The five Scottish courses I most want to play for the first time

The thing I miss most about golf is Scotland. While I was lucky enough to find myself at The Machrie, on the Isle of Islay, back in late February (how long ago does that seem now?) it remains my sole trip, and round, in Scotland in 2020.

Given it’s now nearly June – and it’s not like I have anything in the diary – that makes me deeply unhappy. To put that into perspective, I managed to visit Scotland eight times in 2018.

So if and when I get chance, I’ll be heading up the M6 (via the cafe at Scotch Corner on the A66, naturally).

My preferred targets are an eclectic bunch, those I have yet to play despite my best efforts when compiling our Scotland list in NCG’s Top 100 rankings and also one course that is not yet open (although it should be).

Please don’t confuse this list with one of the five courses I most want to play in Scotland this year. I’ve tried not to be that obvious – I can’t imagine you’d be especially enlightened by me dribbling on about the Old Course and Muirfield.

Just take it as read that I believe one of the highest forms of human activity yet to be discovered involves tackling any of Scotland’s Open venues.

• Related: Scotland’s Top 100 Golf Courses

Right then, Let’s get cracking.

The Scottish golf courses I most want to play in 2020: Askernish

It’s not easy for me to write these words: I have been to South Uist, in the Outer Hebrides. I have been on the property at Askernish. I have even seen three or four of the holes. I have not, dear reader, played any of them. I know. It’s mad. In my defence, I was on my honeymoon. My (non-golfing) wife had already accepted my absence for a few hours earlier in the holiday while I scurried round Barra. It was all I could do in the circumstances, plus we had a ferry to catch, to have a wander around the property of this rediscovered Old Tom Morris original. And so I am determined to return – and play at least three times to make up for it.

Add to this trip: Any of the many wonderful courses on Hebridean islands – see below for more options.

• Related: Top 100 Fun Golf Courses in GB&I
• Related: Best Golf Courses in the Highlands

Head to the next page where we venture a little further south…