Scotland Trip 2019 Summary Review

Scotland Golf Trip

Old Course – Got ballot on 1st attempt. You can feel the history in the golf course and town. Course is not as scenic as some in Scotland. Caddies are a must 1st time playing as many holes have unusual and slightly blind lines. Pretty open and forgiving. Last 5 holes are fantastic and you actually have to see 18 green in person to believe the slope and grade in green.

Carnoustie – Bland but steeped in history. Long and firm. We had a 15-20 mph wind and it made the course longer. Not as difficult as some label it “Carnastie”. Bunkers are well placed and will gobble any errant tee shots. Last 4 holes are bearishly difficult, especially into the wind. If back in Scotland would probably choose not to play again.

North Berwick – Awesome links golf. Firm and fast. Astonishing views of the Sea. 14 may be one of the best Par 4s I have played. The Redan 15 is great Par 3 and 18 is a shorter version of TOC 18. Would play this course often given the chance.

Brora – Wild, firm, fast links golf. Some of the best par 3s in Scotland. Surprising well-manicured. Sheep were talking to us on back nine. Brora is a true gem of a course. Good views of the sea. Would definitely recommend the trip.

Royal Dornoch – Whistling Straits on links steroids. Firm and fast. Phenomenal views of the sea. Some green complexes more severe than Pinehurst 2. If you miss 6 green right you can play the hole all day long. Lots of gorse and some holes required tight accurate tee shots.

Cruden Bay – Some in our group put it at top of the list. Amazing elevation changes and view from 9 is crazy. Not as quirky as some have reviewed. 4-18 is some of the best links golf in Scotland. Must play.

Royal Aberdeen – Dunes land links. Very well-manicured and probably the lushest (although still firm) fairways. Front nine is tight and requires accurate tee ball. Great par 3s. Back nine doesn’t get rave press as you read a lot about great front, but back nine is underrated in my opinion.

Prestwick – Feels very historic like TOC. Fairways on lush (still firm) side like Aberdeen. Still fast and firm. Plenty of blind shots. Caddies are needed. 18 is great short Par 4. Not overly picturesque, but I really enjoyed the layout. A mix of short and long Par 4s with many hidden bunkers.

Trump Turnberry Aisla – Most scenic golf course on planet Earth. 9 and 10 are breathtaking. American golf like conditions, lush and green. Had an American links feel to it.

Western Gailes – Pure Scottish links golf. Very firm and fast. If you don’t hit it straight you can lose lots of golf balls. Great Par 3s. Some blind tee shots.

Machrihanish – Very pure Scottish links, similar to Western Gailes with more elevation changes. Very firm and fast. Plenty of blind and tight tee shots. Well worth the drive of 3-4 hours to arrive.

Overall Ratings

1. Royal Dornoch

2. Turnberry Aisla

3. Cruden Bay

4. North Berwick

5. Royal Aberdeen

6. Western Gailes

7. Brora

8. Machrihanish

9. Old Course

10. Prestwick

11. Carnoustie

Just one guys opinion

We had great weather. 11 rounds with no rain. Plenty of sun and mild winds.

Great write up. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughts on the courses you played. Did you manage to get any photos?! Always enjoy seeing a photo or two, but doesn't at all help the jealousy!

I'm from England and have only played TOC on your list. Going up to Royal Dornoch in August so I'm pleased to see it up at the top. I didn't rate TOC that highly either. I've played some links golf in England (Royal Birkdale) that is far superior to TOC. Also had a great round as well of +6 off the member's competition tees, so that probably helps!

great read.

I am playing Turnberry in September and it is expensive but should be a good start to my wedding day!

When was your trip? I have been in Scotland 3 weeks now and its been cold and dry till last weekend, except the odd milder day, only worn a Polo shirt one day on the course.

I was playing Cruden Bay yesterday and really enjoyed my round but the greens were bumpy and slow. The hands cut them since Friday as the heavy rain on Saturday has finally encouraged growth. It's an easy course really(once you know it) and for me I have to hit a few shorter irons off the tee. Why did everyone love it so much? To me 14 and 15 are horrendous holes! and it does not even compare to RA. Claude Harmon had it as his top two courses in the world the other day on Instagram.

Here is the view from the 9th yesterday -

Nice writeup and sounds like a great trip!

Did you only play Machrihanish when you went down the Kintyre peninsula? There are 3 great courses right around there including also Machrihanish Dunes and Dunaverty.

We were there 5-9 to 5-19. Weather was mostly sunny 55-70. Only a couple days with moderate wind. We took plenty of pics

Only played Machrihanish. Views on the ride are great down near Campbeltown