There is no golf destination that rivals Scotland's rich mix of history and championship pedigree. St. Andrews gave birth to the game of golf centuries ago, and the British Open was founded at Prestwick Golf Club in 1860, when Willie Park won on a what was then a 12 hole golf course.
Today, Scotland is one of the most golf-saturated countries in the world. There is at least one club in every village. Around St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife, golf is the lifeline. It makes for an unforgettable links getaway and for many remains their ultimate golf pilgrimage.
Other century-old links that play host to the British Open include Turnberry, Royal Troon, Carnoustie and Muirfield. But Scotland hasn't rested on its laurels, either. It's added many worthy golf courses since the 1990s, like Kingsbarns Golf Links just seven miles from St. Andrews, and 2014 Ryder Cup Host Gleneagles is a modern, Jack Nicklaus parkland.
Here's a look at some of the best of Scotland golf at TravelGolf.com ...
Whinny Brae at Royal Dornoch
Royal Dornoch Golf Club is Scotland's most famous golf links to never host a British Open.
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Kingsbarns in St. Andrews
Scotland isn't all 19th century links. Kingsbarns Golf Links, seven miles from St. Andrews, is a modern compliment to the Kingdom of Fife.
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Old Course, St. Andrews
Still considered one of the world's true "must plays," the Old Course in St. Andrews' finishing hole is one of the most recognizable in golf.
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Royal Aberdeen in Scotland
The world's sixth oldest golf club, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, anchors a dramatic northwest coastline in Scotland.
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The Ailsa Course at Turnberry
Often described as Scotland's most picturesque golf course, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry will also host the 2009 British Open.
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New Course at St. Andrews
Perhaps golf's most famous second fiddle: The 19th century New Course at St. Andrews lies right next to the famous Old Course in St. Andrews.
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Bass Rock
North Berwick Golf Club in East Lothian's most famous landmark: the enormous Bass Rock just off the coastline.
Courtesy photo
Duke's Course in St. Andrews - hole 3
St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife aren't all historic links. The new Duke's course a mile away sits in the hillside above town.
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The Carrick at Cameron House
Just down the road from Loch Lomond Country Club is the brand new Carrick Course, which lies beneath the Ben Lomond mountain.
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King's at Gleneagles
While the PGA Centenary Course will host the 2014 Ryder Cup, many consider James Braid's King's Course to be the best.
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Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
Just around the corner from most championship links lies a lesser-known but enjoyable local club like Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, just minutes from Nairn Golf Club in the Highlands of Scotland.
Courtesy of the Nairn Initiative
Carnoustie Championship Course
Carnoustie Championship Course has become a Scotland "must-play" after Jean Van De Velde's 1999 British Open collapse. Now every touring golfer wants to take a crack at Carnoustie's infamous 18th hole.
Brandon Tucker/WorldGolf.com
Jason Scott Deegan:
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