A guide to Scottish golf courses

By Nick Brown of Woll Golf.

*Editors note: Woll Golf were asked to write this article focusing on courses open to everyone, as their parkland course is ideal for players of all abilities and fits the bill perfectly. It also offers stunning views welcoming atmosphere and good pub nearby if you fancy a round of a different kind. It is currently a 9 hole course but the next nine are being built and will be ready to play on in 2004.

When visiting Scotland, everyone should take in the beautiful scenery the countryside has to offer and, as the home of golf, it's not surprising that some of the most picturesque places have been developed to provide some of the world's most beautiful golf courses.

Scotland plays host to The Open every second year and at Loch Lomond, the Scottish Open is recognised the world over as a major competition. Indeed, courses such as Loch Lomond, St Andrews, and Gleneagles are possibly geared up for the more accomplished golfer who does not have a restraint on budget. But you don't need to be a particularly experienced golfer or indeed break the bank to enjoy a round of golf at many beautiful and friendly courses around Scotland. Here are some welcoming and reasonably priced courses for golfers of all standards.

In Fife you will find some of the oldest golf courses in the world. In the centre is Ladybank Golf Course, which is set amongst a peaceful woodland backdrop. It opened in 1879 and offers 18 holes on a natural heathland course. Accuracy off the tee is important, as the tight fairways lined with pine, silver birch trees and heather can be punishing, but don't let that put you off as the setting and scenery more than make up for it. The experience at Ladybank is always enjoyable, as all visitors are welcome.

Up into Perthshire, Pitlochry Golf Course is one of the most scenic courses in Scotland. Overlooking the famous town of Pitlochry, the river Tummel and surrounding mountains there is a steady climb up the first three holes, but the views make it all worth while. Don't let the screech of peacocks in the woods at the sixteenth put you off your shot! This is a welcoming 18 hole heathland course.

Over to the West Coast and to Machrihanish Golf Course, a true links (or for non-golfers - "seaside") experience. Away from it all, this famous links course overlooks the Atlantic on the South West corner of the Mull of Kintyre. It may seem slightly isolated but that's part of the attraction to this lovely part of the world, and you're guaranteed a warm welcome.

Close to the Royal retreat of Balmoral, Ballater Golf Course is bordered by the River Dee in the breathtaking scenery of the Dee valley. Only 40 miles west of Aberdeen this gentle heathland course is a gem and a pleasure to play for golfers of all standards. Ballater is a charming town alongside the course and its many shops (patronised by the Royal family) provide another interesting distraction.

This may be a brief introduction to some of the Golf courses you can enjoy in the Scottish countryside, but I am certain a visit to any of these will be memorable. You are, of course, extremely welcome to visit us at the Woll Golf course.

Nick Brown
Owner of Woll Golf Course, Ashkirk in the Scottish Borders

Cottages relevant to this article

The following holiday cottages are within easy reach of one or more of the locations mentioned in the article:

Ladybank - Creich Farmhouse - (slps 12), approx. 8 miles from Ladybank.

Pitlochry - Aldcharmaig - Loch Tummel (slps 4), approx. 9 miles from Pitlochry.

Machrihanish - Tangy Apartment - Carradale (slps 4), approx. 22 miles from Macrihanish.

Ballater - The Gallery - Ballater (slps 2), (walking distance)