The most underrated course in Scotland? Here’s what our experts say
The Kings Course at Gleneagles is a former longtime stop on the European Tour.
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GOLF’s Top 100 course panelists are among the most respected and well-traveled course evaluators in the game. They’re also keen to share their opinions. In this GOLF.com series, we unlock their unvarnished views on all questions course-related. Check out GOLF’s latest Top 100 Courses in the U.S., Top 100 Courses in the World, Top 100 Courses You Can Play, Best Municipal Courses in the U.S. and 100 Best Short Courses.
What’s the most underrated golf course in Scotland, and why?
Hindrik Gommer, panelist since 2015: For only 55 pounds, you can play Aberdour Golf Club, on the cliffs of the Firth of Forth. This par 67 goes back to 1896. At 5,447 yards, it is not long by today’s standards. But you will enjoy your round and some of the best views in Scotland. If you’re making the pilgrimage to Machrihanish, make sure to play Dunaverty Golf Club. For less than 20 pounds, you won’t find a finer links experience.
Simon Holt, panelist since 2019: When traveling up the spine of the country from Edinburgh to Inverness, don’t sleep on the Kings Course at Gleneagles. It has all the old-world charm you could ask for, set in stunning foothills as you make your way to the Highlands. I know you all came for links golf, but this is a great way to break up that drive. If I can be greedy and suggest a links course too, then it has to be Dunbar. Barely 20 minutes from North Berwick, it will take your breath away. Bargain greens fees, stunning location and a warm welcome. On top of that, it has a handful of holes that hold their own in the most competitive of golfing neighborhoods.
Philip Gawith, panelist since 2019: I second Simon on Gleneagles. Visitors tend to focus on links when traveling to the UK, but this is one of the very best inland courses anywhere, oozing with Scottish atmosphere, in a fabulous mountainous setting, with a great mixture of quirk and challenge.
Tim Gallant, panelist since 2019: At the moment, it has to be the Kings Course at Gleneagles. Once a regular stop on the European Tour, this course has somehow fallen out of favor with golf’s Illuminati as the masses flock to the seaside links. But the Kings is the best inland course in Scotland, and worth a special trip.
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