2024 Ultimate Golf Heavy Scotland Trip (Advice)

[TTN]

Long time reader first time poster. I'm planning to head to Scotland in May 2024 and was looking for any tips/advice... First and foremost, this is a lifetime bucket list trip. I'm not sure I'm ever going to get back there so its very heavy golf on purpose. I'm going with my best friend and our dad's are going to join for days 4-7 at St. Andrews and Muirfield. I'm sub 40 and in good shape (for a working dad) so I'm not worried about playing 36 so many days. I know that it may make me play a little worse and skip some sightseeing/downtime, but getting to so many historic courses is the priority. Re: Golf plan I will apply in September and do the Lottery for the Old Course if my advance app isn't selected. Plan to play some combination of Old Course/New Course/Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie for a total of 6 rounds across 3 days. Actual daily tee times clearly tbd. Day 9 I know Saturday's are non visitor days at Prestwick and Royal Troon, but I know members who can host. Talking to two operators who will provide transportation so the long drives will be done for us and we don't have to have a rental car. Thanks for feedback and insights from those who have done it before...

 

Schedule

Day 1 (Friday): Land Abderdeen ~1pm. Play Muracar ~5:30pm - Stay Marcliffe in Aberdeen

Day 2 (Saturday): AM Cruden Bay, PM Royal Aberdeen - Drive to Carnoustie Hotel for the night. 

Day 3 (Sunday): AM Panmure, PM Carnoustie - Drive post dinner to St. Andrews stay Russacks

Day 4 (Monday): AM Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie, PM Old Course/New Course - Stay Russacks

Day 5 (Tuesday): AM Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie, PM Old Course/New Course - Stay Russacks

Day 6 (Wednesday): AM Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie, PM Old Course/New Course - Drive post dinner to Marine North Berwick

Day 7 (Thursday): AM Muirfield, PM Muirfield - Stay at Marine North Berwick

Day 8 (Friday): AM Kilspindie, PM North Berwick - Drive to Prestwick post dinner stay at Marine Troon

Day 9 (Saturday) AM Prestwick, PM Royal Troon - Drive to Inverness post d on inner stay at Kingsmill

Day 10 (Sunday): AM Castle Stuart, PM Royal Dornoch - Stay at Kingsmill

Day 11 (Monday): 7am flight back to the US from Inverness. 

 

Questions/Feedback

+ While I'm confident on the golf I am looking for any and all feedback on 19th hole bars, restaurants and hotels... Or any other must dos (Himalayans putting etc)

+ Anyone know if R&A members have access to setting up tee times on the Old Course in advance? 

+ Is it true the R&A got rid of unaccompanied visitors? Heard a member used to be able to get you a tour/access, but it was recently changed so the member has to be on site with you now. 

+ St. Andrews Golf Club Temp Access. I've heard you can have a member nominate you for a few day temp membership which gives you access to use their facilities (lunch/locker room etc.). Anyone done this? Have any feedback/color?

[ND2005]

Sounds overly ambitious/exhausting. 
 

36 a day x 9 days plus throwing in 3 and 4 hour drives after that? 
 

There’s something to be said for stopping and smelling the roses. 
 

Do you want to just check courses off a list or do you want to actually enjoy them?

[sabram]

WOW!!!. That's a lot of great golf. I've done a lot of ambitious golf trips, but yours beats any of mine as to the rounds per day ratio over so many days. You really won't have the time or energy to do anything other than eat and play golf and you will definitely need a vacation when you get home. I wouldn't do such an ambitious trip unless I was certain I'd never return. You are young enough that you'll have other opportunities to return. In any event, enjoy it.

 

I assume you are from the U.S. Make sure you do all of your flights on a single airline as a single reservation in order to minimize the chance of luggage or clubs not arriving and avoid having to collect your bags between flights. I completed a trip a couple weeks ago where I flew from Newark to Heathrow to Aberdeen and returned from Inverness to Heathrow to Newark and all of my bags made it at a time when thousands bags did not. I was on British Air with all four flights on one reservation.

 

You'll have a 4 hour car from Troon to Inverness. You can shave off two hours of car time if you do a slight re-ordering of the courses, either flying into Prestwick and out of Inverness or vice versa as follows:

 

Day 1 (Saturday): Land Prestwick - PM Play Prestwick

Day 2 (Sunday) AM Play Royal Troon (you could add a PM round at the second course at Troon or nearby Western Gailes (which is excellent and allows visitors on weekend afternoons.

Drive Drive post dinner to Marine North Berwick

Day 3(Monday) AM Kilspindie, PM North Berwick Stay at Marine North Berwick

Day 4 (Tuesday) AM Muirfield, PM Muirfield -Drive post dinner to St. Andrews stay Russacks

Day 5 (Wednesday) Play two of Kingsbarns/Crail/Elie, or the Old Course and New Course - Stay Russacks

Day 6 (Thursday) Play two of Kingsbarns/Crail/Elie, or the Old Course and New Course - Stay Russacks or drive to Carnoustie Hotel for the night

Day 7(Friday) AM Panmure, PM Carnoustie Drive Post Dinner to Aberdeen

Day 8 (Saturday) Sleep in and play a PM round at Cruden Bay

Day 9 (Sunday) Sleep in and play 11:00 am round at Murcar  and 4 PM round at Royal Abderdeen  Sunset is between 9:00 pm and 9:45 PM in Aberdeen in May Drive to Inverness after the PM round - Stay at Kingsmill

Day 10 (Monday) AM Castle Stuart, PM Royal Dornoch - Stay at Kingsmill

Day 11 (Tuesday): 7am flight back to the US from Inverness. 

 

I prefer smaller hotels and B&B's. In Prestwick/Troon look into the Sandhill House it is fantastic and abuts the Royal Troon course. You are allowed to walk across the course from Sand Hill to the beach. I know people who have taken a wedge and a few balls on that walk  In the Inverness/Nairn area, I liked the Invernairne a lot. If you stay there it will shorten your ride a bit when coming from Aberdeen and it's very close to Castle Stuart. If you depart on the 7:00 am flight from Inverness to Heathrow, I'd consider staying at the Marriott at Inverness airport.

 

There's not a weak course on your list. I would consider playing Gullane #1 or #2 rather than Kilspindie, although Kilspindie is a lovely course. I might also consider playing Nairn rather than Castle Stuart. Castle Stuart is probably the most scenic course on your list with its beautiful views, but you are already playing Kingsbarns and they are both very modern  and somewhat similar to each other in feel (Mark Parsinen was the developer of both) Nairn is more traditional albeit less dramatic, although it does have the Moray Firth in view on most holes and it's an easier walk at the end of a very strenuous trip. If you play both Castle Stuart and Royal Dornoch on the same day, consider a caddie.

 

Have fun,

 

 

 

 

Edited July 22, 2022 by sabram

[DonatelloNobodie]

You're planning way too much golf.  Instead of great course memories, you'll remember only rushing from one round to the next and being exhausted.   Play fewer courses and allow time to enjoy the courses and see Scotland.

 

Russacks Hotel is great.  When I stayed there, they arranged rounds on both the Old and New courses.   That was many years ago.   I don't know if they can still do that.  Ask, if you already haven't.

 

Consider having a tour company, like Perry, arrange the trip.   It may cost a bit extra, but they handle all the details and avoid disappointing screw ups.

 

Trying to self arrange such a packed schedule sets you up for hassles and headaches that will spoil your enjoyment.  Have a tour company set it up, reduce the number of rounds to allow a slower pace, and enjoy the trip without the pressure of managing all the details. 

[hammergolf]

You’ve put together a great plan. One thing to consider is adding the Jubilee course into the mix while in St. Andrews. It’s definitely worth playing and I prefer it over the New. I also like The Castle course as well. It is love/hate for some because the greens  are very undulating and challenging but it has terrain change like Kingsbarns and it’s 1/4 the price. Good plan in St. Andrews would be to get the 3 day Advanced unlimited golf ticket. Besides that, it’s a very doable trip, lots of golf and walking but doable. Keep in mind you also have the 48 hour ballot for TOC so having a 3 day window while you’re there will increase the odds a little. Then of course you have the walk up, which if you get there early enough will be very good odds. The Hims is definitely a must do, but not sure when you would be able to work it in, as the hours are very limited.
   If you have contact with an R&A member that can do nothing but help your chances. However, I think you must play with them. I do not know about the temp membership. 
    As far as hotels go, my group always stays in a house on our trips so no help for you there. You’re playing the great ones for sure. 

Edited July 22, 2022 by hammergolf

[crcraig]

I'm not going to try to talk you out of all the 36 hole days.  I did something similar, but not quite as crazy, 25 years ago (20 rounds in 16 days, with 3 off days).  But I am going to give you a couple of pieces of advice.  Of the courses I played, the ones I still remember clearly are the ones I played more than once (Old Course, Royal Dornoch, Macrihanish, etc).  Courses I played a single time (Western Gailes, Royal Aberdeen, Nairn, etc) are largely a blur at this point.  Unless you've got an incredible memory, I think you'll be similar.  So you need to decide -- do you want the memories, or do you want the belt-notching of playing every possible course?

 

My second piece of advice is to watch out for, and prepare for, blisters and other foot discomfort. I was in fine shape for that trip, but the thing that almost did me in was blisters.  You need to break in multiple pairs of shoes, and you need to train beforehand to ensure your feet can handle that amount of walking.  The few off days we had were a godsend for me.

 

[Argonne69]

Wow, that's a lot of golf. I've done 10 rounds in five days multiple times, but I was always running on empty near the end of the trip. 

 

My favorite trips were 9 rounds in 6 days with a 2-1-2-1-2-1 rotation. It provides plenty of golf with every other afternoon off to recover and enjoy the local sites. 

 

[cradd10]

While I love the enthusiasm, the hard part is not the 36 per day.  The hard part is driving 2-4 hours after the round.  Driving 2-4 hours in Scotland is not the same as driving 2-4 hours in US.  We have nice Interstates,  they have crappy, rough, narrow roads and a ton of round a bouts.  The drivers go like bat out of hell also.  Just my option, but i would pick 2 areas and less driving.  I'm going back to Scotland in July 23.  We are doing 4 days in St. Andrews and 4 days in North Berwick.   

[dcmidnight]

On 7/22/2022 at 8:55 AM, DonatelloNobodie said:

You're planning way too much golf.  Instead of great course memories, you'll remember only rushing from one round to the next and being exhausted.   Play fewer courses and allow time to enjoy the courses and see Scotland.

 

Couldn't have said this better myself.

 

This was the exact advice I got before my trip and I dont regret one minute of it. We did 8 days, all in St Andrews and only did 18 a day. No matter what - you can never play every course there. So dont try. Enjoy the town. Enjoy the putting course. Enjoy hoping around to the different local pubs whos name isnt Dunvegan.

 

To me this kind of schedule really skips out on the best stuff that Scotland has to offer.

 

On 7/22/2022 at 7:16 AM, ND2005 said:

Do you want to just check courses off a list or do you want to actually enjoy them?

 

My crusty old caddie at the Old Course called guys Bagtag Bobs, guys who had no interest in really stopping to enjoy the courses or spend time in the towns - they were just running from one to the next. 

 

To each his own - its your money - this kind of thing is just not for me.

[ND2005]

26 minutes ago, dcmidnight said:

 

Couldn't have said this better myself.

 

This was the exact advice I got before my trip and I dont regret one minute of it. We did 8 days, all in St Andrews and only did 18 a day. No matter what - you can never play every course there. So dont try. Enjoy the town. Enjoy the putting course. Enjoy hoping around to the different local pubs whos name isnt Dunvegan.

 

To me this kind of schedule really skips out on the best stuff that Scotland has to offer.

 

 

We did 7 courses in 9 days, and this involved 3 total hotels and 2 long-ish driving days. That already felt like a lot to me. 

 

I would have personally played a bit more golf and sprinkled in a couple 36 hole days - such long days there - but was with my 75 year-old dad so needed to pace things out. 

 

I've now played 10 of the top courses in Scotland across 2 trips. The next trip I go back I am going to focus on getting to know a few of them better and play fewer courses but at least 36 holes at each. 

[NDSwim]

Timely topic as I too am considering a 2024 trip.  From my research the initial itinerary looks like a lot.

 

For those who have done a similar trip traveling from the US west coast, any regrets?  Trying to decide on a trip for a 40th birthday with a group of 8.  

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, NDSwim said:

Timely topic as I too am considering a 2024 trip.  From my research the initial itinerary looks like a lot.

 

For those who have done a similar trip traveling from the US west coast, any regrets?  Trying to decide on a trip for a 40th birthday with a group of 8.  

I’ve never regretted any trip to Ireland or Scotland. I’m in the Midwest, so my flights are a few hours shorter but definitely worth it. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to help.

[scott_Donald]

Wow interesting trip indeed.

 

I think it is very doable and an effort. I finished today 18 holes as a 4 ball in 3 hours 20(1550) and played so bad I really wanted to head out and play again!

 

You are staying in some very nice hotels, The Marclife is my Uncles, well cousins hotel now and its so well setup for a golfer, with a very good restaurant. 

 

R and A members have the highest ranking for Old Course bookings, students have a very high one too, I have completely forgotten the rankings. If you are a four then you would have to play with the member which complicates things.

 

I know I am allowed at Royal Aberdeen; The same guest once a month and I must play with them, I must pay for them(paid for my guest on Sunday using his card, he had already driven into my car when arriving late). Cruden Bay you are only allowed I think it is ten guests a year, which is very low and disappointing. Every club has their own rules.

 

 

[Cwing]

One flight delay and your first day could be a loss. Happened to my group in August 2014. We only got it about 14 holes at Turnberry due to darkened.

 

That flight delay also resulted in a flight change and all 8 sets of clubs didn’t arrive until the second day. That tee time had to be pushed back to allow enough time for clubs to find us.

Edited July 26, 2022 by Cwing

[Cwing]

Spoiler

 

I made myself some notes in the event I ever take another overseas golf trip again. Here are those notes:

 

Our trip was to Scotland. We went through Hidden Links Golf. They have course profiles on you tube and are on the web.

 

We stayed at the South Beach Hotel (3 nights) and played Turnberry Ailsa, Western Gailes and could play 36 at Troon. 18 on the Royal Troon Portland course and 18 on the Royal Troon Old course. Most, including me, only played the Old Royal course which is the championship course.  

 

We then traveled a few hours and played Cruden Bay, stayed one night at Kilmarnock Arms B&B and played Trump International in the morning and then traveled a few hours to the Dunvegan Hotel for our last 3 nights which is app 130 yds from the 18th green and #1 tee on the Old Course at St Andrews. Once at the Dunvegan, we played the Championship course at Carnoustie, Kingsbarnes and the Old Course at St Andrews.

 

Our Hidden Links cost included pick up and drop off at the airport, all lodging fees, all greens fees except St Andrews, transportation (motor coach) to 6 of the 8 courses and all lodges ( we stayed in 3 different bed and breakfasts). Both Royal Troon and St Andrews were within walking distance from the bed/breakfast and transportation was not provided. Breakfast was included each morning except the day we arrived. Lunch/dinner/drinks were not provided but there were many places to go within walking distance while in Troon and St Andrews. Additional transportation may be needed depending on how much site seeing (castles) you want to do. 

 

Originally we were set to fly from CVG to PHL and then from PHL to Glasgow, Scotland by US airway. US Air delays prior to us leaving CVG resulted in missing the direct flight to Scotland and flying to London and then Glasgow. All 8 sets of clubs did not show up until the 2nd morning. We were told by locals that golfers coming through London do not get there clubs 40-50% of the time as the planes are loaded with cargo that gets priority over clubs. As a result, we missed our first tee time. Hidden Links got our tee time and pick up times adjusted to the end of the day but we only got 14 good holes in at Turnberry until it was too dark to play. Avoid London if at all possible and consider not playing day 1 in the event something like this occurs. The return flight was from Edinburg to PHL and PHL to CVG. There were no issues coming back. 

 

1) Consider NOT playing day 1. Far too much uncertainly with travel. Settle in, rest, release the travel stresses and maybe see some sites. Airline delays can cause many, many issues. You may not have clubs, you may have had zero sleep and you may miss your pre-paid tee time or be forced to play in a zombie state of mind. 

2) Get a light weight carry bag and get in walking shape. Although it may be reported that the courses are "designed to walk", mounds, dunes, etc... are all hills according to your body and a 6,200-6,400 yd course is still a 6,200-6,400 yd courses and you will be walking and carrying your bag.

3) Consider a pull/push cart at least some of the time. Bring a bungee cord. The rented push/pull carts may have well worn straps and make sure the brake works before you head out with it or your bag may wind up in a berm. Trust me on this, I know. Electric pull/push carts are available to rent but far more expensive than the push/pull carts. 

4) Consider taking a short set. I left my 4 hybrid at home and choked down on my 3 hybrid when I needed the 4. I should have left my 60* at home. You'll need bounce on your wedge to get out of these bunkers but bounce is bad everywhere else. The fairways in Scotland are tight. I used my SW and left my 60* in the hotel. 

5) Take plenty of balls as you may lose many. Very tall, thick grass. Go cheap. High spin, high cost balls and 60* wedges have little value when the play is to putt from 0- 80 yds or more in. I putted one from almost 100 yds out. You are very unlikely to use a wedge from less than 80 out.

6) Get a currency app on your phone. It is easy to think of a pound as a dollar but it is not. Check to see what you are actually paying. The conversion at the time of my trip was 1.64 dollars to 1 pound. 20 lbs = $33 and some change.

7) Get a no foreign transaction fee credit card and pin #. It is cheaper to get money from the ATM (3%) than to convert cash (8-12%). Call your credit card company before you leave or it may get shut off. A chip in your CC is not necessary. 

😎 Take less clothes than you think. The sandy soil falls right off and the wind dries everything out very fast. With today's modern fabrics, simply rinse out and hang dry as needed --- it really won't be needed. Two pair of pants for the course and a pair of jeans or two for off the course will do. Honestly, nothing anyone wore ever looked dirty despite the wind/rain and bunkers.

9) High quality rain gear including rain golf gloves and waterproof golf shoes are a must. Take a waterproof hat with a tie down strap. I took two pair of golf shoes for golf and only needed one.    No shorts were worn by anyone the week we went (mid-Aug, 2014).

10) Attitude is everything. When the game goes south or the weather is bad, concentrate on the sights where you are. You can ruin your trip very quickly if you let the weather and/or your golf game drive your attitude.

11) Consider taking a day off from golf in the middle for site seeing. It may help the body recover.

12) Don't be afraid to mix it up if people are struggling with their games. Consider a mid-week Shamble or Scramble. We did a one day shamble to "mostly" take the tee ball out of play. A shamble is when all tee off and you play from the best tee ball position but play your own ball in the rest of the way.

13) Afternoon/late tee times and lack of transportation may make it difficult to see the sites. Consider early tee times.

14) If you are in a group and renting a vehicle, be sure to consider trunk space as a hard golf travel case may not fit in the trunk. If you use a travel service to set up your golf and transportation, you may need additional transportation to see the sites.

15) You'll need a 3 prong 240v adapter to charge your electronics. Most electronics are set up for 120/240 so you will not need a full scale adapter. I got mine for $11 at RadioShack. By the way, electronics charge much faster with 240v than 120v.

16) Consider leaving the laptop at home and just use your smart phone. I took my tablet and never really used it although a downloaded movie or two for the plane ride would be nice.

17) Set up your cell service by calling your provider before you leave. Be aware of the costs associated with using it. Using your smart phone or tablet to FaceTime your family may be your best means of contact.

18) Less is more when packing and attitude is everything. Stay positive and enjoy the sites. 

19) Take a caddy at St Andrews. The stories he will tell as he gives you the names of the bunkers and the history make it well worth it. Besides that, you will have no clue as to where to hit your tee shots and listen to him on the greens. We got one caddy for the group and all tipped him. 

20) Stick to safe food choices. I like to try new stuff as much as anyone but why risk losing a day to an upset stomach or worse.

21) Go back and re-read #8 and #18. Take less than you think you will need.

I hope this helps,

Edited July 26, 2022 by Cwing

[McMunch]

One more vote for less golf than you have planned. Went there this year in late May/ Early June for 7 days. Stayed in St. Andrews and played 8 times. Jubilee, Crail, New, Old, Kingsbarnes twice and the only 36 hole day we drove to Carnoustie and played the Championship course in the morning and Panmure in the afternoon. We never felt rushed, we had time to get where we needed to be and enjoy some of St. Andrews and area in the meantime.

My dogs were barking towards the end of the trip so seconding the previous blister comment.... Dont bring new shoes. Big mistake by me.

[Thayneil]

On 7/22/2022 at 11:46 AM, TTN said:

Long time reader first time poster. I'm planning to head to Scotland in May 2024 and was looking for any tips/advice... First and foremost, this is a lifetime bucket list trip. I'm not sure I'm ever going to get back there so its very heavy golf on purpose. I'm going with my best friend and our dad's are going to join for days 4-7 at St. Andrews and Muirfield. I'm sub 40 and in good shape (for a working dad) so I'm not worried about playing 36 so many days. I know that it may make me play a little worse and skip some sightseeing/downtime, but getting to so many historic courses is the priority. Re: Golf plan I will apply in September and do the Lottery for the Old Course if my advance app isn't selected. Plan to play some combination of Old Course/New Course/Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie for a total of 6 rounds across 3 days. Actual daily tee times clearly tbd. Day 9 I know Saturday's are non visitor days at Prestwick and Royal Troon, but I know members who can host. Talking to two operators who will provide transportation so the long drives will be done for us and we don't have to have a rental car. Thanks for feedback and insights from those who have done it before...

 

Schedule

Day 1 (Friday): Land Abderdeen ~1pm. Play Muracar ~5:30pm - Stay Marcliffe in Aberdeen

Day 2 (Saturday): AM Cruden Bay, PM Royal Aberdeen - Drive to Carnoustie Hotel for the night. 

Day 3 (Sunday): AM Panmure, PM Carnoustie - Drive post dinner to St. Andrews stay Russacks

Day 4 (Monday): AM Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie, PM Old Course/New Course - Stay Russacks

Day 5 (Tuesday): AM Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie, PM Old Course/New Course - Stay Russacks

Day 6 (Wednesday): AM Kingsbarn/Crail/Elie, PM Old Course/New Course - Drive post dinner to Marine North Berwick

Day 7 (Thursday): AM Muirfield, PM Muirfield - Stay at Marine North Berwick

Day 8 (Friday): AM Kilspindie, PM North Berwick - Drive to Prestwick post dinner stay at Marine Troon

Day 9 (Saturday) AM Prestwick, PM Royal Troon - Drive to Inverness post d on inner stay at Kingsmill

Day 10 (Sunday): AM Castle Stuart, PM Royal Dornoch - Stay at Kingsmill

Day 11 (Monday): 7am flight back to the US from Inverness. 

 

Questions/Feedback

+ While I'm confident on the golf I am looking for any and all feedback on 19th hole bars, restaurants and hotels... Or any other must dos (Himalayans putting etc)

+ Anyone know if R&A members have access to setting up tee times on the Old Course in advance? 

+ Is it true the R&A got rid of unaccompanied visitors? Heard a member used to be able to get you a tour/access, but it was recently changed so the member has to be on site with you now. 

+ St. Andrews Golf Club Temp Access. I've heard you can have a member nominate you for a few day temp membership which gives you access to use their facilities (lunch/locker room etc.). Anyone done this? Have any feedback/color?

Marcliffe is  great hotel bit away from the city centre  though.

 

really worth having a look at  Trump Int  you  can walk a couple holes and have a coffee,its only 3-4 miles North of Murcar

 

 

[scott_Donald]

1 hour ago, Thayneil said:

Marcliffe is  great hotel bit away from the city centre  though.

 

really worth having a look at  Trump Int  you  can walk a couple holes and have a coffee,its only 3-4 miles North of Murcar

 

 

 

There is not a good hotel in the centre of town. Nearest to town that is top level is The Chester on Queens Road.

 

Trump is a great course!

[act0fgod]

My first overseas golf trip I played just short of 60 rounds in 30 days.  That being said I did have some down days but played 72 or 54 a couple of days.  I was in my 20's then and not sure how someone your dad's age will handle 36 a day.  I just got back from Ireland and played 36 most days for 2 weeks (38yo).  Not sure I could have completed the same trip I did in my 20's.

[Hawkeye77]

Well, you either know an R&A member or you don't - if you do, you have the answer to the questions.  If not, then it really doesn't matter. 

 

The schedule is overly ambitious (IMO), the after dinner drives a couple of nights are just more cramming stuff in even with a driver.  

 

You'll really see nothing of Scotland in any meaningful way which may not matter and that's fine if it doesn't, but boy what a total waste of an experience (again IMO).

 

You'll play a lot of golf and tick off course boxes, you'll be exhausted no matter how good of shape you think you are in, be looking at your watch the whole time and probably not even enjoy any meals - you'd have to relax and not be frayed to do that.

 

But like someone once said, "Looks good on you, though!"  I do hope you have a good time!

 

 

 

 

[Chigolfer2]

You mention 19th holes, restaurants etc.  You want to experience the towns before and after golf.  I suggest less golf and enjoy the towns.  You can always do 2 trips

[mshills]

Respect the ambition but the schedule is not realistic. It’s one thing to be golf centric, but you are trying to fit ten pounds of flour into an eight pound sack. 
 

There is lots of good advice here so I won’t repeat it other than be SURE you understand that auto travel in Scotland is nothing like the US, even if you have a driver.  

[Mullenboy]

There is so much great advice in here, I have little to add other than... I have liked every post giving the "less is more, stop and smell the roses" advice.  It it all so spot on.  The trip as you have it laid out will be exhausting and indeed a blur.  You will get very sick of packing and unpacking.  You ask about finding pubs etc. but when will you have time?

 

HOWEVER.... I also know that no one here is gonna talk you out of it.  I can hear you reading these... "bunch of old farts, what do they know?".  🙂

 

I felt the same when I planned my first Scotland trip, which was a lot like yours.  I too said have to do it, once in a life time, I'll never get back there.  I'll rest when I get home.

 

I have gone 5 other times since then.  🙂

 

So that's my only advice really.  You are young.  You will love the golf.  Do NOT shut the door on returning.  Once you've been there, it will become a life quest.

 

Of course you'll then want to also do Ireland.... which is if anything MORE fun.  

 

 

[scott_Donald]

39 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

Of course you'll then want to also do Ireland.... which is if anything MORE fun.  

 

 

 

No way, Scotland is far better!!!!!!!!!

Edited August 19, 2022 by scott_Donald

[Mullenboy]

1 hour ago, scott_Donald said:

 

No way, Scotland is far better!!!!!!!!!

They're both great.

In my experience... several trips, long and short to each... the people in Ireland put it over the top for me.

But like I say, they are both great.

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

 

No way, Scotland is far better!!!!!!!!!

They are both great! It’s like comparing waking up next to Jennifer Anniston or Mila Kunis…. 

[scott_Donald]

1 hour ago, Mullenboy said:

They're both great.

In my experience... several trips, long and short to each... the people in Ireland put it over the top for me.

But like I say, they are both great.

 

Scottish people are the best!

 

57 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

They are both great! It’s like comparing waking up next to Jennifer Anniston or Mila Kunis…. 

 

hmmmmm it is a tricky one there......... Milk Kunis wins the body but.....

[Mullenboy]

Scots are great and Irishmen are great.  I shouldn't have put it like that.

I guess for me... In the UK (including Northern Ireland) several of the clubs we went to felt like private clubs.  That is, there was a clear visitors clubhouse or bar or whatever, you were clearly told where you can't go, etc.   Nowhere in the Republic of Ireland did I ever feel that.

 

This is also very much a first world golf problem!  It was never a huge negative and of course we were very privileged to be given access at all... as opposed to the US which is very different.

 

But since we are indeed splitting hairs here, well... that's how it shakes down for me.

[ND2005]

12 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

Scots are great and Irishmen are great.  I shouldn't have put it like that.

I guess for me... In the UK (including Northern Ireland) several of the clubs we went to felt like private clubs.  That is, there was a clear visitors clubhouse or bar or whatever, you were clearly told where you can't go, etc.   Nowhere in the Republic of Ireland did I ever feel that.

 

This is also very much a first world golf problem!  It was never a huge negative and of course we were very privileged to be given access at all... as opposed to the US which is very different.

 

But since we are indeed splitting hairs here, well... that's how it shakes down for me.

See I was the opposite - I liked feeling like a guest at a private club and I thought the hospitality matched that - especially at clubs like Troon and Muirfield 

 

[hammergolf]

I wouldn’t say either the Scottish or Irish people are rude. In fact the complete opposite. My group was made to feel very welcome everywhere we went, just to different levels at certain places.. If I had to choose one country over the other I would give the nod to Ireland being a touch more friendly. But as I’ve said before comparing the two is like trying to decide between to of the most beautiful women you’ve ever seen. There simply isn’t a wrong answer…