Argyll and Bute are one of the most scenic regions of Scotland, boasting a stunning coastline and fantastic Inner Hebrides Isles like the Isle of Jura and Isle of Mull. The rolling landscapes and cliffs are also an ideal foundation for golf courses, of which Argyll and Bute have many avid players to try their hand at. Best of all, Argyll and Bute is just north of the bustling city of Glasgow.
If you’re looking for Scottish golf courses that offer the very best views as you tee off, then take a look no further than these Argyll and Bute golf courses.
Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club
Machrihanish Dunes is often called the most natural golf course in the world. It’s a links course that doesn’t shy away from using the natural bumps and dunes to its advantage, making it seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape. There’s truly nothing like a game on this beautiful course in Kintyre.
The golf course was designed by the great grandfather of golf, Old Tom Morris, who saw the potential for a stunning course in this rugged corner of Scotland. Machrihanish features 18 holes that stretch just over 7,000 yards – giving you plenty of chances to let loose for a long shot or two. But this course’s most attractive feature is the diverse range of approaches you can take, with no two rounds at Machrihanish Dunes ever being the same.
If you’re travelling through Bute, Argyll, and beyond, then make sure to pencil Machrihanish into your to-do list. You can play along this course for £100 during its peak season (April to October), which drops to £70 during the off-season.
Dunaverty Golf Club
Dunaverty Golf Club sits just south of Campbell town, with both Northern Ireland, Firth of Clyde, and the Isle of Arran serving as a backdrop to its excellent course. Golfers can expect not only great views but also a devilishly tricky green for new and experienced players alike.
Dunaverty is another links course that uses the natural landscape to create a dynamic and picturesque course that’s regularly visited by local birds and sea creatures. Although Dunaverty’s course is generally shorter than most, covering 4,800 yards, the erratic wind and weather will keep you on your toes throughout.
Reviews of Dunaverty frequently call it a hidden gem amongst Argyll & Bute golf courses, so don’t pass up an opportunity to tee off on this course. Green fees during peak season cost £40 per round, an affordable price for the area.
Ardfin
Hopping over to the Isle of Jura, golfers will find plenty to get excited about at Ardfin – both a luxury 5-star estate and a golf course designed by the famed Bob Harrison. Hugging the southern tip of Jura’s coastline, Ardfin is a testament that great golf courses can harmonise with their natural surroundings and be better for it.
You can expect 18 holes that match the rugged and untamed landscape of Jura, with fewer bunkers and more staggering cliffsides. There are many notable holes at Ardfin, with the 10th hole being of particular note – you shoot from bluff to bluff in a truly herculean fashion. This golf course on the Isle of Jura is quite unlike any other in the region and needs to be played at least once.
Glencruitten Golf Club
Oban is a port town that acts as a gateway to the beautiful Inner Hebrides like the Isle of Islay and the Isle of Mull, but before you voyage through these Scottish Isles, don’t forget to play a round at Glencruitten Golf Club.
Glencruitten Golf Club is situated on the outskirts of Oban and is one of James Braid’s hidden gems. The course is very much attuned to the natural landscape, with towering Caledonian Pines and fauna paying frequent visits to the immaculately kept course.
Bute Golf Club
If you’re looking for a shorter golf course and still leave room for sightseeing, then tackling the beautiful Bute Golf Club is a superb choice. This scenic green is nestled in the Island of Bute, a few minutes south of Rothesay.
Bute’s course is one of the oldest in the region, opened in 1888 and designed by the esteemed David Cuthbert. While this is only a 9-hole course, it is still a fun challenge with many par 3s and 4s to test even the most experienced golfers – and you can always make it a full 18 holes by playing two rounds.
Bute Golf Club is an excellent choice for a quick game of golf, with an affordable day pass to play as much as you want (£15).
Blairmore and Strone Golf Club
Blairmore and Strone Golf Club was designed by James Braid in 1896 and is set in the southern corner of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Golfers coming to Blairmore and Strone can count on bountiful natural landscapes with hilly landscapes that change the elevations of this course.
Blairmore and Strine is a fairly short course, covering 4,300 yards and a par 66, which can pose a challenge to new and experienced players. Tackling the 9 holes of Blairmore and Strone is a terrific way to start your day in Argyll & Bute and then still have time for the other many activities that visitors to the region can expect.
Don’t miss out on playing at Blairmore and Strone, and it is undoubtedly the place to be.
Other Golf Courses in Scotland
- Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, & Moray Golf Courses
- Central & West Scotland Golf Courses
- Dumfries & Galloway Golf Courses
- Edinburgh & The Lothians Golf Courses
- Glasgow, Clyde, & Ayrshire Golf Courses
- Perthshire, Kinross, & Angus Golf Courses
- Scottish Borders Golf Courses
- Scottish Highlands Golf Courses
- Scottish Isles Golf Courses
- The Kingdom of Fife Golf Courses
