The Best Finishing Holes in Scotland: An Expert Panel's Verdict

Our expert panel, having meticulously evaluated Scotland's premier golf courses for the NCG Top 100s list, shares their insights on the most memorable finishing holes. Every golfer dreams of concluding their round with a flourish, perhaps with a well-earned birdie on a thrilling final hole. But what truly defines an exceptional finisher? Is it the strategic challenge of a risk-reward par 4, the allure of reaching a par 5 in two, or the historical significance that imbues a hole with legendary status? We polled our panellists, and while many courses received recognition, a clear frontrunner emerged for the title of Scotland's finest closing hole.

What is the best finishing hole in Scotland, according to our panel?

Unsurprisingly, the "Home of Golf" dominates the discussion. The 18th hole at the St. Andrews Old Course, with its iconic Swilcan Bridge, draws countless golfers and spectators. Despite the ever-present danger of out-of-bounds on the right, it's a hole every golfer yearns to experience.

• Michael Verity: Praises the Old Course's final hole as a universally appealing and "meaningful, sacred place" in golf.
• Phil Bedford: Simply agrees: "Old Course."
• Craig Morrison: Highlights the unique charm of holes returning to town, deeming St. Andrews' 18th the "shortest, sweetest, most important."
• Paul Watson: Admires the "unbeatable vista" and the thrilling balance between ample space on the left and the "palpable fear" of the right-side out-of-bounds.
• Ian Woods: Acknowledges it might not be the most challenging but points to the unparalleled drama of playing before a crowd of onlookers.
• Michael Atkinson: Echoes the sentiment, noting the thrill of walking in the footsteps of legends, the temptation to drive the green, and the potential for both triumph and "calamity" under watchful eyes.

Muirfield and Moray: Other Panel Favorites

Beyond St. Andrews, the final holes at Muirfield and Moray also garnered strong support.

• Peter Rudd: Describes Muirfield's 18th as a "well-bunkered and challenging" closer, steeped in historical drama.
• Dove Jones: Concurs with "18th Muirfield."
• Jim Marshall: Calls it "Magical."
• Stu Bennett: The 18th at Moray Old stands out with its demanding tee shot followed by an uphill approach to a grand, elevated green, often played under the watchful gaze of clubhouse members.
• Oliver Baker: Endorses "Moray Old."
• Steve Watton: Also opts for "Moray Old."
• Greg Webber: Elaborates on Moray Old's "amphitheatre" setting, elevating the drama of the approach shot.

More Memorable Scottish Finishing Holes

Several other Scottish courses were lauded for their captivating final holes.

• David Fox: Highlights Castle Stuart's 18th, a "dramatic downhill par 5" overlooking the Moray Firth, complete with an impressive clubhouse and strategically placed bunkers.
• Jim Banting: Praises North Berwick, where "any score is possible," a sentiment echoed by Chris Griffiths who "loved it!"
• Chris Myatt: Finds the closing hole at Skibo Castle "absolutely stunning," inviting bold play off the tee and with the second shot.
• Hugh Masson: Also nominated Castle Stuart's 18th.
• Charles Abraham: Chose Carnoustie's 18th.
• Ed Battye: Singles out Durness for its audacious finish: a mid-iron shot over a "rocky, vertigo-inducing inlet" to a green perched precariously close to the cliff edge.
• David Elliott: Deems Loch Lomond's finisher his favorite, calling it an "Enjoyable terror!" with a risk-reward drive and a challenging green.
• David Walkr: Points to Leven's 460-yard hole, noting its wide burn creates the essential drama for a closing hole.
• Neil White: Finds the 18th at Trump International "one of the most challenging."
• Andi White: Describes Dumbarnie's dogleg par four finale, which features an elevated green demanding a precise shot to avoid rolling back.
• Lewis Marr: Also chose Carnoustie Championship.