Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Great places for golf If the thrilling US Masters has whetted your appetite, test your prowess in stunning surroundings
Musselburgh
The original home of golf (recorded here in 1672), but this nine-hole links run by the local authority is not exactly top turf and is enclosed by Musselburgh Racecourse. Nostalgia still appeals though. Royal Musselburgh nearby for the serious game. Dates to 1774, fifth-oldest in Scotland. On both you play through history.
Machrihanish
Among the dunes and links of the glorious five-mile stretch of the Machrihanish Beach. The Atlantic provides thunderous applause.
Rosemount
An excellent, pampered and well-managed course in the middle of green Perthshire, an alternative perhaps to Gleneagles, usually easier to get on and rather cheaper.
New Galloway
Local course on south edge of this fine wee toon. Almost all on a slope but affording great views of Loch Ken and the Galloway Forest behind. No bunkers and only nine short holes, some steep, but exhilarating play.
Elgin
Many memorable holes on moorland/ parkland course in an area where links may lure you to the coast at Nairn or Lossiemouth.
Askernish
Superb Hebridean dunes and machair course first laid out by Tom Morris in 1891, rescued and reopened in 2008. “One of the most natural golf courses in the world”. Three miles north of Lochboisdale, half a mile from A865 to the sea.
Elie
Splendid open links kept in top condition; can be windswept. The starter has his famous periscope and may be watching you. Adjacent nine-hole course, often busy with kids, is fun.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99