Scotland

Home to around 575 clubs, the country is packed with premium links and an inland topography of spectacular extremes

- Rob Smith

From rugged moorland to snow-capped peaks and dense forest to pastoral river valleys, Scotland is home to a fabulous array of golf, both on the mainland and out on its islands. Its golfing hotspots include East Lothian, also known as Scotland’s Golf Coast, which boasts three Top 100 courses, five Next 100 courses, including the brilliant Fidra at Archerfield, and a host of slightly more modest but hugely fun golf you may not have heard of.

Fife is packed with some of the biggest names in golf, such as the treasure chest of courses at St Andrews, the very best modern pay-and-plays at Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie Links and timeless classics such as Elie and Lundin.

Over on the west coast, Ayrshire is home to a pair of current and recent Open hosts: Royal Troon, which will stage this year’s championship, and Turnberry, which is simply one of the best courses in the world. Again, the supporting cast is impeccable and there are seven courses in the Top 200, as well as terrific links such as West Kilbride and Gailes Links.