20 hidden golf course gems in Scotland - Golfers' Choice 2024

Links golf dominates the list of the top hidden gems and public courses of Scotland.
Turnberry Resort - Ailsa golf course - 15th
The Turnberry Resort hotel frames the backdrop to the 15th green on the Ailsa Course.

You might not agree with where each course ranks in our Scottish list of Golfers' Choice 2024, but there's one point you can't argue ... that Trump Turnberry's famous Ailsa Course is a strong choice at No. 1.

We compile our annual Golfers' Choice lists by analyzing the ratings and reviews submitted by members of our community - golfers like you - throughout the previous year. We use GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's subcategory averages. Courses must offer public access and have received at least two reviews in 2023 to be eligible for this year's list. If you want to play any of these courses, hover your browser over the course photo and if tee times are available, you can click to book directly.

Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses and hidden gems in Scotland or any other future Golfers' Choice lists? Click here to review a golf course, whether it’s your first or your 100th.

Scottish golf courses reviewed in 2023: 226
Reviews of Scottish golf courses in 2023: 2,577

  1. Trump Turnberry Resort - Ailsa Course

    Green fee: £195-£275
    What they're saying: "This course should be a must for any golfer to experience top quality seaside links with such a stunning backdrop. The course improvements have delivered outstanding golf holes especially the 9th par 3. Once played you will not forget." - Tunstall1

  2. Woll Golf Course

    Green fee: £20-£27
    What they're saying: "This is an excellent course hidden away in the Scottish Borders. It is not a long course but requires accurate play. There are Par 3s which are very short but accuracy is vital. There is some up and down to the geography of the course so a reasonable degree of mobility is required if you are walking." - t1905800095

  3. Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club

    Green fee: £39-£49
    What they're saying: "Wonderful greens, fabulous views and very friendly staff." - suzcoop

  4. Greenburn Golf Club

    What they're saying: "Superb condition, real challenge. Highly recommended" - u762777771

  5. Sandyhills Golf Club

    Green fee: £24-£30
    What they're saying: "Playing somewhere new in the last week of October the course condition will always be a worry. No problems here though, able to play the ball as it lay on the fairway, no puddles or plugged balls. Lengthwise some long par 4s some short so a good balance, short par 3s which give you every chance. Greens rolled well. " - Jigsaw666

  6. Cardross Golf Club

    Green fee: £15-£40

  7. Trump International Golf Links Scotland

    Green fee: £225
    What they're saying: "Leave your politics aside ... this is the best golf course in the world! I have played the #1 golf course in the world ... Royal County Down. Trump beats it! The spectacular scenery ... immaculate grass conditions ... perfectly raked bunkers ... the awesome pro shop ... the impeccable practice facilities ... the amazingly difficult course ... LOVE IT!!!" - gocalgarygo

  8. Trump Turnberry - King Robert the Bruce Course

    Green fee: £115-£210
    What they're saying: "Wow a simply stunning and must play course. (It's an) amazing value especially when sun's out just for the views." - t343108486

  9. West Linton Golf Club

    Green fee: £20
    What they're saying: "The course was well presented with some challenging holes, especially the 220yd par 3 18th. Shop staff were really friendly as were the members that we met. Have recommended to Friends to visit." - u9652473

  10. Dunblane New Golf Club

    Green fee: £27-£35
    What they're saying: "Fantastic course with amazing vistas. The course is in amazing condition. The staff in the pro shop were super helpful and friendly. The course itself offers a variety of different challenges for golfers of all levels." - paulturner1314

  11. Dumfries and County Golf Club

    Green fee: £18-£30
    What they're saying: "Course in really good condition. Four holes had winter greens. Other than that could not fault anything. Will definitely be returning for another round. The food in the club house could not be faulted either really good value. Overall a really enjoyable experience." - t1621999153

  12. Auchenblae Golf Course

    Green fee: £10
    What they're saying: "What a brilliant 9 hole course. Weather was lovely and views on course were great. Definitely play again. Compliments to green keeper and staff." - GolfPass reviewer

  13. Glasgow Gailes Golf Club

    Green fee: £70-£145
    What they're saying: "Great value for fantastic course , open qualifier a must pkay" - GARYMCLYNN

  14. Stranraer Golf Club

    Green fee: £20-£44
    What they're saying: "Course was in good condition, especially for the time of year. Nice layout with loads of memorable holes. The 5th in particular is a great hole, right along the water with cracking views." - u314164105745

  15. Dundonald Links

    Green fee: £98-£250
    What they're saying: "It was amazing. What a day out. (I) regret not taking a pair of shorts with me for the steam room afterwards. The facilities are out of this world." - t563244091

  16. Thornhill Golf Club

    Green fee: £24
    What they're saying: "Thornhill course was in great condition for time of year. Played off Winter Tees and Greens but both very good. Really enjoyed the round." - Amigo3

  17. Crieff - Ferntower Golf Club

    Green fee: £20
    What they're saying: "A really well maintained course ! Great for all golfers. Well priced as well." - 19garym91

  18. Ratho Park Golf Club

    Green fee: £35-£50
    What they're saying: "Played Ratho for (the) first time and it was superb. (The) course was excellent and staff were brilliant. I have played a lot of courses round Edinburgh and this is one of the best." - u314162388090

  19. Craigielaw Golf Club

    Private/Resort

    Green fee: £50
    What they're saying: "Gorgeous location. Friendly staff person. Well maintained. Tricky green complexes but fair. My wife bailed out after 9 holes and had one of the best lunches in her life in the fabulous hotel restaurant." - GolfPass reviewer

  20. Golf House Club

    Green fee: £60-£65
    What they're saying: "Awesome course, well conditioned and great pace of play. Starter very friendly and helpful." - alex200100

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,200 courses and written about golf destinations in 28 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and X/Twitter at @WorldGolfer.

Comments (1)

34437_448cd246-bb24-4005-b24f-74cf93a8a8a8.jpg

I make it my goal not to play any Trump courses. Lots of good honest golf elsewhere.

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20 hidden golf course gems in Scotland - Golfers' Choice 2024
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