Dalmally Golf Course

Tee off in Oban & Lorn!

Oban, Seafood Capital of Scotland

With the recent spotlight on Oban's own Robert MacIntyre, who finished second in the European tour in Denmark, it's a great time to highlight the fantastic golfing opportunities in Oban & Lorn. You won't walk away with a half million pounds like our hero Robert did, but for a few pounds, you can tee off at some of Scotland's most scenic and enjoyable courses.

Golf is thought to have evolved in Scotland in the Middle Ages, and though the technology and skills may have developed since then, play a round here and you still get a sense of what compelled our ancestors – not only are all west coast courses different, many, especially those with proximity to the sea, play differently every day. Much of the attraction lies in the setting.

Here are 8 of the most scenic golf courses to discover in and around Oban!

8 Golf Courses in and around Oban

There’s plenty of choice for the golfer wherever you are here. In Oban, head for James Braid’s hilly Glencruitten Golf Club or enjoy peace and luxury while brushing up on your skills at the driving range and course at the luxurious Isle of Eriska Hotel.

With golf a popular activity for locals as well as visitors, most towns, and many villages, including Taynuilt and Dalmally have their own charming courses. Bring your clubs or rent them at the course, but don't miss an opportunity to play golf in its very home!

1. Glencruitten Golf Club

Glencruitten, also known as Oban Golf Club, is a short, hilly scenic course set in the beautiful Glencruitten Glen. Buzzards are a regular sighting, as are Pheasants, Heron and Deer.

Although the course has a Par of 62, it is one of the most challenging courses you will play! The topography and the changes in height between tees and greens mean that the numerous Par 3s are very tricky for both professionals and amateurs. The course is situated approximately 1 1/2 miles from the centre of Oban and is open to visitors all year round.

2. Taynuilt Golf Club

Situated in a scenic and majestic location, Taynuilt Golf Club is surrounded by mountains and overlooks the picturesque Loch Etive. Dominated by Ben Cruachan at 3, 695 feet, this challenging nine-hole course of undulating parkland was founded in 1987 and was officially opened by Sir Michael Bonallack of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 1991.

3. Isle of Seil Golf Club

Isle of Seil, thirteen miles south of Oban, is a challenging little nine-hole adventure. Water hazards are a common feature here and you play around Balvicar Bay and slate quarries, so the surroundings are anything but mundane. The scenic views of Seil Sound and the surrounding hills are also on show and complete a wonderful day's golf.

4. Craignure Golf Club

The course is a nine hole nine tee setup. There are some challenging risk and reward holes, and accuracy off the tee is rewarded, especially if the wind is blowing, so it is advisable to carry extra balls. However, the course is one of the most scenic you are ever likely to play and with the sun on your back there are not many better places to be.

5. Dalmally Golf Club

Play a round of golf at the picturesque Dalmally Golf Club, one of Scotland’s golfing treasures. With views of Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui, and bounded by the rolling waters of the river Orchy, this nine-hole golf course is a real treat. Visitors are welcome.

6. Tobermory Golf Course

Heading over to Mull? The beautiful island is only a short ferry ride away from Oban, making it the perfect day trip destination. Head to the scenic coastal town of Tobermory to play the “Best 9 hole golf course in Scotland”. Beware, the scenery can seriously affect your game!

7. Iona Golf Course

The beautiful island if Iona is another fantastic day trip from Oban. Iona golf course has been ranked as one of the best short courses in the world. The course has 18 holes and is just over 4,600 yards long. The golf course is maintained by cattle and sheep that graze the machair (fertile low-lying grassy plain). The best thing? You can play for (almost) free! The scorecard will set you back £1 and is available from the post office.