5 bucket list golf courses on the Inner & Outer Hebrides
Golf is a phenomenally popular sport worldwide, but only one country can hold the title of the home of golf, and that’s Scotland!
While many of the most well-known courses lie on the East coast of Scotland – St Andrews, Muirfield, Carnoustie – what you might not know is that the Hebridean Islands, found beyond the nation’s West coast, hold their own fantastic courses that are well worth visiting, no matter your golfing ability.
In this blog, we’ll look more closely at some of our top five favourite golf courses on the Hebridean Islands.
1. Coll Golf Course (Isle of Coll)
Let’s start with Coll Golf Course on – you guessed it – the Isle of Coll!
Situated just three miles from the island’s main village of Arinagour is a short and sweet nine hole course, but that doesn’t stop it from being a must-play in its own right. As anyone who has visited Coll will tell you, the scenery that stretches across the surrounding waters and island is arrestingly beautiful.
One interesting difference that separates Coll from other courses is its honesty policy. With no clubhouse or steward, players are kindly asked to pay their fees in advance at the Coll Hotel.
Prices:
- Adult: £10
- Child: £3
- Family: £20
Yardage:
- 2133 yards
Dog friendly:
- Yes, but please keep on a lead to account for cattle near the course.
2. Vaul Golf Club (Isle of Tiree)
For those looking to explore Hebridean golf to its limit, visiting Vaul Golf Club on the Isle of Tiree is a must.
Entertaining locals and visitors alike for over one hundred years, players can enjoy a peaceful golfing experience on one of Scotland’s most remote courses.
Comprised of 9 holes and featuring striking views of the island, and the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond, this is a great course for players of all abilities.
Prices:
- Adult:
- 9 holes: £15
- 18 holes: £25
- Weekly: £15
- Junior: £5
Yardage:
- 5788 yards
Dog friendly:
- No
Website:
- https://www.vaulgolfclub.co.uk/
3. Askernish Golf Club (South Uist)
Moving north of Tiree to the Outer Hebrides is South Uist, where the rugged, sprawling Askernish course can be found.
Created in 1891 by the renowned and revered course designer ‘Old’ Tom Morris, Askernish fell into disuse for over 70 years, but has since been rebuilt, and is a staple for visiting golfers looking for a challenge on their visit.
Known for its grassy machair dunes, often found on Scotland’s coasts, the course is subtly integrated into its surroundings, giving it a rustic feel like no other, all year round. The course is so renowned for its natural beauty, it ranks 83rd in Scotland’s top golf courses.
Prices:
- Adult: £30-£70
- Junior:
- Under 16: £5
- 16-18: £10
Yardage:
- 6259 yards
Dog friendly:
- On the rough, but not allowed on the green
4. Barra Golf Club (Isle of Barra)
The westernmost course in this article, Barra Golf Club, can be found on the island of the same name.
As beautiful as it is remote, it sits among views of rolling hills and the azure Atlantic ocean beyond.
Found near the township of Cleat, the small course has been delighting visitors since 1992 and is highly rated for the challenges provided through its integration with the local landscape.
Visitors also find the square greens, which are fenced to ward off any local wildlife, a unique feature worth experiencing!
Prices:
- £10 (paid at local hotel)
Yardage:
- 2396 yards
Dog friendly:
- No
5. Tobermory Golf Club (Isle of Mull)
Finally, we come to the ‘capital’ of Mull, Tobermory.
This postcard-friendly town is matched by an equally picturesque golf course. Scenic views may be par for the course (pardon the pun) in Hebridean golf, but the wealth of incredible vistas makes this just as vital a stop as any of the other courses mentioned here.
In terms of play experience, visitors agree that Tobermory is nothing short of spectacular, but can be quite challenging due to its hilly terrain. Despite the difficulty, visitors continue to return to the course, eager to witness the “jaw-dropping” views of the island and sea once more.
After missing the cut at Carnoustie in 1999, golfing legend, Tom Watson, played the Tobermory course and declared that the 7th hole was their signature hole. This appears to still be the case, with various reviews of the course mentioning the beauty of the 7th hole.
It’s also important to note that the course is completely dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged friend can accompany you during an unforgettable round of Hebridean golf!
Prices:
- Adult: £25
- Junior: £15
Yardage:
- 4912 yards
Dog friendly:
- Yes
Oban – the gateway to the islands
If you’re interested in visiting one (or all!) of the golf courses we’ve spoken about above, we’ve got the perfect place to visit before beginning your journey to any of these five amazing courses.
Our luxury hotel boasts stunning views of the Oban shorefront and is the perfect place to indulge in all that our town has to offer. And like Tobermory Golf Club, our hotel is incredibly dog-friendly!