Value golf courses in GB&I: Central & South Scotland

Vale of Leven

GF: £20 STATS: par 67, sss 67, 5,330 yards
T: 01389 752351 W: volgc.org

If you fancy playing a round on a course with stunning views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains, but don’t feel like paying thousands of pounds for membership of Loch Lomond Golf Club, Vale of Leven in Alexandria could provide the solution. Founded in 1907, it’s an attractive, undulating layout. It may measure only 5,300 yards but it’s by no means a pushover. This is a course that demands careful and strategic golf.

West Kilbride

GF: £45 STATS: par 71, sss 71, 6,452 yards
T: 01294 823042 W: westkilbridegolfclub.com

Founded in 1893, West Kilbride is one of many fabulous links courses situated on the Ayrshire coast. With stunning views across to the Isle of Arran, it lies in the village of Seamill between Largs and Ardrossan. The original nine-hole layout was designed by Old Tom Morris, though five-time Open Champion James Braid made alterations in 1914 and again in 1923.

St Andrews Eden

GF: £40 STATS: par 70, sss 70, 6 250 yards
T: 01334 466666 W: standrews.org.uk

Although it dates from 1914, the Eden is just the fourth oldest course on the links of St Andrews. Originally laid out by Harry Colt, Donald Steel made some significant alterations to the course in 1989. Gorse, deep bunkers and some great undulating greens make for many superb holes. At the far end, the course takes on a slightly less seaside style, there’s even a water hazard to contend with. It’s a course where good approach play is essential, miss the tricky greens on either side and you’ll be left with a daunting up-and-down.

The Glen – North Berwick

GF: £37 STATS: par 70, sss 70, 6,321 yards            
 T: 01620 892726 W: glengolfclub.co.uk

Formerly a municipal, The Glen has a reputation for offering a friendly welcome to visiting parties who return year on year to enjoy superb views across to the Bass Rock and challenging – but not gruelling – golf on a well-maintained course. Predominantly a cliff-top layout, it provides an excellent complement to North Berwick’s more famous track, the West Links. Be sure to stop in the impressive new clubhouse after a round here. You can enjoy one of the local tipples while sitting in the glass-fronted lounge that offers a stunning panorama of the Firth of Forth.