Best Golf Courses in Moray for Visiting Golfers
Moray is one of Scotland’s most underrated golf destinations. Located on the north-east coast along the Moray Firth, the region offers an impressive mix of classic links courses, scenic inland layouts and welcoming golf clubs — all within a short drive of one another.
For golfers planning a trip to Scotland, Moray provides the perfect balance: championship golf, hidden gems, beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to the famous whisky distilleries of Speyside.
From historic links designed by Old Tom Morris to modern inland courses and charming coastal layouts, Moray has something for every golfer.
Here are some of the best golf courses in Moray for visiting golfers.
Championship Golf in Moray
Moray Golf Club – Old Course
One of Scotland’s great traditional links courses, the Old Course at Moray Golf Club was designed by Old Tom Morris and remains largely unchanged since its creation. The course sits beside the Moray Firth in Lossiemouth and offers a pure links experience with firm fairways, natural dunes and coastal winds shaping the challenge.
The Old Course regularly hosts major amateur events including the Moray Open and will host the PGA Northern Open in 2026. Its closing stretch is widely regarded as one of the finest finishes in Scottish golf.
Moray Golf Club – New Course
Running alongside the Old Course, the Moray New Course was redesigned by Sir Henry Cotton and provides a slightly shorter but equally enjoyable test of links golf. In places it is narrower than the Old Course, requiring accuracy and thoughtful course management.
Both courses are ranked among the Top 100 courses in Scotland, making Moray Golf Club a must-play stop on any golf trip to the region.
Elgin Golf Club
Located just outside the city of Elgin, this excellent inland course sits on sandy soil which allows it to play firm and fast throughout the year. The tree-lined fairways create a traditional parkland feel while still offering excellent playing conditions.
Elgin has hosted a number of national amateur championships and is widely considered one of the best inland courses in northern Scotland.
Forres Golf Club
Founded in 1889, Forres Golf Club is another superb inland course that blends mature woodland with gently undulating fairways. Built on a natural sand base, the course drains exceptionally well and is playable in all seasons.
The club has hosted several major events including the Northern Open, confirming its reputation as a championship-quality layout.
Classic Links Golf Along the Moray Firth
Hopeman Golf Club
Overlooking the Moray Firth, Hopeman Golf Club is a classic Scottish links that rewards creativity and imagination. Natural dunes, firm fairways and sea breezes shape a course that feels both traditional and timeless.
One of the highlights is the famous par-3 12th hole, “Prieshach”, which plays dramatically across a rocky inlet and remains one of the most memorable holes in Moray golf.
Cullen Links
Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1891, Cullen Links sits high above the Moray Firth overlooking the picturesque fishing village of Cullen. The course combines elevated coastal views with classic links features, offering a walkable and strategic round full of character.
It is part of the Old Tom Morris Trail and remains one of the region’s most historic courses.
Spey Bay Golf Club
Designed by Ben Sayers in 1907, Spey Bay is a traditional links course located close to the coastline near the mouth of the River Spey. The layout offers natural links terrain and expansive views across the Moray Firth.
The course has become increasingly popular with visiting golfers and was recently nominated for Members’ Club of the Year in 2025.
Buckpool Golf Club
Buckpool Golf Club sits slightly elevated above the shoreline near Buckie and offers sweeping views across the Moray Firth. The course combines coastal scenery with an enjoyable links-style layout that suits golfers of all abilities.
Its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting make it a favourite stop for golfers exploring the Moray coast.
Covesea Links Golf Course
Just west of Lossiemouth, Covesea Links is a welcoming 9-hole course that captures the spirit of Scottish golf. Built in 2010, the layout makes excellent use of the natural terrain and offers stunning views across the Moray Firth.
Covesea is often described as one of the hidden gems of the region, perfect for a relaxed round or as part of a multi-course day.
Strathlene Golf Club
Perched dramatically on the cliffs above the Moray Firth near Buckie, Strathlene Golf Club offers one of the most scenic rounds in the region. The course sits high above the coastline with panoramic sea views accompanying many of the holes.
The exposed setting means wind and weather often play a role, creating a challenging but memorable coastal experience.
Speyside & Inland Golf
Maverston Golf Course
Designed by former Scottish international Euan McIntosh, Maverston Golf Course sits in a beautiful inland setting near Elgin. The 18-hole course uses the natural undulating landscape to create a fair but enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities.
The club also features the Kempston par-3 course, which provides a fun addition to the main course and is ideal for families or warm-up rounds.
Dufftown Golf Club
High above the town of Dufftown in the heart of Speyside, this distinctive course is known for having one of the highest tee shots in Scotland. The elevated setting provides sweeping views across the surrounding hills and whisky country.
Dufftown is also one of the most accessible courses in the region, with tee times readily available to fit into almost any golf itinerary.
Keith Golf Club
Situated above the town of Keith, this charming inland course offers a relaxed round with scenic views across the Moray countryside. The layout is welcoming to visitors and provides a pleasant contrast to the coastal links of the region.
Rothes Golf Club
A picturesque nine-hole course located in the Speyside village of Rothes, this friendly club provides a relaxed and enjoyable round surrounded by woodland and rolling countryside.
Garmouth & Kingston Golf Club
Set beside the River Spey estuary, Garmouth & Kingston Golf Club offers a unique coastal golf experience with views towards both the Moray Firth and Speyside landscape.
Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course
Located within the grounds of the historic Ballindalloch Estate, this charming nine-hole course provides a peaceful and scenic round surrounded by Highland countryside.
Planning a Multi-Day Golf Trip to Moray
One of the best aspects of golf in Moray is how easily the courses fit together into a multi-day itinerary. With most clubs located within 30–40 minutes of one another, golfers can experience a wide range of courses without long travel times.
A typical golf trip might include:
Championship links at Moray Golf Club
Coastal golf at Hopeman or Cullen Links
Hidden gems such as Covesea Links or Buckpool
Inland golf at Elgin, Forres or Maverston
A Speyside round at Dufftown or Ballindalloch
Combined with whisky distilleries, coastal villages and scenic countryside, Moray offers one of Scotland’s most enjoyable golf travel experiences.
Capture Your Moray Golf Experience
For visiting golfers, professional photography can help capture the memories of playing some of Scotland’s most scenic courses.
AKH Golf provides on-course golf photography across the Moray region, documenting rounds with professional images that allow golfers to relive their trip long after the final hole.
Explore photography services here:
Moray Golf Photography – AKH Golf
Get in touch
Email: info@golfmoray.com
Golf Moray is independently curated by AKH Golf — showcasing the golf courses, and landscapes of Moray Speyside, Scotland