GLASGOW AND SURROUNDS

Add Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Stirling & Clackmannan to this vibrant city and you have a wealth of varied experiences

We would not dispute that this is a large area to cover but it is also blessed with good transport links, and if you felt inclined to play its top 10 on one trip, you definitely wouldn’t feel as if you were constantly driving.

Loch Lomond (1) is the star of the show, north-west of Glasgow on the shores of the famous water, and while it is not easily accessible, the rest are. This is quietly an outstanding golf break.

2 LANARK

A sandy links-like experience in the centre of Scotland due to the glacial sands it was built on. In excellent condition and packed with funky holes and fun greens.

3 GLENBERVIE

One of the better parklands in Scotland with well-placed bunkers and both subtle and significant slopes on the greens.

4 KILMACOLM

A lovely example of a James Braid moorland making best use of terrain – we hope they manage the gorgeous heather to keep it aesthetically pleasing yet playable.

5 EAST RENFREWSHIRE

Another James Braid course which makes best use of the moorland terrain. Some thinning of trees would enhance the overall moorland feel, but a lovely experience nonetheless.

6 THE CARRICK

Like Loch Lomond it shares a sensational setting and although trees limit some views, the 14th and 15th are absolutely majestic.

7 RANFURLY CASTLE

Another quality moorland with fast-sloping greens to challenge the best and stunning views from high ground.

8 PAISLEY

Substantial investment has improved bunkering and overall

condition, however to be higher listed it needs to implement a tree-thinning programme and replant heather to return it to its more natural moorland feel.

9 CATHKIN BRAES

The first five moorland holes get the excitement up but then move to a more parkland feel before a strong finish back on a moorland phase.

10 ALLOA

Plenty of elevation changes due to its landscape, this is a very underrated 1935 course by James Braid in the estate of Schawpark House.

11 CAWDER

This is a course in fantastic condition and with the River Kelvin impinging on holes. A touch more variety and it would be top 10.

12 GLASGOW KILLERMONT

Drive into Killermont and it seems like you’re no longer in Glasgow. The creation of Old Tom Morris.

13 MAR HALL

Excellent layout with scenic waterside location. Fine resort golf.

14 HAGGS CASTLE

Good enough to host the European Tour in the ’80s, a very solid parkland in excellent condition.

15 CARDROSS

A fantastic finishing hole in this Dunbartonshire parkland that is consistently good.

THE NEXT 10

16 Stirling, 17 Strathaven, 18 Hilton Park, 19 Pollok, 20 Whitecraigs, 21 Falkirk Tryst, 22 Bothwell Castle, 23 Buchanan Castle, 24 Dunblane New, 25 Milngavie. Read about these courses at todaysgolfer.co.uk

ALSO RECOMMENDED

Falkirk, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Muckhart, Carluke, Bonnyton, Balmore, Renfrew, Cawder (Keir).