Where to live near one of the top golf courses in Scotland
For golfing enthusiasts buying a home near one of the top golf courses in Scotland is a highly appealing prospect.
Scotland is widely regarded as the birthplace of golf. It offers not only an unparalleled golfing experience but also an enviable lifestyle for those wishing to find their ideal home near world-class fairways.
With its historic links, championship layouts, and breathtaking landscapes, golf courses in Scotland are a major draw for golfing enthusiasts.
Research from Dataloft indicates that properties in postal districts with a golf course tend to command a 13% premium compared to those in areas without one. This suggests that living near a golf course offers more than just scenic views—it can also enhance property value.
For homebuyers, proximity to these esteemed clubs can provide a unique combination of leisure, community, and stunning surroundings.
Here we feature five prestigious golf courses in Scotland and where to live nearby.
Loch Lomond Golf Club
Loch Lomond Golf Club is considered among the top 100 finest golf courses in the world. Located in the stunning surroundings of Argyll & Bute, it offers a private and exclusive golfing experience.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the 7,100-yard, par-71 course blends beautifully with its natural environment. It incorporates streams, marshlands, and breathtaking views of Loch Lomond.
Established in 1993, it has earned a reputation for its high standards and immaculate grounds. At the heart of the club is Rossdhu House, an 18th-century Georgian mansion that serves as the clubhouse.
The club has a pro shop, dining options, and a health club housed within a historic walled garden. It offers activities beyond golf such as boating on Loch Lomond, clay shooting, hiking, and fitness programmes.
Where to live nearby
Helensburgh is located along the Firth of Clyde just 6.5 miles from Loch Lomond Golf Club.
Often referred to as ‘The Garden City of the Clyde’, Helensburgh combines the conveniences of town living with the beauty of its natural surroundings and is a popular location for those wanting proximity to one of the best golf courses in Scotland.
Helensburgh provides a range schools, including well-regarded state primaries and Hermitage Academy for secondary education. For private education, Lomond School offers both day and boarding facilities for students aged 3 to 18.
Helensburgh has a variety of independent shops, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy local clubs and sailing opportunities on the Clyde. The town is well-connected, featuring two train stations with services to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.
For those who prefer a city location, Glasgow itself is around 30 miles from Loch Lomond Golf Club. As Scotland’s largest city, living in Glasgow offers a high standard of living with diverse property types and areas, from the bustling city centre to the more tranquil suburban locales.
Royal Troon Golf Club
Royal Troon Golf Club, established in 1878, is a prestigious links course located in Troon, South Ayrshire. The club boasts 45 holes, with the Old Course being the most renowned for hosting The Open Championship several times, most recently in 2024.
The Old Course is known for its challenging layout. It features the longest hole in Open history—the 6th hole, ‘Turnberry’ measuring 623 yards.
The shortest, the 8th hole, ‘Postage Stamp’, is 123 yards. The latter is particularly famous for its small green and surrounding bunkers, demanding precise shot-making.
The club’s motto, ‘Tam Arte Quam Marte’ (‘As much by skill as by strength’), reflects the course’s design, which requires both strategic play and physical prowess. Facilities include a historic clubhouse housing a collection of golf artifacts, a pro shop, and dining options.
Living in Troon
Overlooking the Isle of Arran, Troon is a lively seaside town just 45 minutes from Glasgow and close to Prestwick. Renowned for its dramatic coastline and sandy beaches.
Troon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round kite and wind-surfing and excellent sailing facilities at Yacht Haven.
The bustling harbour is home to Ayrshire’s fish market, supplying fresh seafood to local restaurants. Troon also has independent boutiques, cosy pubs, charming cafes, and essential services. These include schools, supermarkets, and a rail link to Ayr and Glasgow.
Turnberry Golf Club
Turnberry Golf Club established in 1902, is a world-famous golf course located on the west coast in South Ayrshire.
The club offers access to the renowned Trump Turnberry Golf Courses, set on a picturesque peninsula with views across the Firth of Clyde to the islands of Arran and Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre, and, on clear days, even Ireland.
The club has 3 courses including the world class Ailsa Championship Course, and the King Robert the Bruce Championship Course. The Ailsa Course, a par-71 layout measuring 7,489 yards, has hosted The Open Championship four times, with the inaugural event in 1977.
The King Robert the Bruce Course, unveiled in 2017, is a par-72 course spanning 7,203 yards, offering views of Turnberry’s coastline, castle ruins, and the iconic lighthouse.
Facilities at Turnberry include a 3,600-square-foot pro shop, one of the largest in Europe, and a golf academy equipped with modern technology. The historic clubhouse provides dining options and houses a collection of golf artifacts.
Where to live nearby
Approximately 13.5 miles from Turnberry is the picturesque village of Alloway.
The birthplace of renowned poet Robert Burns, Alloway has a rich heritage and tranquil charm.
Residents can explore the Burns Heritage Trail, visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, or enjoy the village’s scenic surroundings.
Highly sought after as a residential area, Alloway offers excellent amenities, including a primary school, grocery store, post office, cafe, beauticians, and chemist.
The village is also known for its sports facilities, with the seaside town of Ayr just 3 miles away, providing a broader range of shops, services, and leisure options.
Western Gailes Golf Club
Western Gailes Golf Club, established in 1897, is a challenging links course located in Irvine, on the Ayrshire coast. Also featured in the top 100 courses in the world, it stretches over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, lying between the Firth of Clyde and a railway line.
Its unique routing includes an opening stretch heading north, followed by nine consecutive holes played southward along the coastline, and concluding with a challenging final five holes.
The clubhouse, situated uniquely halfway along the course, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Facilities include a main bar and dining room with views over the course.
Western Gailes has attracted numerous golfing legends, including Harry Vardon, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Tom Watson, and more recently, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson.
Where to live nearby
Located around 9 miles from Western Gailesone, Prestwick is one of Ayrshire’s most sought-after towns.
Prestwick has a vibrant atmosphere, stunning beaches, and a welcoming community.
Its lively town centre boasts boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Residents enjoy excellent amenities, including leisure facilities, schools, and access to both traditional and modern housing options.
With seamless connectivity via the A77, M77, a nearby train station, and Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick provides convenience for commuting and leisure travel, making it a highly desirable place to live.
St Andrews Links
St Andrews Links, known as the “Home of Golf,” is a historic golfing destination in St Andrews, Fife.
Considered among the world’s best, the complex comprises seven public courses, including the renowned Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, Strathtyrum Course, Balgove Course, and the Castle Course.
The Old Course, dating back over six centuries, is considered the world’s oldest golf course and has hosted The Open Championship multiple times.
Facilities at St Andrews Links include multiple clubhouses offering dining options such as the Tom Morris Bar & Grill, Rock & Spindle, and Café Spike. The St Andrews Links Golf Academy provides lessons, a driving range, and custom fitting services.
Visitors can also explore official merchandise at on-site stores and participate in guided walks of the Old Course.
Living in St Andrews
Famous for its ancient university, golfing heritage, and picturesque beach, St Andrews is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest towns to call home.
St Andrews’ narrow, cobbled streets and striking architecture create a charming backdrop for the bustling town centre.
It has an array of independent shops, high-street retailers, cafes, delis, butchers, bakeries, and greengrocers. Larger supermarkets are conveniently located on the town’s outskirts. Other highlights include the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, and the Botanic Garden.
For parents looking for a combination of excellent schools and adjacency to one of the premier golf courses in Scotland, St Andrews is a top choice. Nearby there are outstanding state schools, as well as private options including St Leonards and Montessori.
St Andrews is a 30-minute drive from Dundee, around 90 minutes from Edinburgh and about 1 hour 45 minutes from Glasgow, with local and intercity bus services and flights to London from Dundee Airport.
Living near the top golf courses in Scotland
There are many more fabulous golf courses in Scotland, each unique but sharing the commonality of exclusivity, prestige and the stunning natural surroundings that Scotland is famous for.
Living near one of these top courses is a dream for many enthusiasts and property in these areas is highly sought-after.
If you would like help finding the perfect home near one of the finest golf courses in Scotland, please get in touch to discuss your requirements without obligation.
