Course selection and packagers

[Chris_NH]

We're in the process of planning a trip to Scotland in April 2024 for 4 couples.  The guys play golf, the women don't. 

 

We'll be playing 3 rounds, one in each of the major locations at which we're staying.  Below are my current thoughts on preferences, based solely on reading a few lists and familiar-sounding names - since I've never played any of them. Would love to hear people's opinions.

 

Edinburgh: Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane

St. Andrews: Old Course, Kingsbarns

Inverness: Royal Dornoch, Cabot Highlands 

 

Given the difficulty of getting on the Old Course, we're considering using a packager - which, I understand, is the best path to getting on TOC.  However, we wouldn't want to use that packager for activities and lodging, just to help us book the three rounds of golf.  Will they even do that, or is most of their money made by booking the lodging, and therefore they won't be interested in booking golf-only?  Finally, if it will be possible to use a packager, any recommendations on specific ones you've used and had good experiences with?

Edited May 14, 2023 by Chris_NH
Course name

[Chris_NH]

Wow.  Zero opinions on courses, packagers, anything???

[puttnforthe8]

All fine.  Have fun.

 

You might find a few that do only golf, but not likely.

Edited May 17, 2023 by puttnforthe8

[McMunch]

I've only been to Fife/ Angus  so can't comment on Edinburgh or Inverness.

We went last year after 2 years of pandemic related cancellations. Played in Fife: TOC, Jubilee, New, Kingsbarns (2x) and Crail Balcomie. In Angus: Panmure and Carnoustie Championship. We got back in TOC ballot in the Fall '22 and hit again so going back. Tried to make Muirfield and Carnoustie part of this trip but they were already booked for 2023. Waiting listed on both. Probably wont play either. IMO the 3 hardest courses to get on are so far are TOC, Muirfield and Carnoustie championship.

 

We booked everything online, rented a van and VRBO'd a house in St. A. Super easy.

Packagers don't get discounts on courses so you are paying full price on all plus their markup. Not sure how they work out on lodging and transportation but have to assume the same. I do not know if they would just handle tee times only and not everything else. I kind of doubt it. 

 

My advice to anyone that has to play TOC is to get on the ballot in September and if you hit, build the trip around that. If you hit the ballot you have to pick another course in the St. A Trust collection so that's 2 courses right there. If TOC is not a must then maybe get a reservation at one of the other difficult to get on courses and build the trip around that. You may need to lower your expectations about hitting every famous course as we did but that fact exposed us to alot of other great golf courses. They are everywhere in Scotland. 

 

The courses that we loved on the first trip were Crail and Panmure. We included both for the next trip plus some others in Fife that we didn't play first time around. . I felt Jubilee and New were so similar that you only need to play one. Kingsbarns was great as well but a little expensive. The 2nd round is half price if you play 2 times in the same week.

 

You cant go wrong over there. It's golf heaven.

[Chris_NH]

Thanks, McMunch.  All good to hear.  We have several trip planners in our group, so we don't really want help with accommodations, etc - as you said, pretty easy - especially if you like doing that kind of planning.

 

I'm already finding the difficulty you're referring to.  Muirfield and North Berwick (top 2 for Edinburgh area) are no-go, but I did manage to book Gullane #1.

 

I appreciate the color.

[ND2005]

We have done Perry Golf with combinations of non-golfers and golfers. 

 

I really like them.

 

But I would say that if you're only looking at 3 rounds and have some flexibility in where you want to play, it's not worth the upcharge. 

[johnspies]

Book it all yourself; I just did it for a group of 12 over 14 days/13 rounds. For The Old Course, use the Ballot and failing that, get in the queue. I think it damned near impossible to find a company that will 'sell' in the manner you desire and even if you did, it's not worth the extra money for such an easy trip.

And personally, I get that everyone HAS to play the OC, but to me, Kingsbarns is far superior in every way. Try to get both if possible.

[Chris_NH]

Thanks to everyone for the help.

We're booked for three rounds: Gullane #1, Carnoustie and Royal Dornoch.

 

Another question for everybody.  We're thinking about getting caddies for at least one round.  Is there any reason to prefer one course over the others for which one we do caddies on?  I'm assuming Carnoustie due to the difficulty, but would love to hear opinions.

[DanMN]

To me, caddies in Scotland are very much part of the experience.  Many times, the caddies will be members of the club, have great stories, etc.  In general, it's around 100 pounds per round (fee + tip).  I'd take them where you can, or at least consider a forecaddie for the group to get the most out of the experience.  

 

I haven't played Dornoch, but Gullane does have much more elevation change than Carnoustie if you're looking to save on the legs.

[ND2005]

40 minutes ago, DanMN said:

To me, caddies in Scotland are very much part of the experience.  Many times, the caddies will be members of the club, have great stories, etc.  In general, it's around 100 pounds per round (fee + tip).  I'd take them where you can, or at least consider a forecaddie for the group to get the most out of the experience.  

 

I haven't played Dornoch, but Gullane does have much more elevation change than Carnoustie if you're looking to save on the legs.

 

n of 1 experience, but My caddie at Dornoch was my best one of the whole trip. As you said, he was a member and had great local knowledge. 

Edited June 7, 2023 by ND2005

[sabram]

17 hours ago, Chris_NH said:

We're thinking about getting caddies for at least one round.  Is there any reason to prefer one course over the others for which one we do caddies on?  I'm assuming Carnoustie due to the difficulty, but would love to hear opinions.

Carnoustie is tough, but it's the flattest of the three courses you're playing. You don't really need a caddie at any of them, and I don't think a caddie would add more to your round at any of the three as compared to the others. I've played all three walking with a trolley and have also played Gullane and Dornoch with a caddie. I generally only take a caddie to preserve energy  on days when I'm playing 36 holes. (I'm 70). 

Edited June 7, 2023 by sabram
Correct typo

[AltC]

Caddies are good fun and a great part of the experience - if you want a caddie to enhance your game - chance of scoring versus just carry the clubs then I would say both Carnoustie and RD it would be useful to have local knowledge - but if it had to be one round then RD, as it’s quite old and quirky with some blind shots and side of the course placement is much more important there. Carnoustie is more open and in front of you off the tee. Gullane 1 is pretty much in front of you (although some quirky holes). Enjoy your trip!