Scotland's Hidden Gems: Most Underrated Golf Courses

When it comes to golf courses, opinions are always diverse, especially regarding which ones are truly underrated. This holds true even among our expert panellists. Scotland, with its vast selection of coastal links and renowned inland heathland layouts, offers an immense variety for golf enthusiasts.

Course ranking lists are never an exact science. When over 30 experts contribute their perspectives, it's inevitable that each will find courses they believe are both underrated and overrated on the final compilation. This democratic process is precisely what makes these rankings such a lively subject of discussion across the country, particularly when comparing iconic courses like Royal Dornoch and Carnoustie.

So, which of these esteemed courses are truly underrated? Which deserve a higher spot? Let's delve into what our panellists shared after their collective list was revealed.

Which Scottish courses do our panellists believe are significantly underrated?

Jim Marshall: Highlighted Turnberry’s King Robert the Bruce. He describes it as a true gem, often overshadowed by the Ailsa course. He believes if it were located elsewhere in Scotland, its stunning views and challenging holes would garner far more recognition.

Peter Rudd: Recommended Glasgow Gailes, praising it as a course that rigorously tests all aspects of shot-making with holes that vary in direction.

Oliver Baker: Simply named Spey Valley as his pick.

Chris Griffiths: Championed Mortonhall, stating it doesn't receive the recognition it merits, largely due to the intense competition in Scottish golf.

Jim Banting: Suggested Portpatrick.

Craig Redston: Chose Dunbar.

Andi White: Pointed to Powfoot, describing it as a fun, challenging course featuring rolling narrow fairways and tricky green complexes.

Michael Atkinson: Advocated for Boat of Garten in the Scottish Highlands. He noted it as one of James Braid’s finest designs, complete with dog-legs, pot bunkers, and blind shots, set against the beautiful backdrop of the majestic Cairngorms.

Stu Bennett: Named Ranfurly Castle. He remarked that after two uphill par 4s, the third tee opens up to an expansive moorland, revealing several stunning holes on fantastic turf amidst magnificent scenery.

Ed Battye: Voted for Elie, explaining that there's a certain enchantment about the course, making it a truly magical links experience.

Paul Watson: Supported Downfield, a parkland course situated within a woodland filled with wildlife. He acknowledged it as a challenging course that has previously hosted professional tournaments.

Neil White: Recommended Lanark, asserting it proves Scottish golf isn’t solely about links courses. He highlighted the 18th hole, still original from 1851, as a classic that would stand out anywhere.

David Elliott: Chose The Dukes in St. Andrews, noting it's often overlooked because it's a non-links course in the spiritual home of links golf.

Dove Jones: Proposed Roxburghe.

David Walker: Suggested Irvine Bogside, calling it a wonderful blend of quirky, challenging, and enjoyable holes.

Greg Webber: Recommended Golspie. He expressed his love for its setting and the variety it provides, particularly noting the 9th hole, named Paradise, as an apt description.

Several other venues also received considerable appreciation from multiple panellists:

Hugh Masson: Praised Murcar. While acknowledging its green fee isn't low, he believes it offers great value compared to its close neighbour, Royal Aberdeen. He particularly enjoyed the fantastic stretch from holes 3 to 9, mostly along the coast.

Michael Verity: Listed Brora, Dunbar, and Murcar.

Ian Woods: Named Murcar Links, describing it as understated yet hugely enjoyable.

Charles Abraham: Highlighted The Machrie, crediting DJ Russell for its brilliant redesign.

Steve Watton: Also chose The Machrie.

Chris Myatt: Stated that West Linton exceeded his expectations the most. He also feels The Machrie would be rated higher if people realized how easily accessible it is.

Phil Bedford: Selected Southerness.

David Fox: Agreed with Southerness.

Lewis Marr: Also picked Southerness.