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The finalists for the annual awards bash were revealed this morning. Find out the full shortlist below 👇
We are delighted to officially announce the finalists for the 2026 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards in association with LuxeScot!To view the finalists, visit: http://bunkered.co.uk/.../scottish-golf-tourism-awards.../To secure your tickets for the awards, visit: uk.eventsforce.net/44rgzb/21/home
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WHS 2025 Scottish Stats
What a year 2025 proved to be for score submissions through the World Handicap Systemâ˘!
198,847 female scores (up 14%)
1,840,272 male scores (up 14%)
Busiest day: Saturday 3 May (27,795 scores)
Hats off to the 32 hardy souls who posted scores on Christmas Day!We remain committed to providing support for our affiliated clubs and facilities as they strive to create a positive environment and encourage more golfers to play more golf more often.
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Pro cards gained for Walker Cup Stars
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One for the history buffs of our beautiful game ⛳️🏴
In Scotland by 1457 that it was officially banned for interfering with archery practice.The origins of golf are debated, but the act of hitting a ball across the countryside with a stick into a small hole is quintessentially Scottish.By the 18th century, groups of golf enthusiasts began forming clubs and organising competitions. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers was established in the 1740s, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews hosted its first competition in 1754. It was at St Andrews that the standard of 18 holes per course was eventually adopted
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Golf's value to St Andrews grows
By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman
Golf brings in ÂŁ317m annually to St Andrews alone - and here's where it comes from
Figure is the equivalent of Scotland hosting three Open Championships every year.....
Golf's annual economic value in St Andrews is more than ÂŁ300 million - the equivalent of Scotland hosting three Open Championships every year.
The exact figure of ÂŁ317m has been revealed as part of new research conducted for St Andrews Links Trust, which runs the seven courses in the Fife town, by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University.
The report calculated the amount visitors spent directly on golf in St Andrews, where The Open will be held for a record 31st time in 2027, as well on hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and local travel providers.
It found the home of golf welcomes an average of 2,000 playing visitors every week, with around 72 per cent coming from overseas and predominantly - 40 per cent, to be precise - from the US.
The report also highlighted just how positively visitors viewed their spend, with 84 per cent indicating they were âlikely or very likelyâ to return in the future.
Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: âThis is the first such study looking solely at the impact of golf in St Andrews on the town and the wider Scottish economy. It clearly shows the massive impact on the town and that our visitors are delivering a boost to communities across Scotland each and every year. This impact has probably been undervalued in the past.
âThe unique place that St Andrews holds as the lifeblood and source of the sport means that both golfers and non-golfers want to come here and experience this place for themselves
Neil Coulson, the chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, has hailed golfâs âmassive impactâ on the town | St Andrews Links Trust
âBut this only works if we continue to invest in our facilities and in ensuring we strive for excellence in customer experience. The combination is what makes St Andrews Links stand out.â
For every ÂŁ1 that passes through the tills of St Andrews Links Trust from visitors, an additional ÂŁ3.43 is generated for other businesses in the town.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: "This report hits home the scale of the benefits we all reap from the trustâs courses, alongside the broader impact of golf tourism, which boosts the economy by ÂŁ300m every year and supports around 5,000 jobs.
âI commend the trust for all it does to sustain and grow the game and I'm looking forward to the return of The Open to St Andrews in 2027, which, backed by Scottish Government funding, will further increase our standing as a first-class host of major events.â
Other Scottish courses attracting St Andrews vistors
The report highlighted how more than half of the visitors to St Andrews in 2023 also played elsewhere, notably at Kingsbarns, Carnoustie Dumbarnie Links and Crail.
Vicki Miller, VisitScotlandâs chief executive, said: âThis comprehensive study showcases the important role golf plays in Scotlandâs visitor economy, with St Andrews standing at the heart of this as a globally-recognised asset.
âScotland continues to be the destination of choice for golfers worldwide, and beyond the course, our renowned hospitality, culture and heritage offer a truly distinctive and enriching experience for all who visit. We welcome this research, which reinforces Scotlandâs reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.â
Professor Simon Shibli, from Sheffield Hallam University, added: âUsing gold standard methods to interview over 2,400 golfers, our research reveals a significant asset to the Scottish economy, which has arguably not been fully appreciated.
âSt Andrews Links Trust is not only a thriving business in its own right, it is also a catalyst for considerable tourism and employment benefits. That the annual economic impact of St Andrews Links Trust is the equivalent of hosting The Open three times a year in Scotland is a truly remarkable finding.â
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The R&A appoint new Honorary Professional and he's a well-known figure in golf
By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman
David Scott chosen to succeed his great friend and mentor Jim Farmer
David Scott, a proud St Andrean, has been appointed as the new Honorary Professional of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, succeeding his great friend and mentor Jim Farmer in becoming just the sixth person to hold the prestigious post.
Scott, who is the current captain of The PGA, is a well-known figure in UK and Scottish golf and also further afield through his roles over the years at Kingsbarns, The Dukeâs in St Andrews and his current job as general manager of Dumbarnie Links.
âIâm deeply honoured to have been appointed Honorary Professional by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews,â he said of his new role following the passing of Farmer last year.
âHaving grown up playing golf in the town, I know just how important a role The Royal and Ancient Golf Club plays in the sport and it is a privilege to become involved and support the members.â
Born and raised in St Andrews, Scottâs father was club champion at the St Andrews Golf Club and it was no surprise that he was immersed in golf from an early age.
He qualified as a PGA Professional in 1985 and won the award as Scottish Assistant of the Year in the final exam.
After serving as an assistant and then club professional, he went on to become director of golf at Kingsbarns Golf Links, golf manager and director of operations at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa before taking up his current role at Dumbarnie Links in 2020.
âWe are delighted that David will become the clubâs Honorary Professional,â said Mark Darbon, secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. âHe is a hugely-popular figure and brings a wealth of experience in golf to the role. Iâm sure the members will be looking forward immensely to working with him.â
Scott lives in St Andrews with his wife Yvonne and has two grown-up children, Jenna and David junior, and two grandchildren, Jessica and Freya.
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Mulligan For Men - Men;s Mental Health
Mulligan For Men â Golf for Menâs Mental Health
Hi everyone, my nameâs Nathan, and I recently moved to Edinburgh after leaving the RAF. Itâs been a big life changeâand to be honest, like many lads, Iâve struggled with my mental health along the way.Weâre starting small with casual meetups, but the goal is to build a space where men can open up, feel supported, and maybe even make a difference.
If youâre a golfer (or just want to get out of the house), hit follow and stay tuned for upcoming events. If you believe in the mission, share this page or tag a mate who might benefit. And if youâre struggling, know this: youâre not alone.Letâs break the silenceâone round at a time.
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Glasgow Doddie Golf Day
Contact Nikki or Stephen if you would like to play 
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A Scottish Perspective | Golf Tourism in the Spotlight
It was an honour to represent Scotland on the international stage, with our Director, Derek Anderson, advocating for the sustainable future of the golf tourism industry at the prestigious Scottish Golf Tourism Week, held in Aberdeen from March 18â20.With over 20 years' experience and clients from the USA, Canada, and across Asia, we at GHW Golf Tours are here to make Scottish golf more accessible, authentic, and unforgettable.Letâs keep Scotland a bucket list destination for all the right reasons.
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Scottish Fish Trades Annual Tournament - Duff House Royal Golf Club / 12th - 15th May 2025
Annual Fish Trades 4 day event is back
Booking now live. Reserve a space online duffhouseroyal.com/fishtrades paid on registration.
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Golf is a sport that is perfect for kids to fall in love with… and here are the reasons why 🤩⬇️
R&A Golf for kids initiative.
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R&A Championship Dates 2025
Entries for our amateur championships are open
Check them all out and enter here go.randa.org/AmChampsEntries
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Scotland's 'forgotten golfer': From PoW to sporting icon
By Ken Banks and Ben PhilipBBC ScotlandWhen Scotsman Bobby Cruickshank was taken prisoner during World War One, he could little have imagined he would later find enduring fame in America as a golfing legend.
Born in Grantown-on-Spey in 1894, he escaped the prisoner of war camp and eventually crossed the Atlantic to follow his golfing dream.
He went on to win more than 20 tournaments and be considered a sporting great in the USA. But his story is far less well known back home in Scotland.
Now the Highland course where he learned to play is offering golfers an "immersive" experience in his honour, including the chance to use hickory clubs of the style he played with in the 1920s and 1930s.
Bobby was born about 400 yards - or roughly the length of a par-four hole - from Grantown-on-Spey golf course.
At the time, it was just a nine-hole course. But it was big enough for Bobby.
He caddied there as well as learning to play the game.
Bobby later moved to Edinburgh where he developed his education and sporting skills, ultimately resulting in him pursuing his golfing ambitions.
But World War One got in the way. Bobby signed up and managed to survive the horrors of the Somme only to be captured by the Germans.
He succeeded in escaping a PoW camp at Arras in France.
Bobby emigrated in 1921, joining a wave of Scottish golfers seeking success in the growing American golf scene.
It was there that he ultimately won a series of tournaments and finished runner-up in the US Open in 1923 and 1932.
He played alongside other greats of that era including Bobby Jones and his golfing status saw him rub shoulders with Hollywood icons including Charlie Chaplin.
In 1967 he was elected to the PGA of America Hall of Fame, external - the highest honour it can bestow upon its membership or ambassadors of golf.
Other greats of the game to have the same honour include Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Bobby died at the age of 80 in 1975.
Granddaughter Diana Smith, 82, who lives in Georgia, USA, is proud of his achievements.
"He was one of the finest people you could ever meet," she told BBC Scotland News.
"He loved the game dearly. He, along with his group of buddies in the States, literally started the concept of what is now the golf tour."
Diana Smith is seen playing golf with her grandfather Bobby
"We had more laughs on the golf course than I can even tell you. He used to chase the alligators away with his club," she said.
"When he couldn't play golf anymore, he quickly passed away."
Diana and the rest of Bobby's family are delighted by the new project at his home course.
"We are thrilled. I know how much Grantown meant to my family and my grandad. I'm very proud of him. And I'm happy that people are recognising him.
"It's easy to forget, but he was so much part of the golf world and for this chance for people to get to know him, does my heart good."
Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club - which was established in 1890 - has launched the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience.
Players can use a set of hickory clubs and see footage, photographs and memorabilia related to Bobby's exploits.
Club member Bill Mitchell, 90, remembers Bobby Cruickshank well.
"I remember him coming over on holiday and he had a huge American car," he said.
Club member Bill Mitchell has fond memories of Bobby Cruickshank
"I recall him coming down one night and his nephew was practising bunker shots.
"Bobby was all dressed up in his dinner jacket, ready to go out for a meal with some friends.
"And he saw his nephew and Bobby said 'Give me your wedge and one ball and I'll give you 10 shots if you can put it nearer to the hole'.
"And of course he just flopped it out, six inches away, and his nephew had no chance.
"He was a class act, there's no doubt about it."
He added: "He had a super swing - a no-nonsense swing. One waggle and away it went."
'Deserves his place in history'
Steve Stuart from Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club has been driving the legacy project.
"He won 25 tournaments in America - I can't think of another Scot who has done that," he said.
Mr Stuart described Scottish golf tourism as "amazing" with the best courses in the world.
"Most of the tourists visit them, but you've also got lots of hidden gems and we like to think that we're one of those," he said. "So what we're trying to do is celebrate our unique selling point in Bobby Cruickshank.
"Tourists can expect a true and immersive history lesson. And if they have never played with hickory clubs, it's great fun.
"He played all his golf in America and he was a household name there.
"We sometimes get Americans coming here just to see the home of Bobby Cruickshank and people here generally don't give a very good response because nobody is clued up on it yet - but we're aiming to change that.
"He really is the forgotten golfer. He was one heck of a golfer. Bobby Cruickshank deserves his place in history."
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Ballater Golf Week - 50th Anniversary
Celebrating 50 Years of Ballater Golf Week!Join us from 10thâ16th May 2025 for a special 50th-anniversary edition of Ballater Golf Week, set in the stunning surroundings of Royal Deeside.
Fantastic entertainment throughout the week
Limited spaces availableâdonât miss out!
Only ÂŁ195 per person
To book, call us on 013397 55567 or email us (details in the postcard below).Come and be part of this prestigious eventâwe canât wait to welcome you!#BallaterGolfWeek#GolfInBallater#BallaterEvents#DiscoverBallater#ScotlandGolfWeek#GolfBallater#Ballater2024#RoyalDeesideGolf#AberdeenshireGolf#VisitBallater#LoveGolf#GolfLife#GolfLovers#GolfScotland#GolfCommunity#GolfEvent#GolfFun#GolfVibes#GolfTournament#GolfExperience#RoyalDeeside#VisitScotland#ScotlandAdventures#AberdeenshireLife#ExploreScotland#BallaterScotland#HighlandsAndIslands#ScottishHighlands#HiddenScotland#ScenicScotland#GolfAddict#GolfFamily#GolfGoals#InstaGolf#GolfStagram#GolferLife#GolfingAdventures#GolfTime#GolferPro#WeekendGolf#ScenicGolf#GolfAndNature#GolfWithAView#GolfEscape#GolfInTheHighlands#OutdoorsScotland#GolfAndTravel#NatureAndGolf#GolfParadise#GreenFairways#BallaterGolfClub #HiddenGem #RoyalDeeside #KingCharlesPatron #GolfAndAdventure #HighlandGames #CaravanPark #ScotlandGolf #SocietyBookings #BookNow#golfcompetition #golfevent #golfday #golfdays #golf #golfer #golfing #golfcourse #golflife #golfdays #golfinglife #scottishgolfer #golfswing #golfclub #scottishgolf #golfers #golfersofinstagram #golfsociety #englandgolf #championshipgolf #amateurgolf #ladiesgolf #girlsgolf #juniorsgolf #golfscotland #golfinscotland #golfintheuk #golfmens #golfdeeside #golfhighlands #golfdigest #golfmonthly #golfeurope #golfholidays #golfbreaks
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Scottish golf clubs hit by membership drop amid 'financial pressures'
By Martin Dempster - The ScotsmanScottish Golf says it is âacutely awareâ of situation being faced by some member clubsScottish Golf is âacutely awareâ of the financial pressure being faced by clubs around the country, which has been hammered home by a drop in membership numbers over the past year.
Though the exact figure for the year ending September 2024 has not been shared in the formal papers for the governing bodyâs upcoming AGM, a âslight decrease compared to the prior yearâ is referred to.
Helped by stakeholders giving the green light for the affiliation fee to be increased from ÂŁ15.75 to ÂŁ17.50 last May, a Regional Development Team is back on the ground around the country providing âtargeted supportâ.
That, coupled with the feeling that bridges are being rebuilt under new CEO Robbie Clyde and interim chair Fraser Thornton, has led to an upbeat directorsâ report being delivered to member clubs ahead of the AGM in Glasgow on 14 March.
It reads: âOver the past year, substantial efforts have been directed toward re-establishing and strengthening the relationship between Scottish Golf and its member clubs. A key milestone was the successful outcome of the Annual General Meeting, where approval was secured for an increase in the affiliation fee. This decision reflects the collective commitment of our members to support the long-term sustainability of the sport in Scotland.
âThe commitment to increase the affiliation fee has played a crucial role in enabling us to drive the recruitment of a dedicated Regional Development Team. This strategic investment in additional resources will provide targeted support to clubs across the country, helping them navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities moving forward.
âBy strengthening our regional presence, we will be better positioned to deliver tailored services and development programs that will directly benefit our member clubs and support the growth of golf at a grass-roots level.â
Helped by the increase in the affiliation fee, a deficit of ÂŁ142,726 in the same period in 2023 has been turned into a surplus of ÂŁ14,265 in the latest accounts for the Rosyth-based organisation.
âIncome from affiliation fees experienced a slight decrease compared to the prior year, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by member clubs and the broader golf community,â adds the report. âOn the expenditure side, the organisation was impacted by a range of wider economic factors, including inflationary pressures and rising operational costs.
âDespite these challenges, the organisation has maintained its commitment to prudent financial management, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the delivery of strategic objectives and sustain long-term financial stability.
âThe team at Scottish Golf remains acutely aware of the financial pressures impacting member clubs, particularly in the current economic climate. Rising operational costs and the changing dynamics of the golf industry require ongoing adaptability and collaboration.
âTo address these challenges, the organisation continues to engage in regular, constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders and sporting partners, reinforcing its commitment to the long-term development of golf in Scotland.
âLooking ahead, Scottish Golf is committed to building on the progress made during the year, continuing to deliver value to its members, and driving the growth and sustainability of golf throughout the country.â
The accounts report reserves of ÂŁ1.4 million while donations in kind - certain items of clothing, equipment and services made available as a result of sponsorship agreements - totalled ÂŁ17,795 compared to ÂŁ4,000 in 2023.
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Scottish Golf launches new Community Disability Hub Programme with sessions set to run across Scotland
We are delighted to be launching a new Community Disability Hub Programme!
Whether you have a physical, sensory, or learning disability, our sessions are open to all, no matter your circumstances.
To find out more and to register head this way
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Scottish Golf bursary for golfers with a disability.
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R&A Golf Scholarship - Application Form
Learn more & apply here: https://www.randa.org/the-royal-ancient-golf-club...
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Contruction Pairs Championship 2025
Calling all OpenPlay members in construction!
The 2025 Construction Pairs Championship tournament is here, and if you're an OpenPlay member who works in the construction industry, youâre invited to take part!Entry cost: ÂŁ50 per pair (+ÂŁ2.50 admin fee).The prize: A chance to tee off in the Grand Final at the legendary Brabazon Course, The Belfry â home to the British Masters and 4-time Ryder Cup host!Final perks: An all-expenses-paid trip with overnight accommodation and a celebratory evening meal.
Why get involved?Stay sharp: Put your practice rounds to the test!Team up: Build connections on and off the course.Feel supported: Because at OpenPlay, we know itâs not just about the game â itâs about the journey. Ready to take your game to the next level? Grab a partner, and letâs go! Apply now â spots are limited! https://construction-pairs.acmetrix.co.uk/
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Former Masters champion to become new world rankings chairman
By Martin Dempster - The ScotsmanSouth African Trevor Immelman to take over role from Peter Dawson in AprilFormer Masters champion Trevor Immelman has been appointed to succeed Peter Dawson as chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
The South African, who landed his Green Jacker in 2008, will take over from Dawson, who has held the role since 2016, during this yearâs Masters.
âThe Official World Golf Ranking has always been a huge part of my life and professional career,â said Immelman, who will continue in his role as the lead golf analyst on the CBS commentary team.
âGrowing up in South Africa and falling in love with the game as a youngster, the ranking system was how I tracked and followed my favourite players and understood who the best players in the world were.
âThen, as I turned professional, my focus on the rankings intensified, as I knew being in the top 50 allowed me to play in the biggest tournaments around the world.
âI am extremely honoured to follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Bonallack and Peter Dawson as chairman, and I look forward to working closely with board members to ensure OWGR remains committed to its mission.â
Immelman will become the third OWGR chair since 2004. Bonallack held the position for 12 years from 2004 before being succeeded by Dawson.
âIt has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of OWGR and to work with the Board to serve menâs professional golf,â said Dawson, a former chief executive of The R&A.
âOWGR provides an important framework and is continuing to evolve and improve while remaining true to its mission. I wish Trevor the very best and Iâm sure he will carry out the role with distinction.â
In a separate announcement, the OWGR will start using a new points distribution curve with immediate effect in events that have Low Field Ratings.
Although there is no change to the total amount of points awarded for these tournaments, a steeper points distribution curve gives 50 per cent more points to the winner of low field rating tournaments, with a 26 per cent overall increase in points to the top five.
This will enable additional upward movement in the ranking for the best performing players in these low-field rating tournaments.
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South American Open Amatuer Championship
Read more and link to scoring
