Scotland 2024 Trip Advice

[kegrace66]

Longtime Reader,

 

I want to thank the GolfWRx community for some great advice, photos, reviews, that has helped me plan an unforgettable trip with my father and 2 friends. Wanted to double check my itinerary with this group, as I am still undecided over the different St. Andrew's courses. A little background, this will be my father's first actual golf trip. ( I have done a few in the states: SV, Bandon, Cabot, Whistling). My father is in his mid-sixities, in decent shape and roughly a 18-20 hdcp. Can drive and hit irons, just cannot chip & putt. So we will only be doing 36 holes a few days on the trip, and not trying to discourage him too much from playing really difficult courses. (staying away from Carnoustie this trip). I also have a cost-conscious friend and not trying to break the bank playing Kingsbarn, Trump Intl, etc. We will be renting a car. 

 

Day 1:

Arrive to Edinburgh airport and drive north

Play Elie Golf Club in the afternoon

Stay in Anstruther at the Waterfront

 

Day 2

36 Holes at Crail (Both courses)

Drive to St. Andrews and stay 3 nights

 

Day 3 (Sunday)

Castle Course

 

Day 4

Have put our name in for the ballot at TOC

Otherwise 27/36 of Eden, New, or Jubillee?

 

Day 5

Drive to Aberdeen

Play Royal Aberdeen

Stay in Aberdeen

 

Day 6

Play Cruden Bay

Stay in Aberdeen

 

Day 7

Find a course to play between Aberdeen/Edinburgh

Stay in Edinburgh before flying home early the next morning

 

Let me know if I am missing something. So I wouldnt mind a little input on how to save some old knees/legs and different variety of courses to play on Day 4 and Day 7. Thank you all.

 

[El Gringo]

14 hours ago, kegrace66 said:

Longtime Reader,

 

I want to thank the GolfWRx community for some great advice, photos, reviews, that has helped me plan an unforgettable trip with my father and 2 friends. Wanted to double check my itinerary with this group, as I am still undecided over the different St. Andrew's courses. A little background, this will be my father's first actual golf trip. ( I have done a few in the states: SV, Bandon, Cabot, Whistling). My father is in his mid-sixities, in decent shape and roughly a 18-20 hdcp. Can drive and hit irons, just cannot chip & putt. So we will only be doing 36 holes a few days on the trip, and not trying to discourage him too much from playing really difficult courses. (staying away from Carnoustie this trip). I also have a cost-conscious friend and not trying to break the bank playing Kingsbarn, Trump Intl, etc. We will be renting a car. 

 

Day 1:

Arrive to Edinburgh airport and drive north

Play Elie Golf Club in the afternoon

Stay in Anstruther at the Waterfront

 

Day 2

36 Holes at Crail (Both courses)

Drive to St. Andrews and stay 3 nights

 

Day 3 (Sunday)

Castle Course

 

Day 4

Have put our name in for the ballot at TOC

Otherwise 27/36 of Eden, New, or Jubillee?

 

Day 5

Drive to Aberdeen

Play Royal Aberdeen

Stay in Aberdeen

 

Day 6

Play Cruden Bay

Stay in Aberdeen

 

Day 7

Find a course to play between Aberdeen/Edinburgh

Stay in Edinburgh before flying home early the next morning

 

Let me know if I am missing something. So I wouldnt mind a little input on how to save some old knees/legs and different variety of courses to play on Day 4 and Day 7. Thank you all.

 

New and Eden are good for day 4.

 

A few from left field for day 7....both cheap and cheerful. They certainly fit the somewhat different criteria.

 

Kinghorn isn't far shy of the Forth Bridge so quite direct to Edinburgh. A very short and somewhat hilly 18 hole course....six par 3s? One of the oldest golfing sites in the world. There are some duds and some cracking holes. 

 

Musselburgh Old...9 holer just a bit out of the way. The course is mainly inside the race course. It's a bit rough and ready, quite flat, but very cool. I played it a few weeks ago for the first time in 20ish years. It's better than my memory suggested. The 4th is an All Scotland candidate. Can get a drink in the Musselburgh Old Course clubhouse. For those looking to get wild, they can rent hickories to get an idea of what it was like when the Open was played there about 140 years ago. 

 

BTW, don't forget to play St Olaf while at Cruden Bay. 

Edited September 15, 2023 by El Gringo

[golfday]

I know you said no Carnousite... but I recommend making Carnoustie the stop between Aberdeen and Edinburgh. It's a great course and has so much great history. Plus I think you're overestimating it's difficulty. It's not going to be materially more difficult than Cruden Bay or Royal Aberdeen, and there are appropriate tees for all level players. Plus Carnoustie is relatively flat so it's not going to wear your group out physically. 

 

If not Carnoustie then you could look into Lundin, Leven, and Dumbarnie.

[scott_Donald]

Nice great simple trip; if you need more Aberdeen info then I can help. Also St Andrews. 
 

for day 7, hard one. Carnoustie, Montrose, Blairgowrie. 

[hammergolf]

On 9/14/2023 at 11:20 AM, kegrace66 said:

Longtime Reader,

 

I want to thank the GolfWRx community for some great advice, photos, reviews, that has helped me plan an unforgettable trip with my father and 2 friends. Wanted to double check my itinerary with this group, as I am still undecided over the different St. Andrew's courses. A little background, this will be my father's first actual golf trip. ( I have done a few in the states: SV, Bandon, Cabot, Whistling). My father is in his mid-sixities, in decent shape and roughly a 18-20 hdcp. Can drive and hit irons, just cannot chip & putt. So we will only be doing 36 holes a few days on the trip, and not trying to discourage him too much from playing really difficult courses. (staying away from Carnoustie this trip). I also have a cost-conscious friend and not trying to break the bank playing Kingsbarn, Trump Intl, etc. We will be renting a car. 

 

Day 1:

Arrive to Edinburgh airport and drive north

Play Elie Golf Club in the afternoon

Stay in Anstruther at the Waterfront

 

Day 2

36 Holes at Crail (Both courses)

Drive to St. Andrews and stay 3 nights

 

Day 3 (Sunday)

Castle Course

 

Day 4

Have put our name in for the ballot at TOC

Otherwise 27/36 of Eden, New, or Jubillee?

 

Day 5

Drive to Aberdeen

Play Royal Aberdeen

Stay in Aberdeen

 

Day 6

Play Cruden Bay

Stay in Aberdeen

 

Day 7

Find a course to play between Aberdeen/Edinburgh

Stay in Edinburgh before flying home early the next morning

 

Let me know if I am missing something. So I wouldnt mind a little input on how to save some old knees/legs and different variety of courses to play on Day 4 and Day 7. Thank you all.

 

GREAT itinerary. Fingers crossed you hit the ballot!

[Hawkeye77]

Sounds fine, but Crail Balcomie is more of a walk than you might imagine so just a caution if your dad doesn't walk a lot and regularly - playing 36 will definitely be a good workout just one day in.  So many people underestimate their walking tolerance (especially me!).  I'd play the Balcomie course early morning, head to Anstruther for the best fish and chips anywhere in the world and play 9 at Anstruther that day.  Crail was an incredible course in our opinion - just loved it!  

[Hawkeye77]

Everyone has their favorites of the St. Andrews courses - we really enjoyed the New Course and played the day before the Old.  Spent most of the time looking over at the Old, lol, and a similar experience, really enjoyed the course.  If you don't get on the Old, it may be bittersweet to just walk along side it, haha.  If we ever go back, it's Jubilee and/or Castle.

[johnspies]

Add Kingsbarns

[jdpilot]

If Carnoustie is out of the equation, I highly recommend playing Panmure Golf Club, which is right next to Carnoustie.

[McMunch]

Agree with JDP. Try to fit in Panmure. I've been to Scotland twice and its my favorite (so far) Two pretty straight forward holes to start and then you pass through a grove of trees and walk into golf wonderland. Great history there and an amazing clubhouse.

 

Also- Carnoustie championship course is getting to be like Muirfield and TOC as far as difficulty to get a foursome scheduled. Easily a year in advance maybe more for both. Muirfield is even trickier because its guests only Tuesdays and thursdays. Kingsbarns was pricey but also a great course. If you play twice in one week the second round is half price. We also liked Dumbarnie which is close to Elie. 

 

Lundin Links and Leven are in the same general area. Cant go wrong anywhere.

 

[kegrace66]

Quick update. Did not get on the ballot for TOC. Will try for the 48 hour, but planning on playing Castle on Sunday, New on Monday, and Jubilee Tuesday AM before heading to Royal Aberdeen for an afternoon round. 

 

Carnoustie is full because of a senior event, I believe, for our last day. Looking into Panmure instead. Thank you for all your help. 

[philsRHman]

First, I love that you’re giving Anster the love at the start. As much as I was underwhelmed with their 9 holer, that was due more to all the hype and inflated expectations. It would be a great kickoff course if you got in late, etc. Make sure at least one Fish and Chips at the Fish Bar. 
 

I defended Castle to all those who screamed at me I was making a mistake playing it. But given your description of dad, I don’t know how enjoyable it will be. I’m a low single digit and don’t know if I could break 85 playing it 5 more times. And it’s a bear of a walk. Would Much rather play Jubilee, New or Eden. Also, probably quite a savings if thst allows you to get a 3 play ticket or something. I also nudged out Crail (based on the price) for another day in St Andrews. 
 

On the same note, I’d enter the Old Course lottery every single day feasible, including your drive back from Aberdeen. 
 

As for your last day, I’d love to see you go out on a high note. Would keep the St Andrews courses in the mix for one last round/night if possible. Heck, if you struck out on the Old up to that point, that could be your night to line up. 
 

No matter what final decisions you make, you’re going to love it. 

[kegrace66]

Have nearly finalized the trip, got lucky with a tee time at North Berwick so extended the trip by a day to play it. Have a question on car rental, since there are 4 of us, do we divide up into 2 smaller cars, or will an SUV be able to haul all 4 of us, plus luggage/clubs? Struggling to find a good deal on car rental. As for caddies, Im thinking for New Course, Cruden Bay, and maybe Royal Aberdeen.  

 

Day 1: Arrive in AM to Edinburgh Airport

Elie 3pm

Staying in Anstruther and doing Fish & Chips for dinner

 

Day 2: Will try for TOC ballot, otherwise:

Anstruther 9-hole

Eden at St Andrews

Staying in St Andrews hitting up Dunvengan, Jigger Inn, 

 

Day 3: Sunday (so no ballot) Exploring St Andrews university/town

St Andrews New Course 12:56pm

 

Day 4:

36 Holes at Crail

Hoping Reilly Shellfish Shack is open for dinner

 

Day 5:

Drive to Aberdeen, stopping off at a few castles along the way

Royal Aberdeen 2pm

Staying in downtown Aberdeen. Prince of Wales or Miller & Carter's for dinner

 

Day 6 

Cruden Bay at 10:20am

St Olaf in the afternoon

Staying in downtown Aberdeen

 

Day 7:

Last TOC ballot day

Otherwise Exploring Edinburgh/ Whiskey tasting experience

Staying at Braid Hills Hotel

 

Day 8

Glen Club@ 9:40am

North Berwick @ 2:50pm

Staying in Haddington. Where in NB should we do dinner after our round?

 

Day 9:

Fly Home

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, kegrace66 said:

Have nearly finalized the trip, got lucky with a tee time at North Berwick so extended the trip by a day to play it. Have a question on car rental, since there are 4 of us, do we divide up into 2 smaller cars, or will an SUV be able to haul all 4 of us, plus luggage/clubs? Struggling to find a good deal on car rental. As for caddies, Im thinking for New Course, Cruden Bay, and maybe Royal Aberdeen.  

 

Day 1: Arrive in AM to Edinburgh Airport

Elie 3pm

Staying in Anstruther and doing Fish & Chips for dinner

 

Day 2: Will try for TOC ballot, otherwise:

Anstruther 9-hole

Eden at St Andrews

Staying in St Andrews hitting up Dunvengan, Jigger Inn, 

 

Day 3: Sunday (so no ballot) Exploring St Andrews university/town

St Andrews New Course 12:56pm

 

Day 4:

36 Holes at Crail

Hoping Reilly Shellfish Shack is open for dinner

 

Day 5:

Drive to Aberdeen, stopping off at a few castles along the way

Royal Aberdeen 2pm

Staying in downtown Aberdeen. Prince of Wales or Miller & Carter's for dinner

 

Day 6 

Cruden Bay at 10:20am

St Olaf in the afternoon

Staying in downtown Aberdeen

 

Day 7:

Last TOC ballot day

Otherwise Exploring Edinburgh/ Whiskey tasting experience

Staying at Braid Hills Hotel

 

Day 8

Glen Club@ 9:40am

North Berwick @ 2:50pm

Staying in Haddington. Where in NB should we do dinner after our round?

 

Day 9:

Fly Home

I just got a GREAT Black Friday deal with Sixt on my rental for Ireland in August. A SUV would be fine for 4 of you as long as it’s not a small one. 

[scott_Donald]

2 hours ago, kegrace66 said:

Have nearly finalized the trip, got lucky with a tee time at North Berwick so extended the trip by a day to play it. Have a question on car rental, since there are 4 of us, do we divide up into 2 smaller cars, or will an SUV be able to haul all 4 of us, plus luggage/clubs? Struggling to find a good deal on car rental. As for caddies, Im thinking for New Course, Cruden Bay, and maybe Royal Aberdeen.  

 

Day 1: Arrive in AM to Edinburgh Airport

Elie 3pm

Staying in Anstruther and doing Fish & Chips for dinner

 

Day 2: Will try for TOC ballot, otherwise:

Anstruther 9-hole

Eden at St Andrews

Staying in St Andrews hitting up Dunvengan, Jigger Inn, 

 

Day 3: Sunday (so no ballot) Exploring St Andrews university/town

St Andrews New Course 12:56pm

 

Day 4:

36 Holes at Crail

Hoping Reilly Shellfish Shack is open for dinner

 

Day 5:

Drive to Aberdeen, stopping off at a few castles along the way

Royal Aberdeen 2pm

Staying in downtown Aberdeen. Prince of Wales or Miller & Carter's for dinner

 

Day 6 

Cruden Bay at 10:20am

St Olaf in the afternoon

Staying in downtown Aberdeen

 

Day 7:

Last TOC ballot day

Otherwise Exploring Edinburgh/ Whiskey tasting experience

Staying at Braid Hills Hotel

 

Day 8

Glen Club@ 9:40am

North Berwick @ 2:50pm

Staying in Haddington. Where in NB should we do dinner after our round?

 

Day 9:

Fly Home

where you staying in Aberdeen?

 

what kind of food do you like? I have never heard of the prince of wales….

 

you planning on eating at CB or RAGC?

[kegrace66]

1 hour ago, scott_Donald said:

where you staying in Aberdeen?

 

what kind of food do you like? I have never heard of the prince of wales….

 

you planning on eating at CB or RAGC?

Staying near the city center, right off of Union St. 

Prince of Wales is a pub next to our place, has good reviews

We are planning to do lunch at both CB and RAGC. 

[buckI]

5 hours ago, hammergolf said:

I just got a GREAT Black Friday deal with Sixt on my rental for Ireland in August. A SUV would be fine for 4 of you as long as it’s not a small one. 

I would also make sure no one has a hard case travel bag.   Even the larger SUV’s or vans are smaller than US models and it will be a tight fit.   With the soft cases they are easier in my opinion to adjust.

[El Gringo]

13 hours ago, kegrace66 said:

Have nearly finalized the trip, got lucky with a tee time at North Berwick so extended the trip by a day to play it. Have a question on car rental, since there are 4 of us, do we divide up into 2 smaller cars, or will an SUV be able to haul all 4 of us, plus luggage/clubs? Struggling to find a good deal on car rental. As for caddies, Im thinking for New Course, Cruden Bay, and maybe Royal Aberdeen.  

 

Day 1: Arrive in AM to Edinburgh Airport

Elie 3pm

Staying in Anstruther and doing Fish & Chips for dinner

 

Day 2: Will try for TOC ballot, otherwise:

Anstruther 9-hole

Eden at St Andrews

Staying in St Andrews hitting up Dunvengan, Jigger Inn, 

 

Day 3: Sunday (so no ballot) Exploring St Andrews university/town

St Andrews New Course 12:56pm

 

Day 4:

36 Holes at Crail

Hoping Reilly Shellfish Shack is open for dinner

 

Day 5:

Drive to Aberdeen, stopping off at a few castles along the way

Royal Aberdeen 2pm

Staying in downtown Aberdeen. Prince of Wales or Miller & Carter's for dinner

 

Day 6 

Cruden Bay at 10:20am

St Olaf in the afternoon

Staying in downtown Aberdeen

 

Day 7:

Last TOC ballot day

Otherwise Exploring Edinburgh/ Whiskey tasting experience

Staying at Braid Hills Hotel

 

Day 8

Glen Club@ 9:40am

North Berwick @ 2:50pm

Staying in Haddington. Where in NB should we do dinner after our round?

 

Day 9:

Fly Home

On day 8 instead of eating in NB drive to Gullane to Main for good Italian. If you want more downscale food try the Old Clubhouse…good atmosphere and very popular. Bonnie Badger is also good, but expensive for what it is….many people like it a ton though. The Watchman Hotel is pretty good as well. Good little hotel if you change your mind about Haddington.Gullane isn’t much out of the way to Haddington. Eastern Eye in Haddington is decent Indian if folks are worried about drink and drive.

[scott_Donald]

11 hours ago, kegrace66 said:

Staying near the city center, right off of Union St. 

Prince of Wales is a pub next to our place, has good reviews

We are planning to do lunch at both CB and RAGC. 

 

I have driven past it numerous times and never noticed it! trip advisor likes it.

 

If you need other recommendations then just ask.

 

Both clubhouses do decent food; I do prefer the RAGC food but again so used to it. Christmas dinner two weeks time there. 

[thecraw]

Bin Cruden and play Trump Aberdeen you won't regret it. Much better golf course and I highly recommend the food at Royal Aberdeen it was probably our best lunch of our trip. 

 

Another option as a filler is Gleneagles on the way back to Edinburgh.

[scott_Donald]

1 hour ago, thecraw said:

Bin Cruden and play Trump Aberdeen you won't regret it. Much better golf course and I highly recommend the food at Royal Aberdeen it was probably our best lunch of our trip. 

 

Another option as a filler is Gleneagles on the way back to Edinburgh.

 

what did you have for lunch? I will tell Maria tomorrow. Christmas dinner there this Tuesday.

[thecraw]

13 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

 

what did you have for lunch? I will tell Maria tomorrow. Christmas dinner there this Tuesday.

I had a simple club sandwich however it was excellent. My friend also had a great lunch too and he was also in agreement that it was the best food out of the courses we visited. 

 

Royal Aberdeen is easily in my top 5 in Scotland - the first is a hugely underrated hole, for me easily one of the best opening holes anywhere, hopefully they can stop or slow down the erosion behind the green. The front 9 is an absolutely sensational piece of golf course architecture. The back 9 is also very good despite a lot of people saying its not as good, I still think its a brilliant test of golf. I will also argue that the 17th is a better par 3 than your signature 8th hole! I think the elevation with the enhanced views from the tee make it standout more for me, plus its a tough hole. 18 is also a great finishing hole. 

 

Royal Aberdeen just ticks so many of my boxes. Love it. 

[Pete O'Tube]

On 11/28/2023 at 9:17 PM, scott_Donald said:

where you staying in Aberdeen?

 

what kind of food do you like? I have never heard of the prince of wales….

 

you planning on eating at CB or RAGC?

It's been 45 years, but I think the Prince of Wales is the pub opposite M&S on St Nicholas Lane. Known in my time for having the longest bar in Aberdeen.

It must have changed a bit since my day.....

[scott_Donald]

 

11 hours ago, thecraw said:

I had a simple club sandwich however it was excellent. My friend also had a great lunch too and he was also in agreement that it was the best food out of the courses we visited. 

 

Royal Aberdeen is easily in my top 5 in Scotland - the first is a hugely underrated hole, for me easily one of the best opening holes anywhere, hopefully they can stop or slow down the erosion behind the green. The front 9 is an absolutely sensational piece of golf course architecture. The back 9 is also very good despite a lot of people saying its not as good, I still think its a brilliant test of golf. I will also argue that the 17th is a better par 3 than your signature 8th hole! I think the elevation with the enhanced views from the tee make it standout more for me, plus its a tough hole. 18 is also a great finishing hole. 

 

Royal Aberdeen just ticks so many of my boxes. Love it. 

well the 3rd and 4th are changing. Blame the storm last month.

 

[thecraw]

Wow. Get the marram grass planted ASAP!!! Devastating to see that.