Studying Scotland’s Historic Links Courses | Golf Architecture Fellowship by Amanda Barbee

00:51 Machrihanish Golf Club 01:30 Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Course) 02:00 Royal Troon Golf Club 02:36 Prestwick Golf Club 03:08 Western Gailes Golf Club 03:43 Askernish Golf Club 05:01 Musselburgh Links, The Old Course 05:54 North Berwick Golf Club 06:39 Muirfield Golf Club 07:11 The Renaissance Club 07:34 Gullane No. 1 07:49 Kilspindie Golf Club 08:03 Dunbar Golf Club 08:23 The Old Course at St Andrews 08:44 St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club (The Himalayas) 09:03 The Royal & Ancient Golf Club 09:20 The Old Course at St Andrews 09:40 Crail Golfing Society 09:54 Panmure Golf Club 10:34 Carnoustie Golf Links 10:56 Royal Aberdeen Golf Club 11:22 Cruden Bay Golf Club 11:45 Royal Dornoch Golf Club 12:10 Brora Golf Club 12:34 Castle Stuart Golf Links, Cabot Highlands 12:44 Old Petty, Cabot Highlands 12:53 Moray Golf Club (The Old Course) 13:09 Nairn Golf Club 13:34 Taymouth Castle Golf & Sport Club 14:22 The Old Course Blooper The World 100 Club Golf Architectural Fellowship- Scotland 2026 Throughout my trip, I was continually reminded of the importance of tradition and community in Scottish golf. From the historic clubs at Musselburgh and St Andrews to the stories shared with the locals, I felt a deep connection to the game’s roots during the entire trip. I ignorantly thought that the courses would blend together and feel redundant, but each one had its own unique personality and charm. As I explored Prestwick, I found myself laughing, wondering if Old Tom Morris was a little tipsy when he designed it or if he was simply so excited about his first solo project that he poured out every idea he had bottled up. This trip encouraged me to be bold as a designer and to not shy away from an idea just because it is unconventional. I will move forward completely inspired by the historical links of Scotland, but slow to replicate or copy them. I learned that the best golf courses are those that work harmoniously with the land, embrace their unique characteristics, and foster a sense of community and enjoyment. The spirit of golf in Scotland thrives not only in the architecture of its courses but also in the passion of the people who play and care for them. Knowing we can’t all be blessed with the perfect links land that Scotland offers, I believe it is our job as architects to do our best to create courses that people love to play and keeps them curious and attracted to the game. One of my favorite quotes from Alister Mackenzie is “A good golf course is like good music or good anything else; it is not necessarily a course which appeals the first time one plays over it, but one which grows on the player the more frequently he visits it.” I felt most, if not all, of the courses I saw in Scotland offered this and I constantly wished I had more time for each course. So far, in my time working in this industry, I can honestly say I have yet to meet a golf course architect who isn’t deeply passionate about their work. We should be slow to judge any golf course, knowing that someone likely poured their heart into it. Golf design is highly subjective, and thankfully, like music or art, each architect has their own style, which only enriches the industry. I will pray that the golf Gods gift me a links site at some point in my career. This fellowship will continue to be a valuable asset for the architects who are awarded it. I am forever grateful to the World 100 Club and excited to be a new member. Thank you, thank you! -Amanda