How to Plan a Dream Luxury Golf Vacation in Scotland

There’s something magical about teeing off in Scotland — where the sport was born and still reigns supreme. Rolling dunes whisper tales of ancient games, sea breezes carry the scent of salt and heather, and every course feels like a chapter of golf’s grand story. Yet for the discerning traveller, Scotland offers more than legendary fairways. It promises the perfect blend of world-class golf and refined indulgence — Luxury Golf Holidays that pair storied greens with Michelin-starred dining, spa sanctuaries, and bespoke service.

Whether you dream of sinking a birdie on the Old Course at St Andrews, playing through dramatic coastal winds at Trump Turnberry, or retreating to a private manor surrounded by emerald hills, your Scottish golf escape can be as unique as your swing.

Why Scotland Is the Home of Luxury Golf Holidays

No destination rivals Scotland’s blend of natural drama, championship pedigree, and heartfelt hospitality. With more than 550 golf courses — from rugged coastal links to serene parkland retreats — Scotland invites players to experience the game in its purest form.

But what truly elevates it for Luxury Golf Holidays is the exquisite pairing of world-famous courses with historic castles, five-star resorts, and personalised touches that make every stay effortless.

Imagine starting your morning with breakfast overlooking the North Sea, spending the day walking fairways carved into centuries-old dunes, and returning to a private whisky tasting beside a roaring fire. Scotland’s appeal lies in its seamless fusion of adventure and elegance — where even the caddies share centuries of golfing lore.

Top reasons to choose Scotland for a luxury golf escape:

• Heritage & Prestige: Play on championship courses that have hosted The Open.
• Diverse Terrain: Links, parkland, and highland settings — all within a few hours’ drive.
• Luxury Hospitality: Michelin-starred restaurants, castle hotels, and spa resorts.
• Ease of Travel: Direct flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen from major UK and European hubs.
• Tailored Experiences: Private chauffeurs, helicopter transfers, and curated itineraries by Awake & Wander.

With the right planning, Scotland isn’t just another destination — it’s an unforgettable chapter in your golfing life. For more inspiration on the country’s legendary fairways and official visitor information, visit VisitScotland – Scotland is the Home of Golf.

The West Coast – Ayrshire & Turnberry

If St Andrews is the birthplace of golf, Ayrshire is its romantic soul. The wild beauty of Scotland’s west coast meets refined resort living here — a place where cliffs tumble into the sea and championship courses hug the shoreline. This region embodies the essence of Luxury Golf Holidays: history, drama, and impeccable service wrapped in ocean views.

The Courses

• Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Course): Once host to four Open Championships, Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is arguably the most scenic in the world. The iconic lighthouse marks the halfway point, standing sentinel over the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig island.
• Royal Troon Golf Club: Founded in 1878, Troon is steeped in heritage and challenge. The infamous “Postage Stamp” par three remains one of golf’s greatest tests.
• Prestwick Golf Club: Where The Open Championship was first played in 1860 — pure golfing history beneath your feet.

The Stay – Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort

A gleaming white Edwardian masterpiece perched high above the sea, Trump Turnberry is the epitome of Scottish grandeur. Every suite captures sweeping coastal vistas, with marble bathrooms, hand-carved furnishings, and the scent of peat fires drifting through the corridors.

The resort’s Turnberry Lighthouse Suite offers one of the most exclusive stays in the world — a private haven set within the original lighthouse tower, accessible via your own butler. Dining at 1906 Restaurant is an event in itself, showcasing local produce with refined flair, while the Spa at Turnberry restores weary muscles with treatments inspired by the sea.

When not on the fairways, guests can enjoy falconry, horseback rides along the beach, or private whisky tastings led by the in-house sommelier. It’s a destination where every detail whispers indulgence.

To experience Turnberry’s unrivalled beauty with exclusive perks and guaranteed tee times, connect with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — our dedicated

The Highlands – Inverness, Dornoch & Beyond



For golfers seeking solitude, majesty, and something truly soulful, the Scottish Highlands are pure heaven. Here, courses are carved into the untamed landscape, where mist drifts over glens and the mountains echo with the call of curlews. Yet amidst this wild beauty lie luxurious hideaways offering Michelin-level dining and modern comfort. It’s the secret jewel of Luxury Golf Holidays in Scotland.

The Courses

• Royal Dornoch Golf Club: Ranked among the top 10 in the world, Dornoch combines natural contours with panoramic sea views. The course’s timeless charm has inspired legends from Tom Watson to Donald Ross.
• Castle Stuart Golf Links (now Cabot Highlands): A contemporary classic overlooking the Moray Firth, featuring dramatic cliffside holes and impeccable conditioning.
• Nairn Golf Club: A lesser-known gem, famed for its warm welcome and subtle challenge.

The Stay – Links House at Royal Dornoch

Tucked beside the first tee at Royal Dornoch, Links House is an intimate five-star country retreat that feels like home — if home came with silk drapes, oak-panelled whisky bars, and personal butler service. Each suite is individually designed, blending Highland heritage with understated elegance.

Guests can enjoy seasonal tasting menus at MARÉE, featuring local venison and freshly caught seafood, or unwind in the manicured gardens as bagpipes echo in the distance.

From helicopter transfers to private whisky distillery tours, Awake & Wander ensures every Highland golf experience is crafted around your pace and passions.

For golfers chasing a more remote and authentic kind of luxury, the Highlands promise a retreat that feeds both spirit and swing — and Awake & Wander knows exactly how to make it seamless.

Hidden Gems & Private Golf Estates

Beyond the famous names, Scotland’s landscape is dotted with lesser-known courses and private estates that feel like your own personal playground. For those seeking intimacy and exclusivity — a hallmark of true Luxury Golf Holidays — these hidden gems deliver privacy, prestige, and a touch of adventure.

Archerfield Links, East Lothian

Just 40 minutes from Edinburgh, Archerfield blends championship-level golf with boutique luxury. Guests can choose between the Dirleton and Fidra Links — both beautifully sculpted through dunes and pine forests. The resort’s ethos is “golf as it should be”: relaxed, unhurried, and exquisitely maintained.

Stay: The Archerfield House is a Georgian masterpiece offering 33 bedrooms, private chefs, and its own spa. The Fletcher’s Cottage Spa is a favourite among elite golfers’ partners, featuring lavender-scented steam rooms and seaweed baths.

Gleneagles, Perthshire

Known as the “Riviera of the Highlands,” Gleneagles offers three of the best inland courses in Scotland — the King’s, the Queen’s, and the PGA Centenary Course (host of the 2014 Ryder Cup). It’s also one of Europe’s grandest hotels.

Stay: Gleneagles Hotel delivers pure five-star opulence. From horse riding and falconry to Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, this is luxury on a grand scale. Rooms are elegant and serene, blending Art Deco glamour with Scottish tradition.

Even non-golfers will find paradise here: an ESPA Life Spa, boutique shopping, and breathtaking countryside views make it an all-round sanctuary.

With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, you can secure priority access to Gleneagles’ tee times and suites — plus curated off-course experiences such as private distillery visits or a helicopter hop to St Andrews.

The Machrie, Islay

For something truly secluded, head to The Machrie on the Hebridean island of Islay. Recently redesigned, this links course stretches along seven miles of pristine beach — wild, windswept, and utterly intoxicating.

Stay: The Machrie Hotel offers modern Scandi-inspired interiors, floor-to-ceiling views of the dunes, and a relaxed island pace. Guests can combine golf with whisky tasting at Islay’s famed distilleries like Laphroaig and Ardbeg — the perfect blend of sport and spirit.

How to Plan Your Luxury Golf Holiday in Scotland



Crafting the perfect golf escape in Scotland requires more than just picking courses — it’s about timing, logistics, and layering in the finer touches that transform a trip into an experience. Awake & Wander’s travel experts handle every detail, but here’s what to consider when planning your Luxury Golf Holiday.

1. Choose the Right Time of Year

The golf season typically runs from April to October, with peak months between May and September offering long daylight hours (up to 18 hours in midsummer). Early autumn brings golden light and fewer crowds, while spring offers pristine course conditions.

2. Book Tee Times Early

The world’s most famous courses — St Andrews, Turnberry, Royal Dornoch — fill up quickly. Booking through a trusted luxury travel agency like Awake & Wander ensures access to guaranteed tee times, preferred slots, and VIP experiences unavailable to the general public.

3. Blend Iconic Courses with Hidden Gems

Balance the must-play legends with more intimate courses for variety and fewer crowds. A sample seven-night itinerary might combine St Andrews, Kingsbarns, and Carnoustie with Highland favourites like Dornoch or Castle Stuart.

4. Plan for Rest Days

Luxury doesn’t mean rushing. Many travellers include non-golf days to explore castles, whisky distilleries, or spa retreats. Scotland’s scenic rail journeys, loch cruises, or even falconry sessions make ideal additions.

5. Add Personal Touches

Private chauffeurs, helicopter transfers, local guides, and personalised dining experiences elevate a trip into something unforgettable. Awake & Wander crafts every itinerary “where every journey begins with you” — tailored to your swing, schedule, and style.

Our Take:

“Luxury golf in Scotland is more than a game — it’s a pilgrimage wrapped in five-star comfort.
At Awake & Wander, we design journeys where heritage meets indulgence —
because every journey begins with you.”

Booking Protections with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

When booking a premium escape, peace of mind is as vital as the destination itself. With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, every holiday is protected by both ATOL and Supplier Failure Insurance.

This means your Luxury Golf Holiday is fully secured from the moment you book. Whether it’s a last-minute flight change, a supplier issue, or unforeseen travel restrictions, you’ll never be left stranded. Our team manages every detail — so you can focus on perfecting your swing, not worrying about logistics.

All our itineraries come with:

• ATOL Protection: Financial security on all flight-inclusive holidays.
• Supplier Failure Insurance: Cover for non-flight arrangements.
• Dedicated 24/7 support: Personal assistance before, during, and after your trip.

At Awake & Wander, reassurance is built into every journey. We handle the fine print so you can enjoy the fairways in total confidence.

Why Choose Awake & Wander for Your Next Luxury Golf Holiday

Planning the ultimate Luxury Golf Holiday in Scotland can feel like navigating 18 holes in the mist — but with Awake & Wander as your guide, every shot lands exactly where it should.

We don’t sell pre-packaged tours. Instead, we design bespoke golf escapes that reflect who you are — your style, your pace, your passions. From private helicopter transfers to hand-picked hotels and guaranteed tee times at the world’s most sought-after courses, everything is personalised. Continue your journey of inspiration by visiting the Awake & Wander Luxury Travel Blog

Our independent status means we partner only with trusted luxury suppliers — and as a UK-based, ATOL-protected agency, your booking is always safe, secure, and completely tailored.

So whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime St Andrews pilgrimage, a Highlands retreat, or a multi-course Scottish adventure, let us craft a journey that’s as extraordinary as your drive.

📞 Call us on 01495 400011 or complete our online enquiry form to start designing your bespoke golf holiday.

Or use the search tool on our website to begin creating a holiday “as unique as you are.”

Frequently Asked Questions