Scotland’s Oldest Clubs

The Best Historical Golf Holiday Destinations in Scotland

Regarded by many as the heartland of the game, Scotland is home to some of the world’s oldest golf clubs.

Listing the oldest clubs and courses in the World or in Scotland is difficult because of the lack of records and the care needed with definition. For example, Royal Burgess is generally accepted as the oldest Golf Society in Scotland, dating to 1732, but they moved their location and so the oldest course continually played is Musselburgh, which dates to 1774.

Here are some of the oldest recorded clubs or courses that we would recommend you play today.

The Musselburgh Old Course, 1672

The Musselburgh Old Course holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest golf course in the world. Close to Edinburgh, it has great transport links. It is a simple nine-hole course that is surrounded by the famous Musselburgh race course.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, 1744

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers have called Muirfield home since 1891. 16 Open Championships have been played on the 18 hole course during that time – as well as 11 Amateur Championships.

Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, 1754

Evolving from a small club to one with over 2,500 members worldwide, this is one of the most popular courses in the world. Overlooking the Old Course, an Open Championship venue, it’s not hard to see why.

Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, 1761

Recognised as the fourth oldest club in the world and one of the finest too, the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society is a must-visit destination for any golfer. As well as a stunning course, it boasts an incredible restaurant too.

Fraserburgh Golf Club, 1777

Fraserburgh Golf Club is situated on the Aberdeenshire coast, amidst some stunning natural scenery. With sand dunes, sea views and some truly spectacular holes, it’s a course that looks and plays like no other.

The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, 1780

The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is home to some of the more challenging courses in Scotland – making it a great choice for the more experienced player. These players have been visiting the club at its current home in Balgownie for over a century.

Crail Golfing Society, 1786

Crail Golfing Society prides itself on its world-renowned courses Balcomie Links and Craighead Links. These combine spectacular views with equally spectacular holes, for a golfing experience that’s challenging and enjoyable in equal measure.

Glasgow Golf Club, 1787

Glasgow Golf Club is one of Scotland’s most famous golfing venues. One of their courses, Gailes Links, is a qualifying venue for the Open, while their other course, Killermont, is just a fifteen minute drive from the centre of Glasgow.

The Dunbar Golf Club, 1794

The Dunbar Golf Club is regarded as one of the best in the country, thanks to its challenging course and incredible scenery. It’s been visited by many greats of the game as well as countless enthusiasts from all over the world.

Montrose Golf Club, 1810

Montrose Golf Club offers a fantastic course and crucially, reliable playing conditions all year round. The Medal and Broomfield links offer golfers a testing 36 hole experience. You’ll find a warm welcome in one of the three clubhouses too.

Scotscraig Golf Club, 1817

Scotscraig Golf Club is suited in the traditional home of the sport, close to St. Andrews. As well as an exceptional course, there’s a museum – perfect if you’re as interested in the history of golf as you are playing it.

Carnoustie Golf Links, 1850

Carnoustie Golf Links has an impressive pedigree – it has hosted seven Open Championships, one Ladies Open and one Seniors Open. The Open is due to return here in 2018, so it’s a must for serious golfers.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club, 1877

Voted No.6 in the world and No.1 in Scotland by Golf Digest 2014, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club is loved by golfers of all ages. The Struie Course is ideal for families, and you can expect a warm, relaxed and traditional Highland welcome.

Which one will you choose?

If you’re planning a Scottish golf vacation, then a visit to one of these legendary golfing venues is a must. You’ll be able to take in some stunning scenery, walk in the steps of some golfing legends and most importantly, relax and reconnect with the sport that you love. Why not allow us to be your golf tour guide?

See our golf tour reviews and contact us today to book.