The shire with the largest number of golf courses

Is it true that Clackmannanshire, the smallest county in Scotland has the highest density of golf courses than in any other county in Scotland? Well, yes it’s likely – and Brucefield Estate is central to no fewer than 17 lovely golf courses that can meet the needs of any golfer.

The parkland golf courses nearby vary in gentle slopes, woodlands and meadows along with the flora and fauna which complement any golf experience. And of course, the distinguished courses at Gleneagles (36 mins) and St Andrews (1 hr) are also nearby.

If you’re on a mission to try out a variety of courses this is what we’d recommend, starting with our smallest local clubs:

Muckhart GC (highly recommended; beautiful very scenic location on gentle slopes in the Ochils, great food and clubhouse) has a 27-hole course. Very much a country club.

Tulliallan GC (just in Fife and no more; our second recommendation, scenic, lovely food & clubhouse).

The first Links course on this side of the River Forth is Leven, followed by Lundin Links which is a very well established and popular course.

In between the local smaller golf clubs and the giants of Gleneagles and St Andrews there are several prestigious courses within ten miles of Brucefield Estate: Stirling Golf Club, Glenbervie Golf Club, and Dunfermline Golf Club - they are all 18-hole golf courses, lovely clubhouses, & good food. Dunfermline is particularly lovely with a castle for a clubhouse - it belonged to the Usher Family and is a beautiful Parkland Course.

If you’re hungry for more Auchterarder has 18 holes but a shorter course and Crieff has 27 holes - and 18 and a nine-hole course.  Both are lovely courses.  I should also mention Aberdour - it faces the sea and is a course of two halves and is parklands rather than a links course.