Central

An inland parkland course in the picturesque Trossachs village of Aberfoyle, gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. A shorter, tighter test set among stunning highland scenery, it offers a relaxed and scenic round for golfers exploring the western reaches of Central Scotland.

Golf has been played here since 1891, on parkland between the Ochil Hills and the River Forth with spectacular views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, and on a clear day as far as Ben Lomond. Considered one of Scotland's hidden gems, the course is not long by modern standards but its varied terrain provides genuine challenge, with the picturesque 204-yard par-3 14th its signature hole.

Established in 1936 on the Duke of Montrose's estate near Drymen, this James Braid parkland course sits on the flood plain of the River Endrick within a forested estate that includes soaring Pacific Coast Redwoods, with views to Ben Lomond and the Luss hills. Relatively flat but insidiously tactical, many fairways are framed by twin trees around the 200-yard mark or where Braid's doglegs begin to turn, demanding consistent accuracy over raw distance.

Set high above the historic cathedral city of Dunblane, this James Braid-designed parkland course makes strategic use of its elevated position, with panoramic views over the Forth Valley to Stirling Castle and, further west, the peaks of the Southern Highlands including Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi. A modern TrackMan tuition studio and the Braid's View Restaurant complement a testing, hilly 18 holes that suit golfers of all handicaps.

Founded in 1885 in Stenhousemuir, midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, 'The Tryst' sits on sandy, free-draining soil that keeps it playable in all weather, earning it a reputation as one of the best year-round courses in Central Scotland. Bunkers are the main defence on this gently sloping, open layout, with right-to-left doglegs adding variety and a burn guarding the green at the memorable finishing 18th.

Opened in 1974 on Polmont Hill and long rated among Scotland's best municipal courses, this parkland layout set amid 500 acres of Stirlingshire countryside offers panoramic views and mature trees on sloping terrain. Highlights include a long par-3 7th played over water and a superb dogleg 8th, with the well-maintained course a popular test for golfers of all abilities year-round.

A 27-hole heathland/parkland club at the foot of the Ochil Hills made up of the Arndean, Cowden and Naemoor nines, which combine into three 18-hole courses.

An 18-hole inland parkland course at Kincardine on Forth, one of the four flatter Clackmannanshire courses (alongside Alloa, Braehead and Muckhart) that have hosted national championship events over the years. The clubhouse's Alexander's restaurant serves members and visitors after a round on a course that offers a fair, accessible test for golfers of all standards.