Scotland II (2019)
This is third in a series of articles that documents my international golf travels. Up until 2017, I had only played golf in the United States and once in the Bahamas. Since then, I have increased the number of countries I have played in to 17 with the anticipation of adding 3 more in 2026. See my entire list of courses played here. It has been an incredible journey and one that I hope continues for years to come.
Our second trip to Scotland included the St. Andrews Links New Course, our second time to play the Old Course, our second visit to Kingsbarns, and adding first time visits to Lundin Golf Club, Dunbar Golf Club, Gullane No. 1, and the West Links at North Berwick. The area of East Lothian is special. Known as Scotland’s Golf Coast, the area features 21 course within a 30 mile coastal line stretch.
| Course | St. Andrews Links – New Course (https://standrews.com/golf/courses/new-course) |
| Ranking | #28 Scotland (https://www.top100golfcourses.com/) |
| Location | St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland |
| Built | 1895 |
| Architect | Old Tom Morris, Benjamin Hall Blyth |
The New Course at St. Andrews Links offers a straightforward and enjoyable example of traditional links golf. Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895, it is often regarded as a companion to the Old Course, sharing the same natural terrain while providing its own distinct challenge. The layout favors sound fundamentals, asking players to manage the ground game, control trajectory, and adapt to changing wind conditions. Playing in a counter-clockwise direction, the New Course gradually reveals its character. The opening holes are welcoming, allowing players to find a rhythm before the course becomes more demanding. Fairways are well defined, and bunkers are positioned to influence decision-making rather than punish indiscriminately. Approach shots are especially important, with greens that reward accuracy and thoughtful placement. Holes of note include the par-3 8th, “Short,” which requires a precise iron to a narrow green protected by bunkers. The par-4 15th, “Elysian Fields,” features a tee shot that challenges players to balance distance and position, setting up a demanding approach. The New Course provides a balanced, walkable round that reflects the principles of classic links architecture and remains a popular choice for golfers seeking a traditional St. Andrews experience.
| Course | St. Andrews Links – Old Course (https://standrews.com/golf/courses/old-course) |
| Ranking | #7 World, #1 Scotland (https://www.top100golfcourses.com/) |
| Location | St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland |
| Built | 1400 |
| Architect | Allan Robertson, Old Tom Morris |
The Old Course at St. Andrews Links is the most recognizable course in golf, valued for its history, simplicity, and strategic depth. Shaped over centuries on shared common land, the course relies on natural contours rather than constructed features, encouraging players to think carefully about angles, wind, and position. What appears straightforward at first glance often proves demanding once the subtleties of the ground are revealed. Wide fairways invite aggressive play, but hidden challenges quickly emerge through strategic bunkering and large, undulating greens shared by two holes. Holes of note include the par-4 1st which provides a generous opening, easing players into the round before the course gradually increases in complexity. another hole of note is the par-4 17th, the Road Hole, where a blind tee shot over the Old Course Hotel sets up an exacting approach to a green guarded by the famous Road Bunker and stone wall. The par-3 11th, “High,” also stands out, often playing directly into the prevailing wind and demanding a controlled, precise strike. There are 7 double greens, with only the 1st, 9th, 17th, and 18th greens as single greens. Also, of note regarding the greens, if you add the numerical values of each two holes that share a green it adds up to 18, i.e., 2 and 16, 3 and 15, 4 and 14, 5 and 13, 6, and 12, 7 and 11, 8 and 10. The average size of each green is 22,267 square feet. This is significant when compared to the greens at Pebble Beach which average around 3,500 square feet and the greens at Augusta National Golf Club which average around 6,400 square feet. The largest double green – 5 and 13 is over 37,800 square feet. Putting is central to scoring, with these double greens requiring pace and patience from long distances. The Old Course rewards restraint, creativity, and understanding rather than power, delivering an experience that remains timeless and endlessly engaging for golfers at every level.
| Course | Kingsbarns (https://www.kingsbarns.com/) |
| Ranking | #45 World, #7 Scotland (https://www.top100golfcourses.com/) |
| Location | Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland |
| Built | 2000 |
| Architect | Kyle Phillips |
Kingsbarns Golf Links is a modern links course set along the North Sea just south of St. Andrews, designed to feel both natural and welcoming. Opened in 2000, the course was built on reclaimed coastal land and shaped to emphasize wide fairways, firm playing surfaces, and uninterrupted views of the water. While playable for a wide range of golfers, Kingsbarns still asks for thoughtful shot selection, particularly when coastal winds are present. The routing stays close to the sea for much of the round, with several holes offering elevated tee shots and approach views toward the shoreline. The par-3 8th is a standout, playing toward the water with a green that sits diagonally to the line of play, placing a premium on distance control and trajectory. Another highlight is the par-5 12th, where a well-placed tee shot opens options to advance the ball aggressively while keeping coastal hazards in mind. Greens are large and contoured, encouraging creative approaches and allowing players to use the ground to access hole locations. Bunkering is visible and strategic, guiding decisions rather than overwhelming them. Kingsbarns delivers a polished, scenic round that blends modern design with traditional links characteristics, offering a memorable coastal golf experience that complements the historic courses nearby.
| Course | Lundin Golf Club (https://lundingolfclub.co.uk/) |
| Ranking | #33 Scotland (https://www.top100golfcourses.com/) |
| Location | Lundin Links, East Lothian, Scotland |
| Built | 1868 |
| Architect | Old Tom Morris, James Braid |
Lundin Golf Club offers a traditional Scottish links experience along the Fife coast, combining classic design with a relaxed, understated character. Founded in 1868, the course is routed over firm, gently undulating ground where wind, turf conditions, and positioning play a larger role than length. It is a thoughtful, playable layout that rewards control and local knowledge rather than power. The front nine runs inland and provides a steady introduction, with well-placed bunkers encouraging careful decisions from the tee. The par-3 2nd is an early highlight, playing across the estuary to a green that is more exposed than it first appears, particularly when the wind is fresh. As the round turns toward the sea, the course takes on a more traditional links feel. The par-4 12th stands out, running close to the shoreline and asking for a confident drive to set up an approach influenced by both wind and firm ground. Greens throughout the course are modestly sized and subtly contoured, placing an emphasis on accurate approaches and precise putting. Lundin Golf Club delivers an authentic links round—unpretentious, engaging, and firmly rooted in the traditions of coastal Scottish golf.
| Course | Gullane No. 1 (https://gullanegolfclub.com/gullane-no-1/) |
| Ranking | #22 Scotland (https://www.top100golfcourses.com/) |
| Location | Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland |
| Built | 1884 |
| Architect | Willie Park, Jr. |
Gullane No. 1 is a classic Scottish links that combines elevation, strategy, and expansive views across the Firth of Forth. Routed over rolling ground at the base and slopes of Gullane Hill, the course offers a varied test that rewards solid fundamentals and thoughtful positioning. While shorter than many championship layouts, No. 1 relies on wind, contour, and well-placed bunkering to defend par. The opening holes work steadily uphill, culminating in a stretch across the hilltop that provides some of the finest views in East Lothian. The par-4 7th is a standout, playing from an elevated tee to a fairway below, where judging wind and distance is essential to finding the proper angle into the green. Nearby, the par-3 8th requires a controlled iron shot across exposed ground to a green that is particularly sensitive to wind direction. As the course descends, holes become more sheltered but no less strategic. The par-5 16th offers a scoring opportunity, though bunkers and a well-defended green demand restraint on the approach. Throughout the round, firm turf and subtly contoured greens encourage players to keep the ball on the ground when possible. Gullane No. 1 delivers a balanced and engaging links experience, blending scenic elevation changes with traditional Scottish design principles.
| Course | Dunbar Golf Club (https://www.dunbargolfclub.com/) |
| Ranking | #37 Scotland (https://www.top100golfcourses.com/) |
| Location | Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland |
| Built | 1856 |
| Architect | Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers, James Braid |
Dunbar Golf Club is a traditional Scottish links located along the East Lothian coastline, offering a firm, wind-influenced test that reflects the roots of the game. Established in 1856, the course is laid out on narrow strips of land between the town and the Firth of Forth, with the sea in view for much of the round. While not long by modern standards, Dunbar rewards accuracy, sound judgment, and an ability to adapt to changing conditions. The opening holes run inland and provide a measured introduction, allowing players to settle before the course turns toward the coast. The par-4 5th is an early highlight, requiring a well-positioned tee shot to avoid bunkers and set up a demanding approach to a subtly contoured green. As the course reaches the shoreline, holes become more exposed. The par-3 13th stands out, playing directly toward the water and often into the prevailing wind, making club selection critical. Another notable hole is the par-4 14th, where the fairway narrows near the green and rewards a controlled drive placed on the correct side. Greens throughout Dunbar are modestly sized and well protected, emphasizing precision over power. The course delivers an authentic links experience that is challenging, walkable, and deeply rooted in Scottish golf tradition.
| Course | North Berwick West Links (https://www.northberwickgolfclub.com/the_west_links) |
| Ranking | #42 World, #6 Scotland (https://www.top100golfcourses.com/) |
| Location | North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland |
| Built | 1832 |
| Architect | David Strath, Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers, C. K. Hutchison |
The North Berwick West Links is one of the most distinctive and influential links courses in the world, valued for its originality, strategy, and use of natural features. Set along the Firth of Forth, the course relies on firm turf, shared spaces, stone walls, and creative green sites rather than length to challenge golfers. Each hole presents a clear strategic question, rewarding thoughtful positioning and imagination. Several template holes define the experience. The back nine is one of my favorite in golf, starting with the par-4 13th, named the Pit, which requires an accurate tee shot then a forced carry over the stone wall to a skinny green. This challenge is followed by the par-3 15th, the original Redan, the course’s most famous hole, playing to a green angled sharply away from the tee and falling from front right to back left. Success depends on using the contours and landing the ball short, allowing it to feed onto the putting surface. Immediately following is another architectural landmark, the par-4 16th, the Biarritz, featuring a long green split by a deep swale that places a premium on distance control and precise approach play. Throughout the round, blind shots, stone walls, and subtly contoured greens encourage creativity and local knowledge. North Berwick West Links delivers a timeless links experience—engaging, strategic, and endlessly interesting—demonstrating how thoughtful design can remain relevant across generations.