It’s a long and arduous process to get to the point where we publish a new NCG Top 100s list, and this time, it’s Scotland – but what were our panellists’ highlights?
There are some stunning golf courses in Scotland, with beautiful seaside links venues, along with inland parkland layouts.
There is so much diversity when it comes to golf in Scotland, and it is all close enough together to get the full experience.
But what did our panellists think? They all will have played different courses, so all of their high points will be different, or will they…?
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What were our panellists’ highlights from their trips to Scotland?
Jim Marshall: Western Gailes was the highlight of my 2025 season. Golfing heaven. A complete joy.
Hugh Masson: Playing Royal Dornoch. A symphony of golf.
Phil Bedford: Tain was firm, fast and fun.
Jim Banting: Turnberry Ailsa
Craig Redston: Lunching at Muirfield takes some beating
Steve Watton: Last year, I played several courses I expected to be great, and my expectations were realised. However, if I had to choose one standout course which exceeded, it would have to be The Machrie.
David Elliot: Elie. The course had gone under the radar for me, and I was absolutely enamoured by the whole experience.
Chris Griffiths: North Berwick was by far my favourite. What a course. Everything about it – marvellous.
David Walker: Returning to Panmure for the first time in 30 years.
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For many, it was the joy of finally playing a course that they hadn’t managed to get to before!
Chris Myatt: Discovering The Machrie. Every hole offered something different to consider, and the views were unrivalled.
Oliver Baker: Seeing Dumbarnie for the first time, a fine 36-hole day at Muirfield with all the trimmings, a fun nine holes with friends at Portmahomack.
Peter Rudd: Playing some courses I have never previously visited, including Ladybank, Leven Links, Prestwick St Nicholas and the New Course at Trump Aberdeen.
Dove Jones: Finally getting out to Peterhead & Fraserburgh
Michael Atkinson: Experiencing Machrihanish Dunes for the first time in the most glorious spring sunshine. A modern links of outstanding quality. Beautiful views. Towering dunes. Exquisite layout and course quality.
Craig Morrison: Finally making it to far-flung Askernish. For the first few holes, I was puzzled; thereafter, mind-blown.
Ed Battye: Discovering the hidden gem that is Kilmacolm. A sporty moorland course with some excellent holes and a great routing.
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It was always going to be a highlight wasn’t it? For some, it was all about the ‘Home of Golf’!
Charles Abraham: First tee time of the day on a gorgeous spring morning at the Old Course.
Ian Woods: Coming up the 18th on the Old Course, breathing in the history and the familiar views. Shooing tourists away from the Swilcan Bridge to get the obligatory photo. Having a birdie putt (missed it!).
Andi White: Playing St Andrews Old Course and getting an eagle on the second hole, followed by cheers and clapping from people on the hotel balcony.
Lewis Marr: Successful in the ballot for the Old Course, Castle Course and Old Course reversed. Playing the Old Course in reverse was an experience that will live long in the memory.
Neil White: It may seem too obvious, but St. Andrews Old Course. It fulfilled a childhood dream and exceeded every expectation. The famous holes, the quirks, the shared greens. A lifetime memory.
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And for some, it isn’t just about one venue they have been to, it is about much more than that on their travels throughout Scotland…
Paul Watson: The variety of links, dunes, parkland, heathland and moorland courses played each with their own individuality and history. Meeting the members, proud of their courses and… glorious Scottish weather!!
Greg Webber: Once again, it is the passion for, and pride in, their course that people have. Also, the ongoing work to continue to improve courses is terrific to see
David Fox: My highlight was the stunning variety of Scottish golf. Rugged links in wild winds to serene parkland courses nestled in the mountains.
Stu Bennett: The welcome received at all courses, playing in opens or for NCG visits, has been fantastic
Michael Verity: The people you meet at these great golf clubs add so much extra to the experience
Listen to the NCG Top 100s Podcast
NOW READ: Which Scottish courses surprised our panellists?
NOW READ: Which courses have the best greens?
NOW READ: What was the hardest hole our panellists played in Scotland?
Now have your say
What are your memories of playing golf in Scotland? Do you have any highlights from playing courses on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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