Fraserburgh or Montrose - 1 Month in Scotland (August)

[snickersdog]

I (29yo) will be traveling solo to Scotland for the month of August to do a remote work/golf adventure and have narrowed my options down to Montrose and Fraserburgh. I plan to purchase a season ticket at either course and golf weekday mornings and then work during American business hours. I plan to take a couple weekend trips to other regional courses. I have found accommodations within easy walks of both clubs so my weekday rounds seem fairly situated. The general theme of the trip is to play the best value/most memorable courses that I may not return to should I come back to Scotland with a group. I am trying to keep my budget as reasonable as I can and will not be renting a car except maybe for one weekend trip and will be relying on some public transit to get to most courses. The cost is more or less equal for both Fraserburgh and Montrose season ticket Golf+Accomodations. Public transit seems much easier in Montrose (I’d be walking distance from the rail and bus stations). I will be playing in an Open Competition at Peterhead regardless of which option I choose. 

 

For what it’s worth, I will be splurging for the final days of my 5 week trip in St Andrews and will be trying my hand at TOC singles lottery/48 hrs lottery and playing other Links Trust courses, plus a 27 hole day at Elie and Anstruther on the final Sunday.
 

Reciprocal info:

Montrose has solid reciprocals for £40 at Lundin, Ladybank, Newmachar, and Murcar, and the proximity to play Stonehaven, Arbroath, and Monifieth with relative ease.
 

Fraserburgh has a list of reciprocals per the image below, plus proximity to Cruden Bay. 

 

With the provided information, and a trip meant to cross off the best value/most memorable/hidden gem courses that I may not return to with a group, which trip would be considered the best experience and value, please also consider the towns themselves for convenience, food, pubs, experience, transit, etc. 
 

Thank you very much to anyone who can provide any insight and if anyone who will be in the area would want to play a round together at any point along the way I'd love to make a friend while abroad!

[hammergolf]

40 minutes ago, snickersdog said:

I (29yo) will be traveling solo to Scotland for the month of August to do a remote work/golf adventure and have narrowed my options down to Montrose and Fraserburgh. I plan to purchase a season ticket at either course and golf weekday mornings and then work during American business hours. I plan to take a couple weekend trips to other regional courses. I have found accommodations within easy walks of both clubs so my weekday rounds seem fairly situated. The general theme of the trip is to play the best value/most memorable courses that I may not return to should I come back to Scotland with a group. I am trying to keep my budget as reasonable as I can and will not be renting a car except maybe for one weekend trip and will be relying on some public transit to get to most courses. The cost is more or less equal for both Fraserburgh and Montrose season ticket Golf+Accomodations. Public transit seems much easier in Montrose (I’d be walking distance from the rail and bus stations). I will be playing in an Open Competition at Peterhead regardless of which option I choose. 

 

For what it’s worth, I will be splurging for the final days of my 5 week trip in St Andrews and will be trying my hand at TOC singles lottery/48 hrs lottery and playing other Links Trust courses, plus a 27 hole day at Elie and Anstruther on the final Sunday.
 

Reciprocal info:

Montrose has solid reciprocals for £40 at Lundin, Ladybank, Newmachar, and Murcar, and the proximity to play Stonehaven, Arbroath, and Monifieth with relative ease.
 

Fraserburgh has a list of reciprocals per the image below, plus proximity to Cruden Bay. 

 

With the provided information, and a trip meant to cross off the best value/most memorable/hidden gem courses that I may not return to with a group, which trip would be considered the best experience and value, please also consider the towns themselves for convenience, food, pubs, experience, transit, etc. 
 

Thank you very much to anyone who can provide any insight and if anyone who will be in the area would want to play a round together at any point along the way I'd love to make a friend while abroad!

Fraserburgh every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Imho “The Broch” is one of the most underrated courses in Scotland.

[act0fgod]

Love this.  When I was 30, I played 60 rounds in about a month circling around the island.  Fraserburgh was the course my wife says was her favorite walk.  Agree with Hammer that it's an under rated course.  I've been on the fence about joining as an overseas life member since it was introduced as an option.  With Fraserburgh you can also play Braid Association Courses with a discounted fee.  Last, if you can actually go play North Berwick for 40 pounds, make sure you do that!

 

Now for the reasons against Fraserburgh.  I prefer the town of Montrose to Fraserburgh.  The second course at Fraserburgh isn't a course you'll likely play.  I never played the second course at Montrose but it looks ok and might be nice for a change of pace.  Fraserburgh is more remote so as you mentioned public transit will be tougher for other trips if that really matters to you. 

 

All that said I'd pick Fraserburgh if it's primarily about the golf.

[El Gringo]

I would make enquiries about playing North Berwick. Something seems off to me.
 

To me, the town and transport are more important than the golf. Golf will be good either way.
 

Yep, Fraserburgh is the better course, but Montrose has merit. One aspect in Fraserburgh’s favour is its proximity to the Moray Coast and the many good, but reasonably priced courses. Should you stay in Fraserburgh I strongly recommend playing Rosehearty, Covesea and Moray Old. Elgin is good as well. If you stay in Montrose don’t be afraid to explore inland.
 

 

[snickersdog]

All great input, thank you and please keep suggestions coming for other courses!

 

5 hours ago, El Gringo said:

I would make enquiries about playing North Berwick. Something seems off to me.

 

This had also raised my eyebrows so I emailed to get additional information, and they clarified that they meant Glen GC by this one. Still solid but fitting in time in East Lothian was going to be difficult anyways so perhaps it'll tease me less than if it was a golden opportunity at the West Links ha!

 

 

[jatrain]

I can't speak to Fraserburgh, but will say that I really enjoyed my round at Montrose (driving up from St. A) and would be happy to have it as my daily play course.  Really good front nine.  From what I experienced the club atmosphere was very welcoming, got paired up with a couple of locals who invited me for a pint, the club seemed to have a good post round scene, good camaraderie.  Working class type club, not snobby.  

[Schley]

Being there the whole month, wherever you end up you are sure to meet golfers. As long as you aren't a jerk there are bound to be invites to play other courses or guys having multiple memberships. I would imagine you getting an invite as a guest to some of more esteemed courses. Maybe say you are Canadian to help your chances?😀

[snickersdog]

2 hours ago, Schley said:

Being there the whole month, wherever you end up you are sure to meet golfers. As long as you aren't a jerk there are bound to be invites to play other courses or guys having multiple memberships. I would imagine you getting an invite as a guest to some of more esteemed courses. Maybe say you are Canadian to help your chances?😀

This is the goal for sure!

[scott_Donald]

If you are nice to Scottish folk then they are nice back.

 

I would pick Montrose. I love my yearly round there in an outing. Friend owns and runs a couple of restaurants right next to the golf pro shop(clubhouses seem complicated)

 

Montrose is a better town imo, more to do and easy to get to other places. unless you surf as Fraserburgh is a surf Mecca in the North East.

 

I have played Fraserburgh as a Junior and don't remember anything(sure I would if I went there) but I am spoilt with what I can play in the North East.

 

 

Edited May 10 by scott_Donald

[El Gringo]

20 minutes ago, scott_Donald said:

If you are nice to Scottish folk then they are nice back.

 

I would pick Montrose. I love my yearly round there in an outing. Friend owns and runs a couple of restaurants right next to the golf pro shop(clubhouses seem complicated)

 

Montrose is a better town imo, more to do and easy to get to other places. unless you soft as Fraserburgh is a surf Mecca in the North East.

 

I have played Fraserburgh as a Junior and don't remember anything(sure I would if I went there) but I am spoilt with what I can play in the North East.

 

 

I think Fraserburgh is fawned over too much, but you dismiss it a bit lightly 😎.

Edited May 10 by El Gringo

[snickersdog]

Thank you all for the input. I've decided to go with Fraserburgh, I plan to Duff House Royal, Inverallochy, Rosehearty, Peterhead on the reciprocal list for pretty cheap. Then also Cruden Bay on a weekend trip. 

 

For a second weekend trip, I am trying to decide if I should head further North to hit Fortrose and Rosemarkie and Brora/Golspie (I think I will have good deals on these booking via the James Braid Association of Courses. As noted earlier, I only want to rent a car for 1 weekend if possible - is this the weekend trip to use it on?

 

Additionally, am I crazy for skipping over Moray, or any of the other courses on my reciprocal list? Unfortunately Nairn and Royal Dornoch are just out of my budget for this go 'round. Please reach out if I would potentially cross paths with anyone!

 

 

[scott_Donald]

trip will be great. 

 

How much golf you playing on week days?

[snickersdog]

I hope to fit 3 rounds in on the weekday mornings each week. Thinking of sparing Mondays for chores and errands, and one day for leftover work/any fire drills. 

[El Gringo]

10 hours ago, snickersdog said:

Thank you all for the input. I've decided to go with Fraserburgh, I plan to Duff House Royal, Inverallochy, Rosehearty, Peterhead on the reciprocal list for pretty cheap. Then also Cruden Bay on a weekend trip. 

 

For a second weekend trip, I am trying to decide if I should head further North to hit Fortrose and Rosemarkie and Brora/Golspie (I think I will have good deals on these booking via the James Braid Association of Courses. As noted earlier, I only want to rent a car for 1 weekend if possible - is this the weekend trip to use it on?

 

Additionally, am I crazy for skipping over Moray, or any of the other courses on my reciprocal list? Unfortunately Nairn and Royal Dornoch are just out of my budget for this go 'round. Please reach out if I would potentially cross paths with anyone!

 

 

I would encourage you to play Moray Old. And if you do, just up the road is a lovely 9 hole treat…Covesea.

[scott_Donald]

2 hours ago, El Gringo said:

I would encourage you to play Moray Old. And if you do, just up the road is a lovely 9 hole treat…Covesea.

 

I love Hopeman Nextdoor also, sooo cheap and good for the price.

[thecraw]

Fraserburgh is MILES better than Montrose, it's not even a contest. You have made the correct decision in my opinion. 

[jatrain]

On 6/20/2025 at 1:40 PM, snickersdog said:

Thank you all for the input. I've decided to go with Fraserburgh, I plan to Duff House Royal, Inverallochy, Rosehearty, Peterhead on the reciprocal list for pretty cheap. Then also Cruden Bay on a weekend trip. 

 

For a second weekend trip, I am trying to decide if I should head further North to hit Fortrose and Rosemarkie and Brora/Golspie (I think I will have good deals on these booking via the James Braid Association of Courses. As noted earlier, I only want to rent a car for 1 weekend if possible - is this the weekend trip to use it on?

 

Additionally, am I crazy for skipping over Moray, or any of the other courses on my reciprocal list? Unfortunately Nairn and Royal Dornoch are just out of my budget for this go 'round. Please reach out if I would potentially cross paths with anyone!

 

 

Im playing Cruden Bay on Friday, August  22nd if you want a game.  Brora and Golspie earlier in the week.  

[snickersdog]

@jatrainThank you for reaching out! I can't guarantee anything as I will need to be back home to work later in the day on Friday (by 1-2:00), but what time would you be playing?

[jatrain]

31 minutes ago, snickersdog said:

@jatrainThank you for reaching out! I can't guarantee anything as I will need to be back home to work later in the day on Friday (by 1-2:00), but what time would you be playing?

I’m playing around 11:30ish. I’m driving over  from the Dornoch area (3 hour drive) so playing earlier would tough for me.  
 

If you can make it work let me know and I’ll DM you my exact details.  Either way I hope you have a great time while over there.  

[scott_Donald]

1 hour ago, jatrain said:

I’m playing around 11:30ish. I’m driving over  from the Dornoch area (3 hour drive) so playing earlier would tough for me.  
 

If you can make it work let me know and I’ll DM you my exact details.  Either way I hope you have a great time while over there.  

your itinerary all changed then?