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Founded in the 1730s, the Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh is recognised as the oldest in the world. With its earliest homes on Bruntsfield Links and Old Musselburgh, it is now located to the west of Edinburgh. Less than five miles from both the city centre and Edinburgh Airport, the golf course, originally designed by the legendary Willie Park Jr, is undoubtedly one of the very best parkland courses in Scotland. It is a key draw for the many downsizers who choose to live in the surrounding prime and highly sought-after suburbs of Barnton and Cramond.
There are many reasons why a particular area becomes a prime property hotspot. It may have excellent transport links, a wide range of good quality housing, highly regarded schools, and other local amenities, or be close to a well-known landmark or beauty spot.
But there's another factor that has long added a premium to residential property values: proximity to a top golf course. As the first major championship of the year tees off in Augusta USA, the spotlight will likely once again fall on properties close to golf courses in Scotland, the home of golf.
St Andrews, Fife, is home to Scotland’s oldest university, the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral - a pilgrimage destination dating back to 1754 - as well as the glorious Chariots of Fire beach. Its famous Old Course, Scotland's oldest and most iconic golf course, is next to host the Open Championship in 2027. It's also the only top-class course in the country where private homes are situated on the edge of the green. The demand for these properties is high, particularly among high-net-worth golf lovers from Europe, North America, and Asia, and, not surprisingly, they carry a hefty premium.
East Lothian, known as ‘Scotland's Golf Coast’, features over 20 golf courses, including a mix of links and parkland courses. North Berwick, celebrated for its excellent amenities and top-tier schools, commands substantial premiums, with golf being played on the West Links since the 17th century. American golfers particularly value the historical significance of courses like Muirfield in Gullane. Property prices in East Lothian's charming coastal villages attract premiums significantly higher than the Scottish average.
Gleneagles, in Auchterarder, Perthshire, is a top destination for golfers and property investors alike. Recently named the 'Best Golf Resort' at the 2023 Business Traveller Awards and ranked as the 'World’s No.1 Golf Resort' outside the USA for the fourth consecutive year by Golf World, its reputation continues to soar. With luxurious amenities, including a five-star hotel and extensive leisure facilities, the residential market in the area thrives. The recent completion of a state-of-the-art irrigation project on the PGA Centenary Course further enhances its appeal. Families living within a 20-minute radius enjoy the Gleneagles lifestyle, joining the club for access to riding lessons, the swimming pool, and more.
Heading westwards, Royal Troon and Turnberry, both located in South Ayrshire, have become prime property hotspots largely due to their prestigious golf courses. Royal Troon, established in 1878, is renowned for hosting The Open Championship, featuring narrow fairways, challenging bunkers, and the iconic "Postage Stamp" hole. This reputation attracts golf enthusiasts and drives demand for nearby properties. Turnberry, with its three links courses offers stunning coastal views and luxurious amenities, including a five-star hotel. Both locations are easily accessible from Glasgow, with Troon situated approximately 34 miles southwest and Turnberry about 50 miles southwest. The blend of natural beauty, golfing heritage, and high-end facilities makes these areas highly desirable, pushing property prices well above the Scottish average.
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