When you think of golf in Scotland, you picture links courses – wild, windy, shaped by the sea. But Scotland also offers parkland golf, delivering an entirely different experience. Playing both reveals the full story of Scottish golf and makes any trip a complete journey for true enthusiasts.

Links Golf – The DNA of the Game

Links courses are the game’s oldest form, carved naturally from sandy coastal dunes, shaped by wind and weather.

• St Andrews Old Course – the “Home of Golf”
• Carnoustie – host of The Open and one of the toughest links in the world
• Royal Troon, Turnberry, Muirfield – legendary Open venues

Key features: firm fairways, pot bunkers, unpredictable wind, minimal trees and sweeping sea views.

Parkland Golf – Elegance in Nature

Parkland courses sit inland, surrounded by woodlands, rivers and manicured landscapes. They are greener, calmer and demand precision shot-making.

• Gleneagles – luxury resort, Ryder Cup 2014 host
• Blairgowrie – famous for pine-lined fairways and pristine greens
• Dalmahoy & Perthshire courses – where history meets natural beauty

Key features: tree-lined holes, water hazards, lush fairways and classical park settings.

Why Experience Both?

• Links golf showcases the raw origins of the game – adapting to nature and strategizing against the wind.
• Parkland golf provides contrast – tranquility, aesthetics and technical shot-making.

ParadeGolf Recommendation

The ultimate Scottish golf trip combines both styles:

• 3 days of links (St Andrews, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns)
• 2 days of parkland (Gleneagles, Blairgowrie)
• Luxury hotels, private transfers, concierge services

This balance allows golfers to understand why Scotland is called the world’s ultimate golf destination.