
Carnwath Course
Carnwath Golf Club
About this course
Carnwath Golf Club sits in the rural South Lanarkshire countryside, approximately thirty miles southeast of Glasgow. The course was designed by Willie Auchterlonie and G. M. Clark, with Auchterlonie being a notable figure in Scottish golf—he won the Open Championship in 1893 and served as honorary professional at St Andrews for decades. The layout reflects the straightforward, honest design principles common to Scottish courses of its era, shaped by the natural contours of the land rather than extensive earthmoving. The course occupies gently rolling farmland characteristic of the Clyde Valley region, with views extending across the surrounding agricultural landscape. The routing makes use of the terrain's natural movement, and the design incorporates traditional Scottish features including strategic bunkering and greens that reward thoughtful approach play. While not among Scotland's championship venues, Carnwath represents the tradition of accessible, members-focused clubs that form the backbone of Scottish golf. The club serves the local community and visiting golfers seeking an authentic experience away from more heavily trafficked destinations. The setting offers a quieter alternative to courses closer to major population centers, with a character shaped by its rural location and the agricultural heritage of South Lanarkshire. Carnwath provides a straightforward test of golf in a landscape that has supported the game for generations.
Quick facts
- Location
- Carnwath, South Lanarkshire, Scotland
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1907
- Designer(s)
- W. Auchterlonie, G. M. Clark
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 5,953 yards
- Difficulty
- 69.1/124
Getting there
The journey to Carnwath Golf Club begins at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), roughly an hour's drive south through the rolling moorlands of the Scottish Borders, or alternatively via Glasgow Airport (GLA) to the west, a similar distance through Lanarkshire's industrial heritage softened by green valleys and distant hills. Private aviation is best served by Prestwick Airport (PIK), positioned between the two major hubs and offering a more discreet arrival for those seeking it. The final approach winds through the quiet villages and farmland of South Lanarkshire, where the landscape opens into the gentle, windswept terrain that defines this corner of Scotland - a transition from modern motorway to narrow country lanes that signals arrival at one of Scotland's most venerable inland courses, where the club's modest but welcoming clubhouse emerges against a backdrop of moorland that has challenged and charmed golfers for over a century.

FAQ
Common questions about Carnwath
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Carnwath was designed by W. Auchterlonie and G. M. Clark.
Yes. Carnwath is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Carnwath is 70.
Carnwath plays 5,953 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Carnwath is 124.
Carnwath is a 18-hole course.



