What are the best golf courses in Scotland?
This 12,000-acre estate is situated stunningly on Scotland’s remote Isle of ... Ardfin debuts at No. 74 on GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World ranking. Join InsideGOLF for exclusive GOLF.com ...
What is the most famous golf course in Scotland?
We care about the best golf courses, not about who has the best clubhouse, has hosted the most tournaments or provides the best ... they were not able to comment on it. Chris Bertram (Scotland): Our Top 100 Courses editor, has played all of the UK&I ...
What is the oldest golf course in Scotland?
Top 10 facts about golf in Scotland
- The birthplace of golf The first record of golf in Scotland dates back to the 15th century. ...
- The finest courses in the world There are over 550 golf courses in Scotland today. ...
- Pioneer in course architecture One of the first great exponents of golf course was Thomas Mitchell 'Old Tom' Morris, Sr. ...
What to pack for a golf trip to Scotland?
- Umbrellas. ...
- Multiple golf shirts. ...
- Yardage finders/GPS. ...
- Your American ego. ...
- Work. ...
- Shorts. ...
- Sport jackets, unless you plan on doing some fine dining. ...
- All the crap that is piling up in your golf bag. ...
- Those one or two clubs that you hardly ever use (64 degree wedge? ...
- Low cholesterol levels and a healthy, pink liver….remember, you are the golf trip of a lifetime!
What is the range and breadth of Scottish golf courses?
The range and breadth of Scottish golf courses means that whatever your level and course preference, you'll never be far from fairways and greens suited to you. If you want to experience some of the best golf courses Scotland has to offer, it's possible to build a golfing holiday in Scotland that ticks all these boxes.
When was golf invented in Scotland?
The first record of golf in Scotland dates from the 15th century (back then it was known as 'gowf'). In 1764 the Links at St Andrews (now known as the Old Course) was reduced from 22 holes to 18, creating the standard course format we still use today, and in 1860 the first Open Championship was held at Prestwick - an illustrious history indeed! Find out more about the history of golf at the British Golf Museum in St Andrews.
Who designed the St Andrews golf course?
'Old' Tom Morris designed the Old and New Courses at St Andrews while James Braid is responsible for more than 250 British courses, including the world-famous King's and Queen's Courses at Gleneagles.
How many reservations are needed for a golf trip to Scotland?
DIY or Golf Travel Company. Planning the average Scotland golf trip requires the research and execution of roughly 40-50 separate reservations. That doesn’t include the countless other decisions you’ll make along the way, such as where to eat and what to see.
Is Scotland a golf country?
Scotland is home to an abundance of bucket-list worthy golf courses. Unless you have a couple of months to devote to the task, playing them all in a single trip is simply impossible. Fortunately, these courses are generally clustered within half a dozen regions around the country. Our suggestion is to divide and conquer.
Is it easy to plan a golf trip to Scotland?
If you’re in the early stages of planning a golf trip to Scotland, knowing where to begin is no easy task. Getting your trip from the idea phase to firmly on the calendar requires navigating a series of important decisions. Some are a little more important to others, but each of these is vital to the overall success of your trip.
First Things First
Tour company or plan it yourself? This question can be answered by the amount of free time you have and the size of your budget. In most cases you provide basic information to the companies and they return with an estimate for the trip. Keep in mind you are paying a premium with this option.
Setting your budget
Your budget is largely a personal choice, but there are great ways to maximize the money you plan on spending. Choosing a B&B over a pricier hotel, setting up base in one area and making day trips from there, or splitting some of the fixed costs among a larger group are all great methods for saving money.
Choosing where to go
I plan to expand on this topic in the second article in this series. A quick preview is that I highly recommend basing yourself in one or two regions for the trip. Playing all over the country is exhausting, expensive, and doesn’t maximize your time.
Where to stay
B&Bs, hotels, or home rental? Again, this comes down to budget in many cases. I prefer staying in B&Bs because you feel much more attached to the community. The proprietors are almost always friendly locals who can offer great advice and tips about the area. They are also almost always less expensive than a chain hotel.
Transportation
An important consideration on your trip is transportation. If you are a twosome, threesome, or even a skinny foursome, renting a car is a viable option. Keep in mind you’ll need a driver who is comfortable driving on the left side of the road in what will likely be a manual car. Also be sure to request a large rental car.
Getting Tee Times
Getting tee times at most courses isn’t a problem, given you’re booking enough time in advance. Other courses like Muirfield and Renaissance Club have limited guest play, so you’ll want to get on those really early. The Old Course is a different tee time beast, and I’ve written an entire article on that here.
What is a neck warmer?
A moisture wicking neck warmer will keep you warm in wet weather without keeping moisture against your skin, making them an essential for damp and windy climates. They are also easy pack and act as a lightweight layer that can be easily removed and stored on the course.
What is the best clothing for a golf swing in Scotland?
As the Scottish climate is so unpredictable, layers are essential. Thin, layered clothing such as a compression shirt will keep you warm by regulating your body temperature but won’t be too bulky under clothing without affecting your swing. They are also lightweight and easy to carry if they need to be removed.
What is the best material to wear to Scotland?
Wool is the ideal material for your trip to Scotland. It is warm and thick to keep the chill away while breathable when the weather is warmer. Woollen socks are surprisingly light to carry and it is a good idea to pack extra socks in your golf bag to protect your clubs.
Can water damage your phone?
Water can break your electronics but, leaving your phone at home might mean you miss some amazing photo opportunities. It is better not to risk exposure so, get yourself a waterproof case for your phone, keeping it dry and clean but allowing you still use the touch screen and camera.
Do wet gloves help in golf?
They will keep your hands warm without hindering your golf game and they are designed to have a better grip, the wetter they get, making them a key piece of kit to optimise your game in wet weather .
Is a pair of waterproof trousers good?
So, investing in a good quality brand is well worth the extra cost.
Is it important to stay hydrated in Scotland?
No matter what the weather forecast is, it is important to stay hydrated. It is not common practice for on-course water to be provided in Scotland so, it is a good idea to keep a bottle on you as you could be out for long periods of time.
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For the last eight months or so I’ve been working on the logistics for a bucket list golf trip to Scotland. We will watch the British Op…excuse me, the Open Championship, for two days, and will play golf for two days.
The Idea Becomes Reality
My wife and I were fortunate enough to get lottery tickets to The Masters in 2013. Due to the extreme generosity of a close friend, we were able to obtain clubhouse passes to the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 2016. And for my birthday she gave me tickets to the PGA Championship in our new hometown of Charlotte last year.
1. Decide what kind of trip it will be
In our case, we wanted to see the Open Championship primarily in order to complete our Grand Slam of all four majors (plus a couple of Ryder Cups). It only made sense to couple The Open with golf, so we are doing both.
2. Airlines routinely change departure times
I’ve flown a lot in my life, so I thought I was prepared for most of what airlines would throw at me. However, I was not ready for the multiple airline time changes that have occurred since I booked tickets in November.
4. Do it yourself, or hire a golf trip company
This is a big–maybe biggest– one. Hiring a golf trip company is going to add anywhere from a few hundred, to close to one thousand extra dollars per person, depending how much you want them to do.
5. Make a list
I’m a list-maker anyway, but if any trip begs for a list, it’s this one. We have a large piece of paper on the refrigerator and every time one of us thinks of something, it goes on that list.
6. Enjoy the process!
Part of the fun of this trip, and any big trip, is the anticipation. Every time we add something to our list it reminds us of the trip. When we got our big packet of information and vouchers from Tailormade last week, we got excited again.
