If you’re a fan of golf, you’ll most definitely be a fan of golf in Scotland. It’s the birthplace of the game, after all.
If you’re looking for a resort that can offer everything, from amazing golf to comfortable accommodation, we’ve created a list of the best golf resorts in Scotland to help you pick where to visit.
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at EEE Golf. He’s been playing golf for over 20 years, competing in many top amateur events. He’s played courses all over the world and played with some of the best players in the game. His aim is to help educate people about the game of golf and give insights into the sport he loves most.
11 Best Scottish Resorts For A Golf Trip
Trump Turnberry Golf Resort
Embed from Getty ImagesTrump Turnberry Golf Resort in Scotland is regarded as one of the best golf resorts for several reasons.
Firstly, its prestigious history as a multiple host of The Open, The Senior Open, and the Women’s British Open means that the quality of the golf course is championship-level.
I always remember watching one of the most incredible Open Championships in 2009 at Turnberry, when 59-year-old Tom Watson came so close to winning his 6th Open title, eventually coming up just short of Stewart Cink.
The resort’s Ailsa Course, ranked as the no.3 golf course in Golf World’s Top 100 Links Courses of Great Britain & Ireland, is a testament to its exceptional quality.
The course’s design, incorporating dramatic coastline views and historical landmarks like the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse, offers a unique and memorable golfing experience.
As well as the Ailsa, Turnberry has its second course, King Robert The Bruce, which although not as accomplished as the Ailsa, still offers a brilliant mix of holes and tests of golf.
The resort’s location on the beautiful Ayrshire coast, less than 90 minutes from Glasgow airport, combines accessibility with scenic beauty.
The luxurious hotel at Trump Turnberry elevates the experience with great leisure and dining options.
The combination of world-class golf courses, stunning scenery, and a top-tier hotel makes Trump Turnberry a standout destination, and one of the best that Scotland has to offer.
Gleneagles
Embed from Getty ImagesGleneagles Golf Hotel in Scotland stands out as a premier golf resort, earning its reputation as one of the best due to several unique attributes.
Having hosted both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, its golfing pedigree is unquestionable.
For your money, the resort features three championship golf courses designed by the great James Braid and Jack Nicklaus, offering diverse and challenging golfing experiences.
Located just an hour north of Edinburgh, Gleneagles is easily accessible while being nestled in the serene Scottish countryside with incredible views.
The King’s and Queen’s courses, designed by James Braid, are celebrated for their natural beauty and strategic design, while the PGA Centenary Course by Jack Nicklaus is a modern classic, which will test any level of golfer.
Beyond golf, Gleneagles Hotel is regarded as one of the most luxurious in the UK. Known for its 2 Michelin-starred restaurants and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1, ensures a personalised stay unlike any other.
The estate also offers a range of outdoor activities like horse riding, shooting, and falconry, catering to a variety of interests, for those who aren’t interested in golf so much.
The combination of world-class golf, exquisite dining, and luxurious accommodations, set in stunning Scottish landscapes, makes Gleneagles a world-class choice and one that should be on every golfer’s bucket list.
The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Embed from Getty ImagesYou couldn’t possibly have a list of the top resorts for golf in Scotland without including the Home of Golf, St Andrews.
The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews is a quintessential destination for golf.
Overlooking the iconic 17th hole of the world-famous Old Course, this opulent 5-star hotel is steeped in golfing history.
The hotel’s own Duke’s Course, designed by five-time Open champion Peter Thomson, offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience.
With 175 rooms, including a penthouse, offering stunning views of the golf course and coastline, guests are guaranteed a memorable stay.
The Kohler Waters Spa at the hotel is one of Europe’s most advanced wellness facilities, providing guests with a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.
A rooftop deck for after-dinner relaxation, along with the historic Jigger Inn pub, means guests enjoy a blend of luxury, relaxation, and golfing excellence.
The Old Course Hotel stands out as a top destination, combining unmatched hospitality with the most famous location for golf, St Andrews.
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club
Embed from Getty ImagesNext on our list of top Scottish resorts is the incredible Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club.
This resort set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking Scottish woodland, is a distinguished golf resort that has earned its place among Scotland’s best.
Designed by the legendary course designer James Braid, the Championship East and West courses at Dalmahoy are renowned for their challenging layouts and stunning views of the Pentland Hills.
The East Course is a testament to golfing excellence, having hosted prestigious events like the Solheim Cup, the Scottish Senior Open, and the Scottish PGA Championships.
Its fairways are wide and forgiving, yet strategically placed bunkers and large, receptive greens provide a test for just about any level of golfer.
The West Course, though shorter, requires accuracy with its tighter fairways, and smaller greens and is a friendlier test of golf.
The hotel at Dalmahoy is a converted baronial manor, offering guests luxurious and comfortable rooms with stunning views out onto the golf course and rolling hills.
Including the Pentland Restaurant, serving international cuisine, and a leisure club with a whole host of fitness and spa amenities.
Close to Edinburgh, at just 7 miles away, Dalmahoy’s blend of challenging golf, luxurious accommodation, and scenic beauty makes it a standout golf resort in Scotland which also comes at great value.
Cameron House
Like most of the resorts on our list, Cameron House on Loch Lomond epitomises the essence of Scotland’s majestic beauty and golfing prestige.
Located on the banks of Loch Lomond, this luxury five-star golf resort is set in a 17th-century estate and is home to The Carrick golf course, a masterpiece of design by Canadian architect Doug Carrick.
This championship standard course offers a unique experience as it straddles the Highlands and Lowlands, giving a layout that challenges golfers of all abilities.
The resort itself has 208 luxurious bedrooms, including 28 suites, and offers a range of activities from water sports on the loch to falconry, making it a perfect stay for both golfers and non-golfers.
The dining experience at Cameron House, with restaurants like Lomonds and the Marina Restaurant, complements the golfing experience, with the finest in Scottish hospitality and golf.
Cameron House is a golf resort like no other and one that every golfer should be trying to visit when they go to Scotland.
Trump International Golf Links
Embed from Getty ImagesTrump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire stands out as one of Scotland’s premier golf resorts, with one of the best golf hotels in Scotland.
Designed by Dr Martin Hawtree, known for his work on courses like Royal Birkdale and Lahinch, the championship course at Trump International is a par-72 layout stretching over 7,400 yards.
It’s a traditional Scottish links golf course, winding through impressive dunes and offering stunning views of the Aberdeenshire coast.
The course is known for its strategic bunkering, undulating fairways, and a variety of holes that keep golfers engaged from start to finish.
Accommodation at the resort is provided by MacLeod House, a baronial mansion dating back to the 14th century and offers an amazing place to unwind after your round with luxurious rooms and views of the estate.
Trump International Golf Links combines a challenging golf experience with amazing accommodations, making it a top-choice golf resort for anyone visiting Scotland.
Fairmont St Andrews
Embed from Getty ImagesFairmont St Andrews, positioned in a scenic part of Scotland’s east coast, is a must-visit golf resort in this part of the UK providing golfing excellence.
The 5-star resort, overlooking the historic town of St Andrews and the North Sea, offers a blend of comfort and traditional Scottish elements.
The resort features two championship golf courses, the Torrance and the Kittocks, each presenting a distinct challenge and character.
These courses, designed by Sam Torrance and Bruce Devlin, are set against a backdrop of dramatic coastal views, offering an unforgettable golfing experience and test of golf.
The hotel itself, with its 211 elegantly designed rooms, offers relaxation and luxury and also includes The Fairmont Spa, with its extensive range of treatments.
The combination of world-class golf, unparalleled views, and impeccable service positions Fairmont St Andrews as a brilliant place for a golf break and one of the top golf resorts in Scotland.
Carnoustie Golf Links
Embed from Getty ImagesCarnoustie Golf Links in Scotland is renowned for its challenging Championship Course, often regarded as one of the toughest in the world and certainly one of the toughest on The Open schedule.
Designed by Old Tom Morris and James Braid, the Championship Course has hosted multiple Open Championships, including Francesco Molinari’s memorable win in 2018.
A variety of tee options provides playability for golfers of all levels, but it’s still an almighty test of golf.
Known for its rolling fairways and historic holes like Hogan’s Alley and the infamous 18th, where Jean van de Velde’s dramatic collapse in the 1999 Open took place.
Alongside the Championship Course, Carnoustie also offers the Burnside and Buddon Courses, each providing a unique golfing experience.
Accommodation at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel complements the golfing experience. The hotel offers luxury rooms with views of the course and Carnoustie Bay, alongside Scottish dining at Calders Bistro.
This combination of challenging golf, historical significance, and comfortable amenities makes Carnoustie Golf Links one of the best overall resorts for a golf trip.
Schloss Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course
Schloss Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, set in the picturesque Scottish Borders, is a place well worth the visit and an excellent choice for golf fans.
Designed by Dave Thomas, who also crafted The Belfry courses, Roxburghe’s golf course is a blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge.
The course is notable for its scenic layout alongside the River Teviot, featuring the striking ‘The Viaduct’ hole, known as one of Scotland’s most beautiful holes.
The estate, formerly owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, has been transformed into a luxury resort with 78 well-designed rooms and suites.
If you’re after extra activities for a non-golfer, the resort also has clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry, and fishing.
Dining at the venue is exceptional, with options like Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar 1745, focusing on Scottish dishes and fine whiskies.
The spa with an outdoor infinity pool adds a great place to relax and unwind, making Schloss Roxburghe a perfect blend of golfing excellence, luxury accommodation, and leisure activities in a serene country setting.
Macdonald Aviemore Resort
Embed from Getty ImagesMacdonald Aviemore Resort, nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, stands out as one of Scotland’s premier golf destinations.
The resort’s centrepiece, the Spey Valley Championship Golf Course, designed by the talented Dave Thomas, offers a blend of challenge and scenic beauty.
Stretching over 7,118 yards from the medal tees, it provides a test for skilled golfers while remaining enjoyable for the average player, thanks to its stunning backdrop of purple heather and the Cairngorms.
Accommodation at the resort includes the 4-star Macdonald Aviemore Hotel and Highlands Hotel, along with a selection of villas, chalets, and apartments, all conveniently located near the golf course.
Whether it’s relaxing at the on-site luxury spa, enjoying local cuisine at the restaurants, or engaging in outdoor activities, Macdonald Aviemore Resort caters to all those seeking a memorable Scottish Highlands experience to play golf.
Mar Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort located on the banks of the River Clyde, is a standout place for a golf break in Scotland.
The resort’s Earl of Mar golf course, designed by Dave Thomas, is a par-70 course extending over 6,500 yards.
The course is well-integrated into the historic 19th-century estate, featuring mature trees and strategic bunkers that allow enjoyable golf for all levels.
Since its opening in 2004, Mar Hall has established itself as one of Scotland’s best 5-star golf and spa resorts.
Its secluded woodland setting offers tranquillity, while its proximity to Glasgow Airport means it’s just a short drive.
With luxurious suites, fine dining, and an Aveda Destination Spa, it’s a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.
The combination of challenging golf, luxurious accommodations, and serene surroundings makes Mar Hall a top choice for those seeking a high-quality golf resort in Scotland.