As part of their extensive survey for the Top 100s: Scotland list, our panel of golf experts ventured across the country, prompting a fascinating question: which Scottish golf course boasts the most spectacular view?
Scotland’s natural landscape, particularly its dramatic coastline, often provides views so magnificent they could almost overshadow the game itself. However, when these breathtaking backdrops perfectly frame a world-class golf course, the experience becomes truly unforgettable.
Given the sheer beauty of Scotland, pinpointing a single, standout view proved to be an incredibly challenging task for our panellists.
So, which Scottish golf views captivated our experts the most? Numerous courses and specific vantage points were frequently highlighted.
Panelists Share Their Top Scottish Golf Views
A multitude of exceptional golf courses across Scotland received praise from our panellists when it came to their most cherished golfing vistas:
- David Fox: “From the 18th at Castle Stuart Golf Links, you gaze over the shimmering Moray Firth, with holes 10-12 unfolding below and the elegant clubhouse standing proud in the distance.”
- Jim Marshall: “Turnberry’s Ailsa Course – The iconic lighthouse and spectacular views everywhere.”
- Craig Redston: “The benches outside the pro shop at Muirfield.”
- Peter Rudd: “The view from the 12th tee at Kingsbarns is exceptional. With the sea as a backdrop, the hole winds its way along the coast to a well-bunkered green.”
- Craig Morrison: “From the highest points at Greenock Golf Club: through the Clyde Valley to Glasgow; across kyles and mountains; and out over islands to the Western Approaches.”
Certain views and courses resonated strongly, earning multiple mentions from the panel, warranting their own special recognition.
Gullane No.1
- Jim Banting: “Gullane No.1 – 7th tee with a view over so many great courses.”
- Chris Myatt: “The 7th tee at Gullane. It’s golf in nearly every direction.”
- Michael Atkinson: “From the tee box of the 7th hole on Gullane No 1, with views behind towards Muirfield and ahead towards Craigielaw and Kilspindie and all the way across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.”
Cruden Bay
- Ian Woods: “9th tee box at Cruden Bay. Breathless while making the steep climb from the 8th green, you’re praying it’s worth it. It is. Spectacular.”
- Neil White: “From the back tee of the 9th at Cruden Bay. Climbing the hill is more than worth it.”
- Lewis Marr: “Walking from the car park at Cruden Bay around the clubhouse to the view of the golf course.”
- Charles Abraham: “The view towards Slain Castle from the 9th tee at Cruden Bay.”
The ‘Home of Golf’ undeniably commands its own section, given the revered history of its hallowed grounds.
St Andrews
- Michael Verity: “As the town of St Andrews gradually comes back into focus, making your way for home on the back nine of the Old Course.”
- Ed Battye: “The approaching and nearing view of St. Andrews as you play the closing stretch on the Old, New & Jubilee courses.”
- Chris Griffiths: “Surely the 18th at St. Andrews. Historic!”
- Paul Watson: “Hole 18 The Old Course. The view from the tee of the Swilcan Bridge, the R&A clubhouse, the Hamilton Grand, and Rusacks to the right.”
Sometimes, the abundance of choices makes it impossible to pick just one, or a simple phrase encapsulates the feeling.
- Dove Jones: “The hole I am currently playing – again, I have too many to choose.”
- Oliver Baker: “North Berwick.”
- Phil Bedford: “The Jigger Inn.”
- Steve Watton: “From the 4th green at Shiskine.”
- David Elliott: “So hard to pick one! Would probably have to plump for the view across and from the 12th at Elie. Reminiscent of Pebble Beach!”
- Hugh Masson: “The 10th tee at Royal Dornoch. Could pick any number, but the view back down the 9th, out into sea and to the 10th green is a sight for sore eyes.”
- David Walker: “11th tee at Ardfin with the famous halfway house and the Sound of Islay in the background.”
- Andi White: “Kilspindie – the views across the sea were spectacular.”
- Greg Webber: “On the 14th tee at Boat of Garten, you can look out over the Spey and into the Cairngorms National Park.”
- Stu Bennett: “7th Championship Course at Dornoch, looking back down from the tee over the course, stunning.”