Scotland's modern golf gems

By Brandon Tucker

Golf Publisher Syndications

updated 7:09 p.m. ET Jan. 8, 2007

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland - Tradition and history make Scotland the destination for many golfers. St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry and Royal Dornoch ooze the stuff.

Many visitors never get past the century-old classics. But the country has produced some world-class modern golf courses too, all vying for a little respect among the elders. "Traditional" may be the highest accolade in Scottish golf , but these 21st-century golf courses have plenty offer as well.

For one thing, they're far more woman-friendly. For Old Tom Morris and James Braid, ladies' tees were an afterthought, plunked down at the end of the men's tee box. Today's designers know the importance of multiple tee boxes in attracting women to the course.

Whatever your gender, some of Scotland's newer tracks fair challenge the oldsters for stellar play.

Must-plays

Kingsbarns Golf Links , St. Andrews: The course literature stresses the property's golf history dating to the late 18th century, and you'll be hard-pressed to find any contemporary art or photos in the clubhouse. But make no mistake: Kingsbarns is a modern marvel.

Despite competing with the legendary links course seven miles up the coast in St. Andrews proper, this well-manicured newcomer has earned respect fast after opening in 2000, joining Carnoustie and the Old Course as venues for the Dunhill Links Pro-Am.

Landing zones are large and most tees give a straightforward view of the entire hole. The challenge is in the greens - big, multi-tiered and full of subtle breaks. When pins are tucked, two-putting for amateurs becomes an ordeal. The 12th and 15th, playing around the rocky shore, are rapidly becoming known as two of Fife's best. For more info or tee times, call (800) 348-4902.

The Carrick , Loch Lomond: Slated to open in May 2007 (but previewed by GolfEurope.com), the Carrick is set to rival neighboring Loch Lomond G.C. as the area's best and turn the five-star Cameron House Hotel into a full-blown golf destination.

If you go Click here for a list of reputable golf packagers that provide Scotland golf tours and tee times.

Architect Doug Carrick - no stranger to sculpting courses out of prime scenery in his native Canada - got a great piece of land to work with along the shores of Britain's largest lake, and the results are visually stunning. Plenty of elevated tees accentuate the views, and and most holes play with Ben Lomond as a backdrop.

The setting sets the bar high for course officials, and they are aiming accordingly, already putting in a bid to host the Solheim Cup.

"Being in a prime area in Loch Lomond, I think it's going to be renowned as one of the top courses in Scotland," grounds manager Alan Glachan predicted.

For more info or tee times, call (800) 262-5725.

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