Are hidden treasures a thing of the past? That was the subject of a recent Golfshake article that looked at the question of whether outstanding golf courses can really be considered hidden in the age of the internet and social media.
While this premise is true, there are many venues that are not getting the wider public they deserve Scotland, the spiritual home of the ancient game.
While studying the appealing ‘Top 100’ lists that are published in popular magazines every year, we thought about the layouts that are not presented in glossy print.
With view on Golfshake course section and its myriad of independent reviews, here is an opportunity to showcase acclaimed designs that aren’t regularly featured in tent rankings but still provide a great experience for everyday golfers, which is reflected in their high Golf shake rating.
From Glasgow and Edinburgh to Fife, Perthshire and the Isle of Arran there are an almost hidden gem for each!
Location: highlands
Golf shake rating: 4.76
Review Commentary: “Excellent golf course, well maintained, very friendly staff, excellent food and great service. Well worth a visit if your in the Highlands.”
Location: borders
Golf shake rating: 4.76
Review Comment: “Fantastic little golf course and town.”
Location: Aberdeenshire
Golf shake rating: 4.76
Review comment: “The holes are interesting and can be tricky, but very enjoyable. The greens are excellent and play great. The variety of holes keeps the pace of play comfortable.”
Location: Fife
Golf shake rating: 4.75
Review Comment: “Great place in excellent condition. Food and facilities all top notch. Would play again.”
Location: Perth & Kinross
Golf shake rating: 4.75
Review comment: “The first time on the course, very impressed by the fairways and greens, will be played again in the coming months.”
Location: Argyll & Bute
Golf shake rating: 4.75
Review comment: “A real gem. Definitely worth a detour on the way to Machrihanish. Lots of interest and few blind holes. Loved the pudding bowl 6th hole. Good condition and spectacular views of Arran.”
Location: Perth & Kinross
Golf shake rating: 4.75
Review Comment: “This is our second group outing to the Crieff Golf Club and the experience is excellent. Scott, at the Pro Shop, made us feel very welcome and took care of all of our arrangements, even when two of our attendees had to cancel on short notice , it wasn’t a problem. The course is great, surrounded by mature trees lining the fairways in a classic design and the course is groomed to a very high standard and in pristine condition. We were also greeted at the clubhouse and enjoyed our meal both before and after the round. Cant wait to book again for next year, God willing! “
Location: Aberdeenshire
Golf shake rating: 4.75
Review Commentary: “Great course to challenge all levels. A must do when visiting Aberdeenshire.”
Location: highlands
Golf shake rating: 4.74
Review Comment: “Nice example of a James Braid course. Great condition, some very tricky greens with a narrow approach. Some nice vantage points from above added to the whole experience.”
Location: Central Scotland
Golf shake rating: 4.74
Review Comment: “Great course and I would recommend getting there early to take advantage of the great practice facilities on offer.”
Location: Aberdeenshire
Golf shake rating: 4.71
Review Comment: “The course was excellent, the greens were in very good condition. The staff were very helpful and the food was really good. We had nice weather, had a great day in Aboyne and are looking forward to playing there again.”
Location: Edinburgh
Golf shake rating: 4.71
Reviewer Comment: “This is truly a stunning parkland course, beautifully landscaped with some breathtaking views of Arthur’s Seat and the surrounding countryside. The holes are well laid out with just a few pinch points and the course was in fabulous condition. Definitely worth a visit when you are in Edinburgh. “
Location: Renfrewshire
Golf shake rating: 4.66
Review Comment: “Probably one of the best places in Renfrewshire without exception. Great staff, facilities, food, pro shop and exceptionally friendly members who are always ready to help and play when you are alone.”
Location: Lanarkshire
Golf shake rating: 4.65
Review Comment: “By far the best place in North Lanarkshire.”
Location: Perth & Kinross
Golf shake rating: 4.65
Review Commentary: “Great little place, very friendly people, place in good shape for this time of year. Difficult to find. You have to go over the railway bridge to get to the island.”
Location: Ayrshire
Golf shake rating: 4.64
Review Comment: “Shame the weather was crap, otherwise a great day. This course is worth every penny. The staff couldn’t do anything else for us. Build this on your tour.”
Location: Perth & Kinross
Golf shake rating: 4.63
Evaluation comment: “Excellent location. Test course. The condition of the course is excellent and is kept in top condition by the greenkeeper Alastair MacNab.”
Location: Dumfries & Galloway
Golf shake rating: 4.60
Evaluation comment: “A warm and friendly welcome on a beautiful course with the additional novelty of nine greens and 18 tees. The view is incomparable.”
Location: Arran Island
Golf shake rating: 4.59
Review Comment: “Not a long course, but those 4,000 yards are some of the nicest holes you are likely to play anywhere. This is especially true of the holes that lead back into town and the backdrop of Holy Isle.”
Location: highlands
Golf shake rating: 4.58
Review Comment: “Beautiful 9-hole course with immaculate greens. Beautiful views and manicured fairways. All holes are short but most with tricky access to the greens, which makes it a real test cake.”
Location: Perth & Kinross
Golf shake rating: 4.58
Review comment: “I enjoyed playing this course so much that I joined the club even though it’s an hour and a half drive from my home. Worth every kilometer and always in great condition!”
Location: Aberdeenshire
Golf shake rating: 4.55
Review comment: “Just went on an excursion here, we couldn’t fault the course, the staff was very friendly and helpful, the food was really good and worth the money, we will be back next year.”
Location: Aberdeenshire
Golf shake rating: 4.55
Review Comment: “Everything from the pro shop to the catering to the course was fantastic. There was nothing wrong with it. A great day out for a day out and not far from Aberdeen. Definitely recommend it.”
Location: Aberdeenshire
Golf shake rating: 4.55
Review Comment: “Cracking Course, although my golf could have been better. Will definitely play again.”
Location: Renfrewshire
Golf shake rating: 4.54
Review comment: “Great place. Fantastic condition again. It gets better every time I play here.”
Location: Glasgow
Golf shake rating: 4.53
Review Comment: “This is a beautiful tree-lined course well worth playing. Tees, fairways and greens all in very good condition. Some great feature holes. The pro was welcoming and friendly and recommended the best times to play with during my visit to this area. I will definitely be back. “
Location: Aberdeenshire
Golf shake rating: 4.52
Reviewer comment: “The setting for this course is fantastic – the highest in the UK. I play it every year on vacation and enjoy it more every time.”
Location: East Lothian
Golf shake rating: 4.51
Review comment: “Nice course, pretty forgiving. Interesting start and finish of the lap.”
Location: Glasgow
Golf shake rating: 4.49
Evaluation comment: “Immaculate place, quite reserved atmosphere, but the place is in excellent condition.”
Location: Fife
Golf shake rating: 4.43
Review Comment: “Great course that is interesting to play regardless of your level. Would definitely play again.”
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