Category: Golf Courses

The Home of Golf Getaways #1

The Home of Golf Getaways #1

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The Home of Golf Getaways

Today sees the start of The Home of Golf Getaways.  Recommendations will initially be links/coastal courses, due to better course conditions over the next few months.

First trip is to the Angus Region on the East coast of Scotland – easy to get there by train but I would recommend hiring a car.  This region is easily accessible from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee & Aberdeen, where there are ample car hire companies available.  Check our car hire & travel details here.

The Home of Golf Getaways #1

My first Golf Getaway takes us to Monifieth, Panmure & Carnoustie.  All 3 courses that I am suggesting are within a 5-10 minute drive of each other and lie about a 20-25 minute drive to the east of Dundee.

Course 1 – The Burnside Course

Burnside Course, Carnoustie
Carnoustie will be the venue for the 2018 Open Championship, however, it is the Burnside Course, the second of three courses managed by Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee, that I am recommending this week. The course is a links course and sits adjacent to the Championship course. It’s a well maintained track and offers exceptional value at £23 for it’s winter rate.

The course would normally be considered a top rated course if it was situated on its own, anywhere else! However, sitting right next to the Championship Course, I personally think it is underrated and is a hidden gem right under our noses!

Burnside Course, Carnoustie 18th Green
18th green, Burnside Course, Carnoustie Links

With the Open Championship approaching, there maybe additional works going on, so it would be advisable to check that the course is fully open when you want to play it. You are likely to be on mats from Dec – Feb 2018.

Course 2 – Panmure Golf Club

Panmure Clubhouse - The Home of GolfThe links course at Panmure Golf Club is definitely a course worth playing – it is an Open qualifier course and has held numerous regional and national amateur events over the years. It is a fair course but bunkers lurk at most holes to catch over zealous drives. The odd burn and out of bounds will also grab your attention, so accuracy off the tee is key.

Mats will be in use until the end of February 2018 but this is reflected in a very reasonable fee of £30. Fees in March rise to £45 and then up further as the season progresses.

Course 3 – Monifieth Links (Medal Course)

A close neighbour to Panmure is the Medal Course at Monifieth Links. A plaque at the first tee informs you that this is where Tom Watson played his first ever round of links golf. A week later he won his first Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1975 – prize money for winning The Open back then was £7,500!Tom Watson Monifieth Links

Monifieth Links, like many links courses, has a railway running along side it. As I was teeing it up on the first, the London–Aberdeen train came thundering passed……just a little reminder, before I teed off, that there’s out of bounds up the right!!!

The course is undulating and once again accuracy is always better than length on these classic links courses. There’s plenty of gorse but not on the fairways, as I was told beforehand!

A round on this course will cost £25 and will be played on mats until the end of February 2018. It rises to £35 in March and will increase further as we get into the golfing season.

Accommodation

Top Pick – Carnoustie Golf Hotel

Carnoustie Golf HotelThe Home of Golf Getaways Top Pick for staying in this area would be the Carnoustie Golf Hotel.

It has 81 en-suite bedrooms and ten suites with great views over the Championship Course, the sea and the local town of Carnoustie. The Spa and health facilities include a large heated swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, steam room and for the more energetic a fully equipped gymnasium.

You’re only 350 yards to the 1st tee of the Burnside Course, 7-8 minutes drive to Panmure and only 10-12 minute drive to Monifieth. Easy life!

Prices will vary depending on when you stay and whether you stay midweek or at the weekend. However, as a rough guide, prices at the moment indicate apx. £80/night for a twin/double.

Other Places to Stay

There are plenty other places to stay nearby:

Carnoustie

Station Hotel
23 Station Rd, Carnoustie, DD7 6AR
Telephone: 01241 852447

Corner Hotel
103-105 Dundee Street, Carnoustie, DD7 7EW
Telephone: 01241 856291

19th Hole Hotel
8 Ferrier St, Carnoustie, DD7 7HT
01241 852108

Broughty Ferry

Woodlands Hotel
13 Panmure Terrace, Dundee DD5 2QL
Telephone: 01382 480033

The Hotel Broughty Ferry
16 West Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 1AR
Telephone: 01382 480027

Dundee

Doubletree by Hilton Dundee
Kingsway West, Dundee, DD2 5JT
Telephone 01382 641122

Invercarse Hotel
371 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1PG
Telephone: 01382 669231

So there you have it, if you go before the end of March 2018, it will roughly cost £320 per couple or £160 per person, depending on when and where you stay – not bad for a couple of nights away with 3 rounds of golf!

And finally……

the Home of Golf ChecklistWhenever, playing any Scottish course over the winter, here’s The Home of Golf Getaways checklist that you may want to address before booking – it’ll help manage expectations:

  1. Are fairway mats required?
  2. Are there any winter tees or winter greens in play?
  3. What condition are the greens in?
  4. Is there any major winter course work being carried out?
  5. Can we play at weekends? (many clubs restrict visitors on Saturdays to allow members to play)
  6. What’s the earliest/latest times for teeing off? (restricted daylight hours in winter)
  7. Are handicap certificates required?
  8. Will the clubhouse be open when we arrive or when we get back in? (restricted hours in winter)
  9. When does the kitchen close/last orders?
  10. You may want to consider teeing of a bit later, as frost can hit many courses early in the morning, resulting in the use of winter greens for the first few hours.
  11. Take some extra layers, it can get cold out there, particularly if the wind gets up!

Green fees are substantially reduced at this time of year, so if there are restricted tee times or mats required and winter greens in play, then these are the reasons for the discounted rate.

If you want to get notified about any other of The Home of Golf Getaways or when the next blog post is out, just drop your email address into our Blog Sign Up box on the right hand side bar or give our Facebook Page a wee ‘Like’ for updates.

Thanks for reading!

T.

Winter Golf Membership – 24 reasons to keep golfing this winter!

Winter Golf Membership – 24 reasons to keep golfing this winter!

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Here is our fully updated list of Winter Golf Membership deals from some of Scotland’s links & coastal courses – no excuses for not playing through the winter now!

The following courses all try to maintain a full course throughout the winter.  However, this is subject to winter course maintenance & weather conditions.  Winter Golf Membership fees are substantially reduced in most cases and this maybe due to some courses requesting that you play off mats, others may request that you play from the first cut of rough – all Club Manager & Secretaries will be happy to help and advise before you sign up.

ANGUS REGION – winter golf membership

  • Monifieth Golf Links – www.monifiethgolf.co.uk

    Monifieth Links - winter golf membership

    From 1 November to 31 March 2018
    Offering Winter Golf Ticket – £125
    (5 days Medal / 7 days Ashludie)

AYRSHIRE – winter golf membership

  • The Irvine Golf Club – www.theirvinegolfclub.co.uk
    From 1 November to 31 March 2018
    Offering Winter Golf Ticket – £275 (limited availability)
    (6 days a week / *Excls Saturdays)The Home of Golf - Prestwick st nicholas - winter golf membership
  • Prestwick St.Nicholas – www.prestwickstnicholas.com
    From 1 October to 31 March 2018
    Temporary Trial Membership – £395
    (restricted play on Saturdays)

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY – winter golf membership

EAST LOTHIAN – winter golf membership

  • Winterfield Golf Club – www.winterfieldgc.com
    From October to March 2018
    Winter Season Ticket – £123Glen Golf Club - winter golf membership
  • The Glen Golf Club – www.glengolfclub.co.uk
    From now until the 31 March 2018
    5 day winter membership – £185
    7 day winter membership – £260
  • Longniddry Golf Club – www.longniddrygolfclub.co.uk
    From 1 November to 31 March 2018
    Winter Membership £350

FIFE – winter golf membership

  • The Home of golf - winter golf membershipCrail Golfing Society – www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk
    From October to 31 March 2018
    5 day Winter Season Ticket – £145
    7 day Winter Season Ticket – £195
  • Scotscraig Golf Club – www.scotscraiggolfclub.com
    From 1 November to 28 February 2018
    Winter Trial Membership – £160**Late Addition**
  • Leven Links – www.leven-links.com
    From 1 November to 28 February 2018
    Monday to Friday Winter membership – £150

 

HIGHLANDS – winter golf membership

  • Fortrose & Rosemarkie – www.fortrosegolfclub.co.uk
    From 1 October to 31 March 2018
    Winter Membership Offer – £170
  • Nairn Dunbar Golf Club – www.nairndunbar.com
    From 1 November to 31 March 2018
    Winter Membership £150 (details on their Facebook page)
  • Reay Golf Club – www.reaygolfclub.co.uk
    From 1 October to 31 March 2018
    Winter Membership £70

    Reay Golf Club - winter golf membership
    Reay Golf Club

NORTH EAST – winter golf membership

SCOTTISH BORDERS – winter golf membership

Winter Golf Checklist

Winter Golf Checklist

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Winter Golf Checklist

Winter Golf ChecklistWhenever playing any Scottish course over the winter, here’s The Home of Golf’s Winter Golf Checklist that you may want to have a look at before booking a round – it’ll help manage expectations:

  • Are fairway mats required?
  • Are there any winter tees or winter greens in play?
  • What condition are the greens in?
  • Is there any major winter course work being carried out?
  • Can we play at weekends? (many clubs restrict visitors on Saturdays to allow members to play)
  • What are the earliest/latest times for teeing off? (restricted daylight hours in winter)
  • Are handicap certificates required?
  • Will the clubhouse be open when we arrive or when we get back in? (restricted hours in winter)
  • When does the kitchen close/last orders?
  • You may want to consider teeing of a bit later, as frost can hit many courses early in the morning, resulting in the use of winter greens for the first few hours.
  • Another reason for considering a later tee time is that fog/mist (haar) can also delay an early start on our coastlines particularly on the East coast.
  • Take some extra layers; it can get cold out there, particularly if the wind gets up!
  • What is the club’s cancellation process – in terms of frost, fog, etc?

Green fees are substantially reduced at this time of year, which mean that if there are restricted tee times or mats required and winter greens in play, then these are the reasons for the discounted rate.

Best value winter golf, food & accommodation……but bring an extra layer!

Best value winter golf, food & accommodation……but bring an extra layer!

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Winter Golf

Ever since my first job at the Golf Office at Gleneagles Hotel years ago, golfing visitors continuously ask me how to get tee times at some of the top courses.  90% of people ask me this question during May-August when tee times are in high demand.

View from the old golf office, next to Ian Marchbank’s shop hasn’t changed in 30 years – Kings Course, Gleneagles

My answer has pretty much stayed the same over the years and stands true today – ‘come at another time of the year!’ Well that time of year is now upon us – winter golf time! You’ll be surprised at what’s available out there.  Prices are so reasonable and the weather may not be as bad as you think.

Muirfield Golf Club

Take a sought after course such as Muirfield Golf Club, it offers restricted visitor times on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a year in advance. Needless to say, tee times in the peak months are snapped up very quickly.

However, if you are prepared to play winter golf at Muirfield between 14 November and 15 March 2018, not only are you likely to get a tee time but you also benefit from reduced green fees from £230 per person down to £110 per person. As they only allow fourballs out on these days, you would have to find another three players to make up the fourball.

As at today’s date, there are still 8 morning tee times (1st tee & 10th tee) available to apply for, on the first day of the new rates on 14 November 2017.

East Lothian

Muirfield lies in the heart of East Lothian, on the east coast of Scotland and is an area really worth visiting for winter golf.  Not only has it got it’s own micro climate but some of Scotland’s finest golf courses lie in this region.  All with reduced green fees at this time of year!

"Winter
© Dunbar Golf Club

Dunbar Golf Club

The furthest west golf course in East Lothian is Dunbar Golf Club which offers a round of golf at £80 (Mon to Wed) throughout the year but it can sometimes be difficult to get a time in the busy months. However, it reduces winter golf green fees to £45 from November to February 2018 and there isn’t so much demand on the tee times available.

Gullane Golf Club

Gullane Golf Club is very busy over the peak months even though it has three courses, No1, No2 & No.3 – No.1 held the Scottish Open in 2015 which was won by Rickie Fowler.

The Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) Scottish Open is due to return to the Gullane course in July 2018 and two weeks later the AAM Ladies Scottish Open will be held on the same course for the first time.

This course is in high demand but you can still play winter golf for £75 (reduced from £120) over the next few months. Gullane No.2 has been reduced to £41 and No.3 to £29.

Winter golf at Gullane No1 Gullane Golf Club
© Gullane Golf Club

North Berwick Golf Club

North Berwick Golf Club may not be the longest links course you’ll play but if the westerly wind blows, the first eight holes will make it feel otherwise!

You will play over burns and numerous walls – you will play the most copied hole in golf, the par 3 15th (Redan) and you will have to deal with the 16th green, the likes of which you may not have seen before!

North Berwick is very popular most of the year but even it reduces it’s winter golf green fee from £120 to £55-75, depending when you decide to play. Worth the visit, without a doubt, no matter what the weather!

Winter Golf at North Berwick Golf Club
© North Berwick Golf Club

Craigielaw golf Club

Finally, Craigielaw Golf Club is a course I know well and play a lot of winter golf there.

It has golf (obviously), it also has the best ‘clubhouse’ views in East Lothian (in my opinion), it serves good food and has accommodation right next door to the clubhouse – what’s not to like!

Craigielaw has reduced its fees from £59 to £35 until March 2018.

Travel times

If you decide to play winter golf at any of the courses above and stay in the area then here are some useful details.

If travelling from Edinburgh/Edinburgh Airport, Craigielaw is the first of the courses above that you will come to.  The journey will take you around 30-40 mins depending on traffic.

Thereafter:
Craigielaw to Gullane – 6 mins (Gullane No1, 2 & 3 and Muirfield)
Gullane to North Berwick – 10 mins
North Berwick to Dunbar – 24 mins

Food & Accommodation

Some accommodation suggestions where golfing visitors are welcomed with open arms and where you will be looked after very well.

Craigielaw Lodge (based at Craigielaw Golf Club)

Attached to the Craigielaw Golf Clubhouse, the lodge boasts 25 well appointed rooms which can be set up on a double or twin format. 13 rooms enjoy views across the course to the River Forth, Gullane Golf Courses and the kingdom of Fife, whilst 12 rooms enjoy the quiet and secluded view across a decorative courtyard.

Winter golf at Craigielaw Golf Club
© Craigielaw Golf Club

Duck’s Inn, Aberlady (situated in Aberlady, 2 mins from Craigielaw GC)

Ducks Inn may be listed as a Restaurant with Rooms but that should not take away from the fact that they offer quality, standard hotel en suite accommodation – 23 of them in fact, each with baths and/or showers.

The bar is very traditional with a superb collection of malt whiskies and a growing gin family. There are TVs for sports fans but they are in their own area and don’t impact on the bar. The food in the restaurant is excellent: 2AA Rosettes just now.

Winter golf & stay at Duck's Inn
© Duck’s Inn

The Golf Inn, Gullane (on the main street in the centre of Gullane)Playing Winter golf ? Stay at The Golf Inn Gullane

Ideally located in the centre of Gullane in the heart of East Lothian. Surrounded by an abundance of famous golf courses, beautiful stretches of coastline, and just a short drive away from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.

The light and airy accommodation in the Inn has recently been renovated to reflect a contemporary style with modern amenities, without losing any of the traditional characteristics. Whether you’re looking for a midweek or weekend getaway, the Inn helps you to enjoy the luxury and comfort of a hotel whilst having the flexibility to create a holiday that is unique to your needs.

Greywalls (in Gullane overlooking Muirfield)

Indulge in a bit of luxury with Greywalls’ Winter Offer – £199 – overlooking the 9th & 18th of Muirfield.

Their Winter Offer includes accommodation in a Large Cottage Double, breakfast and a 3 course Dinner from their Daily Menu – this is subject to availability and is non-refundable when booked.

Playing Winter golf ? Stay at Greywalls Gullane
© Greywalls, Gullane

Marine Hotel, North Berwick  (5min from North Berwick train station, right on the golf course overlooking 16th fairway & Firth of Forth)

Playing Winter golf ? Stay at Marine Hotel North Berwick
© MacDonald Marine Hotel, North Berwick

Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick is renowned for its beautiful coastal setting and glorious 19th century Victorian architecture. Situated on the East Coast of Scotland, the North Berwick Hotel has 83 unique bedrooms to choose from – a world of four star luxury.

The hotel boasts extensive conference facilities and a luxurious spa complex making it the ideal base for business stays as well as leisure breaks. It has an award-winning restaurant – Craigleith – where you can enjoy the finest Scottish cuisine in a very Scottish setting, with views of the Firth of Forth.

So there we have it, with some great offers over the coming months, you can maybe see why I suggest to visitors to ‘come at another time of the year’……. and that time is now!  Enjoy your winter golf but perhaps bring an extra layer of clothing!

15 Courses To Keep Your Game In Shape Over The Winter

15 Courses To Keep Your Game In Shape Over The Winter

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The Home Of Golf

November is not far away and if the thought of colder temperatures, shorter days, damp golf courses and winter greens, is making you consider locking your golf clubs away for the next four months, then, I am fairly sure you are not alone!

The problem with putting the clubs away over the winter, is that it can take weeks to get your game back to where you left it the previous season!

Spending £5/£10 a week at the driving range will keep your swing going but it won’t help with the short game and putting ie: the scoring game.

For a similar amount of money, another solution would be to join a links course, on a temporary 4-6 month winter membership deal. Links courses are most suited to our Scottish winters and as we know, the sandy soil drains far better than our parkland courses.

Most links courses get through the winter without using winter greens (unless there is frost) and not all of them require the use a golf mat.  This way your chipping, pitching and putting get a continuous work out over the winter.

I’ve selected a handful of coastal and links courses that are currently offering great membership packages over the winter period. Have a look – you never know, this could be the best way to keep your golf game in shape this winter!

ANGUS REGION

  • Monifieth Golf Links – www.monifiethgolf.co.uk
    From 1 October to 31 March 2018
    Offering Winter Golf Ticket – £150 (*update – £125 from 1 Nov – 31 Mar 2018)
    (5 days Medal / 7 days Ashludie)The Home of Golf - monifieth medal

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

EAST LOTHIAN

  • The Glen Golf Club – www.glengolfclub.co.uk
    From now until the 31 March 2018
    5 day winter membership – £185
    7 day winter membership – £260
  • Winterfield Golf Club – www.winterfieldgc.com
    From October to March 2018
    Winter Season Ticket – £123

FIFThe Home of golfE

  • Crail Golfing Society – www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk
    From October to 31 March 2018
    5 day Winter Season Ticket – £145
    7 day Winter Season Ticket – £195
  • Scotscraig Golf Club – www.scotscraiggolfclub.com
    From 1 November to 28 February 2018
    Winter Trial Membership – £160

HIGHLANDS

NORTH EAST

SCOTTISH BORDERS

If you know of a links golf course in Scotland offering a great winter membership package (generally under £200) let me know and I’ll pass on the word.

**** Blog Post UPDATE **** (23 October 2017)

Since publishing this blog post (19 Oct 2017) on winter memberships at Scottish golf courses, I have received several emails, Facebook & Twitter messages, letting me know of other great winter offers that are currently available – so thanks to everyone who got in touch!

Here are some of the links & coastal courses that I missed out on last week:
Reay Golf Club Moray Golf ClubMoray Golf Club is offering membership from October through to 31 March 2018 for £130. Bear in mind this is for 2x links courses, which really makes this an outstanding deal. I had the pleasure of visiting Moray Golf Club a couple of weeks ago and the courses were in great shape. Click here for more details on their Facebook page http://bit.ly/2gxtdkJ or call club secretary, Stevie Grant on 01343 812018.

Another course I visited 2 weeks ago was Reay Golf Club – a true links course that lies on the edge of Sandside Bay, 10 miles from Thurso, offering panoramic views of the Pentland Firth and North Atlantic from every hole on the course. Reay Golf Club is offering winter membership from Oct to 31 March 2018 for an incredible £70….yes, 5 months links golf for £70! Further details here: www.reaygolfclub.co.uk

We head down the east coast to Monifieth Golf Links where they inform me that their winter membership deal that was £150 from Oct to Mar 2018 is being reduced to £125 from 1 Nov to 31 March 2018.

And finally, heading further south along the east coast to East Lothian, we reach Longniddry Golf Club – it is offering winter membership for £350 from 1 Nov to 31 Mar 2018 but only for 20 places, so be quick. All details here – www.longniddrygolfclub.co.uk/winter-membership/

Once again if there are any links or coastal courses that I have missed out please let me know.

Thanks – Tom.

850 miles and 82 golf courses in 5 days….!

850 miles and 82 golf courses in 5 days….!

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Well, it’s been quite a week – it all started at 6:30am last Sunday morning as I left Edinburgh and headed north on a golfing research trip.

After 5 days travelling 850 miles, visiting 82 golf courses and discussing Scottish golf with dozens of golf club managers/secretaries, golf pros, golf club members and golfing visitors, I return exhausted but even more passionate about the quality of golf courses we have here in Scotland.

The Home of Golf - newtonmore
Sunrise at Newtonmore Golf Club

As I mentioned last Thursday, my intention for this week’s blog was to have a look at what discounted golf packages are available in the Highlands and North East for next year. Whilst I have picked out three packages, my view from this week’s trip is that the majority of green fees are already of exceptional value, particularly in the North East region.

The Highlands

the home of golf
Royal Dornoch

The Dornoch Firth Pass (www.dornochfirthgolf.co.uk)

Royal Dornoch Championship Links
Struie (Dornoch)
Golspie Golf Club
Brora Golf Club
Tain Golf Club

The £40 Dornoch Firth Golf Pass gives you 25% off when you play Brora, Golspie, Tain and Royal Dornoch’s Championship Links and Struie course.

The card can be purchased at any of the courses and you then simply book your tee times direct with the golf club to receive the discount.  

One thing I would point out is that pass holders can only play the Royal Dornoch Championship course after 2.00pm.

My calculations work out that (after paying £40 for the pass) you will make an overall saving of around 15% on the high season green fees.

The Home of Golf
Tain Golf Club

The North East

The Home of Golf
18th green at Hopeman Golf Club

Moray Firth Golf Pass (www.morayfirthgolf.co.uk)

Elgin Golf club
Forres Golf Club
Grantown on Spey
Hopeman Golf Club
Moray Golf Club – Old
Moray Golf Club – New
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club

The Moray Firth golf pass will cost you £15 for a 25% discount at the above seven clubs. The pass can only be used once at each club but it does offer you a saving of over £90 over seven of Moray Firth’s finest courses.

Banffshire Golf Pass

Royal Tarlair Golf Club
Cullen Links
Turriff Golf Club

This golf pass offers three rounds of golf for a total of £45 at the above golf clubs. In my opinion, teeing off next to the three kings (three rocks close to the first tee) and the stunning views at Cullen Links is worth the £45 alone!

If you were to pay for the three courses separately (without the pass) then this would cost you £76 – so the pass is worth around a 40% discount.

The home of golf
Cullen Links – courtesy of Cullen Links website

———-

In terms of my 850 mile trip over the last five days, some stand out features were being surrounded by red squirrels at Kingussie Golf Club, the sand dunes of Wick Golf Club, the delightful course at Hopeman golf club which I hadn’t seen or played before, the views at Cullen Links from the Cullen Bay Hotel, the sunset at Cruden Bay, views at Stonehaven Golf Club and the breathing views along the road at Dunnottar Castle.

the home of golf
Setting sun over Cruden Bay Golf Club

After an overnight stay in Blairgowrie, I managed a tranquil early morning stroll around two of the finest parkland courses in the area, Rosemount & Lansdowne – these courses have to be in your golfing diary if you are in the area.

the home of golf
Blairgowrie Golf Club – Rosemount’s 18th fairway looking onto clubhouse

I headed south to a number of courses around Perth then headed onto Auchterarder and Gleneagles. From there I headed to the beautiful setting at Stirling Golf Club, which is overlooked by Stirling Castle from above! The best way to finish this golf research trip was at the sun soaked setting at Glenbervie Golf Club. This is a traditional members club but if you do get a chance to book a tee time at this scenic parkland course, I would grab it with both hands!

The only downside to travelling 850 miles and visiting 82 golf courses in five days was that there was no time for golf! How had I managed that? I’ll have to plan the next trip a little better!

Planning a golf trip to Scotland in 2018? Check out these deals first!

Planning a golf trip to Scotland in 2018? Check out these deals first!

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With so many great golf courses in our golfing regions, it can be a daunting task to pick a handful of courses when planning a 5-7 day golfing break in Scotland.

To help ease the decision making process, many of the regional golf courses have put their heads together and made available a variety of discount green fees packages with neighbouring golf courses. These packages aim to save you travel time, money and allow you discover some stunning new Scottish courses.

I’ve had a good look at Ayrshire, Angus & Fife this week and here are some of the best packages available in those regions:

Ayrshire

Ayrshire is the birthplace to the Open Championship where the first Open was held at Prestwick Golf Club in 1860. The region is home to 3 Open venues – Prestwick, Royal Troon and Turnberry.The Home of Golf - prestwick KBGC

Ayrshire Open Qualifier Card (www.AyrshireGolfPass.co.uk) *this weblink may be down but I am assured it will be back up soon

This 3 round pass is £170/$223/€190 – add a fourth round at Dundonald Links and the pass becomes £270/$354/€302. However, if you booked all four courses separately the cost would come to £325/$426/€364 – this golf pass would therefore save you £55/$72/€62 (17%) per person.

Gailes Golf Experience (www.gailesgolfexperience.co.uk)

This pass is £260/$341/€291 for 3 rounds (one at each of the above courses). If you booked all courses separately the cost would be £395/$519/€443 – this golf pass would generate a huge saving of £135/$177/€151 (34%) per person.

Prestwick Golf Pass (bookings@prestwickgc.co.uk or +44 (0)1292 477404)

The Home of Golf prestwick st nicholas
The Prestwick Golf Pass allows one round at each of the above for a total of £235/$309/€263 – the cost of booking them separately would be £278/$365/€311 – you would save yourself £38/$50/€43 (14%) per person with this pass.

Golf South Ayrshire (www.golfsouthayrshire.com)

The Braid Trail

This James Braid package is £65/$85/€73 for 3 rounds over the courses above, as opposed to £82/$108/€92 if booked separately – a saving of £17/$22/€19 (20%)

The Home of Golf Belleisle

Troon Links Experience

This package is £65/$85/€73 for 3 rounds over the courses above, in comparison to £90/$118/€100 if booked separately – a saving of £25/$33/€28 (28%)

Angus Region

Angus region is home to Carnoustie Golf links, the venue for the 2018 Open Championship. Their golf passes include the Carnoustie Dream Ticket & the Links Trails and are available from www.carnoustiecountry.com/packages/.

Carnoustie Dream Ticket

The Carnoustie Dream ticket includes one round of golf on each of the above courses for £390/$512/€437 – there is only a saving of £30/$39/€34 (7%) compared to the full price of £420/$551/€470. Better value can found with some of the stay and play packages on Carnoustie Country’s website which include the following courses.

Links Trails


Fife

Fife is steeped in golfing history and has wealth of excellent golf courses in the area.

The ‘Links with History’ golf pass ( www.linkswithhistory.com ) offers you a number of ways to play discounted golf at the following 4 courses:

As long as you play a minimum of 2 courses you will receive apx. 15% discount over the summer months. However, from Nov 2017 through to 31 March 2018 the ‘Links with History’ package is offering a round of golf for £22.50/$29/€25 per person over any of these 4 courses, as long as you play a minimum of 2 of them. This has to be one of the BEST winter season deals this year!

I’ll be having a look at what the Highlands & the North East have to offer next week
 

* I have used 2017 pricing where the 2018 prices were not available.

Some great events and interesting courses to try in October

Some great events and interesting courses to try in October

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Free entry to European Tour event plus play Royal Dornoch for half price & a free meal!

Lots happening in October, it really is a great month to come to Scotland. Not only will you save money on travel and accommodation costs, but some golf courses have started to reduce their green fees as well – you may need an extra layer of clothes though!

Here are a handful of events that we have picked out for October:

Dumfries & Galloway
The Wigtown Book Festival (22 Sep – 1 October 2017)
www.wigtownbookfestival.com

Wigtown is a traditional market town, set in the beautiful countryside of Dumfries & Galloway. It is also Scotland’s National Book Town. There are only a few days left of this year’s festival but taking part this week are Chris Brookmyre, Judy Murray, Roy Hattersley, Martin Bell, Gavin Esler, Jeremy Bowen and Mairi Hedderwick

Golf courses to play, if you are in the area, are: https://wigtownshirecountygolfclub.com (M-F £32/$43/€37), possibly one of the flatter courses you will play. On the following courses at PortPartrick Golf Club (after 230pm £30/$40/€34) & Stranraer Golf Club (from 16 Oct £20/$26/€23) you will have some fantastic views.

The Home of Golf - Stranraer Loch Ryan
Stranraer Golf Club over looking Loch Ryan

 

Central
The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry (28 September – 29 October 2017)
www.enchantedforest.org.uk

As this show is in the evening, you won’t be missing out on any golf. The Enchanted Forest is renowned for being Scotland’s premier sound and light experience and attracted over 70,000 visitors in 2016. Tickets are selling fast and with less that 1,000 tickets available, the event will be sold out soon.

The Enchanted Forest team won the ‘Best Cultural Event in the UK’ at the UK Event Awards in London in December 2016.

The Home of Golf Pitlochry

If you decide to stay in or around Pitlochry for this event, then the golf courses to play in the area are Pitlochry GC – if you can play on a Wednesday its only £15/$20/€17 otherwise its £30/$40/€34 – it’s a short but challenging 18 hole course. It’s hilly but that means you will have some great views. Along the road, you will be equally delighted with a different challenge at the excellent 9 hole course at Blair Atholl Golf Club (£24/$32/€28 for 18 holes).

Fife & Angus
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (5-8 October 2017) The Home of Golf - alfred Dunhill Links Championship
alfreddunhilllinks.com

You may want to plan your trip around the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship that runs from 5 – 8 October this year. This European Tour event is played over St Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. Entry is free on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday but there is a £20 fee on the final day (Sunday) at St Andrews.

There are too many golf courses to mention them all in one post, but if you’re staying near Kingsbarns then you must try and play Balcomie Links at Crail where the weekend green fee reduces from £85 to £47/$63/€54.   Further around the coast you will find the excellent links course at Elie – green fees are currently w/d £77 & w/e £88 but these reduce to w/d £45/$60/€51 & w/e £48/$65/€55 from 16 October.

The Home of Golf Monifieth
The Medal, Monifieth Golf Links

If you’re near St.Andrews or Dundee then Scotscraig Golf Club (after 1:30pm £45/$60/€51) , Downfield Golf Club (£45/$60/€51), Monifieth Golf Links (£60/$80/€69) & Panmure Golf Club (from 15 Oct – £60/$80/€69) have to be on the bucket list.

If you are staying north of Carnoustie then book Arbroath Golf Course where you will get a round of golf, soup and sandwich for £20/$26/€23.  Moving a little further north, the medal course at Montrose Golf Links  £50/$67/€57 won’t disappoint.


Fort William/Lochaber
The Royal National Mòd (13-21 October 2017)
http://www.ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod

Famous for celebrating our Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival provides opportunities for people of all ages to perform across a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature.

If you are attending Royal National Mòd then why not get along to Fort William Golf Club (£30/$40/€34) – it is an 18 hole course nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain). The Course measures 6217 yards off the white tees, 5464 yards off the yellow tees and 4850 yards off the Ladies tees.


Dornoch
The Dornoch Whisky Festival (27-30 October 2017)
https://www.dornochwhiskyfestival.com

Now in its 3rd year, The Dornoch Whisky Festival is an opportunity to learn about and savour malt whiskies in the beautiful location of Dornoch in the North Highlands of Scotland. A festival programme can be view on their website above.

The Home of Golf Royal DornochAn opportunity, not to be missed, is that you have the chance to play Royal Dornoch on Sunday 30 Oct for half price. Royal Dornoch needs little introduction but it is without a doubt one of Scotland’s finest courses.

The normal rate in October is listed as £130 but for the Stableford Competition, as part of the Dornoch Whisky Festival, the fee has been reduced to £65 plus a coffee and bacon roll before the round, a course planner, souvenir bag tag and a whisky miniature with a one-course meal after the golf – the event is open to both men and women who have an official CoNGU handicap – now that’s a great deal but book soon!

Three other courses to play in the area are: Brora Golf Club, Golspie Golf Club and Tain Golf Club.

Tain Golf Club state on their website that if you play on a Tuesday or a Thursday after 2pm the green fee reduces to £25/€29/$34 – this will give you just enough daylight to get round throughout October.

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