TOC application accepted: Guess I'm going solo to Scotland!

[davep043]

> @philsRHman said:

> BTW, for everything I've read, I'm struggling to find a consensus for lodging out near North Berwick. I know a lot of love for The Golf Inn but that appears to be closed or converted into a guest house. I see a few hotels that might be on the fancier end of things. Is there a district of B&Bs like I've found in St. Andrews? I've never done Airbnb but I'm not opposed to it. I'm not a fancy hotel guy (I mean, I can be, but I'd rather spend on golf than hotel), so I'll continue to the search. I found several SA options for 100 quid a night, and it would help the budget immensely to stay at that level all week.

To look for lodging, I often use Tripadvisor's maps. Go to North Berwick Hotels, and near the top left of the page click the map. You can see all lodgings in their proper location. I usually then google to get the website for the specific places I'm interested in. Here's on pretty close to the first tee of the course at North Berwwick.

http://www.6anorthberwick.co.uk/index.html

Price for single occupancy from 80 pounds per night. Be sure to specify single, you'll save a few pounds that way.

 

[philsRHman]

I'm really starting to spiral a bit here LOL. I just discovered that by connecting in Heathrow and then hopping to Glasgow the flights are about half the price. I hate the idea of a connection so much, but for $500+ in savings, and still arriving in Scotland early afternoon I feel like I have to seriously consider it. Can anyone give me a good reason that this plan sucks so I can rationalize to myself it's a terrible idea? Is Glasgow more difficult? Is Heathrow a nightmare?

 

Or, on the flip side, did I just stumble into a really easy way to save a nice chunk of money? Layover would be 2:20, so I don't think I'd feel stressed trying to clear customs. I can't tell what the luggage restrictions are between Heathrow and Glasgow.

 

Something just doesnt' seem right, and I don't know what.

[mci711]

> @philsRHman said:

> I'm really starting to spiral a bit here LOL. I just discovered that by connecting in Heathrow and then hopping to Glasgow the flights are about half the price. I hate the idea of a connection so much, but for $500+ in savings, and still arriving in Scotland early afternoon I feel like I have to seriously consider it. Can anyone give me a good reason that this plan sucks so I can rationalize to myself it's a terrible idea? Is Glasgow more difficult? Is Heathrow a nightmare?

>

> Or, on the flip side, did I just stumble into a really easy way to save a nice chunk of money? Layover would be 2:20, so I don't think I'd feel stressed trying to clear customs. I can't tell what the luggage restrictions are between Heathrow and Glasgow.

>

> Something just doesnt' seem right, and I don't know what.

 

If you don't fly direct, don't play the first day or at least play somewhere that you don't care if you don't have your clubs and need to rent. I've heard so many stories of clubs not making the connecting flight. For me, it is probably worth the extra money to not connect.

[davep043]

> @philsRHman said:

> I'm really starting to spiral a bit here LOL. I just discovered that by connecting in Heathrow and then hopping to Glasgow the flights are about half the price. I hate the idea of a connection so much, but for $500+ in savings, and still arriving in Scotland early afternoon I feel like I have to seriously consider it. Can anyone give me a good reason that this plan sucks so I can rationalize to myself it's a terrible idea? Is Glasgow more difficult? Is Heathrow a nightmare?

>

> Or, on the flip side, did I just stumble into a really easy way to save a nice chunk of money? Layover would be 2:20, so I don't think I'd feel stressed trying to clear customs. I can't tell what the luggage restrictions are between Heathrow and Glasgow.

>

> Something just doesnt' seem right, and I don't know what.

 

Last summer we found that we saved about $400 a man flying Iceland Air, leaving from Washington Dulles, and flying into Glasgow. That may or may not be an option for you, but its worth checking out. Glasgow adds an hour or a little more to your first and last drives as compared to Edinburgh.

[El Gringo]

> @davep043 said:

> > @philsRHman said:

> > BTW, for everything I've read, I'm struggling to find a consensus for lodging out near North Berwick. I know a lot of love for The Golf Inn but that appears to be closed or converted into a guest house. I see a few hotels that might be on the fancier end of things. Is there a district of B&Bs like I've found in St. Andrews? I've never done Airbnb but I'm not opposed to it. I'm not a fancy hotel guy (I mean, I can be, but I'd rather spend on golf than hotel), so I'll continue to the search. I found several SA options for 100 quid a night, and it would help the budget immensely to stay at that level all week.

> To look for lodging, I often use Tripadvisor's maps. Go to North Berwick Hotels, and near the top left of the page click the map. You can see all lodgings in their proper location. I usually then google to get the website for the specific places I'm interested in. Here's on pretty close to the first tee of the course at North Berwwick.

> http://www.6anorthberwick.co.uk/index.html

> Price for single occupancy from 80 pounds per night. Be sure to specify single, you'll save a few pounds that way.

>

 

I stay at 6a most of the time when in North Berwick. The chap who runs the b&b, Alan, is good people. 6a is highly recommended. Nether Abbey is good, but a bit more expensive. Golf Lodge is also good. All three places are very close to each other up the hill past the clubhouse, but not as far as the Marine.

[jvincent]

> @philsRHman said:

> I'm really starting to spiral a bit here LOL. I just discovered that by connecting in Heathrow and then hopping to Glasgow the flights are about half the price. I hate the idea of a connection so much, but for $500+ in savings, and still arriving in Scotland early afternoon I feel like I have to seriously consider it. Can anyone give me a good reason that this plan sucks so I can rationalize to myself it's a terrible idea? Is Glasgow more difficult? Is Heathrow a nightmare?

>

> Or, on the flip side, did I just stumble into a really easy way to save a nice chunk of money? Layover would be 2:20, so I don't think I'd feel stressed trying to clear customs. I can't tell what the luggage restrictions are between Heathrow and Glasgow.

>

> Something just doesnt' seem right, and I don't know what.

 

We flew through Heathrow with a tight connection to Glasgow. Our first flight was delayed. We made the connection, but our clubs didn't so we weren't able to play the day we arrived. On a positive note the folks at BA made sure to confirm that our bags were coming in on the next flight so we just had lunch at the airport waiting for our bags.

 

If you have a decent connection Heathrow is actually pretty smooth to get through.

[Hawkeye77]

> @philsRHman said:

> I'm really starting to spiral a bit here LOL. I just discovered that by connecting in Heathrow and then hopping to Glasgow the flights are about half the price. I hate the idea of a connection so much, but for $500+ in savings, and still arriving in Scotland early afternoon I feel like I have to seriously consider it. Can anyone give me a good reason that this plan sucks so I can rationalize to myself it's a terrible idea? Is Glasgow more difficult? Is Heathrow a nightmare?

>

> Or, on the flip side, did I just stumble into a really easy way to save a nice chunk of money? Layover would be 2:20, so I don't think I'd feel stressed trying to clear customs. I can't tell what the luggage restrictions are between Heathrow and Glasgow.

>

> Something just doesnt' seem right, and I don't know what.

 

Were you comparing round trip to round trip?

[Hawkeye77]

TripAdvisor, Air B&B, the East Lothian Lodging site will get you all sorts of options. There is plenty of lodging in North Berwick.

[tiderider]

> @philsRHman said:

> Two mini-developments.

> 1 - Muirfield, as you guys suggested is a wait list situation. So I'll keep that as a wild card. Not feeling particularly compelled to play it but we will see.

> 2 - Apparently it's not a problem with either work or my wife to add another day or two because the flights going out on Friday and returning Sunday are several hundred dollars more. If I ended up arriving Friday morning and staying until the following Tuesday, that suddenly opens a WORLD of possibilities. That would give me 11 days of golf?!?!?! Suddenly I would have no worries about being short-changed in SA and would have an extra day to get comfortable out near North Berwick.

>

> BTW, for everything I've read, I'm struggling to find a consensus for lodging out near North Berwick. I know a lot of love for The Golf Inn but that appears to be closed or converted into a guest house. I see a few hotels that might be on the fancier end of things. Is there a district of B&Bs like I've found in St. Andrews? I've never done Airbnb but I'm not opposed to it. I'm not a fancy hotel guy (I mean, I can be, but I'd rather spend on golf than hotel), so I'll continue to the search. I found several SA options for 100 quid a night, and it would help the budget immensely to stay at that level all week.

 

i began using airbnb about three years ago and have absolutely no qualms about it whatsoever ... we did stay at a b&b in gullane when we played muirfield this summer (Mallory Inn, i think), but airbnb everywhere else ... however, most of them are multi room dwellings and really set up for multiple people, so it might be less costly to hunt for a hotel room ... it can be a touch weird to stay in a single room that is part of an actual house where a family lives, but you can get a room for 60 lbs a night, i would imagine ...

[philsRHman]

Pretty funny, I was checking Norwegian Air and they have flights to Scotland, but not back LOL Literally can't get it to produce a flight from EDI to NYC.

 

Looking like I can fly out Friday night and stay until the following Tuesday (11 days) I'd be able to get a direct fare under $1K. Adding an extra day to my current plan for some reason feels like it would really give me some nice bonus time in St Andrews, and knowing Monday gives me one more crack at the Old (instead of Sunday as my current last day) is appealing. Three nights in East Lothian would give me a nice taste out there (and I can stay Monday night in case Muirfield comes through), then I can return for 6-7 nights in SA which just sounds fantastic.

 

It's like I'll be able to get my bearings and settled and still have a full week to enjoy it.

 

What a score if I can pull it off at home and work (which it sounds like I can), and the bank account (the fund for this trip has been building over the years but now it's time to start crunching some numbers).

 

Back to golf ... I'm also thinking that for 230 I can get the 3-day St Andrews pass, although currently that means 5 days of SA, since I'm already in for TOC/Castle (340). I guess I could role the dice, pay 195 for TOC on the fly (lose my tee time), but then I'd get Castle as part of the 230 package. How much will I hate myself though if I give up a 12:30 tee time on the Old and struggle to get on? Gotta think as a single my odds are very good to line up, plus I can do the Ballot Buddy.

 

One tee time I'm struggling with is Carnoustie for some reason. Basically only day available is Thursday, which is surprising since I expected things to be quiet in mid/late April (NB has basically said they can make just about any day work).

[Hawkeye77]

> @philsRHman said:

> Pretty funny, I was checking Norwegian Air and they have flights to Scotland, but not back LOL Literally can't get it to produce a flight from EDI to NYC.

>

> Looking like I can fly out Friday night and stay until the following Tuesday (11 days) I'd be able to get a direct fare under $1K. Adding an extra day to my current plan for some reason feels like it would really give me some nice bonus time in St Andrews, and knowing Monday gives me one more crack at the Old (instead of Sunday as my current last day) is appealing. Three nights in East Lothian would give me a nice taste out there (and I can stay Monday night in case Muirfield comes through), then I can return for 6-7 nights in SA which just sounds fantastic.

>

> It's like I'll be able to get my bearings and settled and still have a full week to enjoy it.

>

> What a score if I can pull it off at home and work (which it sounds like I can), and the bank account (the fund for this trip has been building over the years but now it's time to start crunching some numbers).

>

> Back to golf ... I'm also thinking that for 230 I can get the 3-day St Andrews pass, although currently that means 5 days of SA, since I'm already in for TOC/Castle (340). I guess I could role the dice, pay 195 for TOC on the fly (lose my tee time), but then I'd get Castle as part of the 230 package. How much will I hate myself though if I give up a 12:30 tee time on the Old and struggle to get on? Gotta think as a single my odds are very good to line up, plus I can do the Ballot Buddy.

>

> One tee time I'm struggling with is Carnoustie for some reason. Basically only day available is Thursday, which is surprising since I expected things to be quiet in mid/late April (NB has basically said they can make just about any day work).

 

Haha, our first trip I was excited about some of the airfares I was seeing for certain airlines, then it dawned on me they were one way.

 

I say this with love - you are crazy to give up a guaranteed time on The Old Course just to maybe save a few bucks on that pass. Crazy. Silly gamble but I don't know how much you value the experience of playing The Old Course.

 

We stayed in a second floor flat in North Berwick - Seo Na Mara I think was the marketing name - it was awesome, sit in the LR and look right out to the ocean and at the window had views west to the harbor and beyond and east including Glen Golf Club and beyond. Parked our car on the street in front the first day and never moved it until we left. Easy walk to anything downtown and we walked to and from Glen and once back from North Berwick Golf Club (taxi otherwise with the clubs). Here's a pic from the street that includes the building we were in. Can't see the car, it was on the building side of the street a little farther west.

 

 

[FairwayFred]

Is your TOC time for a single or do you have a whole group?

[Zigzog]

Don't discount the West coast when you are here.

 

TOC is a great experience, but honestly once is more than enough IMO and from a golf course point of view, they are many which are far better. The history etc is great, but one round as I say is more than enough.

 

I suggest you will find that in general you will be "rushed along" a bit at all the St Andrews courses - especially TOC - they are money makers and cram as many people in as they can. You will not be able to relax at all when playing TOC.

 

Turnberry is outstanding, the changes made to the Ailsa are really good and you will not find a better course in the UK IMO. It is pricey, but worth every penny.

 

Muirfield is ok, if you can put up with the "formal nature" of it all. I don't really fit in there as I want to play golf, not interested in being seen there as that makes me something special, it doesn't. The falseness of it all really is a big no no for me.

 

Carnoustie is decent - but Panmure is a better layout for me and is generally far quieter than Carnoustie - despite being right next door.

 

The Gullane courses are wonderful, you will get a nice warm welcome and won't be rushed there. The condition will be as good as anywhere. There is a reason they have a near 10 year waiting list for membership there.

 

Dornoch is wonderful, well worth the trip.

 

Flights to Glasgow are fine, generally Edinburgh is more expensive as its the capital city - Glasgow is actually a bigger city and the airport is also bigger. Is less than an hour between the 2 cities.

 

Basic advice, don't plan your whole trip to be in and around St Andrews, as to be honest it aint all that great!

 

Just my 2p, I've lived here my whole life and played golf at a decent level most of my time. Have played TOC plenty of times, but not as often as many others courses - my choice!

 

Enjoy it when it arrives! :)

[mci711]

> @Zigzog said:

> Don't discount the West coast when you are here.

>

> TOC is a great experience, but honestly once is more than enough IMO and from a golf course point of view, they are many which are far better. The history etc is great, but one round as I say is more than enough.

>

> I suggest you will find that in general you will be "rushed along" a bit at all the St Andrews courses - especially TOC - they are money makers and cram as many people in as they can. You will not be able to relax at all when playing TOC.

>

 

I didn't feel this way at all. My wife and I were able to take pictures when we needed/wanted to and were never rushed.

 

 

[tiderider]

> @mci711 said:

> > @Zigzog said:

> > Don't discount the West coast when you are here.

> >

> > TOC is a great experience, but honestly once is more than enough IMO and from a golf course point of view, they are many which are far better. The history etc is great, but one round as I say is more than enough.

> >

> > I suggest you will find that in general you will be "rushed along" a bit at all the St Andrews courses - especially TOC - they are money makers and cram as many people in as they can. You will not be able to relax at all when playing TOC.

> >

>

> I didn't feel this way at all. My wife and I were able to take pictures when we needed/wanted to and were never rushed.

>

>

 

same here ... played it twice and never, ever felt rushed at all ...

[Hawkeye77]

> @Zigzog said:

>

> TOC is a great experience, but honestly once is more than enough IMO and from a golf course point of view, they are many which are far better. The history etc is great, but one round as I say is more than enough.

>

> I suggest you will find that in general you will be "rushed along" a bit at all the St Andrews courses - especially TOC - they are money makers and cram as many people in as they can. You will not be able to relax at all when playing TOC.

 

> Just my 2p, I've lived here my whole life and played golf at a decent level most of my time. Have played TOC plenty of times, but not as often as many others courses - my choice!

>

> Enjoy it when it arrives! :)

 

I can't speak to your experience but saw absolutely no evidence of this "rushing along" trying to "cram" people in and the suggestion someone couldn't relax (from my experience) is ridiculous.

 

We went off early in the morning, busy time at St. Andrews at height of graduation, plenty of golfers and tourists. Day before we played The New Course in the afternoon.

 

At no time did anyone, on either course, - staff, caddies, starter - rush us or do anything other than make me, my wife and my daughters feel like we were "the" guests that day. We played at a proper pace of play, walked the course, had plenty of time for discussions of history/landmarks/photos. It was nothing short of terrific for two days. The course is simply incredible - it seems "trendy" to talk it down as a test of golf, fine - always a matter of opinion, but simply incredible to us. Different challenge than many of the other courses we played last year and this summer, but still a fantastic golf course.

 

I will say the suggestion that being in and around St. Andrews is basically a waste of time may be your opinion, but I doubt it is shared by many, again based on our experience. Lively town, something for everyone, incredible golf and other history to explore, great dining, views, architecture, people are great - a lot to enjoy for those who want to enjoy the experience. But we loved Dornoch, Troon and North Berwick as well and each for different reasons.

 

To each their own.

 

 

 

 

[philsRHman]

> @FairwayFred said:

> Is your TOC time for a single or do you have a whole group?

 

> @Hawkeye77 said:

> > @philsRHman said:

> > Pretty funny, I was checking Norwegian Air and they have flights to Scotland, but not back LOL Literally can't get it to produce a flight from EDI to NYC.

> >

> > Looking like I can fly out Friday night and stay until the following Tuesday (11 days) I'd be able to get a direct fare under $1K. Adding an extra day to my current plan for some reason feels like it would really give me some nice bonus time in St Andrews, and knowing Monday gives me one more crack at the Old (instead of Sunday as my current last day) is appealing. Three nights in East Lothian would give me a nice taste out there (and I can stay Monday night in case Muirfield comes through), then I can return for 6-7 nights in SA which just sounds fantastic.

> >

> > It's like I'll be able to get my bearings and settled and still have a full week to enjoy it.

> >

> > What a score if I can pull it off at home and work (which it sounds like I can), and the bank account (the fund for this trip has been building over the years but now it's time to start crunching some numbers).

> >

> > Back to golf ... I'm also thinking that for 230 I can get the 3-day St Andrews pass, although currently that means 5 days of SA, since I'm already in for TOC/Castle (340). I guess I could role the dice, pay 195 for TOC on the fly (lose my tee time), but then I'd get Castle as part of the 230 package. How much will I hate myself though if I give up a 12:30 tee time on the Old and struggle to get on? Gotta think as a single my odds are very good to line up, plus I can do the Ballot Buddy.

> >

> > One tee time I'm struggling with is Carnoustie for some reason. Basically only day available is Thursday, which is surprising since I expected things to be quiet in mid/late April (NB has basically said they can make just about any day work).

>

> Haha, our first trip I was excited about some of the airfares I was seeing for certain airlines, then it dawned on me they were one way.

>

> I say this with love - you are crazy to give up a guaranteed time on The Old Course just to maybe save a few bucks on that pass. Crazy. Silly gamble but I don't know how much you value the experience of playing The Old Course.

>

> We stayed in a second floor flat in North Berwick - Seo Na Mara I think was the marketing name - it was awesome, sit in the LR and look right out to the ocean and at the window had views west to the harbor and beyond and east including Glen Golf Club and beyond. Parked our car on the street in front the first day and never moved it until we left. Easy walk to anything downtown and we walked to and from Glen and once back from North Berwick Golf Club (taxi otherwise with the clubs). Here's a pic from the street that includes the building we were in. Can't see the car, it was on the building side of the street a little farther west.

>

>

>

 

Whoa, love logging on and seeing a flurry of activity! Thanks for all the input.

 

Good point on the tee time. It's more that the Tuesday Castle tee time is interfering with the itinerary and I'm not sure how flexible they'd be about moving it. Thanks for the tip (and thanks to others who chimed in). I'm starting to feel a lot better about the time in North Berwick as a really nice complement to the time in St. Andrew's, not that it's cannibalize it. I've spend this week listening to podcasts and happy to hear how much love East Lothian gets. I'm also getting the sense that I really want to focus on a few courses and see them multiple times. I'm already playing NB Monday for 36 holes. How crazy would it be to also play it Sunday? I'm very tempted. I could do Glen on arrival day, then 54 at NB over two days.

 

 

@Zigzog I appreciate the viewpoint. I think similarly if you were coming to NYC I'd tell you stuff like, don't go to Times Square because I know it's crowded, overpriced and a tourist trap. But every visitor i have wants to go and all love it. So maybe being local skews your view, but in this case, I'll take it under advisement, but probably still immerse myself there. And maybe next time I visit I'll feel like I saw it enough and can make home base elsewhere next time.

 

[davep043]

> @Hawkeye77 said:

> > @Zigzog said:

> >

> > TOC is a great experience, but honestly once is more than enough IMO and from a golf course point of view, they are many which are far better. The history etc is great, but one round as I say is more than enough.

> >

> > I suggest you will find that in general you will be "rushed along" a bit at all the St Andrews courses - especially TOC - they are money makers and cram as many people in as they can. You will not be able to relax at all when playing TOC.

>

> > Just my 2p, I've lived here my whole life and played golf at a decent level most of my time. Have played TOC plenty of times, but not as often as many others courses - my choice!

> >

> > Enjoy it when it arrives! :)

>

> I can't speak to your experience but saw absolutely no evidence of this "rushing along" trying to "cram" people in and the suggestion someone couldn't relax (from my experience) is ridiculous.

>

> We went off early in the morning, busy time at St. Andrews at height of graduation, plenty of golfers and tourists. Day before we played The New Course in the afternoon.

>

> At no time did anyone, on either course, - staff, caddies, starter - rush us or do anything other than make me, my wife and my daughters feel like we were "the" guests that day. We played at a proper pace of play, walked the course, had plenty of time for discussions of history/landmarks/photos. It was nothing short of terrific for two days. The course is simply incredible - it seems "trendy" to talk it down as a test of golf, fine - always a matter of opinion, but simply incredible to us. Different challenge than many of the other courses we played last year and this summer, but still a fantastic golf course.

>

> I will say the suggestion that being in and around St. Andrews is basically a waste of time may be your opinion, but I doubt it is shared by many, again based on our experience. Lively town, something for everyone, incredible golf and other history to explore, great dining, views, architecture, people are great - a lot to enjoy for those who want to enjoy the experience. But we loved Dornoch, Troon and North Berwick as well and each for different reasons.

>

> To each their own.

I'm with @Hawkeye77 , I never felt rushed while playing any of the St Andrews courses. That said, I'm aware that the caddies are expected to keep their players moving along at a reasonable (for tourists) pace. Due to its design, with shared fairways and greens, things CAN seem a bit hectic on the Old Course. There were times when I made sure to move quickly to get out of the way of players going the other direction to me, but I never really felt like I had to hurry. I'm a bit surprised that @Zigzog , as a native Scot, would find the 4-hour pace to feel rushed.

 

Similarly, I've enjoyed staying in the town of St Andrews as well as anywhere else I've stayed, but that's a limited sample. Second in my enjoyment would be Dornoch, a pretty small village, but large enough for a few nights. Aberlady was nice, but too small for my personal preference. Prestwick was fine, but a lot more of a real working city. Between the University and the golf, St Andrews is almost like a charming caricature of the best aspects of a Scottish village.

 

> @philsRHman said:

 

> I'm also getting the sense that I really want to focus on a few courses and see them multiple times. I'm already playing NB Monday for 36 holes. How crazy would it be to also play it Sunday? I'm very tempted. I could do Glen on arrival day, then 54 at NB over two days.

 

On my 2012 trip to Scotland, we had planned to play at Dornoch twice, on both Sunday and Monday mornings. As it turned out, we were able to play an additional 18 on Sunday afternoon (replay at half the original round's price, if I remember right), so we did 54 over 2 days. It was a real highlight of the trip to do it that way, and I think you'll enjoy North Berwick in much the same way. And the Glen is very enjoyable, with great views, and the walk up to the first green will loosen up any tight muscles you may have after your flight and car ride.

 

[philsRHman]

Throwing a minor wrench into the mix, I've got a few friends who are casual golfers at best and think I'm nuts. But they're also interested in doing St. Andrews at a more casual pace. I offered them (maybe only one guy) to fly in mid-week and I'll gear down my golf for the second half of the trip. I think it would actually force me to stop and smell the roses so to speak. I know my instinct is going to play play play (even if I say now I'm not going to). But in that case, I figure if that happens Wednesday, I meet them after my TOC round. They wouldn't be able to get on since they don't have handicaps anyway. Then Thursday-Monday we can get out to Ansthruther, Elie, Eden, etc. I'd shift to finding the courses that are "fun" for guys who really only play a few times a year, don't hit the ball far and would just be happy to play as a way to see Scotland and have some eat and drink in the different places, not as a golf nut like us.

[davep043]

> @philsRHman said:

> Throwing a minor wrench into the mix, I've got a few friends who are casual golfers at best and think I'm nuts. But they're also interested in doing St. Andrews at a more casual pace. I offered them (maybe only one guy) to fly in mid-week and I'll gear down my golf for the second half of the trip. I think it would actually force me to stop and smell the roses so to speak. I know my instinct is going to play play play (even if I say now I'm not going to). But in that case, I figure if that happens Wednesday, I meet them after my TOC round. They wouldn't be able to get on since they don't have handicaps anyway. Then Thursday-Monday we can get out to Ansthruther, Elie, Eden, etc. I'd shift to finding the courses that are "fun" for guys who really only play a few times a year, don't hit the ball far and would just be happy to play as a way to see Scotland and have some eat and drink in the different places, not as a golf nut like us.

 

You might even be surprised to find that you'll welcome the "rest", playing only 18 a day after a number of 36 hole days. And there really is a good bit of stuff to see and do around St Andrews. Wander through the cathedral ruins and see Old Tom's grave, tour the castle or the University, visit the distillery at Kingsbarns, play golf with hickory clubs near Cupar.

[tiderider]

under no circumstances should you give up a tee time at TOC to save money ... that's insane, and you would justifiably be punished to the greatest extent by any number of deities for such a move ...

[philsRHman]

> @tiderider said:

> under no circumstances should you give up a tee time at TOC to save money ... that's insane, and you would justifiably be punished to the greatest extent by any number of deities for such a move ...

 

Haha, OK, OK. I had a moment of weakness.

 

I was blinded by the tales of people visiting in April and having the run of the place, and really not being excited about basically paying $170 to play the Castle, especially since it feels like it's getting in the way. Maybe I need to reach out and see if they can move Castle to later in the week because I want that Tuesday flexible for Muirfield if it comes through.

[Zigzog]

Apologies if I came across as negative, was not my intention and I was just giving my view.

 

I have played TOC a number of times and have often been paired with random golfers. I am a quick player and pretty decent, so don't go far from the middle of the fairway etc. I have never been asked to speed up, but have had playing partners who have been. I have also spoken to some who have shared this experience. Was just sharing my own experiences and those I have heard of - no offence meant.

 

The weather in April can be mixed, often cold and in St Andrews can be a cold wind still. In regard to multiple rounds the same day, I would say you should try and pace yourself, playing in cold conditions really does take it out of you if you are not used to it. Would hate for your TOC round to be less than you hoped because you were tired! Prepare to be tired and maybe be wiling to reflect once you get there and maybe realise that loads of golf is going to take some of the fun out of it for you.

 

St Andrews is nice, I was not saying it was not. For me it is not really like the rest of Scotland and not a true reflection of what Scotland or Scottish people are like - such is the lack of Scottish people staying there now!

 

I am sure you will have a great time, honestly I will repeat the statement that if you can fit in Turnberry you will 100% thank me after. You could easily make a day trip from St Andrews (if you are staying there) , play Turnberry and then return to St Andrews in the evening.

 

 

[philsRHman]

> @Zigzog said:

> Apologies if I came across as negative, was not my intention and I was just giving my view.

>

> I have played TOC a number of times and have often been paired with random golfers. I am a quick player and pretty decent, so don't go far from the middle of the fairway etc. I have never been asked to speed up, but have had playing partners who have been. I have also spoken to some who have shared this experience. Was just sharing my own experiences and those I have heard of - no offence meant.

>

> The weather in April can be mixed, often cold and in St Andrews can be a cold wind still. In regard to multiple rounds the same day, I would say you should try and pace yourself, playing in cold conditions really does take it out of you if you are not used to it. Would hate for your TOC round to be less than you hoped because you were tired! Prepare to be tired and maybe be wiling to reflect once you get there and maybe realise that loads of golf is going to take some of the fun out of it for you.

>

> St Andrews is nice, I was not saying it was not. For me it is not really like the rest of Scotland and not a true reflection of what Scotland or Scottish people are like - such is the lack of Scottish people staying there now!

>

> I am sure you will have a great time, honestly I will repeat the statement that if you can fit in Turnberry you will 100% thank me after. You could easily make a day trip from St Andrews (if you are staying there) , play Turnberry and then return to St Andrews in the evening.

>

>

 

Not to get political, but I have very little desire to drop any of my hard-earned dollars into those Turnberry coffers.

[Zigzog]

I like to look past it all and just play in the best courses - but understand totally. Guess not being from the US changes things a lot.

[Hawkeye77]

> @philsRHman said:

> > @FairwayFred said:

> > Is your TOC time for a single or do you have a whole group?

>

> > @Hawkeye77 said:

> > > @philsRHman said:

> > > Pretty funny, I was checking Norwegian Air and they have flights to Scotland, but not back LOL Literally can't get it to produce a flight from EDI to NYC.

> > >

> > > Looking like I can fly out Friday night and stay until the following Tuesday (11 days) I'd be able to get a direct fare under $1K. Adding an extra day to my current plan for some reason feels like it would really give me some nice bonus time in St Andrews, and knowing Monday gives me one more crack at the Old (instead of Sunday as my current last day) is appealing. Three nights in East Lothian would give me a nice taste out there (and I can stay Monday night in case Muirfield comes through), then I can return for 6-7 nights in SA which just sounds fantastic.

> > >

> > > It's like I'll be able to get my bearings and settled and still have a full week to enjoy it.

> > >

> > > What a score if I can pull it off at home and work (which it sounds like I can), and the bank account (the fund for this trip has been building over the years but now it's time to start crunching some numbers).

> > >

> > > Back to golf ... I'm also thinking that for 230 I can get the 3-day St Andrews pass, although currently that means 5 days of SA, since I'm already in for TOC/Castle (340). I guess I could role the dice, pay 195 for TOC on the fly (lose my tee time), but then I'd get Castle as part of the 230 package. How much will I hate myself though if I give up a 12:30 tee time on the Old and struggle to get on? Gotta think as a single my odds are very good to line up, plus I can do the Ballot Buddy.

> > >

> > > One tee time I'm struggling with is Carnoustie for some reason. Basically only day available is Thursday, which is surprising since I expected things to be quiet in mid/late April (NB has basically said they can make just about any day work).

> >

> > Haha, our first trip I was excited about some of the airfares I was seeing for certain airlines, then it dawned on me they were one way.

> >

> > I say this with love - you are crazy to give up a guaranteed time on The Old Course just to maybe save a few bucks on that pass. Crazy. Silly gamble but I don't know how much you value the experience of playing The Old Course.

> >

> > We stayed in a second floor flat in North Berwick - Seo Na Mara I think was the marketing name - it was awesome, sit in the LR and look right out to the ocean and at the window had views west to the harbor and beyond and east including Glen Golf Club and beyond. Parked our car on the street in front the first day and never moved it until we left. Easy walk to anything downtown and we walked to and from Glen and once back from North Berwick Golf Club (taxi otherwise with the clubs). Here's a pic from the street that includes the building we were in. Can't see the car, it was on the building side of the street a little farther west.

> >

> >

> >

>

> Whoa, love logging on and seeing a flurry of activity! Thanks for all the input.

>

> Good point on the tee time. It's more that the Tuesday Castle tee time is interfering with the itinerary and I'm not sure how flexible they'd be about moving it. Thanks for the tip (and thanks to others who chimed in). I'm starting to feel a lot better about the time in North Berwick as a really nice complement to the time in St. Andrew's, not that it's cannibalize it. I've spend this week listening to podcasts and happy to hear how much love East Lothian gets. I'm also getting the sense that I really want to focus on a few courses and see them multiple times. I'm already playing NB Monday for 36 holes. How crazy would it be to also play it Sunday? I'm very tempted. I could do Glen on arrival day, then 54 at NB over two days.

>

>

> @Zigzog I appreciate the viewpoint. I think similarly if you were coming to NYC I'd tell you stuff like, don't go to Times Square because I know it's crowded, overpriced and a tourist trap. But every visitor i have wants to go and all love it. So maybe being local skews your view, but in this case, I'll take it under advisement, but probably still immerse myself there. And maybe next time I visit I'll feel like I saw it enough and can make home base elsewhere next time.

>

 

I've already told you a simple phone call will get that Castle tee time changed, they are very flexible. Others probably have already, just saying . . . .

 

With so many other options for courses I wouldn't play 54 at NB, but that's me. Maybe 18 each day (maximize chances of good weather for at least one round) and another area course for the 36 day. I was disappointed that Kilspindie didn't work out the day I wanted to play it, it looked really neat, for example, but plenty of great options.

[philsRHman]

> @Hawkeye77 said:

> > @philsRHman said:

> > > @FairwayFred said:

> > > Is your TOC time for a single or do you have a whole group?

> >

> > > @Hawkeye77 said:

> > > > @philsRHman said:

> > > > Pretty funny, I was checking Norwegian Air and they have flights to Scotland, but not back LOL Literally can't get it to produce a flight from EDI to NYC.

> > > >

> > > > Looking like I can fly out Friday night and stay until the following Tuesday (11 days) I'd be able to get a direct fare under $1K. Adding an extra day to my current plan for some reason feels like it would really give me some nice bonus time in St Andrews, and knowing Monday gives me one more crack at the Old (instead of Sunday as my current last day) is appealing. Three nights in East Lothian would give me a nice taste out there (and I can stay Monday night in case Muirfield comes through), then I can return for 6-7 nights in SA which just sounds fantastic.

> > > >

> > > > It's like I'll be able to get my bearings and settled and still have a full week to enjoy it.

> > > >

> > > > What a score if I can pull it off at home and work (which it sounds like I can), and the bank account (the fund for this trip has been building over the years but now it's time to start crunching some numbers).

> > > >

> > > > Back to golf ... I'm also thinking that for 230 I can get the 3-day St Andrews pass, although currently that means 5 days of SA, since I'm already in for TOC/Castle (340). I guess I could role the dice, pay 195 for TOC on the fly (lose my tee time), but then I'd get Castle as part of the 230 package. How much will I hate myself though if I give up a 12:30 tee time on the Old and struggle to get on? Gotta think as a single my odds are very good to line up, plus I can do the Ballot Buddy.

> > > >

> > > > One tee time I'm struggling with is Carnoustie for some reason. Basically only day available is Thursday, which is surprising since I expected things to be quiet in mid/late April (NB has basically said they can make just about any day work).

> > >

> > > Haha, our first trip I was excited about some of the airfares I was seeing for certain airlines, then it dawned on me they were one way.

> > >

> > > I say this with love - you are crazy to give up a guaranteed time on The Old Course just to maybe save a few bucks on that pass. Crazy. Silly gamble but I don't know how much you value the experience of playing The Old Course.

> > >

> > > We stayed in a second floor flat in North Berwick - Seo Na Mara I think was the marketing name - it was awesome, sit in the LR and look right out to the ocean and at the window had views west to the harbor and beyond and east including Glen Golf Club and beyond. Parked our car on the street in front the first day and never moved it until we left. Easy walk to anything downtown and we walked to and from Glen and once back from North Berwick Golf Club (taxi otherwise with the clubs). Here's a pic from the street that includes the building we were in. Can't see the car, it was on the building side of the street a little farther west.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> > Whoa, love logging on and seeing a flurry of activity! Thanks for all the input.

> >

> > Good point on the tee time. It's more that the Tuesday Castle tee time is interfering with the itinerary and I'm not sure how flexible they'd be about moving it. Thanks for the tip (and thanks to others who chimed in). I'm starting to feel a lot better about the time in North Berwick as a really nice complement to the time in St. Andrew's, not that it's cannibalize it. I've spend this week listening to podcasts and happy to hear how much love East Lothian gets. I'm also getting the sense that I really want to focus on a few courses and see them multiple times. I'm already playing NB Monday for 36 holes. How crazy would it be to also play it Sunday? I'm very tempted. I could do Glen on arrival day, then 54 at NB over two days.

> >

> >

> > @Zigzog I appreciate the viewpoint. I think similarly if you were coming to NYC I'd tell you stuff like, don't go to Times Square because I know it's crowded, overpriced and a tourist trap. But every visitor i have wants to go and all love it. So maybe being local skews your view, but in this case, I'll take it under advisement, but probably still immerse myself there. And maybe next time I visit I'll feel like I saw it enough and can make home base elsewhere next time.

> >

>

**> I've already told you a simple phone call will get that Castle tee time changed, they are very flexible. Others probably have already, just saying . . . .

**>

> With so many other options for courses I wouldn't play 54 at NB, but that's me. Maybe 18 each day (maximize chances of good weather for at least one round) and another area course for the 36 day. I was disappointed that Kilspindie didn't work out the day I wanted to play it, it looked really neat, for example, but plenty of great options.

 

Losing track, I'm sure you did tell me. I guess I'm getting lost in all the information. It does seem like a lot, and I don't help matters by overthinking things out the wazzoo!

[Hawkeye77]

Can easily seem like overload. Check on switching the Castle and just get it done and check the box (I did that within a couple days of paying in October two year ago for that trip). If you know your main bases, get the lodging set and check the box. I can't imagine you need to worry about setting tee times for any other course options right now except maybe Carnoustie, but if you are definitely wanting to get in a couple of rounds (or three) at North Berwick get 'em locked in. Otherwise spend the next few months figuring out other courses to play, etc. Plenty of time to do a little relaxed planning, tourist stuff, dining, whatever - try and enjoy the process over the winter. Heck, I set up plenty of times for our trip this past summer not long before we went or even while we were there and that was busy time in July (but I had NB booked well out and Troon as well). No trouble getting on anywhere.

[philsRHman]

Good advice. I need to remember I don’t need every single thing set before i book anything. Right now I think the first step is flights. Here’s how crazy I get though. Last night I went down the path of looking at airline mile credit cards (most have a big sign up bonus) and spent time trying to figure out how I can get my flights for free since I’m about 60k miles short. That sent me down a whole different rabbit hole and in the end realized it’s not happening anyway. But did find a couple options that should help get me on the road to points for a future trip.

[philsRHman]

Alright, prices on flights just dropped today, so I think I'm ready to book. I can save $150 on flights plus one night's lodging by leaving Saturday night instead of Friday, plus leaving Saturday gives me a day off to finish packing and smooths out some logistical issues I'd have going straight from work on Friday. Here's where things stand:

 

Sunday: Arrive EDI 8 a.m., drive to East Lothian. Play 18 at Glen, Kilspindie or another warm up course

Monday: North Berwick 36 holes

Tuesday: Flex day: Muirfield or choose on the fly (possibly Gullane,

Wednesday: TOC (tee time secured)

Thursday: Carnoustie (morning time secured, possible second loop in the afternoon)

Friday: Castle; Ansthruther fish and chips, maybe 9 holes

Saturday: Elie 18; Crail 18

Sunday: New or Jubilee or Eden (flexible if I want a second round)

Monday: TOC (ballot buddy or wait in line)

Tuesday: Depart EDI in the morning

 

Most likely I'll try to get Ballot Buddy and get back on TOC Friday or Saturday and adjust accordingly. I'll continue to work through how I mix up my rounds at Elie, Crail, New and Jubilee. I have a feeling there are quite a few not on my list (like Lundin and Leven) that could sub in for any of those four.

 

Whereas yesterday my head was spinning, now I think I've got a plan in place. Thanks to the advice that it doesn't have to be perfect to start book, which I really appreciate.