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7 James Braid golf courses in Scotland
As well as being one of the leading golfers of his generation - and winning the prestigious Open Championship an impressive five times - James Braid's lasting legacy lives on in the magnificent golf courses that he designed and remodelled. There are over 200 of them spread out across the British Isles (plus one in the USA) so there are plenty to choose from.
The following list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.
- 1
Girvan Golf Course
Ayrshire
Girvan Golf Course, Girvan, South Ayrshire
Girvan provides a golfing test of considerable charm with spectacular views. The exposed first eight holes are pure Scottish links, immediately adjacent to the beach, and the second ten holes are parkland providing a variable challenge. The course was designed by James Braid and has had few alterations since its inception in 1902.
- 2
Dalmahoy Golf Course
Kirknewton
A player tees off on the golf course at Dalmahoy
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
James Braid designed both the East and West courses at Dalmahoy, creating two 18-hole courses with undulating greens and bunkers to test even the most experienced golfer. The East course has previously hosted the Solheim Cup.
- 3
Lundin Golf Links
Fife
Lundin Links Golf Club
© Fife Council / Airborne Lens
This classic links course is located in the beautiful East Neuk of Fife next to Lower Largo. With fine links fairways and excellent greens the course is regularly selected as a final qualifying venue for the Open Championship.
- 4
Carnoustie
Angus
Carnoustie on the Angus coast
Travel over to Dundee across the Tay Bridge and play a round on the Championship Course at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus. Although the course wasn't designed from scratch by James Braid, it was his expert remodelling in 1926 that brought it up to Open Championship standard.
- 5
Gleneagles
Perthshire
Ladies European Tour at Gleneagles, 2018
© Gleneagles / Tristan Jones
This world-famous golf resort has hosted the Ryder Cup and is home to the beautiful James Braid-designed King's and Queen's Courses and the testing PGA Centenary course. The Queen's and King's Courses were opened in 1917 and 1919 respectively and offer enchanting views of the surrounding Perthshire countryside. If time (and budget!) allow why not play both and pick your favourite?
- 6
Nairn Golf Club
Nairn
Nairn bandstand at sunset
© Iain Fairweather
This traditional Scottish links course was the scene of a Walker Cup triumph in 1999 and is a classic design of James Braid. Nairn Golf Club also has a small 9-hole course, offering an ideal introduction to links golf. For more information on James Braid courses in the Highlands, please visit the James Braid Highland Golf Trail
- 7
Stranraer Golf Club
Stranraer
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
Visitors and members alike are invited to play at Stranraer Golf Club, the final golf course designed by James Braid. Situated on the shores of Loch Ryan, this 18-hole green offers a top golfing experience for anyone who likes a challenge. It’s mild climate thanks to the warm wash from the Gulf Stream and impressive views of Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and beyond, makes it an ideal place to play all-year round. Ready to plan your golfing trip? Tee times can be booked up to 14 days in advance which we recommend over the summer months.
From the dog-leg angles of his courses to his use of the tricky pot bunker, Braid's courses remain as testing and as fun to play as when he first designed them. Discover more about James Braid.
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