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Top 5 courses for a luxury ladies’ golf trip in Scotland

Although it has a reputation for being a man’s sport, golf has also been a great sport for women. Ladies have been playing golf since it was popularized 500 years ago. In fact, Mary Queen of Scots is considered the mother of golf, and played often to release the stress of trying to claim her throne. She was once suspected of the murder of her husband because she went to play a round too soon after his untimely death. Of course, some courses still forbid women to play, and there are some where women are allowed but may not feel totally comfortable. As an expert in planning the perfect golf adventure for men and women alike, I’ve compiled a list of the best courses for a luxury ladies’ golf getaway in Scotland. Cruden Bay Golf Club Designed by Old Tom Morris of St. Andrews fame, Cruden Bay’s Championship Course is a classic Scottish links that does not disappoint. Thanks to its remote location, Cruden Bay is often uncrowded, allowing players of all levels to play at their own pace. The green (forward) tees will give you about 5,300 yards — while still providing challenging bunkers and gorgeous sea views. The nearby village is also home to an extremely charming hotel, the Kilmarnock Arms, where Bram Stoker was inspired to write Dracula, thanks to a full view of the New Slains Castle. Gleneagles If your ladies’ weekend goal includes golf, a spa, and a luxurious hotel, look no further than Gleneagles. Known as “the Riviera of the Highlands”, this country estate has been a getaway for the well-heeled since 1924. They’re also hosting the 2019 Solheim Cup, which will bring added attention to the course. The PGA Centenary Course is a beautiful, challenging course, as well as a former Ryder Cup host, whose red (forward) tees offer just over 5,300 yards of play. Gleneagles offers three championship courses overall, plus two renowned 19th holes, as well as the aforementioned spa to make for a perfect getaway for the golf-loving ladies in your life. Royal Dornoch Golf Club A must-play natural links course in the Scottish Highlands, the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch has been known for its beauty and difficulty of play since 1616. The design of the current course is attributed to Old Tom Morris, which adds to its appeal as a traditional Scottish links course. Royal Dornoch also has a history of providing ample opportunities for women to play; the sister Struie Course was originally a 12-hole course meant just for ladies.The village of Royal Dornoch is another remote yet charming seaside town that provides a nice escape from city life. For the whisky lovers in your group, Glenmorangie Distillery is a mere four miles away, too. Kingsbarns Golf Links A short seven miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns is a memorable links course stretching along nearly two miles of North Sea coastline. The course hosted the 2017 Ricoh Women’s British Open, and provides a stunning variety regardless of your group’s overall abilities. Unlike some of the top Scottish courses, Kingsbarns doesn’t have a handicap restriction, and that plus the ease of play from the forward tees allows less experienced players a chance to play a true links course. Also, St. Andrews provides an excellent place to stay nearby for shopping, dining and luxury accommodations. Castle Stuart Golf Links The picturesque Castle Stuart, which gives the course its name, overlooks this Highlands links course, and the resort includes a small luxury hotel and spa. Other notable landmarks such as the Kessock Bridge, Chanonry Lighthouse, and Fort George are all visible from the seaside holes, making this the sort of course where you get your sightseeing in while teeing off. The course itself is much newer than most of the links courses in Scotland, having opened in 2009, but golf lovers will note that the course is a welcome return to golf as it was originally intended: leisurely and surrounded by nature. Ravi Coutinho is Founder and Lead Golf Travel Expert at Worldwide Golf Adventures. Worldwide Golf Adventures is a luxury golf tour operator that arranges custom golf vacations for clients around the world. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Ravi Coutinho

Ravi Coutinho is the founder of Worldwide Golf Adventures, a golf travel tour operator committed to providing personalized golf trips for individuals and groups to bucket-list destinations. His customers enjoy custom golf itineraries that include exciting side-trips to cultural attractions and stays in some of the best locations in the world. Ravi played golf at university and is an avid traveler himself.

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10 Comments

  1. Ladies – golf on a link’s course in Scotland may well provide more breathtaking landscape views than you have ever seen before on a golf course. The trouble is that the golf may well be very different to anything else that you have ever played.

    On a clear calm day you might find the pars easy and the stroke index rating amusing. Then within half an hour the course can turn. Vicious squally winds will blow up, twisting and turning, making some holes nigh on impossible if you are looking for a Par. On a links course you’re playing the weather gods as well as the course.

    1. Playing these windy courses takes a different mentality and a different set of tactics. Keep the ball low. When you are close to the green don’t loft a wedge, just scud an 8 iron into the green. It’s a different ball game but very enjoyable.

  2. I was interested to read of golf courses for women but the writer failed to add some even better ones, namely the wall to wall scenic course on the Isle of Eriska, just south of Oban. The hotel of same name has a restaurant of award winning standard.

    Also in the grounds of Cameron House and the Carrick Hotel on the shores of the beautiful Loch Lomond at Alexandria with Ben Lomond as the back drop. The hotel has excellent restaurants leisure and spa facilities as well as self catering lodges.

    I do not represent these establishments only have enjoyed them as a female guest.

    I am sure there are plenty more to boot .

    1. There are so many wonderful courses in Scotland — I wanted to keep this list short or I would have gone on forever. Maybe we’ll have to submit a follow up with even more?

  3. Scotland’s golf courses definitely pose difficult golfing conditions which puts a lot of strain on your back and shoulders, walking round is also wearing on the feet. Strong winds can dry out the skin. It is really fabulous if you’ve got a top quality spa at your hotel to repair and make good all the damage to your body.

    1. I couldn’t agree more! A good massage (and a bubbly spa bath) are a perfect antidote to all the work a day on the links puts your body through.

  4. golf is amazing game, you can explore more about your capacity and strength by this sport. These golf clubs are really good about how to teach. Thanks for posting such an amazing article.

  5. I’ve got to admit that I really am the ultimate definition of a fair weather golfer and I’m back from a 5 day golf break to Spain. To be honest it will be another month or two before I would consider playing in Scotland. But my point is how much good a golfing break does for your golf. Playing consistently develops your swing and you also learn a lot from other golfers too. I picked up a lot of good tips on short chips. The problem was that my feet ached, even tough we had golf carts, so I would have loved to have a spa to treat my problems.

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