- Book Your Courses Strategically. Scotland has over 550 courses spread all over the country. ...
- Get a Golf Pass. Staying in one area for your trip will not only make the most of your time but means you could save on green fees with ...
- Play a "Hidden Gem" Of course you want to come to play on an Open venue championship course. ...
- Attend a Golf Tournament. So you're coming to the Home of Golf to play, why not get close to the Pro's in action too! ...
- Rent a Set of Clubs. You want to have a golf trip as special and stress-free as possible. ...
Full Answer
Is it possible to go golfing in Scotland on a budget?
It will be a group of four (a perfect size for a self-planned trip) and I’m the only one who has played golf in Scotland before. My three buddies gave me a few directives that included a budget, a goal to see more than just golf courses, and a desire to see a range of links courses from ancient to modern.
When is the best time to visit Scotland for a golf trip?
I’ve written another article on the best time to visit Scotland for a golf trip, but we chose early June because it’s not the peak of high season, the days are very long, and the courses are in great condition.
What to pack for a golf trip to Scotland?
What to Pack for a Golf Trip to Scotland. I don’t suggest wearing long underwear on the lower body; instead, layer golf pants and waterproof shell trousers to stay dry and comfortable. Comfortable feet are incredibly important and extra pairs of socks help avoid blisters and other issues that quickly destroy a walking-intensive golf trip.
Do you need a caddie on a Scottish golf course?
In summary, a caddie can add greatly to a round of golf on a course you have never seen. That is especially true on some Scottish links with lots of blind shots. If caddies aren’t in the budget, consider splitting a forecaddie within the group – you get much of the advice at a fraction of the cost.
What is the best month to play golf in Scotland?
If you don't mind paying high season rates, I think that late May and/or early June is the best time to visit Scotland for golf. The courses and hotels aren't too busy, the days are long, and the courses are in great shape. If you want to take advantage of shoulder season rates, I recommend April.
How much does a round of golf cost in Scotland?
For a round, it costs about the same as your normal PGA Tour venue open to the public. Depending on the exchange rate, the 2018 green fee to play the Old Course is 180 pounds, which is about $250.
Where should I golf in Scotland?
Here are my best golf courses in Scotland you can play.Old Course in St. Andrews. ... North Berwick (West Links) ... Royal Dornoch. ... Kingsbarns Golf Links. ... Cruden Bay. ... Machrihanish (Old) ... Castle Stuart. ... Ailsa at Turnberry.More items...
What months Can you golf in Scotland?
The golf travel season in Scotland typically runs from April through October. This window should serve as the starting point for the dates of your trip. It's certainly possible to travel outside of these months, but keep in mind that the frigid temperatures will make for a frosty experience.
Is it expensive to golf in Scotland?
After the necessary research and arithmetic, it turns out that the 18 oldest golf courses in the world can be played for just under £1,700 per person, in total, even in the high season. This figure would come down to £1,000 pp if played at the cheapest times possible, an average of about £50 per course.
Is golf in Scotland expensive?
I, for one, think it's the complete opposite of being too expensive; I think playing golf in Scotland is too cheap. As recently as 2006, the then Scottish Golf Union reported that total golf club membership in Scotland stood at 258,172. By 2014, that number had fallen to just over 220,000.
What do you need to golf in Scotland?
Essentials for a Scotland golf trip:Quick dry trousers.Woollen socks.Neck warmer.Waterproof.Thin layers.Wet gloves.Sun cream and after sun.Waterproof phone case.More items...•
Is Scotland good for golf?
Golf in Scotland The dramatic, natural terrain that Scotland is blessed with seems as though it were designed for the purpose of creating golf courses of unparalleled beauty and challenge. Indeed, the dune-lined Scottish coast has provided some of the most exciting golf on the planet.
Is golf big in Scotland?
Scotland is widely promoted as the "Home of Golf," and along with whisky and the long list of Scottish inventions and discoveries, golf is widely seen as being a key national cultural icon throughout the world.
Do you need a handicap to play golf in Scotland?
The Old Course at St. Andrews requires all golfers to have a handicap of 36 or below. Muirfield and Royal Portrush Golf Club are a little more restrictive, both requiring an 18 or better to play the course (24 for females at Royal Portrush).
When should I play St. Andrews?
Remember, remember the month of September! If you know that you want to play the Old Course next year, mid-September is the cut-off date to apply for advanced reservations through the St Andrews Links Trust.
Can you use golf carts in Scotland?
Most of the traditional links courses in Scotland were not built to accommodate golf carts and generally few offer the option to take a cart on the course.
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 to do on a golf trip in Scotland?
Railway tours, island hopping, day tripping and whisky sampling are easy to fit around your golf trip. In fact, it’s highly recommended and all part of the Scottish experience. Our final tip, no matter what the season: take lots of warm clothing. You knew that already, of course.
What is the Highlands Golf Course?
Highlands. The Highlands encompass a number of Scotland’s finest links and inland courses. Inverness is home to one of the newer layouts, Castle Stuart, which opened in 2009 but has already held the Scottish Open four times. Further north, Royal Dornoch is a classic links and an Old Tom Morris masterpiece.
How many golf courses are there in Fife?
St Andrews, Kingsbarns, Ladybank – the list goes on. With nearly 50 courses in the region, The Home of Golf is a must-visit destination for every golfer.
How many miles of coast is Aberdeenshire?
It’s not just Aberdeenshire’s 165 miles of coast that attracts golfers from all over the world, its parkland and heathland courses are also a joy to play. For those looking to tick off a few more glorious links layouts, those steeped in history, take your pick from the likes of Royal Aberdeen, Murcar Links and Fraserburgh.
Where is the oldest major golf course in the world?
In this region, you can tick off three more Open venues with visits to Royal Troon, Trump Turnberry and Prestwick – the original home of golf’s oldest Major Championship. With nearly 50 other courses in the region, Ayrshire is a golfing hotbed. It’s easily accessible, too, with Glasgow and Edinburgh airports not far away.
Is Carnoustie Country in Scotland?
Carnoustie may be front of mind when it comes to planning a golf trip to Scotland. However, ‘Carnoustie Country’ features an excellent variety of championship courses, as well as a great number of inland beauties. It’s also home to Montrose, the world’s fifth oldest golf course. The other advantage, of course, is that St Andrews is just a short drive away.
3. Play a "Hidden Gem"
Of course you want to come to play on an Open venue championship course. I would highly recommend playing one or two, but make sure to play one of Scotland's lesser know, less flashy courses and you will be pleasantly surprised.
4. Attend a Golf Tournament
So you're coming to the Home of Golf to play, why not get close to the Pro's in action too! Scotland's links can make for challenging conditions and dramatic entertainment from the world's best players. The Open returns to St.
5. Rent a Set of Clubs
You want to have a golf trip as special and stress-free as possible. Save yourself expensive baggage charges and rent a set of high quality golf clubs delivered directly to you anywhere in Scotland. One less thing to worry about as we will make sure you have all the equipment you need to walk straight onto the first tee.