Preliminary Scotland planning

[BamafaninKY]

For 7 days of golf, how many rounds would be reasonable?

 

Planning a trip for me (50) and my son (15). We're both in good shape but I don't want to over do (or under do) the amount of golf. Neither of us have been to Scotland, but I plan to do all the arrangements. I'm a planner by nature.

 

Here's what I have so far.....obviously this is a "wish list" of sorts, knowing that getting on the Old Course and Muirfield will take some work.

 

Day 1: New Course/Jubilee

Day 2: Carnoustie Championship

Day 3: Old Course (by ballot or as singles)

Day 4: Muirfield/Gullane #1

Day 5: Kingsbarns

Day 6: Crail Balcomie

Day 7: Dunbar/North Berwick West

 

7 days, 10 rounds. Too much?

[Stall]

For 7 days of golf, how many rounds would be reasonable?

 

Planning a trip for me (50) and my son (15). We're both in good shape but I don't want to over do (or under do) the amount of golf. Neither of us have been to Scotland, but I plan to do all the arrangements. I'm a planner by nature.

 

Here's what I have so far.....obviously this is a "wish list" of sorts, knowing that getting on the Old Course and Muirfield will take some work.

 

Day 1: New Course/Jubilee

Day 2: Carnoustie Championship

Day 3: Old Course (by ballot or as singles)

Day 4: Muirfield/Gullane #1

Day 5: Kingsbarns

Day 6: Crail Balcomie

Day 7: Dunbar/North Berwick West

 

7 days, 10 rounds. Too much?

 

Depends, you might get golfed out? Take a day off and hang around Edinburgh or go chill out in the Trossachs. Scotland's got so much more to see and do than just golf.

 

Also, you know that Crail has two courses on site? No requirement to travel. Balcomie and Craighead. So if you really want to maximise the rounds you can do both on the same day. Think I've played both 3 teams this year. I've actually been enjoying Craighead more (as long as the winds not howling).

[jay65]

Yes, far too many imo.

[BamafaninKY]

I read about all these courses and get too excited.

 

I originally had both courses at Crail on the list, but trimmed Craigshead to get it down to 10. Sounds like I need to do more trimming.

 

Thanks for the replies.

[jay65]

I read about all these courses and get too excited.

 

I originally had both courses at Crail on the list, but trimmed Craigshead to get it down to 10. Sounds like I need to do more trimming.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

The thing is when you get to cramming that amount of golf and travel into 7 days, yes of course it can be done if you're fit enough but the very amount becomes less about fitness and more about enjoying your time. If you're rushing around between rounds, travelling at every waken chance, you will find less time to enjoy what you're there for in the first place. Then on top of that as another poster mentioned, take some time to enjoy the country and do some other things.

 

For that amount of golf and travelling from Fife backwards and forwards to East Lothian I would advise needing 12 days. So rather than trim more Courses, I would be looking to extend your stay. And don't be going backwards and forwards from Fife to East Lothian twice in 7 days. Absolutely no need, book a week in Fife where you can play the 3 Courses you prescribe at St Andrews, and Kingsbarns, and get over to Carnoustie very easily, then book another 4 days in East Lothian where you can enjoy Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane. And trying to do Muirfield then Gullane #1 on the same day will be tough. Have you seen Gullane Hill? The Course goes up there and wraps around it, it's a tough ol' jaunt, and trying to do it after already playing Muirfield in the Morning could be enjoyment restricting shall I say. Which is why I humbly suggest 7 days in Fife, then 4 days over in East Lothian where you can spread out Gullane/Muirfield/North Berwick and Dunbar. Also, be very aware of playing twice on the first day, straight off a plane and playing golf twice with some jet lag and tiredness is not advised really.

 

I understand that it's exciting, but if you're so tired that you're not enjoying it by the end, then that would be a shame. The art of a trip like you're planning is to keep the golfing juices flowing all the way through the trip, not feel like it's been a slog by the end. All this I offer with utmost respect of course.

[hdr_ric]

Agree with the others. I would add days or drop rounds. Having done this a few times to Scotland and Ireland, I have found that having a number of afternoons or even an entire off day(s) to relax and sight see, hit the pub, etc etc is very underrated. I didn't do that my first trip over there, we just packed in as much golf as possible. I learned my lesson.

 

Either play one round a day max and bake in some other activities, or have one non-golf day in there somewhere to do/see something different.

[BamafaninKY]

I read about all these courses and get too excited.

 

I originally had both courses at Crail on the list, but trimmed Craigshead to get it down to 10. Sounds like I need to do more trimming.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

The thing is when you get to cramming that amount of golf and travel into 7 days, yes of course it can be done if you're fit enough but the very amount becomes less about fitness and more about enjoying your time. If you're rushing around between rounds, travelling at every waken chance, you will find less time to enjoy what you're there for in the first place. Then on top of that as another poster mentioned, take some time to enjoy the country and do some other things.

 

For that amount of golf and travelling from Fife backwards and forwards to East Lothian I would advise needing 12 days. So rather than trim more Courses, I would be looking to extend your stay. And don't be going backwards and forwards from Fife to East Lothian twice in 7 days. Absolutely no need, book a week in Fife where you can play the 3 Courses you prescribe at St Andrews, and Kingsbarns, and get over to Carnoustie very easily, then book another 4 days in East Lothian where you can enjoy Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane. And trying to do Muirfield then Gullane #1 on the same day will be tough. Have you seen Gullane Hill? The Course goes up there and wraps around it, it's a tough ol' jaunt, and trying to do it after already playing Muirfield in the Morning could be enjoyment restricting shall I say. Which is why I humbly suggest 7 days in Fife, then 4 days over in East Lothian where you can spread out Gullane/Muirfield/North Berwick and Dunbar. Also, be very aware of playing twice on the first day, straight off a plane and playing golf twice with some jet lag and tiredness is not advised really.

 

I understand that it's exciting, but if you're so tired that you're not enjoying it by the end, then that would be a shame. The art of a trip like you're planning is to keep the golfing juices flowing all the way through the trip, not feel like it's been a slog by the end. All this I offer with utmost respect of course.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the input and advice.

 

A couple of clarifications though:

- I don't have any golf planned for the day of arrival. We would leave the U.S. on Saturday and not play until Monday. So there is a rest day planned.

- The back and forth is noted, but it really isn't that far and to play Muirfield we would have to be there on Tues or Thurs. Obviously, if we can't work Muirfield out, that would make it easier logistically.

Maybe I should just forget Muirfield. I would love to play the course as I'm sure it's immaculate, but playing Open courses isn't that big of a deal to me.

 

Your idea of adding more days makes a lot of sense though, assuming I can work that out.

[zilli1010]

I read about all these courses and get too excited.

 

I originally had both courses at Crail on the list, but trimmed Craigshead to get it down to 10. Sounds like I need to do more trimming.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

The thing is when you get to cramming that amount of golf and travel into 7 days, yes of course it can be done if you're fit enough but the very amount becomes less about fitness and more about enjoying your time. If you're rushing around between rounds, travelling at every waken chance, you will find less time to enjoy what you're there for in the first place. Then on top of that as another poster mentioned, take some time to enjoy the country and do some other things.

 

For that amount of golf and travelling from Fife backwards and forwards to East Lothian I would advise needing 12 days. So rather than trim more Courses, I would be looking to extend your stay. And don't be going backwards and forwards from Fife to East Lothian twice in 7 days. Absolutely no need, book a week in Fife where you can play the 3 Courses you prescribe at St Andrews, and Kingsbarns, and get over to Carnoustie very easily, then book another 4 days in East Lothian where you can enjoy Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane. And trying to do Muirfield then Gullane #1 on the same day will be tough. Have you seen Gullane Hill? The Course goes up there and wraps around it, it's a tough ol' jaunt, and trying to do it after already playing Muirfield in the Morning could be enjoyment restricting shall I say. Which is why I humbly suggest 7 days in Fife, then 4 days over in East Lothian where you can spread out Gullane/Muirfield/North Berwick and Dunbar. Also, be very aware of playing twice on the first day, straight off a plane and playing golf twice with some jet lag and tiredness is not advised really.

 

I understand that it's exciting, but if you're so tired that you're not enjoying it by the end, then that would be a shame. The art of a trip like you're planning is to keep the golfing juices flowing all the way through the trip, not feel like it's been a slog by the end. All this I offer with utmost respect of course.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the input and advice.

 

A couple of clarifications though:

- I don't have any golf planned for the day of arrival. We would leave the U.S. on Saturday and not play until Monday. So there is a rest day planned.

- The back and forth is noted, but it really isn't that far and to play Muirfield we would have to be there on Tues or Thurs. Obviously, if we can't work Muirfield out, that would make it easier logistically.

Maybe I should just forget Muirfield. I would love to play the course as I'm sure it's immaculate, but playing Open courses isn't that big of a deal to me.

 

Your idea of adding more days makes a lot of sense though, assuming I can work that out.

 

If you are going to Muirfield from St Andrews, like I did. We left 2:30 minutes before tee off. We just made it. THe traffic over the bridge is brutal. As most tee times are 8 to 10 am. It is a long day. North Berwick was a great track. Whatever you do make sure you go to the Lobster Shack afterwards, you will not be disappointed

[North Butte]

If it were me that's a good number of rounds but too many courses. If I want to play. 36-hole day I always do it at one course. Two rounds plus travel time is trying to squeeze too much into a day. The only exception would be two courses on the same property where I can play both without getting in the car.

[jay65]

I read about all these courses and get too excited.

 

I originally had both courses at Crail on the list, but trimmed Craigshead to get it down to 10. Sounds like I need to do more trimming.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

The thing is when you get to cramming that amount of golf and travel into 7 days, yes of course it can be done if you're fit enough but the very amount becomes less about fitness and more about enjoying your time. If you're rushing around between rounds, travelling at every waken chance, you will find less time to enjoy what you're there for in the first place. Then on top of that as another poster mentioned, take some time to enjoy the country and do some other things.

 

For that amount of golf and travelling from Fife backwards and forwards to East Lothian I would advise needing 12 days. So rather than trim more Courses, I would be looking to extend your stay. And don't be going backwards and forwards from Fife to East Lothian twice in 7 days. Absolutely no need, book a week in Fife where you can play the 3 Courses you prescribe at St Andrews, and Kingsbarns, and get over to Carnoustie very easily, then book another 4 days in East Lothian where you can enjoy Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane. And trying to do Muirfield then Gullane #1 on the same day will be tough. Have you seen Gullane Hill? The Course goes up there and wraps around it, it's a tough ol' jaunt, and trying to do it after already playing Muirfield in the Morning could be enjoyment restricting shall I say. Which is why I humbly suggest 7 days in Fife, then 4 days over in East Lothian where you can spread out Gullane/Muirfield/North Berwick and Dunbar. Also, be very aware of playing twice on the first day, straight off a plane and playing golf twice with some jet lag and tiredness is not advised really.

 

I understand that it's exciting, but if you're so tired that you're not enjoying it by the end, then that would be a shame. The art of a trip like you're planning is to keep the golfing juices flowing all the way through the trip, not feel like it's been a slog by the end. All this I offer with utmost respect of course.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the input and advice.

 

A couple of clarifications though:

- I don't have any golf planned for the day of arrival. We would leave the U.S. on Saturday and not play until Monday. So there is a rest day planned.

- The back and forth is noted, but it really isn't that far and to play Muirfield we would have to be there on Tues or Thurs. Obviously, if we can't work Muirfield out, that would make it easier logistically.

Maybe I should just forget Muirfield. I would love to play the course as I'm sure it's immaculate, but playing Open courses isn't that big of a deal to me.

 

Your idea of adding more days makes a lot of sense though, assuming I can work that out.

 

You say it isn't that far from St Andrews to East Lothian. True, but that's not the point. the roads over here aren't like they are in many parts of the US, where you can just point the car for 100 miles, turn left and you're at your destination. They are far smaller roads, with bendy roads, traffic lights, roundabouts, and factor in the traffic which can be bad around Edinburgh, and that 77 miles can turn into 2 1/2 hours. Factor in the playing of golf (4 1/2 hours) and 2 1/2 hours back again, you're looking at a 10 hour day, and that's with nothing to eat in between, and you're thinking about doing that twice? Absolutely no need whatsoever. Trust me please, you're not getting the best out the trip by doing that.

 

I'm not being deliberately obtuse, but take it from somebody who knows the area and road network very well indeed. Do your week in Fife, then take 4 days in East Lothian.

 

Just tying to help, but it's your call ultimately of course.

[BamafaninKY]

Hey, no problem at all. If I didn't want the advice, I never would've posted the question.

 

FTR, we're probably goping early June, 2018 so I have plenty of time to plan. And I definitely want to hear from those that have experience. The extra trip to East Lothian I believe was brought about in my plan due to trying to get on Muirfield on a Thursday. I'm just going to need to rethink that and may even cut Muirfield if I need to. As I said, I'm not that hung up on playing as many rota courses as I can.

 

Thanks.

[North Butte]

There's two kinds of trips to the east coast of Scotland. The ones that prioritize The Old Course and the ones that prioritize The Old Course AND Muirfield. If you really feel a strong draw to play TOC and Muirfield then basically you're going to need to nail down how and when you will accessing those two and structure your trip around those anchors.

 

Other than those two, there are numerous outstanding links courses in that area which are relatively easy to access. So everything about the trip must flow from TOC/Muirfield.

[jay65]

Hey, no problem at all. If I didn't want the advice, I never would've posted the question.

 

FTR, we're probably goping early June, 2018 so I have plenty of time to plan. And I definitely want to hear from those that have experience. The extra trip to East Lothian I believe was brought about in my plan due to trying to get on Muirfield on a Thursday. I'm just going to need to rethink that and may even cut Muirfield if I need to. As I said, I'm not that hung up on playing as many rota courses as I can.

 

Thanks.

 

Then stay in Fife, build your trip around the Old Course, as it has to be because of the ballot situation. Play Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, The New Course. I'd favour Lundin Links over Crail personally, but that's just me perhaps, and/or have a look at Panmure, near Carnoustie, where Hogan practised before he won the '53 Open. 5-6 rounds in 7 days is more than enough for the body and mind enjoy yourself and allow the mind and body to absorb everything that's needed to enjoy yourself.

 

Just another spanner in the works perhaps worth looking at, purely as an amazing experience. And that is to take a look at a website called www.seafari-edinburgh.co.uk. You can get a small boat crossing from Anstruther in Fife over to East Lothian. Quite an experience, where you can play North Berwick (a great track by the way, far better than Muirfield imo), and then get the boat crossing back over to Fife after your round. Once in a lifetime experience.

[North Butte]

I've not done the "week in St. Andrews" trip yet but have always thought I would just get the 5-day Links Trust pass and then get a round (or two!) on the Old Course whenever I could during the week. I've seen enough golf courses in my life to know that for my own game, courses like the New or Jube are going to be plenty wonderful. If I were in St. Andrews for a week and never made it to Crail or Carnoustie or whatever I could live with that just fine.

[BamafaninKY]

I consider North Berwick a must-play on my trip. I've just heard too much about it over the years from people I trust. I could cut Muirfield, but I want to play North Berwick for sure.

[hollabachgt]

I would agree that the trip should be split into a Fife section and and a East Lothian section. With the Old Course and Muirfield being the two centerpieces you're focus should be on setting those times up and then filling out the rest.

 

Knowing that you can only play Muirfield on a Tuesday or a Thursday, I'd try and start your trip in East Lothian and play Muirfield early. Something like Musselburgh Links with hickories on Sunday, North Berwick/Glen Monday, Murfield Tuesday, Gullane Wednesday, From then you can head North to Fife, playing somewhere like Elie or Leven/Lundin along the way.

 

Depending how much playing the Old Course is a must for you, I think playing the ballot 2 days in a row should give you a good chance of getting on, as well as let you play the other St. Andrews courses if you don't hit.

 

From St. Andrews the drive up to Carnoustie isn't that bad. You can play 36 at Carnoustie, and Panmure and be back to St. Andrews for dinner.

[Clambake]

OP, I'm curious if you found a way to make Muirfield work since you indicated it was just you and your son. I'm trying to plan a trip there and find they will only take times for a four-ball, and are adamant they do not take any reservations for a 2 or 3some. I really wanted to play there but there is only just 2 of us. I'll probably do North Berwick instead, which is a great alternative, but still would love to play Muirfield.

[thecraw]

I know people will disagree with me here and of course we're all entitled to our opinions but cut out Gullane. Don't understand the attraction or appeal, boring and featureless is my opinion. Good greens but you can get that almost anywhere on the coast in Scotland.

 

For fun and a less tiring day I'll throw Kilspindie into the mix. I think you'll enjoy that far better than anything Gullane has to offer. Much nicer location and a much easier walk.

[BamafaninKY]

OP, I'm curious if you found a way to make Muirfield work since you indicated it was just you and your son. I'm trying to plan a trip there and find they will only take times for a four-ball, and are adamant they do not take any reservations for a 2 or 3some. I really wanted to play there but there is only just 2 of us. I'll probably do North Berwick instead, which is a great alternative, but still would love to play Muirfield.

 

Sorry. Honestly, I didn't know that.