Feature Stories
Five great links golf courses that will never host the Open Championship
Plenty of Scotland's links gems could never host an Open because of issues related to location or size. And that's exactly what makes them even better clubs, in some cases, for the traveling golfer to experience. Here are five of the best non-Open rota, historic links golf courses in Scotland, plus another worthy and affordable course nearby each ...
... full article »Travel tips: How to save money on a Scotland golf vacation
A golf trip to Scotland doesn't have to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Brandon Tucker has a few helpful, money-saving tips that could see you playing in the land of links as often as you like. Well, maybe not that often, but enough to start developing a taste for haggis.
... full article »Five must-play links golf courses under $100
Play only Open Championship rotation courses in Scotland, and you'll get a first-rate links experience. But these links may also burn a hole in your pocket, charging between 125-200 pounds. If you want to experience Scotland's best on a budget, mix a few Open rota courses like the Old Course and Turnberry in with some bargains like Dunbar, Machrihanish and Southerness, Brandon Tucker writes.
... full article »After a round at Gullane Golf Club, stop into Archie Baird's Heritage of Golf Museum
The long history of golf has its grey areas, but stop into the Heritage of Golf Museum after a round at Gullane Golf Club and local legend Archie Baird will serve it up in a single, concise, black-and-white tour.
... full article »Newly restored MacDonald Marine Hotel puts golfers in the heart of the action in North Berwick, Scotland
At the MacDonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick, the views are not only scenic but highly entertaining. Sea-view guest rooms provide views of not only the Bass Rock, two miles off-shore in the Firth of Forth, but of the short, par-4 16th hole at North Berwick Golf Club, with one of the most unusual and severe greens you'll ever come across.
... full article »Thirsting for that perfect 19th hole whisky or pint? Try East Lothian's best pubs and bars
From East Lothian's historic coastal towns of Musselburgh to Dunbar, you're never far from a fabulous links golf course, not to mention a complementary 19th hole nearby. Here are some of East Lothian's best 19th holes ...
... full article »Scotland's golf courses giving away free tee times with 'Drive it Home' promotion
2009 may be the best year yet to visit the home of golf. Not only is the British pound weaker against the U.S. dollar and euro than it's been in years, Scotland's golf courses are giving away up to £2 million in free golf - from South Ayrshire to the Highlands and everywhere in between.
... full article »Something old, something new: Scotland's best old and modern golf combos
Read enough glossy literature on golf in Scotland and you might be led to believe all the top courses here were founded during the Stone Age. But many new designs are being built. So on your next trip, consider including a few newbies located near the historic clubs for a taste of old and new Scotland.
... full article »Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf resort finally gets green light
After years of legal battling with officials in Scotland, Donald Trump's golf resort just north of Aberdeen has finally received the green light. When completed, the golf courses, hotel and vacation homes will make the northeast coast one of the U.K.'s most coveted golf destinations, supporters say.
... full article »Where to golf during Dumfries & Galloway's Gael Force music and arts festival this fall
The popular Gael Force music and arts festival returns to Dumfries & Galloway this fall. When you're not rocking out in some of the country's most scenic and rural areas, be sure to hit the golf course. Stranraer Golf Club, Southerness and St. Medan are nearby, Brandon Tucker writes. And Open Championship venues Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick are just a short drive away.
... full article »Take in a few castles on your next Scotland golf vacation
Scotland has around 3,000 castles, and it's possible to see some of the more impressive on a tour through the country's many golf courses, including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Gleneagles, Carnoustie and Cruden Bay. Here are some excellent castles close to excellent golf courses ...
... full article »Golf and more in Perthshire, Scotland's historic heartland
We golfers are short-changing Scotland, and ourselves, if we travel to the game's holy land without exploring at least a few of the country's historical and cultural attractions, many of which pre-date our beloved sport by thousands of years. Luckily, however, thanks to the plethora of both historical attractions and golf courses in Scotland, it is usually no problem at all to combine golf and history on a daily basis during your visit.
... full article »Fairytale towns, braised lamb shank and shaking hands with sheep: Golf off the beaten track in Scotland
A few years back you finally made that trek to Scotland, the home of golf, and it was all you thought it would be. But it's been a few years now and you're itching to go back. Only this time, you want something different. Old Tim McDonald offers some suggestions for golf off the beaten track in Scotland.
... full article »Monster golf at Loch Ness: Looking for "Nessie" and birdies in the Highlands
It's a strange package, golf and the Loch Ness monster. But, Tim McDonald writes, there are several golf courses worth playing around the mythic beast of the lake in the Scottish highlands, including Inverness Golf Club and the revered Royal Dornoch.
... full article »Scotland's Whisky Trail: Root of the barley in the home of golf
It would take around a year to visit all of Scotland's distilleries - and one hell of a liver - so we've put together some suggestions for a week-long tour of golf and stops along Scotland's famous Whisky Trail in Speyside. This tour will take you around and through traditional Highland villages like Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Grantown and Nethy Bridge.
... full article »Beat the summer crowds with a shoulder-season golf package to St. Andrews in Scotland
There is still time for golfers to head for St. Andrews before the summer crowds this April, Scotland's shoulder season for golf. Deals are available for gems such as the Old Course, Balcomie Links and the New Course.
... full article »Scottish club opens: The secret to low-cost play in the birthplace of golf
You get the opportunity to play multiple rounds at some of the country's best courses, with guaranteed tee times, at a price that's often lower than a single day's green fee.
... full article »Planning a golf outing to Scotland? Take plenty of balls
With the British Open at the Old Course this year, interest has been renewed in Scottish golf vacations. But where do you go? Which courses do you book? Do you stick with the more famous, or do you wander around and trust your luck? Enter Gordon Dagleish, co-owner of PerryGolf, which books packages to Scotland. Here are some of Dagleish's inside tips on how best to enjoy your Scottish golf vacation.
... full article »Jammy Sod touts golfing in Southwest Scotland
In Glasgow they'd call him a "jammy sod." In the States, he'd be a lucky stiff. Born and raised in Scotland, Stewart Smith has spent his entire professional career playing golf and promoting the game in his native land. His tip for visitors to Scotland? Don't underestimate the Southwest, an area rich in golf history and quality accommodations. Visitors here can test their game at outstanding courses, including Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick.
... full article »A St. Andrews golf trip in April? You can dodge rain - and the crowds
Every golfer's St. Andrews trip nightmare involves a Gene Kelly moment. You know, splashing in puddles wide as a stream and deep as a Jacuzzi tub. Which is why St. Andrews in April makes more sense than it first sounds. Sure, it is a little chillier in April, but it is also a whole lot drier. Think about it, would you rather be playing in a slightly thicker windbreaker, or playing from a puddle?
... full article »- Golf in the Kingdom of Fife
