Can an older single person do a Scotland trip? Advice welcomed!

[jkumpire]

 

As I near retirement age I would like to play in Scotland. I am on the older side of 45 (lol) but my wife is not interested in golf and it seems there not a lot in the country she would enjoy seeing, plus she is not a great flyer. It's possible things might change, but I doubt it. 

 

So if I go myself as an older person am I causing myself trouble, or is this really doable? Most people I play with are not interested in such a trip so it's not like I can call somebody up and invite them to go with me. I wouldn't mind traveling in the shoulder seasons, and I love to fly. I would try to get first-class seating for the trip if I could. In a perfect world I would like an 8 or 9 day trip, with one day after arrival to start dealing with the jet lag and rest, with a day off in the middle to rest the bones and sight see. Obviously it is not hard to get to, say, St. Andrews from EDI, and it seems there are the most courses in that area. It seems to me for an older person lodging and local transportation are the major problems, plus the fact I don't drink alcohol might be a slight inconvenience   

 

Of course I would like to play the Old Course, but even if I only ended up playing cheap out of the way places I'm good with that. It's just a question of if I can do it with a minimum of problems due to my age. Thanks for your thoughts.   

 

 

[hammergolf]

It’s absolutely doable for you and shoulder season is a great time to go since the rates are cheaper, it’s less crowded, and the weather is still decent. Of course the weather is always ever changing there no matter what time of year. My first trip to Scotland I was alone the last 4 days. It was great, met so many great people. You can buy a 3 or 7 day ticket to the St. Andrews courses for around $400 and play as many rounds as you want on all courses except for TOC.. There are also many great courses within driving distance. There are many’s B&Bs to rent a room, or hotels if you prefer that. You can definitely get on The Old Course via walk up. You may have to camp out overnight, but you will definitely get on if you show up early. If you have any questions, message me and I’ll be happy to help.

Edited July 28, 2022 by hammergolf

[El Gringo]

I agree with Hammer. It is not a problem to travel on your own. I would suggest keeping the travel low and St Andrews and/or North Berwick/Gullane are great places to pitch a tent. You don't even need a car. It's easy to cab it or take buses...buses especially in North Berwick. The bus line stops near a ton of courses. 

 

The real question you have to ask yourself is...if not now, when? 

[scott_Donald]

Its funny 45 is now old! well I don't feel old at 41 and manage to golf in Scotland every week! well not in the worse parts of winter, plus I have never drunk in my life!

 

I will base what I say about St Andrews; I own a property down there so find myself down for the day so many times, having lunch in Blackman burgers, dinner Maisha the Indian. It's such a happy town that wondering around town is great, even in the January where there are way less golfers and more students! 

 

You can get to St Andrews very easily, fly to Edinburgh, grab a train, then grab a taxi and you are there. Do you need a car, ideally yes but I love it when you see folk walking round town with clubs on their back.

 

 

[jkumpire]

34 minutes ago, scott_Donald said:

Its funny 45 is now old! well I don't feel old at 41 and manage to golf in Scotland every week! well not in the worse parts of winter, plus I have never drunk in my life!

 

I will base what I say about St Andrews; I own a property down there so find myself down for the day so many times, having lunch in Blackman burgers, dinner Maisha the Indian. It's such a happy town that wondering around town is great, even in the January where there are way less golfers and more students! 

 

You can get to St Andrews very easily, fly to Edinburgh, grab a train, then grab a taxi and you are there. Do you need a car, ideally yes but I love it when you see folk walking round town with clubs on their back.

 

 

 

Hi Scott,

 

I wish I was 45... but I'm not sure I can remember what it was like back then. 🥴

7 hours ago, El Gringo said:

I agree with Hammer. It is not a problem to travel on your own. I would suggest keeping the travel low and St Andrews and/or North Berwick/Gullane are great places to pitch a tent. You don't even need a car. It's easy to cab it or take buses...buses especially in North Berwick. The bus line stops near a ton of courses. 

 

The real question you have to ask yourself is...if not now, when? 

 

I ask that question often!

[golfortennis]

Now I can't speak for your wife's interests, but when we went to Scotland, I had made the deal that 1st week was St Andrews and I would play golf, second week was Edinburgh and no golf.  The history in the town of St Andrews was more than enough to keep her occupied and interested while I played.  There was a "mystery tour" we were able to order and have sent to our hotel that guided her through the town and brought her to the different places.  There was also some shopping, and she even was up for hitting the golf stores.  

 

It is a cool, unique place.  Part of me finds it hard to believe even a non-golfer can't enjoy the town, but if your wife would just mainly stay at the lodging, then yes it could be unappealing to her.  

 

If you are thinking of going in the very near future make sure to keep apprised of the Scotrail strike situation.  I know there was some pretty big disruption, and I'm not sure if it has been settled or not.

[ChipDriver]

19 hours ago, jkumpire said:

 

As I near retirement age I would like to play in Scotland. I am on the older side of 45 (lol) but my wife is not interested in golf and it seems there not a lot in the country she would enjoy seeing, plus she is not a great flyer. It's possible things might change, but I doubt it. 

 

So if I go myself as an older person am I causing myself trouble, or is this really doable? Most people I play with are not interested in such a trip so it's not like I can call somebody up and invite them to go with me. I wouldn't mind traveling in the shoulder seasons, and I love to fly. I would try to get first-class seating for the trip if I could. In a perfect world I would like an 8 or 9 day trip, with one day after arrival to start dealing with the jet lag and rest, with a day off in the middle to rest the bones and sight see. Obviously it is not hard to get to, say, St. Andrews from EDI, and it seems there are the most courses in that area. It seems to me for an older person lodging and local transportation are the major problems, plus the fact I don't drink alcohol might be a slight inconvenience   

 

Of course I would like to play the Old Course, but even if I only ended up playing cheap out of the way places I'm good with that. It's just a question of if I can do it with a minimum of problems due to my age. Thanks for your thoughts.   

 

 

To me as with all such similar life experiences the question is "will I regret not going?"

 

To me I'd try.  Get over there - see what happens.  Sometimes stuff doesn't turn out exactly as we plan (like golf and life) so you adapt.  You'll have a great time no matter what.  Plan as much as you can and be prepared to deal with changes ...both bad...and GOOD.  Ultimate flexibility and ability to be tactical if your strategy changes - that's the advantage of being alone.  To me it sounds exciting.

 

First step...is taking a first step.  Good luck.

Edited July 28, 2022 by ChipDriver

[Pastit]

19 hours ago, jkumpire said:

 

As I near retirement age I would like to play in Scotland. I am on the older side of 45 (lol) but my wife is not interested in golf and it seems there not a lot in the country she would enjoy seeing, plus she is not a great flyer. It's possible things might change, but I doubt it. 

 

So if I go myself as an older person am I causing myself trouble, or is this really doable? Most people I play with are not interested in such a trip so it's not like I can call somebody up and invite them to go with me. I wouldn't mind traveling in the shoulder seasons, and I love to fly. I would try to get first-class seating for the trip if I could. In a perfect world I would like an 8 or 9 day trip, with one day after arrival to start dealing with the jet lag and rest, with a day off in the middle to rest the bones and sight see. Obviously it is not hard to get to, say, St. Andrews from EDI, and it seems there are the most courses in that area. It seems to me for an older person lodging and local transportation are the major problems, plus the fact I don't drink alcohol might be a slight inconvenience   

 

Of course I would like to play the Old Course, but even if I only ended up playing cheap out of the way places I'm good with that. It's just a question of if I can do it with a minimum of problems due to my age. Thanks for your thoughts.   

 

 

You sound a little tentative so why not see it there’s a guided service ?

 

There are fishing operators so I’m sure there will be some doing golf. I’m not sure wandering about on your own would be much fun. PM me if you like and I’ll look around for you.

 

p.s. I used to organise fishing groups to Scotland.

[Raz1374]

Definitely go and you will have a blast! I have gone solo 6 years in a row (about to turn 57). Going solo may be less social (one year I played nearly every round solo) but you will have tremendous flexibility to go where you want and play when you want and as much as you want!  One of my best memories was near dusk at Glasgow Gailes on a Saturday. I was on the 11th hole and realized I was the only person on the course.  The rest of the back 9 had such a serene feeling, I loved it!  I promise you this…go once and you will want to go back! Going next year with my son and I couldn’t be more excited!

 

[Quebec Club Ho]

100000% Yes!!!!

 

In 2011, as a single (but not married and at 40) I did my 'once in a lifetime' trip to Scotland. Rented a car - 1500KM and 28 rounds in 28 days later - the dream finished. Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch, Troon, Prestwick, Turnberry, North Berwick, Gullane, Crail, Castle course, Kingsbarn, St Andrews (Jubilee, and New) and finished at the Old. 

 

Can't wait to go back. I'd there in a second from this Mid sept to Mid oct. if I didn't have some family issues, the current state of travel and viruses. It will be a last minute decision.

 

Good Luck and maybe we can meet up and have a round if the stars align!!!!

[puttnforthe8]

On 7/27/2022 at 5:41 PM, jkumpire said:

 

As I near retirement age I would like to play in Scotland. I am on the older side of 45 (lol) but my wife is not interested in golf and it seems there not a lot in the country she would enjoy seeing, plus she is not a great flyer. It's possible things might change, but I doubt it. 

 

So if I go myself as an older person am I causing myself trouble, or is this really doable? Most people I play with are not interested in such a trip so it's not like I can call somebody up and invite them to go with me. I wouldn't mind traveling in the shoulder seasons, and I love to fly. I would try to get first-class seating for the trip if I could. In a perfect world I would like an 8 or 9 day trip, with one day after arrival to start dealing with the jet lag and rest, with a day off in the middle to rest the bones and sight see. Obviously it is not hard to get to, say, St. Andrews from EDI, and it seems there are the most courses in that area. It seems to me for an older person lodging and local transportation are the major problems, plus the fact I don't drink alcohol might be a slight inconvenience   

 

Of course I would like to play the Old Course, but even if I only ended up playing cheap out of the way places I'm good with that. It's just a question of if I can do it with a minimum of problems due to my age. Thanks for your thoughts.   

 

 

 

Also an option - there are some really good tours, like Doc's which you can join a group with everything handled.   

[spud3]

I'm on the young side of 61, and I'll be there for a solo golf week after the missus and I do a two-week tour of Dublin and Wales.  She's flying home and I stay and play.

 

I have no qualms about doing it solo - I've taken enough solo trips to Bandon that I know as long as I have a place to eat and sleep and a way to get to a course, I'm gonna be good.

[Chanceman]

I’m with you Spud. And I’m on the ..ahem.. older side of 61. Here’s the thing, when golfing alone you form your own impressions free of the input from mates along the way.

[Hawkeye77]

Seem obsessed based on the number of times with it being mentioned about whatever "older" is without saying what it is other than over 45.

 

Plenty of people your age can handle it, plenty of people a lot younger can't.

 

Age itself (you haven't suggested you have any limitations) really doesn't matter at all at the age you are hinting you are at, why would it?

 

Go!

 

 

Edited August 2, 2022 by Hawkeye77

[Chigolfer2]

Just turned 60 and finished out 4th Scotland / Ireland trip in 10 years.  We limit ourselves to 1 round a day and had an off day in the middle (7 rounds in 8 days).  Get your walking in ahead of time.  Off-Season single should have a chance of getting on TOC in day of lottery.  

[MattyO1984]

You will have absolutely no problems whatsoever.

 

Just last month, I had the chance to speak to an older gent from the States at my home club. He was golfing around Scotland himself and had come along to play our place. He had been all over the North East and Highlands and he was having the time of his life. I never asked his age but he must have been in his 70’s. Nearly everywhere he went he managed to get a game with someone - whether it was members of fellow visitors. 

 

The day he arrived at our place, he had already played 18 holes so played 9 at our place and then came into the clubhouse for a beer. He genuinely seemed to be loving it so if he is anything to go by then it is definitely possible to do it and enjoy it. If you did end up in the north of Scotland, I would be delighted to get a game with you.

[ND2005]

There are group trip options like these, would take some of the planning and travel stress off and give you a community to travel with...

 

https://www.linksmagazine.com/events/

 

https://www.linksmagazine.com/2023-southwest-ireland-golf-trip/?utm_source=custom+blast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2023

[foozledbaffy]

I'm 63 and would do it in the drop of a hat.  You'll meet a lot of golfers and probably get paired with some members at some clubs.  You'll make friends and have a ball.  And not drinking wouldn't keep me out of the pubs.  You will feel like Norm walking into Cheers I bet.

 

And St. Andrews is a great town with great golf.  I would spend a few days there and make my way to Aberdeen for Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen, Murcar and Trump with a stop in Carnoustie on the way. 

[Chanceman]

I’ll bet after 9 days you will want to stay another week. Perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the golf culture which is everywhere in Scotland. Read “A Season in Dornoch” for a bit of pre-match inspiration.

[sabram]

45 is not old. I've done solo golf trips to the UK in my 60's. It's not a problem. If you can walk golf courses and drive in the U.S., you can do it in the U.K.

[spud3]

+1 on sabram's comments above.

 

I just spent a week solo last August tooling around St Andrews, Carnoustie and the North Berwick area and it was completely awesome.  Nine rounds in 6 days and I would do it again in a heartbeat (and I'm way older than 45).

 

I had a rented car, and the only tricky part was getting from Carnoustie to North Berwick (many, MANY traffic circles), but the on-board gps was money, with the exception of the trip from NB to EDI airport.  GPS took me to the wrong side of the airfield and I had to wing it around to the rental drop-off...

[jkumpire]

Hi men,

 

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but since I am the author I beg for forgiveness instead of ask for permission...

 

To those of you who know, how feasible is it to visit in say mid-March next year? Obviously it will be cold, I assume mid 40's F for highs, and short days, but I can handle that with the right clothing items (umpires in parts of the US have games in this type of weather so I have gear). Will many courses be open? Will there be a likely chance of  snow on the ground? Will people have to play on mats?

 

I'd love to play in April but my work schedule probably does not allow it. Any advice welcome.

[scott_Donald]

53 minutes ago, jkumpire said:

Hi men,

 

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but since I am the author I beg for forgiveness instead of ask for permission...

 

To those of you who know, how feasible is it to visit in say mid-March next year? Obviously it will be cold, I assume mid 40's F for highs, and short days, but I can handle that with the right clothing items (umpires in parts of the US have games in this type of weather so I have gear). Will many courses be open? Will there be a likely chance of  snow on the ground? Will people have to play on mats?

 

I'd love to play in April but my work schedule probably does not allow it. Any advice welcome.

 

Using last winter as an example at Royal Aberdeen - 

 

My course was mats - December, January, February. I started playing again March 1.

 

I didn't golf that much in March this year. I remember we had one day which was warm(55* and 15mph wind form South) and one that was sooo cold(45* and about a 30mph wind from the north), ball was going no where. 

 

Could there be snow; of course, 2022 we had snow for 2 weeks at the start of April. Last winter was a weird one; December was cold and snowy, January warm and dry, February was cold and snowy, March was random but I was skiing in Switzerland and France for 2 weeks of that so I didn't really care. 

 

Courses are easier, certainly way less rough than right now. Greens are normally good but again depends on frosts. Tees there is normally 3 options but not the tips.

 

Hmmm would I come visit Scotland in March; yes if the weather has been good leading up to your trip, no if it has been a cold harsh winter!

[AltC]

JK - to answer your first question- of course you can have a great golf experience in Scotland (with your wife who doesn’t play) there is plenty to do and see in Edinburgh’ St Andrews and East Lothian to keep your missus stimulated whilst you play - you will find us Scots folk very welcoming and open hearted to holiday makers from the USA always. As for March in Scotland- you could get lucky but normally the weather is not good - still too cold and wet - April is a better chance - but often the later months are better September can be great even early October - less crowded but after the summer the links land is still firm and fast. I hope you can make it - I am sure your wife will enjoy the experience also we have some of the best scones known to mankind!

[AltC]

Also I wouldn’t worry about playing as a single- you will normally get paired up with others - members or other guests - you will not be playing alone - and may well meet some interesting characters along the way

Edited August 17, 2023 by AltC

[hammergolf]

4 hours ago, AltC said:

JK - to answer your first question- of course you can have a great golf experience in Scotland (with your wife who doesn’t play) there is plenty to do and see in Edinburgh’ St Andrews and East Lothian to keep your missus stimulated whilst you play - you will find us Scots folk very welcoming and open hearted to holiday makers from the USA always. As for March in Scotland- you could get lucky but normally the weather is not good - still too cold and wet - April is a better chance - but often the later months are better September can be great even early October - less crowded but after the summer the links land is still firm and fast. I hope you can make it - I am sure your wife will enjoy the experience also we have some of the best scones known to mankind!

October is my choice for trips for exactly the reasons you stated. Less crowded and weather is still ok. I’ve taken 4 trips to Scotland in October, and in the total of 25 days I spent there on those trips, it only rained 2 days for my golf.

[sabram]

On 8/16/2023 at 4:26 PM, jkumpire said:

To those of you who know, how feasible is it to visit in say mid-March next year? Obviously it will be cold,

 

My first trip to Scotland was in mid-March. I had a blast. Yes, it was chilly. Just make sure to dress in layers and have a warm hat. This photo was on the first tee of my first round ever in Scotland

 

Edited August 18, 2023 by sabram

[hammergolf]

5 hours ago, sabram said:

 

My first trip to Scotland was in mid-March. I had a blast. Yes, it was chilly. Just make sure to dress in layers and have a warm hat. This photo was on the first tee of my first round ever in Scotland

 

Glasgow Gailes?

[sabram]

23 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Glasgow Gailes?

Wow, you are correct!😀

It was March 2007. I drove to the course straight from Prestwick airport. I was paired with three members. They were very welcoming.

[hammergolf]

5 minutes ago, sabram said:

Wow, you are correct!😀

It was March 2007. I drove to the course straight from Prestwick airport. I was paired with three members. They were very welcoming.

My first ever round in Scotland was also Glasgow Gailes in 1998. I have a very similar pic somewhere of my guys and myself.