Scottish golf is unique in a lot of ways but perhaps none more so than the depth and breadth of stunning and unique courses that line its coastal linksland. If your itinerary allows for it, squeezing in a quick round or 9 holes somewhere off the beaten path might just lead to something unforgettable. To that end, we have put together a list of “wee” Scottish links that each offer something special:

Notable Courses Nearby: St. Andrews, Kingsbarns

Anstruther Golf Club has a rich and history that dates to the late 1800s, with none other than Old Tom Morris that helped influence the course’s location and design. The real magic of Anstruther, though, is in the club’s location. The simple but awe-inspiring design is cut alongside and into the Fife coastline, with the signature 5th hole being among the most dramatic holes you will ever see.

Notable Courses Nearby: Machrihanish, Machrihanish Dunes

If you are one of the fortunate and relatively few golfers that venture out to the Kintyre Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, then it’s a no-brainer to find an afternoon to visit Carradale. The historic links dates to 1906 and features 9 unique holes through rugged heathland with awe-inspiring panoramic views across the Kilbrannan Sound throughout.

Notable Courses Nearby: Moray, Nairn

The name tells you most of what you need to know about this beautiful little 9-holer next door to Moray Golf Club, as the course sits in a gorgeous cove at the end of a windy road right along the sea (aka the Moray Firth). Even at just 2,000 yards, the firm and tight (and sometimes blind!) fairways and greens offer a fun challenge, but it’s the climb up to the 5th green and 6th tee that is worth the price of admission.

Notable Courses Nearby: Cruden Bay, Trump International

Cruden Bay’s 9-hole gem plays within the confines of the club’s championship course and is actually included in the green fee. Both courses were both originally laid out together in 1899 and each plays amongst and around the massive dunes that characterize the epic linksland on which they sit. The short course improves as the round goes on, especially at the 6th and 8th which are original Tom Morris designs.

Notable Courses Nearby: Cruden Bay, Castle Stuart

The town of Cullen is perhaps most famous for it’s specialty soup (Cullen Skink) but the historic golf course that calls the town home is surely worth a visit. The course’s most notable feature, massive red sandstone rocks that rise up out of the Moray coastline, feature prominently in the Old Tom Morris design that dates to 1870. Although only 4,600 and a par 63, the fun and quirky old links is most memorable.

Notable Courses Nearby: St. Andrews, Dumbarnie

Kinghorn checks all of the boxes: classic links holes designed by Old Tom Morris, gorgeous views across the Firth of Forth, and extremely quirky holes that are unlike anything you have seen. Perhaps the only thing missing is the scale as the course only stretches just over 5,000 yards, but that arguably adds to the fun.

Notable Courses Nearby: Muirfield, North Berwick

Musselburgh’s Old Course has a history that few courses can match. Not only is it one of the world’s oldest golf links that dates to the 17th century (if not before!), but it is also hosted the Open Championship 6 times between 1874-1889. The classic 9-hole links unusually sits within the confines of the Musselburgh Racecourse which only adds to the aura.

Notable Courses Nearby: Royal Troon, Machrihanish (via ferry)

Without a doubt, the world’s greatest 12-hole golf course sits on the Isle of Arran just a scenic ferry ride away from the Ayrshire coast. The layout is credited to Willie Park Jr. but it is really a work of Mother Nature. An endless number of blind shots dramatically rise and fall with the land with stunning sea views towards the Mull of Kintyre and beyond all along the way.

Notable Courses Nearby: Royal Aberdeen, Trump International

You’d be right to question whether Stonehaven sounds too good to be true: a history that dates to the 19th century with some of the most beautiful and dramatic holes along the North Sea that you will find anywhere in Scotland, all for the price of some haggis and a round of beers. By the time you reach the first green, though, the only question will be why it isn’t named Stone-Heaven.

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