Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Na h-Eileanan Siar

Golf at the Edge of the World

Golf in Na h-Eileanan Siar is golf in its purest form. Courses wind through machair dunes, skirt white sand beaches and look out across the Atlantic towards St Kilda. Green fees are modest, tee times are rarely hard to find, and many visitors leave convinced they have discovered one of golf's best-kept secrets.

The islands' courses are small in number but rich in character. Several are maintained by dedicated volunteers and community clubs, and some operate honesty boxes for green fees, reflecting the trust and warmth of island culture. For golfers seeking natural links, solitude and staggering scenery, the Outer Hebrides are hard to beat.

How We Ranked These Courses

We considered course design, natural setting, playing experience, history, condition, welcome for visitors and value for money. Because the islands have a compact collection of courses, we have also included golf experiences on the ferry routes that visitors commonly use to reach the isles.

The Top 10 Golf Courses in and Around Na h-Eileanan Siar

1. Askernish Golf Club, South Uist

Askernish is the jewel of Hebridean golf. Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1891, the course was rediscovered and restored in the early twenty-first century, using minimal intervention to preserve its natural dunes and machair. It has earned international acclaim as one of the most authentic links experiences in the world.

2. Isle of Harris Golf Club, Scarista

Overlooking Scarista beach on the west coast of Harris, this nine-hole course offers some of the most spectacular views in golf. Turquoise water, white sand and mountains create a setting that is almost impossible to describe.

3. Stornoway Golf Club

The islands' main eighteen-hole parkland course is set in the grounds of Lews Castle, with mature woodland rare in the Hebrides. It offers a well-maintained, varied challenge and an active club community.

4. Benbecula Golf Club

This flat, links-style course near Balivanich is a friendly, accessible option, popular with residents and visitors exploring the southern isles.

5. Isle of Barra Golf Club

Barra's nine-hole course on the island's west side delivers rugged terrain and sweeping Atlantic views. It is a memorable stop for golfers visiting via the famous beach airport at Traigh Mhòr.

6. Sollas Golf Course, North Uist

Set among the machair of North Uist, this natural course offers a relaxed and authentic island round, surrounded by birdlife and big skies.

7. Ullapool Golf Club

For golfers travelling via the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry, this scenic course on the shores of Loch Broom makes an ideal round before or after the crossing.

8. Isle of Skye Golf Club, Sconser

Visitors using the Uig ferry to Tarbert or Lochmaddy can enjoy this dramatic Skye course along the way, with views across the Inner Sound.

9. Glencruitten Golf Club, Oban

Oban is the gateway for ferries to Barra and South Uist. Glencruitten is a hilly, characterful course and a favourite pre-crossing round.

10. Askernish Heritage Links Experience

Beyond the main course, Askernish offers a deeper insight into golf history, with stories of its restoration and the traditions of Old Tom Morris that make a visit far more than just a round.

The Appeal of Natural Links Golf

Hebridean golf is shaped by nature rather than heavy machinery. Machair grassland drains well, creating firm, fast conditions. The wind is ever-present, demanding creativity, low ball flights and a sense of humour. Wildlife is part of the experience too, with corncrakes, lapwings and oystercatchers often sharing the course.

Trends in Island Golf Tourism

Golf tourism in the Outer Hebrides is growing as travellers seek authentic, uncrowded experiences. Many visitors now plan island golf trips combining Askernish, Harris and Stornoway with the islands' beaches, culture and food. Sustainability is also central, with courses managed in harmony with protected machair habitats.

Tips for Golfing in the Hebrides

Pack waterproofs and layers whatever the season, bring plenty of balls for windy days and check ferry times when planning rounds. Respect livestock that may graze on some courses, and enjoy the long summer evenings that allow golf late into the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book tee times in advance?

At most island courses, tee times are relaxed and visitors can simply turn up, although booking ahead is advisable at Askernish and Stornoway during peak summer months or when competitions are scheduled.

What is the best time of year to golf in the Outer Hebrides?

Late spring to early autumn offers the most settled weather and the longest days, with the machair in full bloom during early summer. Hardy golfers enjoy year-round play, although winter storms can make conditions challenging.

Key Takeaways

Golf in the Outer Hebrides rewards those willing to travel a little further. Askernish offers a living piece of golf history, Harris provides arguably the most beautiful nine holes anywhere, and Stornoway delivers a full eighteen-hole parkland test. Pair these with the gateway courses on the ferry routes and you have the makings of an unforgettable island golf adventure.

Conclusion

Golf in Na h-Eileanan Siar offers something rare: historic links, extraordinary scenery and genuine solitude. Whether you play the restored masterpiece at Askernish or the beachside fairways of Harris, these courses deliver a golfing adventure you will never forget.