Scotland- April vs. May

[TW33]

I was planning a Scotland trip for middle of April, but am thinking about moving it back so my wife can join me. Other than the "shoulder season" discounts at some of the courses, will there be any differences in an April vs. May trip? I'll be playing as a single, but my concern is that the courses may be too crowded in May? The good thing about waiting a month is that it gives me a chance to head up to the Highlands, as my understanding is that it will possibly be too icy to play golf in the Highlands in April?

 

Looking at something like this:

 

May 15: Arrive Edinburgh

May 16: North Berwick

May 17-20: Get 3 day pass for St. Andrews, wait in queue to get on Old Course once

May 21: Carnoustie

May 22: Head up to Highlands for a few days...courses TBD

 

Leave Scotland sometime around May 28th

 

Carnoustie will be mats only in "some landing areas", but I think it's worth it. I know everyone loves Kingsbarns, but I don't think it's within the budget for me on this trip.

 

Just looking for some feedback- this is a rough schedule and obviously no tee times have been booked but I think playing as a single will help.

[Shrinkwr4p]

I was planning a Scotland trip for middle of April, but am thinking about moving it back so my wife can join me. Other than the "shoulder season" discounts at some of the courses, will there be any differences in an April vs. May trip? I'll be playing as a single, but my concern is that the courses may be too crowded in May? The good thing about waiting a month is that it gives me a chance to head up to the Highlands, as my understanding is that it will possibly be too icy to play golf in the Highlands in April?

 

Looking at something like this:

 

May 15: Arrive Edinburgh

May 16: North Berwick

May 17-20: Get 3 day pass for St. Andrews, wait in queue to get on Old Course once

May 21: Carnoustie

May 22: Head up to Highlands for a few days...courses TBD

 

Leave Scotland sometime around May 28th

 

Carnoustie will be mats only in "some landing areas", but I think it's worth it. I know everyone loves Kingsbarns, but I don't think it's within the budget for me on this trip.

 

Just looking for some feedback- this is a rough schedule and obviously no tee times have been booked but I think playing as a single will help.

 

 

If you have the option I'd come in May. It's not a given but the weather can be lovely and with luck a few degrees warmer than in April. In either month you would be very unlucky to encounter icy conditions. (Occassional overnight frost may delay play for an hour in April but that would be very unusual in May.) We can have the occassional unseasonal snow shower in April or even in May but it would be barely a covering if it did happen and the snow won't lie for even a day.

 

In the East/NE of Scotland mats are commonly in use through the winter but not after March 31st. I'd be surprised if they were in use at Carnoustie in April or May (unless they are looking to protect landing areas in anticipation of the Open Championship - surely not.)

 

And the Golf courses are going to be relatively quiet in either month. Getting a tee time will be straight forward almost any where other than the Old Course and Muirfield.

 

If you have no special Highland destinations in mind there would be a pleasant loop taking you on from Carnoustie to Royal Aberdeen and Murcar to Cruden Bay then Nairn and on to Castle Stuart, Boat of Garten and finally Gleneagles. Oh, and that route would take you past one of the President's properties too.

[Stall]

May, a little warmer, a little more growth and a couple more hours of sunlight each day.

 

Also, remember if you come in April you might clash with School Easter holidays, and places might be busier than you expect, (although probably not the golf courses)

[scott_Donald]

May certainly for here - light and more consistent weather....

 

for me living here -

 

March - golf if the weather is ok.

April - play the odd full round or few holes when the weather is ok...

May - play as much as I can(full rounds and 6-9 holes in the evenings)

[TheInfidel]

Bring a gore-tex shell no matter what. Sounds like a great trip.

 

Don't underestimate the number of high quality courses North of the river Tay. Also the Black Isle can often have it's own microclimate. It can be snowing in Edinburgh with blistering sunshine in Dornoch.

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1504576-scotland-golf-trip-101-the-compass-guide/page__p__15738234#entry15738234

[Nuggets]

May will probably have nicer weather and in Scotland that's a must if you aren't a hardy local!

 

Or you could risk April and you might get away with it, it's been mild so far this year

[TW33]

Bring a gore-tex shell no matter what. Sounds like a great trip.

 

Don't underestimate the number of high quality courses North of the river Tay. Also the Black Isle can often have it's own microclimate. It can be snowing in Edinburgh with blistering sunshine in Dornoch.

 

http://www.golfwrx.c...4#entry15738234

 

I'm spending about 6 days in the Inverness area. I decided to forego Aberdeen/Eastern Scotland (other than St. Andrews/Carnoustie) on this trip, but am looking forward to spending some good time in the Highlands. Definitely going to play Royal Dornoch, Brora, and Golspie. I know people like Castle Stuart, but not planning on playing simply because I'd rather play older courses and I want to keep my time in the Highlands (relatively) inexpensive, as I'm spending a lot of $ in St. Andrews.

[Shrinkwr4p]

Bring a gore-tex shell no matter what. Sounds like a great trip.

 

Don't underestimate the number of high quality courses North of the river Tay. Also the Black Isle can often have it's own microclimate. It can be snowing in Edinburgh with blistering sunshine in Dornoch.

 

http://www.golfwrx.c...4#entry15738234

 

I'm spending about 6 days in the Inverness area. I decided to forego Aberdeen/Eastern Scotland (other than St. Andrews/Carnoustie) on this trip, but am looking forward to spending some good time in the Highlands. Definitely going to play Royal Dornoch, Brora, and Golspie. I know people like Castle Stuart, but not planning on playing simply because I'd rather play older courses and I want to keep my time in the Highlands (relatively) inexpensive, as I'm spending a lot of $ in St. Andrews.

 

You should take a look at the Dornoch Firth Golf Pass. I think it costs £30 and gives you a 30% reduction on green fees at each of Royal Dornoch. Brora, Golspie and Tain. (The last of these is a gem too -designed by Old Tom.) The other lovely course nearby is Fortrose and Rosemarkie. If you like old tracks it dates to 1793 and claims to be the 15th oldest golf club in the world.

[Ralphyboy84]

Mats will be in use at some landing spots at Carnoustie next year. I'm a member. Can honestly say though don't let that put you off. We have to use them every winter and it's totally fine