As the birthplace of golf, Scotland is known to have a good course or two but where are the best places to hit the links?

It’s time to take advantage of the good weather and dust off your clubs so whether you want to lower that handicap or you just want to catch up with friends on the course, this list could come in handy.

We have rounded up some of the best golf courses across the country according to their Tripadvisor reviews.

From Trump’s Turnberry to St Andrews Links and the home of the sport, remember to pack you’re A-game for these top courses.


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Best golf courses in Scotland you need to try

St Andrews Links

The National: St Andrews Links. Credit: TripadvisorSt Andrews Links. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Pilmour House, St. Andrews KY16 9SF Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 1337

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "I'm sure I speak for many when I say playing the Old Course at St. Andrews Links is at the top of my golf Bucket List. I've thought about playing it, mapped my shots on Google Earth, researched all about playing there with it's bunkers and greens, and putting from the fairway. I so wanted to have a good round that the tee shot on the 1st was a bit nerve wracking. The course what I thought it would be, and so much more..."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the St Andrews Links website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

Kingsbarns Golf Links

The National: Kingsbarns Golf Links. Credit: TripadvisorKingsbarns Golf Links. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Kingsbarns, St. Andrews KY16 8QD Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 470

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "Putting out on the 18th hole because I felt privileged that we had just walked and played one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet. Few can compare. If you only had one choice to experience Scotland's beauty this could be it. Even after an event like the Dunhill Cup the course presented itself a 10 out of 10. Kudos to the greens and maintenance staff..."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Kingsbarns Golf Links website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

The National: Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Credit: TripadvisorRoyal Dornoch Golf Club. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Royal Dornoch Golf Club Golf Road, Dornoch IV25 3LW Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 331

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "What a test of golf. The redesigned 7th hole offers stunning views of the firth and a tough test on all other holes. Most challenging par 3's around and a wonderful course to play."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Royal Dornoch Golf Club website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

Cruden Bay Golf Club

The National: Cruden Bay Golf Club. Credit: TripadvisorCruden Bay Golf Club. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Cruden Bay Golf Club Aulton Road, Cruden Bay (Port Erroll) AB42 0NN Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 166

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "So far the best golfing experience in the United Kingdom. In my humble traveller's experience--it even beat my Carnoustie Golf Links experience. I want to come back with friends to play this links course again.
"I believe I was given a perfect day from the Golf Gods to experience Cruden Bay golf--the day was sunny, and the winds were calm. I chose to play with hickory shaft clubs in order to heighten the experience, and what an experience it was. The tee boxes and greens were impeccable, the fairways packed and ready to allow the ball to roll on every drive, the rough had a belly aching hunger for every ball that came into it's maw, and the views throughout the course were breathtaking."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Cruden Bay Golf Club website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

North Berwick Golf Club

The National: North Berwick Golf Club. Credit: TripadvisorNorth Berwick Golf Club. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Beach Road, North Berwick EH39 4BB Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 179

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "What a fun, scenic, and quirky golf course. You know you’re on an older, classic course when tee boxes and greens are close together and you have a bunch of blind shots. The front nine is incredibly beautiful and the opening hole is breathtaking.

"The quirkiness shows up on the back nine with blind holes, lack of directional signs, and a rock wall standing between you and the green on one hole! A lot of fun but consider taking a caddie the first time you play it. I wish we did just that. Great clubhouse and bar to enjoy a post round pint. And a shoutout to the staff from the pro shop to the starter to the bar host... all very welcoming and friendly!"

Check out the green fees and tee times via the North Berwick Golf Club website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

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Aboyne Golf Club

The National: Aboyne Golf Club. Credit: TripadvisorAboyne Golf Club. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Golf Road Formaston Park, Aboyne AB34 5HP Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 76

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "A wonderful course! Returned to play after 4 weeks having tried it for the first time in September. The course was in as good condition in late October, a real testament to the ground staff.
"With 5 par 3's and 2 par 5's this is not a course to underestimate. It is a challenging par 68 with a great mix of holes and greens. The greens in particular have to come in for praise - they were running true and reasonably quick for the time of year. All in all, an excellent way to spend 3hrs 15.
"The clubhouse, bar and catering are also worthy of mention. The staff are genuinely warm and welcoming. The menu is very good and the food lived up to all expectations."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Aboyne Golf Club website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

Trump International Golf Links

The National: Trump International Golf Links. Credit: TripadvisorTrump International Golf Links. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Menie Park Lodge Menie Estate, Balmedie AB23 8YE Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 253

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "Wow! Fantastic experience! Stunningly beautiful Golf Course with outstanding views!
The hospitality was truly wonderful with friendly, helpful staff. The food was delicious and heartily enjoyed after a day on the course. A must play!"

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Trump International Golf Links website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

Carnoustie Golf Links

The National: Carnoustie Golf Links. Credit: TripadvisorCarnoustie Golf Links. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Links House Links Parade, Carnoustie DD7 7JE Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 215

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "Great golf course to play. Definitely one of the hardest and trickiest courses to play. But don’t be scared of it you can actually get a shot from the rough so it isn’t as brutal as you think. The ground staff have to be thanked for it being in great condition Definitely a test but worth the visit."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Carnoustie Golf Links website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

Trump Turnberry Golf Courses

The National: Trump Turnberry Golf Courses. Credit: TripadvisorTrump Turnberry Golf Courses. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Maidens Road, Turnberry KA26 9LT Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 189

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing:"My wife and I had a fantastic time at the beautiful property. The people in Scotland are very friendly and hospitable. We highly recommend the Trump Turnberry Hotel."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Turnberry website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.

Crail Golfing Society - Balcomie and Craighead Courses

The National: Crail Golfing Society - Balcomie and Craighead Courses. Credit: TripadvisorCrail Golfing Society - Balcomie and Craighead Courses. Credit: Tripadvisor

Location: Fifeness, Crail KY10 3XN Scotland

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 127

One golfer took to Tripadvisor after their visit, writing: "What a fantastic golf course, some of the most amazing views looking out to see. The course itself is a great set up with some very tricky Par 3`s, its not a long course and the greens are very true, and I cannot wait to play this little Gem again."

Check out the green fees and tee times via the Crail Golfing Society website.

Plan your next visit via the Tripadvisor website.