Scotland

Custom Scotland Golf Trips with Haversham & Baker

The name says it all.... The Home of Golf.

The game has been played in Scotland since before the pilgrims boarded the Mayflower to the New World. But Scotland isn’t just the birthplace of golf, it’s also home to more courses per capita than any other country in the world. There are hundreds, ranging from links to parkland, ancient to new, spectacular to ordinary, exclusive to public. Between the Open Championship venues, those on the various Top 100 lists, plus the other exceptional courses which are worthy of play, the casual golf traveler would need a month or better to truly see it all. With so many courses and precious little time, how does one plan the typical weeklong golf trip to Scotland.

Our advice is to divide and conquer.

Think of Scotland as six different regions of golf courses, where several rounds can be played from one base accommodation.

Recognize that, even if you limit yourself to the so called “bucket list” courses, it’s only feasible to hit two – and certainly no more than three – regions in a single week. Choose the regions which are most appealing to you and save the others for your next Expedition.

If you’re in the early stages of planning a golf trip to Scotland, visit the Scotland section of the H&B Yardage Book. There you’ll find in-depth guides covering all aspects of the planning process.

We suggest starting with this guide that details how to plan a golf trip to Scotland and the important decisions you’ll make along the way.

In the meantime, here are the best regions to consider for Scotland golf trips.

Think of Scotland as six different regions for golf travel:

St. Andrews

The Old Course at St. Andrews

Carnoustie Golf Links

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Dumbarnie Golf Links

Crail Golfing Society

Learn More about St. Andrews

Edinburgh & East Lothian

Ayrshire & West Coast

Kintyre & the West

Highlands of Scotland

Aberdeen & Vicinity

Custom St. Andrews Golf Trips

Whether you’re making a first or your tenth golf trip to Scotland, there’s a magnetic pull to St. Andrews that’s difficult, if not impossible, to ignore. Although the country as a whole has laid claim to the title, St. Andrews is the rightful “Home of Golf.” The allure of this ancient city can’t be attributed to an effective marketing campaign, but instead draws on something that rests deep in the heart of every golfer. It's not a destination, but a pilgrimage for those seeking to connect with the origins of the game. The Old Course at St. Andrews may be the primary draw, but there's enough great links golf in this area to occupy the traveling golfer for a week or better. Not to mention some of the best 19th holes in golf the ancient charm of the "Auld Grey Toon."

Explore Golf in St. Andrews

Scotland Golf Trips to Edinburgh & East Lothian

Discover the ultimate blend of Golf and the Good Life in Edinburgh & East Lothian. Renowned for historic courses like Muirfield, North Berwick, and Gullane, this region invites golfers to experience the game amidst stunning landscapes. Beyond the links, the cobbled streets of Edinburgh hold a rich array of touring opportunities. From the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the lively Royal Mile, immerse yourself in a city brimming with history and culture. Alternatively, the charming town of North Berwick offers a serene coastal retreat, perfect for those seeking peace and proximity to top-tier golf courses. This seamless combination of world-class golf and enriching experiences off the course makes Edinburgh & East Lothian a must-visit for those seeking the best in golf and Scottish hospitality.

Explore Golf in Edinburgh & East Lothian

Scotland Golf Packages to Ayrshire & the West Coast

So rich is the history of golf in Scotland that no less than three different regions can claim its origins in one form or another. The west coast of Scotland is the Birthplace of The Open Championship. Golf's oldest major was first contested along these shores in 1860 and returns to the region on a regular basis. Between them, Prestwick, Royal Troon, and Turnberry have hosted The Open nearly 40 times in its history. Although the exceptional links golf is the main attraction, the famous Ayrshire sunsets are certain to find a place in the memory bank. Whether it's the thrill of walking the same fairways as the legends of the game or the simple pleasure of watching the sun fade over the Ailsa Craig, the west coast of Scotland offers an experience that's as rich as the history of the game itself.

Explore Golf in Ayrshire & the West Coast

Scotland Golf Tours to Kintyre & the West

The courses of Kintyre and the neighboring islands can feel like a step back in time. From the quaint village of Machrihanish to the whisky haven of Islay, this journey off the beaten path is both rewarding and picturesque. For the seasoned golf traveler who has played the famous courses of Scotland and is driven by the thrill of discovery, an expedition to the Mull of Kintyre, Islay, and Arran offers the chance to connect with the game in its purest form.

Explore Golf in Kintyre & the West

The Highlands of Scotland Golf Vacations

Golf has been played in The Highlands for over four centuries, and its courses offer perhaps the widest variety of any region in Scotland. They range from a perennial top-10 course in the world, to a wild and unruly links partially maintained by livestock, to a modern classic that’s raised the bar for excellence. What truly sets The Highlands apart, however, is its unmatched natural beauty which captivates all who visit. Whether it's the mist rolling off a distant peak, the hues of a heather-covered hillside, or the crisp air filled with the scent of the sea, The Highlands captures the essence of Scotland's wild heart and is the perfect choice for those who desire to "stop and smell the roses" between rounds.

Explore Golf in The Highlands of Scotland

Haversham & Baker Scotland Golf Trip Reviews

Custom Scotland Golf Trips to Aberdeen

Aberdeen is arguably Scotland’s most underrated region for golf travel. And yet it was here, on what was known as the “Queen’s Links,” where the first recorded mention of a golf hole was made. While the heritage of the game here stacks up against any other region, it’s the quality of the courses near Aberdeen which makes this sometimes overlooked area a must-visit for any golf traveler. The offerings range from the 6th oldest golf club in the world, to an enigmatic links that defies convention, to a modern course that features some of the most dramatic dunes in Scotland.

Explore Golf in Aberdeen