Carnoustie Links

Undoubtedly the toughest of all the Open Championship venues. Since the infamous 1999 Open, Carnoustie has enjoyed a revival in both course condition and popularity. While it may not enjoy spectacular seaside views like many other Scottish links, it is the epitome of a championship course which requires both length and accuracy. If you appreciate what makes a great golf course, Carnoustie is a must play.

Kingsbarns

Kingsbarns Golf Club This four year old links has already become one of the top 100 rated courses in the world. The location of the links enjoys the most stunning views imaginable for a golf course. Indeed many people feel that the unspoiled views of coastline and sea are superior to legenardy golf beauty spots such as Pebble Beach and Cypress Point. The Kingsbarns Golf Links site has long been known for its intimate connection with the sea. The fact that it’s golf origins date back to 1793 is testimony to the attributes of the site which foster ideal conditions for links turf to flourish amid interesting natural terrain. This unique part of East Fife has sandy soils, undulating ridges and hollows, Cambo burn running into the sea, all set immediately against the rugged coastline of the North Sea.

Muirfield

Muirfield (The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers has hosted 15 Open Championships. The most recent was in 2002, when Ernie Els was crowned the champion golfer of the year. Muirfield was designed in 1891 by Old Tom Morris and is simply one of the best golf courses in the world. Jack Nicklaus has great respect for these links and had paid Muirfield the ultimate compliment by naming his own course, in Dublin Ohio, Muirfield Village. Thick rough and the 151 bunkers, many of which are cavernous, make Muirfield a severe, but fair, test of golf. If you are fortunate enough to spend a day at Muirfield, make sure to bring a collar and tie so you can enjoy a sumptouos lunch in the historic clubhouse followed by 18 holes of alternate shot in the afternoon.

Prestwick

Prestwick was founded in 1851 and was the setting for the first 12 British Opens. Its original layout has not changed much over the years, as witness to its often controversial blind shots. It can be argued that Prestwick Golf Club is every bit as historically significant as the Royal & Ancient in St. Andrews. If you enjoy tradition, you will love this magnificent links.

Royal Troon

Royal Troon is a classic links course in every respect. The British Open has been played here 7 times and boasts legendary champions such as Locke, Palmer, and Watson. Don’t let the gentle opening stretch of holes fool you- the back nine is as tough as any in the world and the players in the Open Championship regularly score 3 or 4 shots higher on the backside. Be prepared to hit every club in your bag. Of all the Open Courses, Royal Troon is probably the most comprehensive of tests.

St. Andrews – Old Course

Universally recognized as the home of golf, The Old Course is virtually an out and back course. Without wind, it can lay down and play very easy. However, with a bit of wind, it will show its defenses, and true character. When you consider that every golfer you have heard of has teed it up on this hallowed ground, you can see why this is one of the most sought after tee times in the world. The feeling you experience standing of the first tee is like no other in the world- ENJOY!

Turnberry- Ailsa Course Advanced

Home to the Open in 1994, The Ailsa Course has been referred to as The Pebble Beach of Scotland as its’ constant sea views make many say it is the most beautiful of all the Scottish links. The course served as an allied airbase during WWII but was ressurrected in the 1950’s and returned to it former glory. You may notice that the use of more modern tractors and tools have shaped flatter and more friendly fairways.

Its sister course, The Kintyre, is also a fine test of golf.

Western Gailes

Western Gailes is as fine a true links course as can be found almost anywhere in the British Isles. Like all Scottish links courses, the weather plays an important part in every round of golf. When the wind blows at Gailes, the long stretch from the 6th to the 13th is not only a trial of skill and strength, but something of an endurance test as well. If not for its more famous neighbors, Western Gailes would be renowned the world over as being the finest links course in western Scotland. As it stands, many golfers will tell you it’s the best.