The Best Public Golf Courses near Glasgow
Glasgow has two public golf courses operated by Glasgow Life: **Knightswood Golf Course**, a 9-hole flat and open parkland course located just four miles west of Glasgow city centre, and **Littlehill Golf Course**, an 18-hole course in the north of the city.[5][10] Littlehill Golf Course has beautiful landscapes, well-maintained fairways that include a variety of holes requiring a little bit of strategic play![5] In 2020, Glasgow faced a huge challenge when five of the city's six courses—Linn Park, Lethamhill, Littlehill, Ruchill, and Alexandra Park—were earmarked for potential closure, with only Knightswood initially proposed to remain open under Glasgow Life management.[2][8] Linn Park Golf Course, which closed in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.[4]
The greater Glasgow area though still has over 90 courses within an hour of the city centre, with several notable public options..[1] **Topgolf** offers a modern twist on the traditional game with a high-tech venue featuring three stories and 72 climate-controlled outdoor hitting bays that combine golf with food, drink, and music.[1] **Golf It!** at Hogganfield Park provides family-friendly golfing with a nine-hole course, driving range, coaching opportunities, and simulator facilities suitable for all players.[1] Just outside Glasgow, **Kingarrock Hickory Golf** at Hill of Tarvit Mansion presents a unique historical experience as the only remaining hickory golf course in the UK, established in 1924 and played with authentic clubs from the 1880s through the 1930s.[17]
Fun Facts about Golf Courses near Glasgow
- Scotland really is the home of golf, with over 550 courses across the country, hosting many prestigious events including The Open Championship, The Scottish Open, and the Johnnie Walker Championship.[1]
- Glasgow and its surrounding area alone has over 90 courses within an hour of the city.[1]
- Knightswood Golf Course maintains accessibility through discounted rates for juniors and concessions, with 2024/25 winter rates for a 9-hole round starting at £2.50 for junior players.[5][13]
- The 9-hole Kingarrock Hickory Golf course near Glasgow maintains a par 34 that has never been broken despite visits from numerous tour professionals, with players only managing to equal the course par.[17]
- A public consultation conducted in 2020 regarding the future of Glasgow's municipal courses found that the majority of respondents opposed any course closures, demonstrating strong community support for public golf access.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current public golf courses operated by Glasgow Life?
Glasgow Life currently operates two public golf courses: Knightswood Golf Course (9 holes) and Littlehill Golf Course (18 holes). [5]
Are there any unique golf experiences near Glasgow?
Kingarrock Hickory Golf at Hill of Tarvit Mansion offers a distinctive historical experience as the only remaining hickory golf course in the UK, where players use authentic clubs from the 1880s through the 1930s (!) on a course originally established in 1924. [17]
What family-friendly golf options exist near Glasgow?
Golf It! at Hogganfield Park provides a family-friendly experience with a nine-hole course, driving range, coaching opportunities, and simulators. [1]
References
[1] https://www.visitglasgow.com/see-do/outdoor-activities/golfing-in-and-around-glasgow [2] https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/glasgow-city-council-makes-decision-on-future-of-municipal-courses/ [4] https://thegolfbusiness.co.uk/2022/11/scottish-course-that-closed-for-covid-has-still-not-reopened/ [5] https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/golf/ [8] https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/courses/five-public-courses-in-glasgow-earmarked-for-closure/ [10] https://glasgowlife.sportsuite.co.uk/directory/knightswood-golf-course [13] https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/venues/knightswood-golf-course/ [17] https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/hill-of-tarvit-mansion/highlights/kingarrock-hickory-golf