As part of their extensive research for the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list, a panel of golf experts delved deep into the country’s courses. A key question arose: what constitutes the most spectacular view in Scottish golf? Scotland’s dramatic coastline often provides stunning backdrops, sometimes even overshadowing the courses themselves. Yet, when the natural beauty perfectly complements the links, the result is truly unforgettable. Pinpointing a single best view amidst Scotland’s numerous wonders proved challenging. Here’s what the panellists had to say, with several courses and specific vistas frequently highlighted.
What is the best view in Scotland according to our panel?
When asked about the best golfing vista, the panellists offered diverse opinions, highlighting numerous exceptional courses across Scotland:
- David Fox: Admired the 18th at Castle Stuart Golf Links, noting the shimmering Moray Firth, holes 10-12 sprawling beneath, and the prominent clubhouse.
- Jim Marshall: Pointed to Turnberry’s Ailsa Course for its iconic lighthouse and omnipresent spectacular scenery.
- Craig Redston: Humorously chose the benches outside Muirfield’s pro shop, hinting at a quiet appreciation.
- Peter Rudd: Praised the exceptional 12th tee view at Kingsbarns, where the hole follows the coast to a bunkered green, all against a sea backdrop.
- Craig Morrison: Highlighted the panoramic views from Greenock Golf Club’s highest points, encompassing the Clyde Valley towards Glasgow, across kyles and mountains, and extending over islands to the Western Approaches.
Repeated Mentions: Gullane No.1 and Cruden Bay
Certain locations were repeatedly championed by the panel, meriting their own special mention:
Gullane No.1
- The 7th tee proved a favourite. Jim Banting appreciated its vista over multiple prestigious courses, a sentiment echoed by Chris Myatt, who described it as “golf in nearly every direction.”
- Michael Atkinson elaborated, noting views towards Muirfield behind and ahead towards Craigielaw, Kilspindie, and even across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Cruden Bay
- The 9th tee was another standout. Ian Woods vividly depicted the steep climb from the 8th green, assuring that the breathtaking reward was well worth the effort.
- Neil White concurred, stating the hill climb was “more than worth it.”
- Lewis Marr found the initial view of the course from the car park, past the clubhouse, particularly striking.
- Charles Abraham specifically highlighted the view towards Slain Castle from the 9th tee.
The Home of Golf: St Andrews
Given its profound history and revered status, the ‘Home of Golf’ at St Andrews naturally features prominently:
- Michael Verity: Cherished the sight of St Andrews town gradually reappearing into view during the back nine of the Old Course as golfers approach the finish.
- Ed Battye: Focused on the increasingly clear view of St Andrews while playing the final holes on the Old, New, and Jubilee courses.
- Chris Griffiths: Declared the 18th at St Andrews as an unassailable, historic choice.
- Paul Watson: Specified the 18th hole of the Old Course, highlighting the view from the tee encompassing the iconic Swilcan Bridge, the R&A clubhouse, the Hamilton Grand, and Rusacks to the right.
Other Notable Mentions
For some panellists, the choice was overwhelming, or a simple mention sufficed to convey the beauty:
- Dove Jones: Humorously stated, “The hole I am currently playing – I have too many to choose!”
- Oliver Baker: Simply put forward North Berwick.
- Phil Bedford: Chose The Jigger Inn, suggesting a preferred vantage point for enjoying the golf atmosphere.
- Steve Watton: Highlighted the view from the 4th green at Shiskine.
- David Elliott: Found it incredibly difficult to pick just one, eventually selecting the vista across and from the 12th at Elie, noting its resemblance to Pebble Beach.
- Hugh Masson: Lauded the 10th tee at Royal Dornoch, specifically the rejuvenating sight looking back down the 9th, out to sea, and towards the 10th green.
- David Walker: Appreciated the 11th tee at Ardfin, with its famous halfway house and the Sound of Islay in the background.
- Andi White: Praised Kilspindie for its spectacular sea views.
- Greg Webber: Pointed to the 14th tee at Boat of Garten, offering views over the Spey and into the Cairngorms National Park.
- Stu Bennett: Described the view from the 7th tee of the Championship Course at Dornoch, looking back over the course, as “stunning.”
