If you’re used to playing golf in the US, then these courses may offer an entirely different experience for you. The wind is softer, the air is fresher, the greens are healthier, and the environment is more laid back and relaxed. In a nutshell, it’s the golfing heaven you have been looking for!

Let’s take a look at the five finest golf courses that Scotland and Northern Ireland have to offer.

  1. First on the list has to be the the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Said to be the oldest golf course in the world, golf was already played here back in the 12th century. In 1854, it was bestowed royal patronage and now, it is the world’s oldest surviving “Royal” golf club. Visiting St. Andrews is like going on a pilgrimage, the history of the place can be almost overwhelming. The golf club also has a Golf Practice Centre which lets you master your golf skills, no matter what age or expertise you have.

    Related websites: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, The R&A (golf’s governing body), The St. Andrews Link Trust

  2. The Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland is home to the oldest golf club, the “The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.” Old Tom Morris designed the course in 1891, and some golf pros consider it the most perfectly laid out course. Three of its golf holes are considered to be among the best in the world. Don’t expect gentle openers at Muirfield, where even the first hole may intimidate you. There are no trees or water hazards, and there is only one blind shot throughout the entire course. The course is ranked 8th in the world by Golf Magazine and a frequent site of championship tournaments like the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, and British Open.
  3. The Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland. It has never hosted an Open Championship due to ever changing winds. However, it has a fantastic landscape, stunning views on each hole, high quality greens, and very much ideal for the average golfer. Some have likened the course to a roller coaster ride due to the elevation changes. It has two outstanding eighteen-hole courses, with five blind tee shots and some greens partially obscured. One must be careful as the slightest misjudgment can send your ball to run off areas.
  4. The Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, site of the first golf tournament in Ireland, boasts the most dramatic entrance. It lies on the seaside with magnificent ocean views and relies on nature for its various hazards. It is said to be one of the most challenging courses that needs a tight driving in order to achieve a decent score. It has two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole pitch & putt course.
  5. The Royal Dornoch in Scotland presents magnificent contours, varying winds, thick rough and large rolling greens kept in prime condition which require a player to plan a careful course management to earn a decent score. With its location on the far north of Scotland, it has a spectacular view of the North Sea and the Sutherland and Ross-shire hills. Plus, being situated only four degrees below the Arctic Circle, one can even play golf on a June evening.