Scotland is renowned as the home of golf and new online data shows that interest is rising.
UK online searches referencing golf in Scotland rose by almost a fifth (19%) between July 2024 and July 2025, with Moray Speyside being one of the regions to see a heightened interest in golf this year.
Due to its clement weather, Moray Speyside – a region more often associated with whisky and luxury brands – could capitalise on this growing interest online, says VisitScotland.
The national tourism and events organisation has highlighted golf as one of eight "unbeatable" things to do in its updated guide to the region.
Exploring the abundance of castles, soaking up the views, taking a stroll, or watching the local wildlife are among those other unmatched moments.
David Jackson, VisitScotland Regional Director for Moray Speyside, said: “Aside from being a beautiful region at the heart of whisky distillation and the home of luxury brands like Johnstons of Elgin, Moray Speyside has a huge variety of things to see and do.
“This includes more than a dozen quality golf courses and greens – suitable for playing all-year-round – that you can tee off at and play a few rounds with friends and family.
“With a climate that affords many more golfing hours, and its proximity to both Inverness and Aberdeen, easy access from airports, the A96, or the stunning NE250 route, there are so many ways to entice golfing visitors to make a trip to region.”
VisitScotland has pulled together the following list featuring just a few Moray Speyside golf courses that offer attractions beyond the fairways:
- Elgin Golf Club, which features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering and elevated greens, was ranked inside the top 100 golf courses in Scotland in 2025, so is on the tick list of courses for many golfers. Located nearby is Johnstons of Elgin, a family-owned Scottish brand with centuries of experience in textile manufacture where visitors can book a free tour of the 220-year-old mill to see them transform raw cashmere into beautiful clothing.
- For a lighthouse-themed setting, Covesea Links, located just west of Lossiemouth, features the true links experience with coastal views from every hole and a friendly feel that offers play for every age and ability. Lossiemouth - known as the jewel of the Moray Firth - boasts two sandy beaches, glorious dunes and beautiful countryside for those who want to dip a toe in the water and embrace the fresh sea air.
- To brush up on their golfing history, visitors can look out for courses that were designed by renowned Scottish golfer "Old" Tom Morris, such as the Old Course at Moray Golf Club and Cullen Links Golf Course. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy a section of the Moray Coast Trail, which ends in Cullen, and is one of Scotland’s beautiful long-distance walking routes, taking in cliffs, caves and sandy beaches.
- Right in the heart of whisky country, Dufftown Golf Club boasts the title of the UK’s highest tees and lowest greens – most notably at the downhill 10th hole. Stunning views across the Speyside region can be seen from most of the greens and nearby whisky distilleries like Glenfiddich and Balvenie can also be viewed from the course. For the history lovers, the ruined 13th century Balvenie Castle is also located close by.
- Established in 1877 and located along the clifftops between Buckie and Findochty, Strathlene Golf Club is one of Scotland’s oldest and most beautiful coastal courses, with its panoramic views right across the Moray Firth. And after a morning on the golf course, why not wander along to nearby Bow Fiddle Rock? Formed by the sheer force and pressure of waves over time, this unusual rock shape is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, and is also a great shot for budding photographers. If you're an early bird or night owl, seeing Bow Fiddle Rock at sunrise and sunset is truly magical!
Browse unbeatable things to see and do in Moray Speyside on visitscotland.com.