Ultimate Scottish Golf Break: A Comprehensive Guide
For a golfer, Scotland represents the ultimate golf trip destination, a place where the sport was born and nurtured. This guide will help you plan a perfect trip, complete with rounds of golf at famous golf courses, options for every budget, and insights into local culture, all while keeping the 18th hole in mind as your final victory lap.
Picking Your Golf Destinations
Scotland offers an array of world-class golf courses, such as Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire, Royal Aberdeen in Aberdeen, and the Championship course of Cruden Bay. The west coasts are rife with opportunities for every golfer, while Edinburgh & The Lothians offer prestigious courses like Gullane Golf Club and the Glen Golf Club. For those with a taste for historic courses, Prestwick Golf Club should make your bucket list.
Crafting Your Golf Itineraries
Planning your golf itineraries in Scotland can be a fulfilling experience, offering you various options. Top Golf travel companies even offer bespoke golf holidays, including pre-booked tee times and transportation. Book months in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability. However, shoulder season and winter season can offer cheaper, off-peak advance booking options.
Accommodations: From 3-Star Hotels to 5-Star Luxury
Scotland offers a variety of accommodation options, from 3-star hotels to luxurious 5-star and 4-star hotels like Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club and Macdonald Cardrona Hotel. Westerwood Hotel and Hotel du Vin are other excellent hotel stays within walking distance of pubs and golf courses.
Transport: From Self-Drive to Full-Time Coach Driver
You can tailor your transportation based on advice about ground types of transportation. Whether you're a group of 2-4 golfers or a single golfer, you can opt for a self-drive trip package or a guesthouse package with a full-time, knowledgeable driver.
Scottish Culture and Off-the-Course Activities
The perfect trip is incomplete without sampling Scotland's local culture. Edinburgh Castle stands as a monumental must-visit, while Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands offer picturesque getaways. Try the wide beer selection and single malt whiskeys available within a short distance of pubs or even your hotel.
Budgeting and Lists
Plan your budget around your invite list and the options available. Golf Breaks often come in packages that can include hotel, transportation, and rounds of golf at places like Kingsbarns Golf Links or Troon Darley Golf. Always remember to add extra for those golf balls that might just go astray.
Handy Tips and Considerations
For those keen to explore more, there are other options like the Arran Golf Pass, or courses like Anstruther Golf Club, Dalbeattie Golf Club, and Dunaverty Golf Club in Dumfries & Galloway. As for Northern Ireland and Ireland, while not in Scotland, they can also be added to your golf coast exploration if you wish.
Tee Time and Season
Your tee time options will largely depend on the season. While peak season offers the best weather, Golf & Spa resorts like Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort may offer special deals during the winter season. If you’re looking for a Golf & Leisure Resort experience, Linlithgow Golf Club and Kirkcaldy Golf Club are top choices, often recommended by Golf Digest's lists of best courses.
In summary, whether you are exploring the 18th green of Blairgowrie Golf Club or sipping plenty of beer while discussing your best shots, Scotland offers an unparalleled experience for golf fans. From package deals to tee times, from luxurious 5-star hotel accommodations to a variety of transportation options, planning your ultimate golf holiday in Scotland leaves nothing to chance but the game itself.
