The best of Scotland’s inland golf
Dramatic coastlines, wild sea gales and iconic links courses are the hallmarks of Scottish golf, however the country's inland courses are often underappreciated, offering a compelling experience amid rolling hills, tranquil lochs, and lush woodlands. Here are some of the best inland courses that Scotland has to offer.
1 Gleneagles
Few places in Britain can boast three courses, let alone three nationally ranked Top 100 courses, but then, there's only one Gleneagles. Situated in the heart of Perthshire, the best of the lot is the PGA Centenary Course, a masterpiece of modern golf course design crafted by Jack Nicklaus and the host of the 2014 Ryder Cup. The layout combines strategic challenges with stunning views of the Ochil Hills and the surrounding countryside, extending to 7,000 yards to test the very best golfers. The course offers wide fairways, intricate bunkering, undulating greens, and its immaculate conditioning make it a standout destination for golfers not just from Scotland, but from around the globe.
2 Loch Lomond Golf Club
Located on the banks of the iconic Loch Lomond, this exclusive club is renowned for its picturesque setting and exceptional course design. Created by Tom Weiskopf (the man behind TPC Scottsdale) and Jay Morrish, the course seamlessly integrates with the natural beauty of the Trossachs National Park, meandering through towering trees, pristine water hazards and meticulously maintained greens, providing a visual feast and a formidable test of skill. While access is limited to members and their guests, Loch Lomond Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the finest inland courses in Scotland.
3 St Andrews – Dukes Course
Situated just outside the historic town of St Andrews, the Duke's Course offers a refreshing departure from the famed links courses of the area. Designed by Peter Thomson, a five-time Open Champion, this parkland course is set amidst rolling countryside and verdant woodland and is renowned for its variety, with each hole presenting a distinctive challenge. The deep, strategically placed bunkers, tights fairways and large, undulating greens ensure a stern but fair test, with spectacular views of St Andrews and the Fife coastline from various vantage points on the course keeping golfers company.
4 Blairgowrie Golf Club
At the foot of the Grampian Mountains amongst glorious pine, birch and heather, the Rosemount Course at Blairgowrie Golf Club is a gem of the Perthshire countryside, a James Braid design that still features a sprinkling of Alister MacKenzie’s original routing. The secluded setting of this course offers a calm and serene experience, its subtly contoured greens and fairways rewarding precision and strategic thinking. It’s this timeless charm and natural beauty that have earned it a reputation as one of Scotland’s most beloved inland courses.
5 Boat of Garten Golf Club
Dubbed ‘The Queen of Scottish Highland Courses,’ Boat of Garten is a must-play for golfers seeking a unique and scenic challenge in the unspoilt Scottish countryside. Designed by James Braid, the course is set in the Cairngorms National Park, offering spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Featuring narrow fairways, natural hazards, and elevated greens, it’s a layout that demands accuracy and creativity. Despite its relatively short length, it plays substantially longer, and with the surrounding mountains as a constant delight, Boat of Garten is invariably a memorable golfing experience.
6 Pitlochry Golf Club
Pitlochry Golf Club may sit at just 5,692 yards in length but, working its way up and down the slopes of the Grampians, it is a proper golfing challenge well worth the journey inland. Established in 1909, this parkland course features a mix of challenging holes and more forgiving stretches, making it suitable for golfers of all abilities. The vistas of Ben Vrackie and the Tummel Valley enhance every round, while the welcoming clubhouse provides the perfect post-game retreat. Pitlochry’s charm lies in its balance of natural beauty and approachable design, making it one of the best pound-for-pound courses in all of Scotland.