The Best Scottish Open Venues
By: Golfshake Editor | Mon 05 Jul 2021
First played during the inaugural European Tour season in 1972, the Scottish Open has gradually developed into one of the most revered events on the calendar, a process that was accelerated when the tournament was relaunched at Gleneagles in the 1980s, establishing a lofty status that was further enhanced during a lengthy stint at the stunning Loch Lomond Golf Club.
Preceding the Open Championship each July, since 2011, the Scottish Open has been rotated around the nation, offering links-style golf for the world's best players ahead of their pursuit of the Claret Jug. It's a strategy that has drawn success - most notably when Phil Mickelson won the Scottish and Open Championship back-to-back in 2013.
From Haggs Castle to St Andrews, Royal Aberdeen and Gullane, the chosen venues for the Scottish Open have been diverse, but typically of an extremely high quality, as you would expect from the Home of Golf.
Taking a closer look at each of the 11 hosts, we share their unique Golfshake Rating, and direct you towards some truly unforgettable experiences in Scotland.
St Andrews Links
Location: Fife
Years Hosted: 1973
Golfshake Rating: 5.00
Review Comment: "Standing on the first tee where all the greats in golf have stood before, the history just oozes everywhere. That first tee shot and the feeling of fear as other golfers and general public watch you gets the blood pumping and all you hope for is to get a good connection and it goes down the fairway."
See Full Golfshake Feature Review
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
Location: Aberdeenshire
Years Hosted: 2014
Golfshake Rating: 5.00
Review Comment: "An incredible course with the first nine in amazing dunes and the back nine into the wind on a plateau. Simply a must play."
Loch Lomond Golf Club
Location: Argyll & Bute
Years Hosted: 1996-2010
Golfshake Rating: 4.89
Review Comment: "The course is superb, the location is magnificent and the overall experience is better!"
See Full Golfshake Feature Review
Gullane Golf Club
Location: East Lothian
Years Hosted: 2015, 2018
Golfshake Rating: 4.81
Review Comment: "One of the best courses in the UK with unbelievable views of the surrounding areas."
See Full Golfshake Feature Review
Gleneagles
Location: Perthshire
Years Hosted: 1987-1994
Golfshake Rating: 4.80
Review Comment: "This is always a pleasure to play, immaculate condition, great layout, amazing facilities and service is at the highest level, not comparable at any other resort course in Scotland."
Castle Stuart Golf Links
Location: Highlands
Years Hosted: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016
Golfshake Rating: 4.78
Review Comment: "Really nice modern links, lovely clubhouse. Really well designed, the holes on the high ground feel like you're right on the estuary due to the drop to the lower holes, clever design."
The Renaissance Club
Location: East Lothian
Years Hosted: 2019, 2020, 2021
Golfshake Rating: 4.71
Review Comment: "The whole experience is fantastic, you get a very warm welcome in the stunning clubhouse. The course is like a hybrid links and was very challenging into the wind."
Downfield Golf Club
Location: Dundee
Years Hosted: 1972
Golfshake Rating: 4.51
Review Comment: "Such a great course, definitely recommend and plays great. Don’t miss a chance of a game on Downfield if you are in the area."
Carnoustie Golf Links
Location: Angus
Years Hosted: 1995, 1996
Golfshake Rating: 4.47
Review Comment: "Carnoustie is a tough course, especially if the wind is into you from the first tee. Challenges on every hole, but a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience."
See Full Golfshake Feature Review
Dundonald Links
Location: Ayrshire
Years Hosted: 2017
Golfshake Rating: 4.40
Review Comment: "Stunning championship links course with some great views."
See Full Golfshake Feature Review
Haggs Castle Golf Club
Location: Glasgow
Years Hosted: 1986
Golfshake Rating: 4.33
Review Comment: "Great course, fantastic staff and great value for money."
Related Content
Must Play Scottish Golf Courses in 2021
Be part of the action with a selection of unique golf tournament experiences, from playing in a pro-am with the stars to watching the action at golf’s most illustrious events. Whether it’s the Masters or The Open, The Ryder Cup or WM Phoenix Open, build your own bespoke package with the experts at Golfbreaks.com.
What do you think? post your thoughts and feedback on the Golfshake comments: jump to comments here.
Tags: Scottish Open Scotland Golf Courses european tour daily picks Courses
