The new NCG Top 100s: Scotland list has just been announced for 2026, but what would each of our panellists say is their favourite region?
All four corners of Scotland, and plenty more besides, are home to some stunning golfing layouts. Links courses line the outer edges of the nation, while inland tracks use topography rather than the coastline to illustrate design and intrigue.
We have plenty of lists to localise the hundreds of courses around Scotland, all of which encapsulate the spirit and essence of golf in those regions.
What do our panellists think? They all will have played different courses, and still want to play others. Will they choose the north, or the south; the east, or the west? Find out here….
Which section of Scotland would our panellists choose as their favourite region?
Jim Marshall: North Berwick is my wee paradise. Quirky links and views to make a grown Scot ‘greet’.
Chris Myatt: Argyll and the Western Isles, as the journey is part of the golf experience
Craig Morrison: Kintyre. The pipes and drums on the beach. Paul. Linda. Carry me back to the days I knew then. (And the golf too).
Charles Abraham: Aberdeen – great courses.
Lewis Marr: Ayrshire
David Walker: Moray and Sutherland – great variation with some world-class courses and wonderful scenery.
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If you venture even further up north, a place some are hesitant to go, you might just find the best area in Scotland.
Greg Webber: Golf in the Highlands is spectacular
Hugh Masson: The Highlands. So peaceful and stunning. The only regret is not being able to spend more time up there
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Phil Bedford: Highlands
Paul Watson: The Northwest Highlands, due to its dramatic scenery and atmospheric aura
Oliver Baker: Highlands
Michael Verity: Inverness and the Highlands
David Elliott: The Highlands. It was my first visit this year, and I will definitely return
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Some regions in Scotland garner the most attention for their range of top golf courses…
Michael Atkinson: East Lothian – it is a part of Scotland that is simply awash with some of the most beautiful golf courses. Over 20 courses of exceptional quality and fame within a 30-mile stretch.
Neil White: East Lothian, but it’s a close-run thing.
David Fox: East Lothian
Chris Griffiths: East Lothian. Golfing heaven.
Craig Redston: East Lothian
Ian Woods: Fife – So many greats to choose from.
Jim Banting: Fife/St. Andrews – so many great and varied courses.
Peter Rudd: Fife – so many great courses including St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Also rains less than in most other areas of Scotland.
Andi White: Fife – so many spectacular golf courses
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Sometimes, though, there are so many good options that it is impossible to narrow them down.
Dove Jones: Like picking your favourite child – love them all.
Ed Battye: Can I say all of them? If I have to pick one, I will go with the obvious and choose St. Andrews.
Steve Watton: Most areas of Scotland provide amazing options for golf, but many courses are getting so expensive. I recommend the east coast north of Inverness, the Highlands, and the west coast and islands.
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Listen to the NCG Top 100s Podcast
Now have your say
What is your favourite region when it comes to golf in Scotland? Where have you visited before on a golf trip? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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