Scotland Golf trip

Lundin Golf Club

A unique links experience

Lundin Golf Club sits in the heart of Fife, just a short distance from St Andrews, and offers a classic, pure links experience along Scotland’s east coast. The course makes full use of the natural coastal landscape, with open fairways, low dunes, and a constant influence of the wind shaping play.

Historical development

Founded in 1868, Lundin has a unique shared history with Leven Links Golf Club. Originally, both clubs shared the same course, but over time, approximately half of the original holes became part of Leven Links. As a result, Lundin developed new holes on land that had previously served as the ladies’ course, creating the layout seen today.

This organic evolution—shaped by shared land use and even a former railway line crossing the area—has given Lundin its distinctive character. Today, the course stands as a layered piece of golfing history, where old and newer holes blend seamlessly, offering an authentic reflection of the development of golf in Fife.

Newburgh Golf Links

Historical significance

Newburgh Golf Club, founded in 1895, lies along the rugged coast of Aberdeenshire near the mouth of the River Ythan. It is one of Scotland’s oldest golf courses and a classic example of traditional links golf. Natural dunes, ever-present wind, and an untouched landscape give the course a deep sense of history and authenticity.

Playing style and character

The course offers a strategic and honest test, with rolling fairways, subtle elevation changes, and greens that reward precision. The routing follows the natural terrain so seamlessly that no hole feels forced, while changing weather and wind conditions ensure every round plays differently.

An authentic experience

What makes Newburgh especially memorable is its sense of peace and connection to nature. Seals are often seen resting on the beach beside the course, creating a uniquely atmospheric backdrop during the round. Here, links golf is experienced as it was meant to be—pure, simple, and completely in harmony with the landscape.

Fortrose & Rosemakie Golf Club

Historical significance

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club was officially founded in 1888, although golf has been played here since the late 18th century—making it one of the oldest continuously played courses in the world. The course lies on a narrow peninsula in the Moray Firth, where land and sea constantly shape the landscape. This unique setting gives the course not only historical depth but also a distinctly maritime character.

The character of the course

The links stretches out toward the iconic Chanonry Point Lighthouse, a constant visual reference during the round. Wind, tides, and the open horizon play a defining role, while the holes range from exposed coastal stretches to more sheltered sections. The course demands creativity and adaptability, with ever-changing conditions ensuring that no two rounds feel the same.

A pure golf experience

Fortrose & Rosemarkie is renowned for its unspoiled nature and spectacular views. While playing, it’s not uncommon to spot bottlenose dolphins swimming in the Moray Firth—a rare and unforgettable addition to the golfing experience.

Nairn Dunbar Golf Club

Historic links

Founded in 1894, Nairn Dunbar Golf Club is the second course in the town of Nairn, located beside the more well known Nairn Golf Club. The course lies close to the shores of the Moray Firth, but stands out for having relatively few direct sea views—a deliberate and characterful departure from the classic open links style.

Playing style and character

Nairn Dunbar has a distinctly hybrid character:

• too sheltered and vegetated to be a pure links
• too open and sandy to be fully considered heathland

The course blends links-like turf and playing conditions with heather, scrub, and more inland-style holes.

A subtle yet fair test

The fairways are firm and free-draining, while the greens demand accurate approaches. The routing offers plenty of variety. Compared to its famous neighbour, Nairn Dunbar feels quieter and more intimate, yet delivers a sincere and highly satisfying golfing experience for players who appreciate nuance and variation.

Authentic golfing atmosphere

Free from crowds and grandstanding, Nairn Dunbar offers a relaxed, traditional atmosphere with a strong local character. As an alternative or complement to Nairn Golf Club, it is an excellent choice—less well-known, but rich in playing quality and personality. A course that shows golf near the sea doesn’t always have to be exposed to be exceptional.

Crieff Golf Club

Course & design

Crieff Golf Club, founded in 1891, is set on elevated ground just north of the village of Crieff. This 18-hole course is a classic inland layout that follows the natural contours of the rolling hillside terrain. The routing makes full use of undulating fairways, natural elevation changes, and strategically placed bunkers, where precise positioning is more important than distance. The greens are generally slightly elevated and demand a controlled approach.

The course features a mix of tree-lined holes and more open sections, creating clear variation in wind exposure, sightlines, and club selection. The design rewards consistent play and thoughtful course management.

Location & playing conditions

Set above the Strathearn valley, the course offers open views across the surrounding hills. Thanks to its inland setting, Crieff is largely sheltered from strong winds, providing stable playing conditions throughout the season. The terrain is predominantly parkland, with fairways less dependent on weather conditions than coastal courses.

As a result, Crieff is playable for a wide range of golfers and offers a reliable test where accuracy, rhythm, and tactical play take centre stage.

St Andrews 'Eden Course'

Eden Course

Eden Course was created as a complement to the more demanding links layouts of St Andrews, with a focus on variety and playability. The course blends links and parkland characteristics and sits closer to the town in parts, enhancing the feeling of playing golf in and around the historic Old Town.

The holes are strategically designed without becoming overly punishing, making the course accessible to a wide range of players. Tom Watson, a multiple major champion, particularly praised the front nine, describing it as containing “some of the best holes in golf.”

It’s precisely this combination of location, thoughtful design, and enjoyable playability that makes the Eden Course a strong—yet often underrated—part of the St Andrews offering.