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.
Where can I find more insight on planning my Scotland golf trip?
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Scotland, visit the pages below, read our Scotland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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.
How much is a golf package in Scotland?
Option 4: MST Golf can buy packages from the Old Course Experience. These packages can include 2, 3, or 4 night hotel accommodation along with tee times at some of the other St. Andrews courses. These packages start at approximately $1,800.00 per person.
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.
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 long is a round of golf in Scotland?
Seldom you will play a round of golf in Scotland that take more than 4 hours, most take about 3 1/2 hour – and that's walking. It's not as if you feel rushed. The Scottish golfer knows how to keep things moving. Since everyone is walking, they are at their ball and ready to hit as soon as it's their turn.
How much does a round of golf at St Andrews cost?
The cost to play the Old Course isn't outrageous, either. Peak rates for 2022 (April 18 to Oct. 16) are £270 — roughly $320 — but they drop substantially during the shoulder season (Oct. 17-31) to £190 and even less during the low season (Nov. 1 to March 31) to £135.
How much does a trip to St Andrews cost?
The average price of a 7-day trip to St Andrews is $1,979 for a solo traveler, $3,554 for a couple, and $6,663 for a family of 4. St Andrews hotels range from $96 to $220 per night with an average of $205, while most vacation rentals will cost $160 to $460 per night for the entire home.
What do I need for a golf trip to Scotland?
Expert Packing Tips for Your Golf Trip to Scotland or IrelandGolf balls, lots of 'em. ... Rain gear. ... Rain gloves. ... Layers, long sleeve microfiber shirts, a vest or two. ... One stocking hat, in case you catch one of those 45 degree windy days.Two pairs of golf shoes. ... Socks, warm and thick and lots of 'em.More items...•
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.
What's the best time of year to play St. Andrews?
Summer (June – August) These are the warmest months of the year and also the busiest. The temperatures average around 17-18⁰C, which brings in large crowds of tourists who visit to enjoy the amazing weather and golfing opportunities in St. Andrews during the summers.
How much is it to walk 18 holes of golf?
The World Golf Foundation estimates that golfers who walk an 18-hole course clock about 5 miles and burn up to 2,000 calories. But here's the rub: About two-thirds of golf in the U.S. is played in motorized carts. Some resorts and private courses even restrict walking and require carts.
How many miles do you walk in 9 holes of golf?
Golf can be great exercise. It is said that walking 9-holes on the course is the equivalent of walking over 3 miles! But if you do walk, you still want to be able to play at a decent pace to keep up with the 15- minute a hole standard.
Do I 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).
How much does a round of golf cost UK?
£20-25 is a good price. £30-35 if the course is decent. I probably wouldn't pay more than £40 for a round of golf in anything but very special circumstances. I think £30-£50 is about average for an average course.
What is the most expensive golf course to play in the UK?
Wentworth golf club in Surrey becomes UK's most expensive with £125,000 membership fee.
Where can I play golf in Scotland?
Golf around ScotlandScottish Borders. Play Peebles, Torwoodlee, The Roxburghe and more.Highlands. Play Castle Stuart, Isle of Skye, Wick and more.East Lothian. Play Archerfield, North Berwick, Musselburgh and more.Dumfries & Galloway. Play Portpatrick, Stranraer, Moffat and more.Carnoustie (Angus)
Whats the most expensive round of golf?
Green Fees: $1000 per round in peak season Shadow Creek tops the list for the most expensive golf course in the world. According to Golf Digest's Stephen Hennessey, the course claimed the crown in 2019 when they increased their green fees to $600 per round during peak season.
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.
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.
Don't try and see all of Scotland on one visit
Scotland may look small on the map, but look closer. Roadways are seldom straight lines, especially when you're navigating the lochs around the coastline. Not only are fuel costs about three-to-four times more expensive than in the U.S., but also it's better to smell and touch rather than view the country from your car window four hours a day.
Some of the best links for your group aren't Open Championship courses
It's natural for anyone to want to play the golf courses of The Open. But don't stick to them exclusively or else you'll miss out on some courses you'd probably enjoy more.
Traditional Scotland golf clubs: Play by their rules
The traditional golf clubs of Scotland are a lot like many of the exclusive, more old-school clubs of the U.S. in terms of etiquette. The big difference is that in Scotland they almost always allow public tee times.
Try and set up a game with a local club
You don't necessarily have to keep the competition on the course within your group.
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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.
What is the Nairn golf course famous for?
Host to Curtis and Walker Cups, this 1887 design is famous for its narrow, gorse- and heather-lined fairways and fast and true greens. Nairn’s natural hazards and undulations will test a golfer of any level—and Scottish travelers always cite Nairn as one of the most fun rounds in Scotland.
What is the sixth oldest golf club in the world?
Kicking us off is the Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen, the sixth-oldest golf club in the world. It was founded in 1780 as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen and golf has been played on the Balgownie Links since 1888. The club hosted the 2005 British Senior Open, the 2011 Walker Cup and the 2014 Scottish Open.
Where to play golf on the Dornoch Firth?
Back up north, Carnegie Links at Skibo Castle is another must-play on the Dornoch Firth. Set on a breathtaking peninsula with the Dornoch Firth to the south and the River and Loch Evelix to the north, Carnegie Links offers over 6,800 yards of championship-level golf.
How many yards is the Balcomie Course?
A par-69, measuring just 5,922 yards from the tips, this course is often underestimated. But with winds whipping off the North Sea, yardages are often rendered meaningless.
How many times has the Old Course hosted the Open Championship?
Golf has been played on this piece of land since 1553. The Old Course, No. 6 on Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses has hosted the Open Championship 13 more times than any other course still in the rota.
How many miles of coastline is Aberdeen?
The 165-mile coastline is peppered with golf courses and sand dunes that reach up to 100 feet high. The city of Aberdeen is known as the oil capital of Europe. With such a title comes the restaurant, pub and social scene to match so the fun doesn’t have to end on the golf course.
Where is Donald Ross' birthplace?
This is the perfect place to forget a scorecard and just enjoy a round in one of the most authentic golf settings in the world. Dornoch is also the birthplace of Donald Ross, one of the world’s most famous golf architects. Royal Dornoch was a major influence on many course designs in America, particularly with Ross.
Play a couple Scotland links twice
The beauty of links golf in Scotland is that depending on the conditions of the turf and wind, the courses always play different from day-to-day. This is especially true on the incredibly complex Old Course at St. Andrews. One day, you wonder why a bunker is in its location when you'd never be within 100 yards.
Challenge some Scotland local club members to a match
If you have a group (preferably of eight or more) write the secretary of a few clubs at courses you'd like to play at and challenge them to a match. Scottish members enjoy few things more than beating the stuffing out of Yankee links golf virgins -- then drink some pints with them well into the night.
Don't drive all of Scotland on one trip
Play one links course in Scotland, and you want to play the rest. Groups over for the first time often slingshot their way all over the country, driving several hours a day in the car. It's windy, two-lane roads are tough to get around, and you should spend your time in the pubs and restaurants at night – not in the van.
Don't skip St. Andrews
Don't miss out on St. Andrews: St. Andrews is almost always busy and filled with tourists, and golf and lodging prices are seldom cheap. Before you cry "tourist trap," there's a reason everyone goes back again and again.
Play at least one links club you've barely heard of
You're probably heading over to Scotland because you want to play the courses you've seen the pros master at the Open Championship. But they're the most expensive and toughest to get a tee time, and in some cases they're not even as fun as lesser-known, quirkier golf clubs.
