Our panel have played plenty of courses ahead of compiling the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list – but what do they think is the best hole?
When talking about the best holes that the country has to offer, what gets taken into account? What do our panellists look for?
Is it sand dunes, heather, or even the appearance of water that makes a great hole? Or is it the topography of the land and the subtle undulations you will face as you play it?
But what do our panellists think? There are over 550 golf courses in Scotland, so there are plenty to choose from.
What is the best hole in Scotland, according to our panel?
David Fox: Castle Stuart – 3rd. A superb short par 4 offering endless options off the tee, dotted with quirky bunkers and a sloped green framed by the Moray Firth along the right.
Ian Woods: 14th at Cruden Bay. I don’t normally like blind shots into greens – especially when playing for the first time. But the layout and the proximity to the sea make this unforgettable.
Greg Webber: For sheer fun value, the 9th at Covesea. Only 100 yards long but played to a tiny, saddle-shaped green, which sits at an angle.
Chris Myatt: The new 7th hole at Royal Dornoch. An infinity green visible from the tee with gorse flanking the fairway and views across the Dornoch Firth.
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Hugh Masson: The 3rd at Murcar. Plenty of options with the double fairway, but none are easy! The terrain can be friend or foe on the approach, and bunkers await.
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Ed Battye: Askernish (9th) – the ultimate in options, strategy, beauty and challenge.
Neil White: Turnberry Ailsa‘s ninth – the lighthouse, the gorge, the drama.
Charles Abraham: The Postage Stamp at Royal Troon – shows that par 3s don’t have to be long.
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A number of venues received the plaudits from our panel, all for different holes…
Paul Watson: Hole 14 Carnoustie “Spectacles”. I love it for its risk and reward nature, and weirdly, because it has never been kind to me yet!!
David Walker: 6th Carnoustie
Michael Verity: 12th at Muirfield. Understated, strategic brilliance. An ideal hole
Jim Marshall: No. 18 at Muirfield – it is just magical
Lewis Marr: 2nd hole at North Berwick.
Chris Griffiths: 15th at North Berwick
Craig Redston: Any of the last six at North Berwick would do
Oliver Baker: 14th North Berwick
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And some holes received multiple mentions…
Jim Banting: 10th at Turnberry – amazing use of the coastal features
Peter Rudd: Hole 10 Turnberry – a long and difficult par 5 with incredible sea views as a backdrop
Stu Bennett: 14th at Royal Dornoch (Championship), A draw from the tee and then a high fade to the wonderful plateau green.
Steve Watton: 14th Royal Dornoch
Craig Morrison: Foxy – Royal Dornoch
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It will come as no surprise that some of our panellists agreed on an infamous par-four as the best hole in Scotland.
Michael Atkinson: The 17th of the Old Course, St Andrews. Intimidating with the drive over the railway sheds, the infamous bunker, the road, and the wall. Iconic.
Andi White: St Andrews – Road Hole 17 over the hotel. It needs nerve and accuracy. Fantastic.
David Elliott: Again, the “Road Hole” probably has to take that title. For all the reasons mentioned above, plus the iconic thoughts, memories and conversations it provokes.
Phil Bedford: 17th Old Course
Listen to the NCG Top 100s Podcast
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Now have your say
Would you agree with our panellists? What do you think is the best hole in Scotland? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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