Golfing

Scotland is the home of golf and, with some of the most scenic backdrops in the country, Cairngorms courses are possibly some of the best in the world…

The Park boasts 13 courses, of differing difficulty level, character and length, both 9 and 18-holes. If you want to swing your club river-side, or surrounded by epic mountain views, or next to beautiful pine forest or on the UK’s highest course, you can. 

Spey Valley Golf Course
Spey Valley Golf Course
Whether you want a challenging 18 hole course, or a 9 hole round that the kids can manage, the Cairngorms golfing scene has it all.

For 9 hole courses with stunning views, Carrbridge, Craggan and Abernethy Golf Club are all great options with oodles of character and opportunities for both the beginner and the expert.

Two 18 courses with stunning backdrops include Newtonmore's - which skirts the River Spey - and Grantown on Spey - which is enveloped by mountains and woodlands.

If you want to challenge yourself to your limits, following in the footsteps of golfing greats, the Cairngorms can also deliver on that front, too...

Boat of Garten's beautiful course is famous for its challenging holes, as well as its stunning backdrop views of the Cairngorms mountain range. Similarly, as you'd expect, the Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Golf Course challenges even the most experienced of golfers.

On the East side of the Park, both Ballater and Braemar boast gorgeously-located 18 hole courses; at the latter, too, you can brag that you have played the highest 18 hole course in the UK at 1,200! (If you want the same bragging rights for a 9 hole course, then just head up the road to Dalmunzie!)


FAQs

Where is the best place to golf in the Cairngorms?

With 12 courses, both 9 hole and 18 hole, you’re spoilt for choice so it depends on what you are looking for and what kind of landscape you prefer. The course in Newtonmore, for instance, runs alongside the River Spey, whereas the course at Grantown on Spey has views of mountains and woodland and the course in Braemar is the highest in the UK! Some courses are more demanding – such as Boat of Garten – whereas as others are more geared for kids such as the 9 hole at Carrbridge and Abernethy.

Are any of the golf courses award winning?

Yes. Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Course has been voted one of the best golf courses in Scotland and has hosted the European Challenge Tour’s Scottish Hydro Challenge. It has also been voted the Most Picturesque Golf Course in the UK.

Is there enough good golfing to come for a golfing holiday to the Cairngorms?

Yes! The Cairngorms has many courses, all over the Park, which each have their own unique character. And, because they are dotted all over the Park, a golfing tour will also mean you see a wide range of what the Cairngorms has to offer in terms of its varied landscape.


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