Best Old Tom Morris golf courses

Few figures in the history of golf are as revered as Old Tom Morris. A pioneer of course design, a four-time Open Champion, and a legendary greenkeeper, Old Tom’s influence shaped the game as we know it today.

His work, which dates from the 1850s to 1904, on some of Scotland and Ireland’s finest courses has left a legacy thanks to his strategic designs, use of hazards and tee-box innovations. His layouts still stand as some of the most celebrated and enjoyable golf courses around the globe, with Top 100 Golf Courses placing 8 of his designs on their world rankings list!

Location: St Andrews (Scotland) | Date: 1860s (redesign) | Open Championship host (30+ times)

As the birthplace of golf and the course most closely associated with Old Tom Morris, the Old Course at St Andrews is the crown jewel of his legacy. While its origins predate Old Tom’s tenure, his work as a greenkeeper and course designer helped shape its iconic features, including its double greens and strategic bunkering.

His use of sand to ‘top dress’ the greens was groundbreaking at the time, ensuring that those visiting St Andrews would enjoy enviable playing surfaces, something that continues to this day. What more can we say? It’s THE OLD COURSE!

Key features:

• Double greens shared by two holes
• Deep bunkers like the Road Hole Bunker (17th hole)
• Strategic use of natural dunes

Location: Newcastle (Northern Ireland) | Date: 1889| No.1 course in the UK&I

Following the iconic Old Course is surely a difficult feat, but we think these two courses are about as good a ‘one-two’ as any designer in existence. Sprawled out beneath the overlooking Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, Royal County Down is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world.

Old Tom’s influence is evident in the rugged, natural links design, featuring towering dunes, blind tee shots, and undulating greens. There really is nothing like the beauty of Royal County Down on a summer’s day, with the opening holes taking you out alongside the water, before turning to gaze at the mountains from the iconic 4th tee box. A truly wonderful place.

Key features:

• Blind tee shots over towering dunes
• Undulating greens with natural contours
• Stunning views of the Mourne Mountains

Location: Gullane (Scotland) | Date: 1891| Open Championship host (16 times)

Muirfield, the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, owes much of its early design to Old Tom Morris who created the original layout and routing in 1891. It was later added to by Harry Colt, but it’s Old Tom that’s credited with first putting Muirfield on the map, overseeing the venue becoming the fourth course to host The Open.

To this day Muirfield is one of the most celebrated venues on The Open roster, a testament to the enduring brilliance of Old Tom’s work.

Key features:

• Circular routing providing varying wind challenges
• Narrow fairways demanding accuracy
• Penal bunkers guarding both fairways and greens

Location: Dornoch (Scotland) | Date: 1886 (redesign)| Ranked no.2 in the world (Golf Digest 2024)

Set in the stunning Highlands of Scotland, Royal Dornoch is a masterpiece of links golf and another of Old Tom’s finest creations. Its natural routing through wild dunes, firm fairways, and elevated greens exemplifies traditional links golf.

The beauty of the Dornoch Firth and the serene surroundings make this course as memorable for its scenery as it is for its challenge. Whilst many designers have ‘tweaked’ Royal Dornoch over the past century, recent work by Mackenzie & Ebert has focussed on restoring some of Old Tom’s initial design features to the layout.

Key features:

• Elevated greens that require precise approaches
• Natural routing through wild dunes
• Coastal winds that challenge ball control

Location: North Berwick (Scotland) | Date: late 1800s| Top 5 golf course in Scotland

North Berwick’s West Links is a quirky and charming layout that bears the undeniable hallmarks of Old Tom Morris throughout. The course’s unique features, such as the famous ‘Redan’ hole and stone walls that cross the fairways, make it a favourite amongst golf architecture enthusiasts, with a routing that brings the golfer back into the town; a special experience, particularly in the late evening.

The course guide also features one of our favourite pieces of advice for golfers looking to access the 13th green, protected by the iconic stone wall … ‘Don’t argue with the wall – it’s older than you’.

Key features:

• The “Redan” hole, one of golf’s most copied par-3 designs
• Stone walls that intersect fairways
• Routing that finishes back in the beautiful town of North Berwick

Location: Co. Clare (Ireland) | Date: 1894| Known as ‘the St Andrews of Ireland’

Known by some as the ‘St Andrews of Ireland’, Lahinch’s Old Course was crafted by Old Tom Morris in 1894. Located on the wild Atlantic coast of County Clare, Lahinch features some of Old Tom’s most daring touches, including the famous ‘Klondyke’ and ‘Dell’ holes, which embody his creativity and foresight.

The course’s rugged beauty and strategic brilliance have earned it a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest and the mainstay of any golf break down this coastline.

Key features:

• The “Klondyke” hole with a blind approach over a dune
• The “Dell” hole with a green hidden between dunes
• Coastal winds that add unpredictability to shots

Location: Angus (Scotland) | Date: Mid-1800s (redesign)| Open Championship host (8 times)

Carnoustie, or ‘Carnasty’ as it’s been branded in the past, is one of the toughest courses in the world. Old Tom Morris extended and refined the original layout in the mid-19th century, shaping its reputation as a championship venue.

Its strategic bunkering, unpredictable weather, and the infamous closing holes demand precision and nerve. Carnoustie has hosted The Open eight times, showcasing Old Tom’s genius on the global stage with some of the most memorable finishes of all time!

Key features:

• Infamous closing holes, including the 18th with Barry Burn
• Strategic bunkering throughout the course
• Tough fairways that require accurate drives

Location: Aberdeenshire (Scotland) | Date: 1899| Ranked in the world’s top 100 courses

Nestled on the northeast coast of Scotland, Cruden Bay is a visually stunning links course with a layout originally created by Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson in 1899. The course combines dramatic coastal views with Old Tom’s usual strategic challenges, and although others have made subtle changes (notably in the 1920’s), the majority of the original design remains untouched.

Key features:

• Elevated tee shots with ocean views
• Natural dunes shaping fairways and greens
• Rolling terrain that challenges ball control

Location: Ayrshire (Scotland) | Date: 1851| Birthplace of The Open

The birthplace of The Open Championship, Prestwick is steeped in history. Old Tom Morris was the club’s first professional, and he extended and refined the original layout, which remains largely intact. The quirky design features blind shots, deep bunkers, and narrow fairways that demand creativity and imagination.

Playing Prestwick is like stepping back in time to experience golf as it was originally conceived, asking the golfer to make the most of their ball on the ground, as well as in the air.

Key features:

• Blind shots over dunes and stone walls
• Narrow fairways that demand precise ball control
• Quirky design elements from golf’s earliest days

Location: Nairn (Scotland) | Date: 1887| Walker Cup & Curtis Cup host

Located on Scotland’s Moray Firth coastline, Nairn is a spectacular links course with contributions from Old Tom Morris, James Braid, and Ben Sayers. The course offers a seamless blend of natural beauty and strategic challenge, with its seaside holes providing some of the most scenic and demanding golf in Scotland. Nairn’s greens are among the finest in the country, reflecting Old Tom’s attention to detail.

Key features:

• Seaside holes with panoramic views of the Moray Firth
• Small, fast greens requiring delicate putting
• Natural bunkers that blend into the landscape

Location: Co. Donegal (Ireland) | Date: 1893| Part of the five-star Rosapenna Resort

Located in County Donegal, Ireland, Rosapenna’s Old Tom Morris Links showcases the great man’s influence on Irish golf. Designed in 1893, the course winds through natural dunes and offers sweeping views of Sheephaven Bay.

Whilst modern upgrades have refined the layout, the essence of Old Tom’s vision remains, making this a hidden gem in his portfolio; particularly with a new course added to the resort over recent years.

Key features:

• Natural routing through coastal dunes
• Sweeping views of Sheephaven Bay
• Challenging greens influenced by coastal winds

Location: Fife (Scotland) | Date: 1895| One of 2 courses at Crail

Crail’s Balcomie Links is one of Old Tom Morris’s most charming creations. The course hugs the rugged Fife coastline, with dramatic sea views and natural features integrated seamlessly into the design.

Its shorter length belies the challenge it presents, with tricky greens, undulating fairways, and the ever-present coastal winds. Balcomie Links is a delightful reminder of Old Tom’s genius for blending golf with nature.

Key features:

• Holes that hug the rugged coastline
• Smaller greens that require accurate approach shots
• Coastal winds that challenge club selection

• Best seasons to play: Summer months (May to September) offer optimal weather, though links courses can be enjoyed year-round.
• Booking and access: Most courses in this list can be booked through us. For St Andrews Old Course, get in contact and we can recommend how to increase your chances of accessing this special links layout.
• Playing links courses: Prepare for wind, firm fairways, and unpredictable weather. Embrace ground play, as lower shots can be more effective in windy conditions.