Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland

93 Craigielaw (▼ 4)
Aberlady, East Lothian. Par 72, 6,601 yards.
Designer: Donald Steel.
JC Good test of golf, could easily be higher.
IM A modern big links with severely sloping
greens and deep bunkers making it a real test.
AM on a moderately windy day this fastrunning
links can be a beast!
GW VERDICT A welcome addition to East
lothian’s portfolio, this is a delightful seaside
experience on a warm summer’s evening.
91 The Carrick ( )
Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire. Par 71,
6,729 yards. Designer: Doug Carrick.
DD Indiferent start but some excellent holes
on the back nine particularly. superb views.
NS There are fabulous sections in the middle
of the front nine and on the closing stretch,
some of which go along the side of the loch.
PR such a lovely setting and excellent holes.
GW VERDICT Great scenery and an interesting
layout made this a widespread panel favourite.
90 Cardrona (▼ 5)
Peebles, Borders. Par 72, 6,856 yards.
Designer: Dave Thomas.
IM A purpose-built ‘Championship’ course in a
splendid setting.
AM Was in very good condition on the only
time I played it.
CB A serene experience in mature woodland.
GW VERDICT Not necessarily a winter course
as it can get wet, but in summer it is a super
experience; a terrific play-and-stay option.
89 Letham Grange (▼ 8)
Arbroath, Angus. Par 73, 6,632 yards.
Designer: Donald Steel.
AM I always like to give it the benefit of doubts;
a good test but financial uncertainty has taken
its toll, even though it is a really good layout.
AF lovely new-ish course. some great holes
and super use of water, giving it a feeling of a
bit of an American resort.
GW VERDICT A long inland course with early
elevation changes, it can look sensational.
88 Bruntsfield Links (▼ 5)
Edinburgh, Lothian. Par 71, 6,446 yards.
Designer: Willie Park Jnr.
AM Good all round experience, without being
anything absolutely exceptional.
IJ A good example of parkland golf, that also
happens to be one of the oldest clubs in the
world. A good test for all standards of golfer.
GW VERDICT A solid parkland course that is
impossible not to enjoy, without having the
thrills of some similar courses higher in the list.
87 Pitlochry ( )
Pitlochry, Perthshire. Par 69, 5,700 yards.
Designer: Willie Fernie.
AM likeable Highland heathland course, some
great views and a clever layout on a small plot.
NS once you get up the first three or four
holes and are on level or descending ground,
savour the views along the Glen. Terrific stuf.
GW VERDICT lots of changes of elevation to
test your clubbing at a scenic course that is
investing to enhance its excellent ofering.
86 East Renfrewshire (▼ 2)
Newton Mearns, Renfrewshire. Par 71, 6,107
yards. Designer: James Braid.
IM I have never understood its comparatively
lowly position; it deserves to be higher in the
list. Fast and true greens with natural hazards
in abundance, it deserves more attention.
AM Good heathland/parkland and one of the
better courses in the area.
GW VERDICT ‘East Ren’ is a James Braiddesigned
moorland and a fine examination.
85 Royal Musselburgh (▼ 8)
Prestonpans, East Lothian. Par 70, 6,237
yards. Designer: James Braid.
ND Not the former home of the open, but an
undulating parkland with a stately clubhouse.
DC An attractive Easth lothian parkland that
isn’t especially testing – no bad thing!
AM Played it 10 times as it is good value but
without the highlights of others nearby.
GW VERDICT A super parkland that is an
excellent alternative to East lothian’s links.
84 Meldrum House (▲ 10)
Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. Par 70, 7,010
yards. Designer: Graeme Webster.
AM loved the course set-up, it was in great
condition and is well worth playing. Access is
not easy but this is a terrific course so try hard.
NS A course which will improve but certainly
has a good mix of holes and length of hole
which ensures you are consistently tested.
GW VERDICT Big favourite with the panel; stay
on site to be able to play this real inland gem.
ToP 100 ToP sCoTlANd 100 ENGlANd 2015 Golf World 57