Best Scottish Open venue: 7 accessible & must-play courses

Scotland is famed worldwide for the quality of its golf courses and never is this more on show than at the Scottish Open. The event was moved to precede The Open, and even more recently it’s been co-sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, meaning that more of the sport’s most high-profile talents can be found each year on the fairways of these beloved layouts.

So, why not join them by taking on some of the best Scottish Open venues on your next golf break?

Nestled in East Lothian, Scotland’s acclaimed golf coast, Gullane offers three distinct courses, with the venerable Gullane No.1 leading the pack since its inauguration in 1884. This course is a beacon of golfing heritage as showcased in 2015 and 2018 at the Scottish Open, a tournament remembered for Rickie Fowler’s and Brandon Stone's remarkable final rounds, respectively.

The No.2 course opened some 15 years after the initial offering and has been a frequent Open Championship Qualifying course. Course No.3 is a slightly different offering, despite also opening more than a century ago. It’s somewhat shorter than its elder brothers – but asks equally demanding questions from the golfer throughout the round.

Gullane Scottish Open facts

- No. of times hosting: 2 times - Host year(s): 2015, 2018 - Former notable champion(s): Rickie Fowler, Brandon Stone - Location: Gullane, East Lothian

This Highland gem, perched beside the Moray Firth, presents a modern twist on classic Scottish links golf. Castle Stuart has distinguished itself with its meticulous course design and luxury off-course amenities, earning its spot among Scotland's elite courses, despite being one of the country’s newer courses.

Unlike the traditional out-and-back routings which can be found at many of the traditional links courses, Castle Stuart’s 9th and 18th holes both loop back towards the clubhouse, with the majority of the drama found on the holes that run away from the clubhouse.

The golf course first hosted the prestigious event in 2011, just 11 years after opening which is a testament to Mark Parsinen’s vision and design. Castle Stuart went on to host it three years in a row, from 2011 to 2013, and once again 2016. Past winners include some huge names such as Phil Mickleson, Luke Donald, and Alex Noren.

Castle Stuart Scottish Open facts

- No. of times hosting: 4 times - Host year(s): 2011-2013, 2016 - Former notable champion(s): Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson, Alex Noren - Location: Inverness, Scottish Highlands

Flying across to Ayrshire on Scotland’s Western Coast and another newer addition to the Scottish Open rota. Dundonald Links is ideally located, situated close to Royal Troon, Prestwick, Western Gailes, and Glasgow Gailes. What’s more, the venue boasts some of the best golfing accommodations in the UK, with its newly-opened Lodges, making it the ideal base for a trip to the area.

Opened to members in 2005, Dundonald has already packed in plenty of accolades in its short history; hosting the Scottish Open, European Tour Qualifying School, Boys Amateur Championship, and the Ladies Scottish Open – and continues to improve year after year thanks to investment from new owners.

Dundonald Scottish Open facts

- No. of times hosting: 1 time - Host year(s): 2017 - Former notable champion(s): Rafa Cabrera-Bello - Location: Irvine, Ayrshire

The toughest test on The Open rota, Carnoustie Golf Links has also played host to the Scottish Open, being key to its return to prominence in the mid-1990’s. It’s a layout littered with hazards, from dastardly pot bunkers to the famous burns that carve through the fairways – notably in front of the 18th hole where Jean van de Velde’s Open chances came to a watery end.

Sky Sports’ Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley won the Scottish Open here in 1995, a year before Ian Woosnam claimed his third Scottish Open title. Keep it in the fairway and pray for calm conditions, and you might just be able to steer your golf ball safely around ‘CarNasty’.

Carnoustie Scottish Open facts

- No. of times hosting: 2 times - Host year(s): 1995-1996 - Former notable champion(s): Ian Woosnam, Wayne Riley - Location: Carnoustie, Angus

Gleneagles has played a major part in the history of the Scottish Open, hosting the tournament between 1987 and 1994. The King’s Course was designed by James Braid and opened in 1919 – however, much work was done through the last century which made the layout somewhat unrecognisable from Braid’s initial design. Work was undertaken in recent years to restore this initial design, which was done to universal accolade.

All three courses at Gleneagles offer stunning views of the Scottish mountains, and are, unsurprisingly, parkland/heathland designs – showcasing something different to the more links-type layouts elsewhere on this list. The on-site hotel boasts true five-star luxury, making the destination one of the best golfing resorts in Europe. It’d be remiss not to mention that the first-ever Scottish Open was held at Gleneagles and was won by Percy Alliss, father of popular commentator and professional golfer, Peter Alliss.

Gleneagles Scottish Open facts

- No. of times hosting: 8 times - Host year(s): 1935, 1987-1994 - Former notable champion(s): Ian Woosnam (x2), Percy Alliss, Jesper Parnevik - Location: Auchterarder, Perth

St Andrews, often synonymous with golf itself, played a pivotal role in the Scottish Open's revival and hosted the event in 1973. Despite being more famous for The Open Championship, its inclusion in the Scottish Open's history is significant. The Grand Auld Lady is simply a must-play for every golfer, and is enjoyable by all, thanks to its fast-running fairways and innumerable strategic options!

St Andrews Scottish Open facts

- No. of times hosting: 1 time - Host year(s): 1973 - Former notable champion(s): Graham Marsh - Location: St Andrews, Fife

The Scottish Open spotlight shone on Royal Aberdeen in 2014, with Justin Rose's victory and a young Rory McIlroy's record-breaking round capturing the golfing world's attention. The week sparked something within the Northern Irishman, with him going on to claim The Open at Royal Liverpool just a week later.

The golf club itself was founded in 1780 and is amongst the oldest golf courses in the world. Fittingly, the club still is seen as one of the more traditional venues – however, its Balgownie Course is still more than a match for even the most skilled golfer in the 21st century.

Royal Aberdeen Scottish Open facts

- No. of times hosting: 1 time - Host year(s): 2014 - Former notable champion(s): Justin Rose - Location: Aberdeen