment, this course offers a wide variety of everything you want out of Scottish golf.
Machrihanish -
Machrihanish Dunes
The course is laid out over a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which means that the challenge wasn’t easy but helped shape a course that is natural and pure. The landform is dramatic and the contours of the green are as severe as you will find. Any golfer wishing to venture west to the Kintyre Peninsula will need to bring thought, imagination and creativity along for the ride.
Machrihanish Dunes -
Kilmarnock (Barassie)
A serious test, measuring in at over 6,800 yards, Barassie is named for the nearby Barassie railway station. It’s a classic links course featuring great condition, humps, hollows, undulations, blind shots, fast greens and a perfect atmosphere. Make time to play Barassie during your tour; it’s not a course to look past.
Kilmarnock -
Dundonald Links
Dundonald was the proud host of the 2017 Scottish Open. The course can be played at a “member friendly” 6,400 yard test or a championship venue, topping out at over 7,300 yards. Firm and fast fairways, coupled with excellent greens that are the norm for this part of Scotland have quickly made Dundonald a “must play” course, even with the quality rivaling courses in the Ayrshire area.
Dundonald Links -
Glasgow (Gailes Links)
Home to Glasgow Golf Club, the 9th oldest club in the world. Known for its gorse and heather-lined fairways, Glasgow Gailes is a demanding test of golf. It has been a host to Open Championship Qualifying from 2014-2017 and should be a part of any tour to the Ayrshire area.
Gailes Links -
Western Gailes
While Western Gailes doesn’t get the “pub” that Royal Troon receives, many argue that this course is the best from holes 1 through 18 in the area. It has an unconventional routing for a links course, but that only adds to the challenge. This is a true links course that will provide you with just about everything you can want and handle. Expect to use your entire bag while playing Western Gailes.
Western Gailes -
Turnberry - Ailsa
Visually stunning. An Open Championship venue. Holes 9, 10 and 11 are an unparalleled stretch anywhere in the world. The newly renovated Ailsa course has it all from first class facilities to beautiful coastline to excellent design and challenging golf. Every square inch of land was incorporated into a course that is a must play.
Turnberry -
Turnberry - King Robert the Bruce
Trump Turnberry (King Robert the Bruce) – Like the Ailsa course, the King Robert the Bruce course (formerly known as the Kintyre) was also recently renovated. While it won’t receive the praise that the Ailsa course receives, it is still a fun and fair test of golf. The course was revitalized with new and improved bunkering as well as the addition of 4 new holes.
Turnberry -
Prestwick
Host to 24 Open Championships, playing Prestwick is like being transported back in time. It has a reputation of being quirky. While it does have its quirks, the quality of the greens, bunkering and shot making demands should not be overlooked. Playing the course will be memorable with the highlights being second to none.
Prestwick
Aberdeen
Course Locator-
Royal Aberdeen
This is a traditional out and back links course played along the North Sea. Many have claimed that Royal Aberdeen is host to the best front nine in all of golf. It is an authentic and genuine links golf experience. Golfers head out to sea from the first tee box, navigating through the dunes and then make the turn for home, playing along the plateau.
Royal Aberdeen -
Montrose Golf Links
Considered to be the 6th oldest club in the world, Montrose is nestled north of Carnoustie and south of Aberdeen. While not located “near” the traditional hot spots, it is well worth the trip as a nostalgic links course, featuring firm fairways, dunes, gorse and deep bunkers await you. It boasts every ingredient that a classic links golf experience should include.
Montrose -
Murcar Links
It’s located on a classic stretch of links land with huge sand dunes, crumpled fairways, gorse, burns and heather. You won’t want to miss the majestic views from the elevated tee boxes of the North Sea and Aberdeen City. When booking your tour to Aberdeen, make sure to include Murcar Links as it is an exceptional test of golf.
Murcar Links -
Trump International Golf Links
Just opened in 2012, Trump International utilizes gigantic dunes to form the framework of many holes. This is a course that is seemingly built with aspirations of hosting championship events. It is not a traditional links course, but the aesthetics and presentation are high class, providing golfers with a difficult test and a significant amount of “eye-candy” along the way.
Trump International Golf Links -
Peterhead
Yet another classic Scottish links course, created more by Mother Nature than any design team or architect. This course is a “slow starter” but will grab your attention (and keep it) around the 6th hole. Famed American golf instructor Butch Harmon referred to the Old course as a hidden gem.
Peterhead -
Cruden Bay
Some consider it quirky, others a masterpiece. Regardless of your impression, it’s a fantastic place to play as the designers used the original lie of the land to create a wonderful golf experience. The course features elevated tees and punchbowl greens, all set against a backdrop of the North Sea.
Cruden Bay -
Fraserburgh (Corbie Hill)
Fraserburgh is a bit of an underdog in links golf in Scotland, but any trip to the Scottish northeast is incomplete without experiencing it. This is the 7th oldest course in the world, and with a little help from the wind, still stands as a reasonable test of golf. From the 3rd hole on, the immense beauty of this charming course is on full display.
Fraserburgh -
Newmachar (Hawkshill)
A new course by Scottish standards (opened in 1990), Hawkshill features pine and birch trees, which flank the fairways. Hawkshill also boasts some of the best greenside bunkering you will find. Some of the scenery will give you an American-style feeling. However, this is a tough course and you’ll need to show up on the 1st tee with your “A” game.
Newmachar
East Lothian (Edinburgh)
Course Locator-
North Berwick
If you are asked what your idea of “old” Scottish links golf is, North Berwick should be your answer. It’s pure enjoyment. You’ll need to traverse stonewalls, deep bunkers, and all kinds of humps and bumps. You’ll be met with blind shots as well as shots over the ocean. With all that being said, it isn’t a punishing course and one that is very playable.
North Berwick -
Gullane (No. 1)
Unusual yet fascinating, Gullane requires a variety of uphill and downhill shots, which is rare for a links course. It is home to exquisite turf – if you hit the fairway, a perfect lie awaits, even in the depths of winter. The peak of the course is the 7th tee, atop Gullane Hill, which boasts breathtaking panoramic views. It should not be forgotten that it is a championship course, host to the 2015 and 2018 Scottish Open.
Gullane -
Gullane (No. 2)
Running parallel to No. 1 for the opening stretch, it eventually begins its own march up to the top of the hill. Very similar in style to No. 1, No. 2 is often more popular among visitors as it is a slightly easier test, but both courses are of championship caliber. No. 2 contains holes that are just as memorable as those that you’ll find on its elder sibling.
Gullane -
Archerfield Links (Fidra)
Open for play in 2004, the Fidra Course lies between the 8th hole at Muirfield and the 9th hole at North Berwick. The course works its way through a woodlands area, where the early holes are highlighted by pine trees. The final stretch of holes play in a more traditional links style.
Archerfield Links -
Archerfield Links - Dirleton
The Dirleton Course joined the Fidra Course in the summer of 2006. This course offers members and guests alike a very special Scottish links golf experience.
Archerfield Links -
Dunbar Golf Club
Golf doesn’t get any closer to the North Sea than it does at Dunbar. The course is set on a narrow strip of land, with holes running along a rocky coastline. Attractive views across the North Sea to Bass Rock, a huge volcanic lump rising up out of the water, can be seen from many holes. The majority of the holes are traditional links style with a few “interior” holes.
Dunbar Golf Club -
Luffness (New)
Possibly the oldest “new” golf course in the world. The 18 hole layout was in play in 1872. Often overlooked because of the quality of golf in the East Lothian area, Luffness New does not actively seek out visitors, but is welcoming to those that inquire. Less play only means better conditioning and Luffness New certainly meets expectations in that regard.
Luffness -
Glen Golf Club
The west course at North Berwick receives the majority of accolades in this area, but the east links of The Glen should be viewed as an exceptional alternative venue. While not excessively long, The Glen offers a nice variety of holes and excellent greens with fantastic views of North Berwick, Bass Rock, the Law and the Firth of Fife.
Glen Golf Club -
Craigielaw
Opening in 2001, Craigielaw is a modern addition to the traditional links courses one will find in East Lothian. The challenge of this course is the deep bunkering coupled with the wildly undulating greens that are often difficult to hold. The greens do run true and fast, but getting on them can be difficult.
Craigielaw -
Kilspindie
A short course, only measuring about 5,500 yards, but a very enjoyable and traditional links style experience. Plenty of fun holes and plenty of excellent scenery. This is not a punishing course, but you must still be striking the ball well to produce a respectable score on the par 69 layout.
The Highlands (Inverness)
Course Locator-
Royal Dornoch
In the top echelon of courses worldwide, Royal Dornoch is a classic links course. This is a “must see” for a tour to the Highlands. The charm of Dornoch can be found in its simplicity. The course is integrated into the town, there is a no-frills approach to everything as “golf” is the focus. The entire experience is pure.
Royal Dornoch -
Castle Stuart
American developer Mark Parsinen oversaw the opening of Kingsbarns in 2000 as well as the opening of Castle Stuart in 2009. Neither opening disappointed. Castle Stuart adds serious competition to both Royal Dornoch and Nairn when it comes to attracting visitors. The Highlands continues to raise the golfing bar of excellence.
Castle Stuart -
Brora
Brora features a traditional out and back layout with the opening nine holes hugging the North Sea coastline. The views are unobscured and magnificent, but when the wind blows, the course can play very difficult. If you are making the journey to Royal Dornoch, we recommend adding Brora to your “must play” list as you will not be disappointed.
Brora -
Moray (Old)
Also known as Lossiemouth as it sits beside RAF Lossiemouth. The Old Course is an unheralded classic links design by Old Tom Morris featuring deep bunkers, gorse-lined fairways and well thought out green complexes. This course is often under the radar but should not be overlooked as it would be an enjoyable and memorable addition to any tour of the Highlands.
Moray -
Nairn
One of Scotland’s lesser known gems. It showcases sea views from every hole. Great conditioning, true and fast greens, and a little bit of everything else. A championship caliber venue, Nairn played host to the 1999 Walker Cup. A very classy test of links golf.
Nairn -
Skibo Castle (Carnegie Club)
The course was renovated in 1995 and brought up to the high standard that it is today, with the help of a handful of renovations along the way. The course is in good condition and features a wide variety of holes, demanding the player to use a full arsenal of shots. Ranked in the top 20 in Scotland, Skibo makes a strong case to be a mainstay at that position.
Skibo Castle -
Golspie
Golspie is not an exclusively links course. The course sets out over meadowland, quickly turns back as links along the Dornoch Firth for several holes, veers away from the shore into tree-lined heathland and then returns to parkland and links by the end of the round. Few courses in Scotland will give you such a variety of styles within one 18 hole round.
Golspie -
Tain
A combination of links and heathland, Tain measures at over 6,400 yards and golfers must rely on accuracy more than length. A huge variety of holes offer a terrific challenge. While it doesn’t receive the fanfare that other courses in the Highlands do, Tain should not be overlooked and would be a valuable addition to any golf tour of the area.
Tain
Quick Links
Scotland Tours
Ireland Tours
England Tours
Wales Tours
Get a Quote
Contact Us
Back Nine Golf Tours
64 NW 7th St
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561-385-1811 or 561-707-4065
info@backninegolftours.com