Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland

Top 100 scoTland 2015
52
Crail Balcomie ( )
Crail, Fife. Par 69, 5,861 yards. Designer: Old Tom Morris.
BB Crail has a stunning opening along the bay, and a
strong finish in 17 and 18, but too many weak and short
par 4s to be rated too much higher.
IM This is a fun links that presents a fair challenge and
where you will not forget the par-4 5th “Hell’s Hole”.
You will rarely play a tougher risk and reward hole.
AM Great location, scenery and design. Very playable
old links with some lovely holes.
NS A shortish course with some quirky holes but an
absolute joy to play. However, get this with a strong
wind and it can be extremely difcult. Always
presented in great condition with lovely greens.
ND Beautiful views over this links from the 1st tee. First
five holes follow the coast with the sea on your right.
If you can survive the 5th, you can post a score.
BS Analyse the holes on their own and Balcomie is a
reasonable top 50 links. Add in the unrivalled seaside
location, its accompanying breathtaking views and the
overall personality and you have a top 25 course.
AF Stunning location. Some great holes in the front
nine. not long but a real pleasure to play.
MSt Crail is short, holiday golf. It also ofers some
strategic interest and a lot of eye candy.
GW VERDICT Great links-cliftop fun with super views.
51 Nairn Dunbar ( ▲ 6 )
Nairn, Inverness-shire. Par 72, 6,765 yards.
Designer: James Braid.
ND A hybrid of heathland, parkland and links,
and when you go out into the country you get
a real sense of being away from it all.
AM Underrated and very demanding course.
NS If it wasn’t for nairn West you would hear
more about this course. An excellent test.
GW VERDICT Significant move for an enjoyable
course that requires all the clubs in your bag.
50 Fraserburgh ( ▲ 5 )
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire. Par 70, 6,308
yards. Designer: James Braid.
DC Fantastic course despite modest opening
and closing holes.
IM Start and finish serve to highlight how good
the other 16 holes are. This is remote spot but
it rewards the determined traveller.
NS Once into the dune system this is a lovely
course to play and enjoy.
GW VERDICT A superb links with lots of fans.
49 Kilspindie ( ▲ 5 )
Aberlady, East Lothian. Par 69, 5,502 yards.
Designers: Willie Park/Ben Sayers.
JC Short, charming links among big beasts.
ND A short, tight, fast-running links, where
placement is more important than power.
BS Why aren’t there more courses like this?
This is the type of course I could play endlessly
and never grow bored. Many driveable par 4s,
this is near perfect links golf with great views.
GW VERDICT Every panellist spoke glowingly.
16 Golf World TOp 100 SCOTLAnD 2015