How Many Golf Courses Are in Scotland? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByMatthew Woods Golf Courses

Scotland is a country with a rich golfing heritage, and it is home to some of the most iconic courses in the world. With over 500 courses to choose from, there is something for everyone, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of golf in Scotland, and we will explore some of the most popular courses in the country. We will also provide some tips on how to plan your own golfing trip to Scotland. So, if you are thinking about taking a golfing vacation, be sure to add Scotland to your list!

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Rank Course Name Number of Holes
1 St Andrews Old Course 18
2 Turnberry Ailsa Course 18
3 Royal Troon Old Course 18
4 Carnoustie Championship Course 18
5 Royal Dornoch Golf Club 18

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History of Golf in Scotland

Golf is believed to have originated in Scotland in the 15th century. The earliest evidence of golf being played in Scotland dates back to 1457, when King James II banned the game because he believed it was a distraction from archery practice. However, the ban was lifted in 1502, and golf continued to grow in popularity.

The first golf courses in Scotland were built in the 16th century. These courses were simple, consisting of a few holes laid out on open land. The first golf course with a formal layout was created at St Andrews in 1764.

In the 18th century, golf became a popular pastime for the upper classes in Scotland. The first golf clubs were established in the 1740s, and the first golf tournaments were held in the 1750s.

In the 19th century, golf began to spread to other countries. The first golf course in the United States was built in 1888, and the first golf course in Canada was built in 1894.

Today, golf is played all over the world. There are over 35,000 golf courses in the world, and over 60 million people play golf regularly. Scotland remains the home of golf, with over 500 golf courses.

The Development of Golf Courses in Scotland

The first golf courses in Scotland were simple, consisting of a few holes laid out on open land. As the game of golf evolved, so did the design of golf courses.

In the 18th century, golf courses began to be built with more formal layouts. These courses were designed to challenge golfers and to provide a more enjoyable playing experience.

In the 19th century, golf courses began to be built in more remote locations. These courses were designed to offer golfers a more natural setting and to provide a challenge in the face of adverse weather conditions.

Today, golf courses come in all shapes and sizes. There are golf courses for every level of golfer, from beginners to professionals. There are also golf courses for every budget.

Scotland is home to some of the most famous and challenging golf courses in the world. These courses include St Andrews, Turnberry, Muirfield, and Royal Troon.

The Impact of Golf on Scottish Culture

Golf has had a profound impact on Scottish culture. The game is deeply rooted in Scottish history and tradition. Golf is also a major part of the Scottish economy.

The Scottish Open is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. The tournament is held annually at a different golf course in Scotland. The Scottish Open attracts some of the best golfers in the world, and it is a major tourist attraction.

Golf is also a popular pastime for many Scots. There are over 500 golf courses in Scotland, and over 600,000 people play golf regularly. Golf is a great way for people to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Golf is a major part of Scottish culture. The game is deeply rooted in Scottish history and tradition, and it is a major part of the Scottish economy. Golf is also a popular pastime for many Scots, and it is a great way for people to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside.

How Many Golf Courses in Scotland?

Scotland is home to over 500 golf courses, making it one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world. The country has a rich golfing history, with the first courses being built in the 15th century. Today, Scotland is home to some of the most iconic golf courses in the world, including St Andrews, Royal Troon, and Carnoustie.

The number of golf courses in Scotland has increased significantly in recent years, with over 100 new courses being built since 2000. This growth is due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of golf, the development of new golf courses, and the growing number of tourists visiting Scotland.

The economic impact of golf tourism in Scotland is significant. In 2019, golf tourism generated an estimated 1.2 billion for the Scottish economy. This figure includes spending by golfers on accommodation, food and drink, travel, and other activities. Golf tourism also supports jobs in the hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

However, the golf tourism industry in Scotland faces a number of challenges. These include the high cost of playing golf, the seasonality of the industry, and the need to attract new golfers to the game.

The future of golf tourism in Scotland is uncertain. However, there are a number of factors that suggest that the industry will continue to grow in the coming years. These factors include the increasing popularity of golf, the development of new golf courses, and the growing number of tourists visiting Scotland.

Golf Tourism in Scotland

The economic impact of golf tourism in Scotland is significant. In 2019, golf tourism generated an estimated 1.2 billion for the Scottish economy. This figure includes spending by golfers on accommodation, food and drink, travel, and other activities. Golf tourism also supports jobs in the hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

The number of golf tourists visiting Scotland has increased significantly in recent years. In 2019, there were over 2.5 million golf tourists visiting Scotland, an increase of 10% from the previous year. The majority of golf tourists come from the United Kingdom, but there is also a growing number of golfers from other countries, such as the United States, Germany, and France.

The economic impact of golf tourism is spread across Scotland. The majority of golf tourism spending takes place in the Highlands and Islands, where there are over 200 golf courses. However, golf tourism also makes a significant contribution to the economies of other parts of Scotland, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.

Golf tourism is a major contributor to the Scottish economy. It generates jobs, supports businesses, and helps to attract visitors from all over the world. The Scottish government is committed to supporting the golf tourism industry and is working to ensure that Scotland remains a world-class golfing destination.

The Challenges Facing Golf Tourism in Scotland

The golf tourism industry in Scotland faces a number of challenges. These include:

  • The high cost of playing golf. Golf is a relatively expensive sport, and the cost of playing a round of golf can be a barrier to entry for many people.
  • The seasonality of the industry. Golf tourism is a seasonal industry, with most golfers visiting Scotland during the summer months. This can lead to a lack of demand for golf courses during the winter months.
  • The need to attract new golfers to the game. The number of golfers in Scotland has been declining in recent years, and the industry needs to find ways to attract new golfers to the game.

The Scottish government is working to address these challenges. The government has introduced a number of initiatives to reduce the cost of playing golf, such as the Scottish Golf Card, which offers discounts on green fees at participating golf courses. The government is also working to promote golf tourism to new markets, such as China and India.

The future of golf tourism in Scotland is uncertain. However, there are a number of factors that suggest that the industry will continue to grow in the coming years. These factors include the increasing popularity of golf, the development of new golf courses, and the growing number of tourists visiting Scotland.

The Future of Golf Tourism in Scotland

The future of golf tourism in Scotland is uncertain. However, there are a number of factors that suggest that the industry will continue to grow in the coming years. These factors include:

  • The increasing popularity of golf. Golf is a global sport, and the number of golfers is growing in all parts of the world. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, such as the increasing popularity of health and fitness, the growing number of retirees, and the increasing number of women playing golf.
  • The development of new golf courses. There are a number of new golf courses being developed in Scotland, which will help to attract new golfers to the country. These new

    How many golf courses are in Scotland?

There are over 550 golf courses in Scotland, making it one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world. The country has a rich golfing history, with the first courses being built in the 15th century. Today, Scotland is home to some of the most iconic golf courses in the world, including St Andrews, Muirfield, and Turnberry.

What are the most popular golf courses in Scotland?

The most popular golf courses in Scotland include:

  • St Andrews Old Course
  • Muirfield
  • Turnberry
  • Royal Troon
  • Royal Dornoch
  • Carnoustie
  • Gleneagles
  • Prestwick
  • Kingsbarns

What is the best time of year to golf in Scotland?

The best time of year to golf in Scotland is between April and October. The weather is generally mild and sunny, with little rain. However, it can get cold in the winter, so it’s best to dress in layers.

What are the best golf courses for beginners in Scotland?

The best golf courses for beginners in Scotland include:

  • Gleneagles
  • Kingsbarns
  • St Andrews New Course
  • Carnoustie Burnside Course
  • Prestwick
  • Royal Troon Portland Course
  • Dunbar
  • North Berwick
  • Elie

What are the best golf courses for experienced golfers in Scotland?

The best golf courses for experienced golfers in Scotland include:

  • St Andrews Old Course
  • Muirfield
  • Turnberry
  • Royal Troon
  • Royal Dornoch
  • Carnoustie
  • Gleneagles
  • Prestwick
  • Kingsbarns

How much does it cost to play a round of golf in Scotland?

The cost of a round of golf in Scotland varies depending on the course. The average price for a round of golf is around 100, but some courses can cost up to 300.

Where can I stay when I’m golfing in Scotland?

There are a variety of hotels and golf resorts in Scotland where you can stay when you’re golfing. Some of the most popular options include:

  • The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
  • The Fairmont St Andrews
  • The Kingsbarns Hotel
  • The Gleneagles Hotel
  • The Turnberry Hotel
  • The Carnoustie Golf Hotel
  • The Prestwick Golf Hotel
  • The Dunbar Golf Hotel
  • The North Berwick Golf Hotel

What are the other things to do in Scotland besides golf?

In addition to golf, there are a variety of other things to do in Scotland, including:

  • Visiting historical sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle
  • Exploring the Scottish Highlands
  • Taking a ferry to the Isle of Skye
  • Sampling the local whisky
  • Eating fresh seafood
  • Enjoying the beautiful scenery

    Scotland is home to a wide variety of golf courses, each with its own unique challenges and features. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s sure to be a course in Scotland that’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Book your tee time and experience the magic of golf in Scotland today!

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • Scotland has over 500 golf courses, making it one of the most golf-friendly countries in the world.
  • The courses in Scotland range from links courses to parkland courses, and they offer a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
  • Scotland is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world, including St. Andrews, Turnberry, and Muirfield.
  • Golf is a major part of Scottish culture, and it’s a great way to experience the country’s natural beauty and rich history.

Author Profile

Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

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