The first nine holes of Aberfeldy Golf Club were laid out in the level floodplain of the River Tay in 1895, making it one of the oldest courses in the Scottish highlands. In 1993, plans were adopted to extend the course by nine holes. In 1995, almost 100 years to the day after the christening of the original nine holes, the 5,283-yard, par-68, 18-hole course opened to members and the public.
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There are more than a dozen noteworthy holes at Taymouth Castle Golf Club. Conditions are excellent, and the scenery is some of the most unique you will find in the highlands, Kiel Christianson writes. Despite the odd quirk here and there - which is part of the very charm of highland golf - Taymouth Castle is a profound joy to play.
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The Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club sits high over the fairytale town from which it takes its (first) name, home to a soaring cathedral, ancient castles and a town center anyone in his or her right mind would associate with words like "charming" and "quaint."
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Every golf course in Scotland can't be 200 years old and designed by Old Tom Morris. They do build some new ones here occasionally, designed by living architects, like the Inchmarlo Golf Club in Banchory. The 18-hole Laird's course at Inchmarlo opened in 2001, built on the slopes to the north of the existing nine-hole course.
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Some petty critics scoff at the in-your-face nature of the Cruden Bay Golf Club's Wild Ride. But the only thing keeping these links from having an even wider reknown is the location up the eastern coast of Scotland. The fact is, travelers willing to make the trek are rewarded handsomely.
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A lot of so-called aficionados of golf in Scotland will tell you that Murcar Links Golf Club just north of Aberdeen is one of the country's "hidden gems." They're right about the gem part. Hardcore golfers will not want to miss this place. As to the hidden, however, well, if you want to beat the crowds, you might want to book your tee times now.
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The club hosted the first 12 British Opens, and a few more since. In the early days Prestwick had only 12 holes, and first prize was a red Morocco leather belt with silver clasps, a replica of which is in the clubhouse.
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There probably aren't many Americans who make it to Banff and the Moray Coast for their Scottish golfing holiday. It can get cold and windy up here, hard by the icy North Sea. You should go if you get the chance, though, for several reasons. Mainly: the Duff House Royal Golf Course.
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Someone once likened Brora to St. Andrews. The reason being that from Brora's first tee, as at the Old Course, what one sees is an unremarkable expanse. Or so it appears. Get down into this wobbly, frumpy thing and one becomes lost. Gloriously so.
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Carnegie Links at Skibo Castle in Dornoch, Scotland brings a golfer face to face with history, as well as giving a view of Andrew Carnegie's wealth and golf addiction. While Skibo Castle is an exclusive private getaway for well-heeled captains of industry, patrons of the arts and celebrities - Madonna was married here - the golf is still finding its legs, but improving at every turn as the owners work to make the links match the castle.
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