10 Must Play Scottish Golf Courses Under $150

For many Americans, a golf trip to Scotland headlines the ultimate bucket list; the country is home to some of the world’s greatest golf courses.

From St Andrews to Carnoustie, many Scottish venues have played host to significant competitions, but their green fees match their reputation.

To the surprise of many, Scotland is also home to many hidden gems that can be played for a fraction of the price compared to a trip to Gleneagles for example.

We provide information on ten fantastic golf courses that you can play for $150 or less in a bid to make your Scottish trip more adventurous and memorable.

Machrihanish Dunes - £100/$125

Set upon the stunning Atlantic Ocean lies Machrihanish Dunes, which is a real Scottish treat for travelling golfers. It is often ranked inside the top 100 golf courses in the UK. The intelligent use of the landscape that surrounds the golf course is what enables this facility to be so unique. It extends to 7,175 yards from the tips, which should interest better players who are looking for a mammoth challenge. With six greens on the Atlantic’s edge, Machrihanish Dunes is one of the most picturesque layouts to reside in Scotland.

Distance from Royal Troon - 3 hours, 47 minutes

Distance from Glasgow Airport - 3 hours, 1 minute

The Golf Houses Club, Elie - £115/$144

The Golf House Club - also known as Elie Golf Links - is set in the beautiful location of Elie, a small part of Scotland that benefits from its proximity to the sea. The golf club dates back to the 15th century, which highlights the importance of golf for this district of Scotland. Elie Golf Links is ideal for a golf tour, as it’s located just 14 miles south of St Andrews - where a collection of first-class golf courses is situated. Through the combination of undulating fairways and large, fast greens, golfers of all abilities will be tested to their absolute maximum.

Distance from St Andrews - 27 minutes

Distance from Edinburgh Airport - 1 hour, 45 minutes

Moray Golf Club - £120/$150

A trip to Moray Golf Club will cost the exact amount of the budget, but it is a visit that will live long in the memory. Two outstanding golf courses are located on the premises, and golfers have been enjoying the test set to them by Old Tom Morris and Henry Cotton many years ago. Unbelievable scenery, pristine conditions and a fascinating layout awaits any lucky visitor. The Old Course was designed by Old Tom Morris and features deep bunkers and fast greens - which is a consistent theme throughout the routing. On the other hand, the New Course boasts tighter fairways and smaller greens, which are just as challenging as the long-standing alternative.

Distance from Royal Dornoch - 1 hour, 59 minutes

Distance from Inverness Airport - 55 minutes

Kingussie Golf Club - £45/$56

Kingussie is a wonderful layout that is very generous with the green fee that they charge. The stupendous 18-hole course is set within the Cairngorm National Park and the two men responsible for the design are Tom Morris and Harry Vardon. Kingussie has played host to many important competitions throughout its history; generous fairways, natural challenges and rolling undulation are just some features that golfers can expect. What rounds off the offering is picturesque views of the majestic Highlands setting.

Distance from Royal Dornoch - 1 hour, 43 minutes

Distance from Inverness Airport - 59 minutes

Largs Golf Club - £50/$62

Having opened for play in 1891, Largs Golf Club can be found in the south of North Ayrshire. The venue is home to stunning views over the Clyde estuary and the nearby islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae. Golfers will enjoy the 18-hole parkland setting that boasts manicured greens and lush fairways. Many holes feature dog-legs and the tree-lined nature of the fairways will require ultimate precision when stood on any tee. Generally, the course offers a fair yet highly rewarding challenge for golfers of varying abilities.

Distance from Royal Troon - 37 minutes

Distance from Glasgow Airport - 32 minutes

Macdonald Spey Valley - £90/$112

Spey Valley is set in the beautiful Highlands and benefits from its location in Aviemore, which is a highly popular destination for tourists. The golf course is truly magnificent, having played host to the Challenge Tour and the PGA EuroPro Tour in recent years. A certain Brooks Koepka holds the course record after he shot 62 during his win at Spey Valley on the Challenge Tour. Awe-inspiring beauty can be seen from every inch of the golf course and the layout is presented in a pristine manner. Ranging 7,118 yards from the tips, this is a seriously good and challenging golf course.

Distance from Royal Dornoch - 1 hour, 29 minutes

Distance from Inverness Airport - 45 minutes

Glen Golf Club - £95/$119

A combination of inland turf and traditional links is what makes up the beautiful Glen Golf Club, which measures 6,275 yards from the tips. A blend of testing and stunning holes is a theme for a trip to Glen Golf Club, with the golf course commonly referred to as the most picturesque to be positioned in East Lothian. Golfers will need to exert a bit of energy for a short climb to the first green but what awaits is well worth it - unbelievable views of the raw and rugged coastline. The following holes all offer the golfer a different sight over the Firth of Forth.

Distance from Muirfield Links - 17 minutes

Distance from Edinburgh Airport - 58 minutes

West Linton Golf Club - £55/$69

Positioned just 20 minutes from Edinburgh lies West Linton Golf Club. The club has a rich history, having been established in 1890 by a local schoolmaster whose vision helped to create the original 9 holes that were laid on the land. In 1926, James Braid was enlisted to provide insight into how to improve the course and many of his suggestions were put into practice. The 18-hole course wasn’t created until 1972 and it remains as one of the finest courses to reside in this part of Scotland - whilst also acting as part of the James Braid Golf Trail.

Distance from North Berwick Golf Club - 59 minutes

Distance from Edinburgh Airport - 35 minutes

Murrayfield Golf Club - £100/$125

Murrayfield Golf Club is situated closer than two miles from the very centre of Edinburgh; the journey via taxi will take a mere 10 minutes from Edinburgh Castle or 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. The majestic views towards Edinburgh Castle are phenomenal and its unique position - being located next to Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh Zoo - means the area is exceptionally lively. The golf course is continuously updated to ensure the quality remains intact - which is reflected in the standard of the fairways and greens.

Distance from North Berwick Golf Club - 52 minutes

Distance from Edinburgh Airport - 16 minutes

Edzell Golf Club - £100/$125

Bob Simpson was the architect responsible for the design found at Edzell Golf Club, having been originally laid in 1895 before being remastered 30 years later by the renowned James Braid. The layout has remained virtually intact since Braid’s involvement, but a new 9-hole course complements the main offering found at Edzell. The course is set at the gateway of the Angus Glens before extending into the foothills of the Grampian Mountains. Having boasted heathland features originally, a tree-planning decision has sprinkled parkland air into the serene environment.

Distance from St Andrews - 1 hour, 7 minutes

Distance from Dundee Airport - 45 minutes

Scotland is home to hundreds of golf courses but due to the reputation of the giants, a lot of them are not as known as they should be.

Whilst the allure of playing St Andrews or the excitement of visiting Trump Turnberry may be difficult to contain, please remember just how good the general standard of Scottish golf is - no matter where you play, you are guaranteed a pure golfing experience!

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