25 Golf Courses You Should Play in Scotland in 2023

By: Golfshake Editor | Tue 23 May 2023

There is nothing else quite like playing golf in Scotland; the spiritual home of the game. From legendary championship links courses to gems tucked away in the Highlands & Islands, there is something here for everyone, whatever your taste or budget.

Perhaps reflecting that diversity and depth of quality, when we analysed the Golfshake Course Section to discover the best reviewed venues from 2022, results showcased many lesser-known layouts alongside the most iconic names.

So, whether you're a visitor to this magical landscape or reside within Scotland, you should find a place to visit below this year and beyond; from the bucket list stalwarts to those spots that will find an unexpected place in your heart!

Brora Golf Club

Location: Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.86

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 5.00

Review Comment: "Terrific links course with great holes and great views. I was lucky with the weather, but can imagine how tough it must be when the wind really blows. The staff were very welcoming too. For those visiting Royal Dornoch just down the road, Brora is well worth playing if time allows."

Downfield Golf Club

Location: Tayside

Golfshake Rating: 4.55

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 5.00

Review Comment: "Such a great course, definitely recommend and plays great. Don’t miss a chance of a game at Downfield if you are in the area."

Dumbarnie Links

Location: Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.34

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.88

Review Comment: "This course was an absolute pleasure to play. The layout was great and the location was fabulous. The staff were incredibly helpful and the quality of the course was out of this world."

Belleisle Golf Course

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.00

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.83

Review Comment: "Course was in great condition, greens were quick with plenty of movement in them to test your putting. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Will be back again."

The Golf House Club, Elie

Location: Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.47

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.79

Review Comment: "This has instantly become one of my favourite golf courses. Having heard and read much about Elie through the years, I was brimming with excitement to play here - and my high expectations were surpassed."

Troon Lochgreen Golf Course

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.01

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.75

Review Comment: "I just moved to Troon and genuinely feel privileged to be able to frequently play this fantastic golf course. Greens are outstanding - scenery is second to none - challenging in every way. Recommended. Thank you to all who take great care of this fabulous test of golf."

Western Gailes Golf Club

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 5.00

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "A great test of golf and a stunning location. Greens were running very fast and the changes to the bunkering are terrific."

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Location: Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.97

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "This course is simply spectacular! The quality of the course is exceptional, the design is stunning, and the playing experience is excellent both on and off the course. The layout, challenge, and tee time spacing are all superb, and the views are incredible."

Glen Golf Club

Location: East Lothian

Golfshake Rating: 4.74

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "A brilliant course on the coast with fantastic views across the Firth to Bass Rock. The layout is superb, the condition is excellent and the clubhouse is perfectly situated for the best views. Very welcoming staff and a must play course in the area."

Dunnikier Park Golf Club

Location: Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.08

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Greens, fairways and bunkers are in great condition. Quite a long course but fairly flat. Well worth playing."

Turnberry

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.95

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.64

Review Comment: "The course itself was in immaculate condition with exceptional greens extremely well-kept. It was challenging but also very pleasant to the eye with spectacular with beautiful views all around. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I'd have to say this is the best golf course in the world."

St Andrews Links

Location: Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.57

Review Comment: "Too sum up, if you can, simply, just go and play it! The history, the town, the views, the Open, the course - this is the Home of Golf and simply a wonderful place to visit and a course simply out of this world that every golfer should experience at least once in their lifetime."

Gullane Golf Club

Location: East Lothian

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.57

Review Comment: "The courses were in perfect condition with undulating fairways, immaculate greens and bunkers, and beautiful views. The layout was challenging yet enjoyable. It was a great links course and a fantastic experience for all levels of players."

Monifieth Golf Links

Location: Angus

Golfshake Rating: 4.57

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.50

Review Comment: "Monifieth Medal course is a fabulous Links test of golf. Lots of undulating fairways, plenty of the typical links type bunkers, and true, fast running greens. This fantastic course is well worth a visit."

Mar Hall Golf Club

Location: Strathclyde

Golfshake Rating: 4.52

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.50

Review Comment: "Great course. Some tough holes and others that were easier. Course in great condition and staff very friendly."

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

Location: West Lothian

Golfshake Rating: 4.31

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.50

Review Comment: "The West Course at Dalmahoy, may not be as long as The East, but, it is a little tighter to get round. Some lovely holes, and a great mixture of par 3s, which all leads to a good round of golf."

Aberdour Golf Club

Location: Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.08

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.50

Review Comment: "A brilliant course to play. Fantastic start with two par 3 holes, 1st looking across Forth Estuary to Edinburgh, then 2nd back across the bay. Very well laid out golf course, with a few demanding par 4s. Views all around the course are incredible, and the course is always well looked after and maintained. Catering is also great."

Royal Musselburgh Golf Club

Location: East Lothian

Golfshake Rating: 4.56

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.42

Review Comment: "The course can be testy with tight shots and trees to avoid but very enjoyable. Well kept and designed and a real joy to play and for once the weather was kind so we had the best of this Scottish venue. Very welcoming and friendly staff."

Carnoustie Golf Links

Location: Angus

Golfshake Rating: 4.92

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.40

Review Comment: "I was thoroughly impressed with the overall presentation, quality of greens, and the challenging layout. Every hole presented a different challenge, requiring the use of every club in the bag. The course was in fantastic condition and was a great upgrade from my normal course. I definitely recommend this course to any golfer looking for a great experience on a course with so much history!"

The Roxburghe Golf Club

Location: Borders

Golfshake Rating: 4.49

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.40

Review Comment: "The layout was great and it required me to use all the clubs in my bag. The views were spectacular and the course was well maintained and in excellent condition. The price was very reasonable for the quality of the course."

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Location: Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.85

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.38

Review Comment: "Course in beautiful condition ,set up for all players to enjoy. As some holes are very long par 4s, these are a real challenge for the average golfer. Great fun to play this iconic course in perfect conditions."

Prestwick Golf Club

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.97

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.33

Review Comment: "A really well kept course and a good challenge with plenty of interesting holes. Greens are in excellent condition. The food in the restaurant was really good too."

Muirfield

Location: East Lothian

Golfshake Rating: 4.86

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.33

Review Comment: "The overall experience was excellent. The course requires you to hit good golf shots at every turn - the design is a great test of golf for your average golfers. Interesting, it's hard to pick one stand out hole, as the quality is spread across the course. Off course, the clubhouse is full of interesting memorabilia, and the lunch worth the effort of a jacket and tie with views to die for out across the links."

Powfoot Golf Club

Location: Dumfries & Galloway

Golfshake Rating: 4.35

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.33

Review Comment: "Played Powfoot on the last leg of our tour. What a gem. All aspects of the course were excellent with a good variety of holes, the greens were true with some great slopes to challenge your putting stroke. There was a stiff breeze but still very playable. All members of staff were welcoming, we all had food post-round, great value and quality."

The Moffat Golf Club

Location: Dumfries & Galloway

Golfshake Rating: 4.34

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.33

Review Comment: "This course was a lot of fun to play. It wasn't the longest, but it was well-laid-out and in great condition. Some of the holes had amazing views. Plus, the staff at the clubhouse were super friendly and welcoming."