Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Scottish Society Golf Guide.
If you are planning a society day or a group outing, then the following pages are designed to give you an in depth profile of some of the best society venue in Scotland.
Whilst reading through this annual edition you will find a diverse range of golf courses from hidden gems to some of the countries larger venues, all of which offer some of the best and most affordable society golf in Scotland. All weblinks are live and can put you in touch with your chosen venue at the touch of a button.
As always, we hope that you find this publication useful in finding your 2026 society golf venues.
The Borders
CRICHTON GOLF CLUB 1884
One of Scotland’s hidden gems, Crichton Royal Golf Club was founded in 1884 when it was formed by staff of the Crichton Royal mental institution.
The golf club was forced to move location in 1900 and a small clubhouse was erected in 1902. However, due to expansion plans by the institution, the golf club began work on a new course at its current location.
Officially opened on Bankend Road in 1970, the club’s name was changed to ‘Crichton Golf Club’ in 1997 and a new and extended clubhouse was opened in 1999 providing first class facilities for members and visitors. Bar and function room facilities were also added at this time.
Today, the tight nine hole golf course with tree-lined fairways calls for the utmost in accuracy from the tees. The parkland course is set on the side of a hill with lots of mature trees. The elevated position of the first few holes boasts magnificent views of the surrounding Dumfriesshire countryside.
At 2,976 yards, the par 69 Crichton golf course is kept in excellent condition all year round with the greens recognised as some of the best in the area.
The clubhouse bar is open to the public seven days a week with a wide selection of ales, beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks as well as daily catering options. The golf club also host many functions throughout the year which they provide full catering for.
Excellent golf in the stunning Dumfriesshire countryside
When visiting Crichton Golf Club, you must explore the surrounding Dumfriesshire countryside.
Dumfries & Galloway offers 200 miles of expansive coastline, rolling countryside and dramatic landscapes. The terrain is ideal for golf with some of the most celebrated names in Scottish golf having played a part in shaping the high standard of golf courses that can be enjoyed in the region.
There are many advantages to visiting Dumfries & Galloway, the warm rush of the Gulf Stream which provides the region with a mild climate, the spectacular scenery and the many accommodation and entertainment providers that can be enjoyed away from the fairways.
The golf club extends a warm welcome to societies and visiting parties throughout the week. Groups can select from a range of customisable packages to make their golf day a pleasant and affordable experience whilst, Crichton’s professional team are on hand to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
The shining star of scotland’s golf coast…
CRAIGIELAW GOLF CLUB
Situated on Scotland’s Golf Coast, Craigielaw truly is a golfers’ paradise. Boasting a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Donald Steel, Craigielaw is inspired by the great links courses of Britain. It is equal to many of the finest examples of such courses, some of which are conveniently located nearby in the golf rich East Lothian area.
Despite only opening in 2001, the course has already hosted many national events, including the 2006 Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship and was a qualifying course for the 2007 British Seniors Open at Muirfield. In August 2019, it played host to the Scottish Seniors Open.
When you are competing against the best, you must ‘up your game’. That is why we witness so many terrific sporting spectacles, when the greatest come head to head and drive their game to a higher level. So, when your club is set amongst a further 22 golf courses, including the world-renowned greats such as Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane, you have to be doing something special to hold your own against such celebrated company. So, what is it that sets Craigielaw Golf Club apart?
With its challenging greens, cavernous bunkers and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hill and out towards Edinburgh and Fife, Craigielaw Golf Club is an experience not to be missed. Combine this with the friendly welcome and efficiency of service, and you can soon see why Craigielaw has become our choice as Scotland’s finest east coast golf course.
Whether for a simple round of golf, a business meeting or convivial lunch, both active and enthusiastic members, and visitors alike, are welcomed to take advantage of the excellent facilities. Aside from the championship links course, make use of the grass academy practice ground and driving range, or tidy up your short game on the practice putting green. There is also a 6-hole par 3 course to help hone your game.
Off the course, the clubhouse is open to golfers and non-golfers alike. Offering the finest locally and seasonally produced food, alongside an extensive range or whiskies, wine and beer, the restaurant at Craigielaw offers guests a varied and delicious menu with stunning views and friendly service. Whether for a bacon roll before hitting the golf course, having a coffee and catching up with friends, lunch with family or delicious evening meal, it really is perfect for all occasions.
You can even stay in the Craigielaw Lodge, and enjoy Scottish hospitality at its best, in comfortable en-suite rooms overlooking the golf course. The Lodge is the ideal base for exploring ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ and the beautiful East Lothian coastline with its stunning beaches, castles and walks - perfect for golfing groups, family holidays and even romantic getaways.
Located just a half hour drive from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, Craigielaw caters to all the discerning golfer’s needs.
details can also be found at www.craigielawgolfclub.com
The Glen, East Links North Berwick.
The rugged and beautiful coastline of East Lothian is affectionately known as Scotland’s Golf Coast with so much choice within an hour’s drive from the historic and lively capital city of Edinburgh and its international airport.
North Berwick is a pleasant seaside town situated in East Lothian offering great beaches and coastal scenery. Comprising an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, bars not to mention world-renowned golf courses, North Berwick boasts stunning views out to the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, the world’s largest northern gannet colony.
There is also plenty to keep the whole family entertained away from the fairways with cultural and traditional experiences such as boat trips around the local islands taking in some of the region’s serene settings and astonishing wildlife.
“The Course to make heads turn!”
The Glen, East Links is one of the most popular of the East Lothian golf courses. A venue not to be missed, the Club’s beautifully manicured golf course provides a challenging and enjoyable test of golf for all levels of golfer as well as boasting spectacular headland views across the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
Although golf was first played in East Lothian as far back as the 17th century, a nine-hole layout was not developed in North Berwick until 1894. It was later extended to the 18hole layout that can be enjoyed today in 1906, by legendary golf course architect, James Braid and his design partner, Ben Sayers.
The Glen is an all-year-round golf course and is rarely closed due to inclement weather, playing normal tees and greens throughout the seasons.
The Clubhouse was opened in the Club’s Centenary year 2006 and offers an array of facilities which can be enjoyed by members and visitors alike; set over two floors with bar, dining and lounge spaces on the first floor boasting panoramic views across the beach, sea and golf course.
Located just a few minutes south of Edinburgh, the Lothians region is one of Scotland’s finest golf break destinations with a choice of well over twenty-two golf courses to test all ages and abilities.
Visiting groups can enjoy a blend of traditional links exposed to the varying wind conditions of the region and an excellent array of inland golf courses; many steeped in history and all offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers.
The Belhaven Lounge is ideal for functions and corporate meetings. The 3-in-1 open plan, bar/lounge/dining is the perfect venue for casual dining, as well as the home of the 19th hole where golfers can enjoy a well earnt drink following completion of their round with several large, comfortable sofas.
The Glen’s dedicated catering team offer an extensive menu of delicious home cooked food throughout the week with reasonably priced dishes costing between £5 and £15, as well as the clubs famous carvery and freshly made pizzas to order.
East Lothian, affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ is in abundance of excellent golf courses and some of the finest hospitality in the UK. Why not spend a few days in the region and take full advantage of your visit by taking on The Glen course as well as others in the North Berwick region?
The Glen offers a range of visitor packages to meet the requirements and budgets of visiting parties. The Club also have local partnerships with accommodation providers offering value for money and the perfect base to explore East Lothian.
One of the last remaining unspoilt links golf courses
The south-west of Scotland features an abundance of enjoyable places to stay and golf courses to suit golfers of all levels. Visiting groups can enjoy a blend of traditional links courses exposed to the varying wind conditions of the region, many steeped in history and all offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers.
“If I were to play one course for the rest of my life, Machrihanish would be the place” Michael Bamberger
The Machrihanish Golf Club is one of these gems, located within the village of Machrihanish, 5 miles from Campbeltown, the course sits near the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula. The golf course features fantastic views over the Atlantic, taking in views of Islay, Jura, Gigha and Northern Ireland. When teeing off on the 1st hole with your drive having to cross the stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, the journey from Glasgow is made even more rewarding.
“The best opening hole of golf in the world” – Jack Nicklaus
The 18 hole championship course at Machrihanish was designed by the world renowned golf course architect old Tom Morris, helped by another renowned designer, J H Taylor. Today, it’s clear to see how these designers used the natural contours of the terrain across the surrounding dunes to create a spectacle of golf, overlooking Machrihanish Bay. Machrihanish is largely regarded as one of the last remaining unspoiled links course in Scotland.
The original clubhouse was destroyed by a fire in 2018. Work began on the new building in 2019 and the clubhouse was reopened to members and visitors in early 2021. Today it features a well-appointed bar and elegant restaurant with spectacular views overlooking Machrihanish Bay and beyond. The Clubhouse also boasts a state of the art Swingroom facility.
The Club has built a reputation as a premier venue for specialised golf packages and social occasions. They offer seasonal rates for all visitors and societies, combining excellent golf on the Championship course and fine dining with first-class hospitality.
Jennie Dunn, the Club’s professional & team can tailor a golf day to meet your needs and requirements, they will be on hand during your visit to ensure that it runs smoothly, leaving you free to enjoy all The Machrihanish Golf Club has to offer.
Edzell Golf Club
There are an abundance of magnificent golf courses in the Angus region of Scotland. Known as the ‘Cradle of Golf’ in Scotland, the ancient county of Angus stretches through spectacular countryside, picturesque villages and vibrant towns, from the hills and glens to the coast and Tay Estuary.
Angus is home to the fifth oldest golf course in the world, Montrose Golf Links, and, just twelve miles north of Dundee, lies the championship golf course at Carnoustie which first hosted the Open in 1921.
Boasting a fantastic blend of links and heathland golf courses, Angus’ narrow fairways, long carries and undulating greens are a common characteristic of the landscape. The sweeping terrain and spectacular views make the region a highly recommended destination for a golf break.
Although there are a number of historic golf courses in the Angus region, by no means are the newer courses suffering. Set in the delightful village of Edzell –multiple winner of the national Britain in Bloom Competition – and ideally situated midway between Dundee and Aberdeen, Edzell Golf Club stands at the gateway of the Angus Glens reaching in to the foothills of the Grampian Mountains.
Experience the Cradle of Scotland
Designed by golf course architect, Bob Simpson, the course at Edzell was originally laid out in 1895 and amended some thirty years later in line with recommendations from the legendary James Braid.
More recently, it has been sympathetically upgraded by Martin Ebert of Mackenzie & Ebert, worldrenowned architects responsible for recent works at Turnberry and Royal Portrush.
Originally designed as a challenging heathland golf course, a major treeplanting programme which began in the 1960’s has brought a parkland feel
to this beautiful and tranquil setting. Today the 18-hole, par 71 golf course is complimented by the delightful 9-hole West Water Course, which was founded in 2001, and a superb driving range and short game practice facility. The Edzell clubhouse is the ideal place to relax with family, friends and colleagues, offering top quality service in pleasant surroundings. The clubhouse’s atmosphere is always friendly and a genuinely warm Scottish welcome awaits you.
Catering from everything from a quiet drink to a tasty bar snack or a more formal dinner in the Club’s superbly appointed Dining Room, Edzell’s hospitality is second to none.
Golf Club
secretary@edzellgolfclub.com
www.edzellgolfclub.com Street, Edzell, DD9
Edzell Golf Club welcomes visitors and society groups throughout the year with a variety of tailor made packages catering for all taste and budgets. Offering exceptional views from every corner of the golf course, Edzell offers a truly memorable round with many groups returning year after
The Irvine Golf Club est 1887
The west coast of Scotland celebrates its glorious past with an eye clearly on the future. In 1860, the Open first came to the west coast of Scotland, when it was played at Prestwick. Since this time, the competition has become the greatest golfing event in the world with Ayrshire firmly at its heart.
Visiting groups are assured of a hugely enjoyable experience at some of the Ayrshire’s multi course venues and excellent stay and play resorts which combine excellent links and parkland golf courses.
There are over fifty golf course to choose from in Ayrshire and Arran. Visitors can choose from classic links to majestic inland layouts.
The open was first played in South Ayrshire in October 1860. Eight golf professionals including Willie Park Snr and Old Tom Morris played three rounds over the 12-hole Prestwick course in one day. Over 150 years later, the Open Championship remains golf’s most prestigious professional tournament and Ayrshire retains its golfing heritage with two Open Championship venues located in the region.
Boasting a stunning links experience, The Irvine Golf Club is set in a seaside location, with the neighbouring Gulf Stream ensuring all-year-round links golf.
Established in 1887, The Irvine is regularly used as an Open Qualifying golf course and truly is one of Scotland’s hidden gems with those that have played the course at The Irvine returning many more times to take on the fairways.
A stunning links golf experience
The golf course owes much of its present day character to the design expertise of legendary golf course architect, James Braid who made interesting use of the landscape with the romantic peaks of Arran making for a stunning backdrop.
Featuring many strategically-placed bunkers catching any wayward shots whilst protecting the long, narrow greens synonymous with some of the great Scottish links; the par 71 course, which measures 6,415 from the championship, white tees represent an enjoyable yet stern test to even the most accomplished of golfer.
The Irvine hosts superb facilities in its wonderfully appointed clubhouse. Visitors are invited to relax in the spacious lounge with views across the golf course and beyond to the surrounding Ayrshire countryside. The clubhouse is home to a well-stocked bar, serving a selection of local ales, beers, wines and spirits as well as daily menus with something to suit all palates and pockets!
The Irvine Golf Club extends a warm welcome to visitors with society groups welcome throughout the year. The golf club offers a range of golf day packages which can be tailored to meet the needs and requirements of the visiting party to include excellent golf on the championship course with excellent dining options and fine Scottish hospitality.
Golfing the Scottish Boarders at Portpatrick Dunksey Golf Club
The Scottish Borders feature a fantastic array of moorland and heathland golf courses set in rolling hills and gentle valleys; many with the beautiful backdrop of the picturesque Berwickshire coastline.
With the Mendick Hills as another main focal point of some of the most picturesque golf courses in the southern Scotland, the region’s courses meander through lands of breath-taking scenery and areas of natural outstanding beauty, wilderness and romance. East to west, visitors to southern Scotland are never far away from water, whilst the Galloway Hills feature a few surprises with their many hidden lochs, burns and waterfalls.
Offering great places to explore, whatever your dream or budget, there’s a Scottish golf course waiting for you offering all types of unique challenges. Society organisers can choose from all-inclusive vacations, travelling independently or DIY golf tours with compete control over their own itinerary and the courses that they play.
Located on the south west coast of Scotland, Portpatrick Golf Club features two superbly maintained golf courses overlooking the North Channel to Irelands, and playable all-year-round.
The Dunksey 18-hole course and Dinvin 9-hole golf course are a beautiful blend of moorland and seaside heath. Sitting 150 feet above sea level, each golf course offers spectacular views across to the Isle of Man, Mourne Mountains and Mull of Kintyre.
The Dunksey 18-hole course represents a challenge to all levels of golfer whilst taking in breath-taking scenery as it meanders through the rugged terrain of the Scottish Borders. Whilst, Dinvin is one of the Borders’ best kept golfing secrets; an interesting and unique 9-hole par course ideal for testing one’s short game in links-style surroundings.
Portpatrick’s attractive clubhouse offers a well-appointed lounge, perfect for relaxing pre or post round. Member and visitors can take advantage of a wellstocked bar area and a spacious dining room providing a variety of beverages and hot and cold snacks daily. The clubhouse’s panoramic windows boast excellent views across the golf course and beyond into the surrounding, picturesque countryside.
Renowned for its warm welcome to visitors and with societies welcomed throughout the year, the facilities, golf course and hospitality at Portpatrick combine to create an unforgettable experience.
Golf days can be customised to meet the needs and requirements of the visiting party and, the golf club’s dedicated team are on hand to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
Fantastic ‘Stay and Play’ deals are also available through the aptly named, 20th Hole accommodation.
Enjoy a day’s golf, a drink in the 19th and then unwind in the superb 20th hole on-course accommodation which sleeps four in two twin bedrooms complete with all modern amenities.
The minimum stay is three nights with prices starting from as little as £100 per night although group discounts are applicable and can include golf and catering packages by request.
For further information, please contact
Portpatrick Dunksey Golf Club 01776 810 273 or email enquiries to shop@portpatrickgolfclub.com www.portpatrickgolfclub.com
Portpatrick Golf Club Golf Club Road
Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway DG9 8TB
Introducing The Stunning Cally Palace Hotel And Golf Course
Nestled in the serene and picturesque landscape of Southwest Scotland is Cally Palace, which stands as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and society golfers seeking a perfect blend of challenging play, luxurious accommodations, and tranquil surroundings. Situated within the grounds of the historic Cally Palace Hotel, this idyllic golf club offers a unique experience that seamlessly combines the charm of a 19th-century mansion with the modern amenities and pristine golfing conditions of a true golfing escape.
Cally Palace boasts an 18-hole Parkland Course designed to test golfers of all skill levels. The course, which stretches over 6,226 yards from the white tees, is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, lush woodlands, and beautifully maintained fairways. Designed with a variety of natural features including water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, the course requires precision and strategic thinking. Its layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, offering both a challenging and visually stunning round of golf for even the most esteemed players. As you play the course, there are wonderful views of Cardoness Castle, Rutherford’s Monument, and the Fleet Estuary.
For those planning a golf break or society golf, Cally Palace provides an array of packages designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. Their Golf Stay & Play package includes dinner, bed & breakfast in their own Cally Palace, and one round of golf per person, per day. The hotel itself, a magnificent 18th-century mansion, offers 56 elegantly crafted rooms and suites that combine historical charm with contemporary comforts. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding countryside, making it an ideal retreat after a day on the greens.
Dining at Cally Palace Hotel is a highlight, with the hotel’s restaurant serving a menu that features locally sourced, top-quality ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. From hearty breakfasts to gourmet dinners, the culinary offerings complement the overall experience of luxury and relaxation. The hotel also features a cosy bar where guests can unwind with a drink and share their golfing stories. If you’re planning a celebration or want to treat yourself, they even offer a fine afternoon tea.
In addition to its superb golf facilities, Cally Palace offers a range of leisure activities for guests to enjoy. The hotel features an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, jacuzzi and a sauna, providing the perfect opportunity for some much-needed rest and relaxation. For those looking to explore the local area, the surrounding region of Dumfries and Galloway offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Guests can visit historic sites such as Cardoness Castle and the beautiful Cally gardens, or you can enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and bird watching in the Galloway Forest Park.
The hotel and club often host generous offers getaway break deals to summer specials and dinner, bed and breakfast bundles.
With its stunning setting, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch golfing facilities, Cally Palace promises an unforgettable experience in Southwest Scotland. Whether you're an avid golfer simply looking for a relaxing getaway, or society golfers looking to test your skills with a top-tier experience, this remarkable venue has something for everyone.
