ARTICLE
EXCLUSIVE GOLF COURSES
Scotland plays host to the prestigious British Open golf tournament every few years. Whilst in the country, the best golfers in the world descend on our shores and play some of the world’s best courses. Here we look at the 5 most exclusive rounds of golf in Scotland that have held the British Open.
Known as ‘The Home of Golf’, the Old Course at St Andrews is a pilgrimage for golf lovers everywhere. With wide open fairways and views across the pristine St Andrews beaches it’s little wonder this iconic course features on so many golfer’s bucket lists. Don’t forget to take a photo on the 18th hole at the iconic Swilcan Bridge or at the Hell Bunker on the 14th hole: a visit to St Andrews would not be complete without these mementos.
Voted the ‘Best Golf Course in Scotland 2018’ Carnoustie is a difficult course to play. Carnoustie is no stranger to big competitions and famous players. It last hosted The Open in 2018 and is one of the courses used for the annual Dunhill Links. It is a notable course for Rory McIlroy where in 2007, he won the Silver medal as the leading amateur at just 18 years old.
Muirfield is home to the ‘Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers’, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. The club has called Muirfield in East Lothian home since 1891 but was originally founded in Leith, Edinburgh in 1744. The course produces incredible golfing moments, with legends of the sport such as Phil Mickelson, Nick Faldo and Harry Vardon all having won The Open here. The Elizabethan clubhouse is a notable sight as the 18th green sits right in front. With spectators looking on it is a well-known final shot in golf.
Situated on the Ayrshire coastline, the views across the Atlantic are exquisite. Turnberry is a world-famous course that was re-designed in 2016. It has been redeveloped flawlessly whilst still keeping ‘in touch’ with it’s 100 year-old history. The iconic lighthouse sits halfway round the course and is now a stunning halfway house. Turnberry is demanding link course, and with a near constant wind, your golfing skills (and patience) will be tested to the limit.
Troon is a magnificent long course and is great fun to play. With some of the most challenging holes in The Open’s schedule, the course plays an excellent round across the stunning landscape. Last hosting The Open in 2016, lucky viewers witnessed one of the greatest games The Open has ever seen. When Mickelson and Stenson went head to head, the Swede came out on top beating Mickelson in what he said was one of the greatest games he’d ever played and not won.
