Scotland - Redan Travel

Europe

Scotland

There is no better way to call this country than “The Home of Golf”. It’s where golf was born, the R&A (Royal And Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) is located and all the traditions we respect today were created. It’s the cradle of some of the best players in history (specially Dornoch) and many golf course architects of the early 1900s (Donald Ross, Alister Mackenzie, etc.). It is also the home of no less than 500 golf courses – with many on the Top 100 of the world.

When you think about Scotland and Golf, the first thing that comes to mind is The Old Course at St Andrews, golf’s first golf Course, host of The Open Championship (every 5 years). But it is not the only Course with a profound tradition: Muirfield, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Royal Dornoch, Royal Aberdeen, Royal Troon, Prestwick, North Berwick, Dunbar, Cruden Bay, Gullane and many more also hold a great golfing history.

Scotland is THE golf trip every golfer dreams of, and every one should do, at least once in their lives. It’s true that weather can be a factor, but when you get there trust us, nothing else matters.
Scotland hosts not only the Oldest Major Championship, but also many other top events like: Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, Scottish Open, Johnny Walker Championship, British Amateur (The Amateur), St Andrews Links Trophy.

There is nothing more special for a real golfer than to stand at the Home of Golf’s first tee. Although it’s not an easy trip to plan, every detail has to be carefully taken care of, it’s definitely the best golf you will play in your life.

Arriving in Scotland

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen are 4 Airports where you can arrive from the main points in Europe. From the United States, London should be the first destination, then train or another flight to any of these airports. There are plenty of options. If your schedule allows it, we suggest a 12 days trip, so you don’t skip one of the top venues: they will remain in your memories for the rest of your life.

Do you need to book in advance?

Definitely yes! It’s crucial to do so. Booking some of these courses requires at least 6 months anticipation, so if you decide to take the trip, you need to know the dates way in advance. It’s key si as to secure tee times at all courses, including The Old Course and Muirfield.
Muirfield tee times usually sell out 8 months in advance, so the first thing to do is try to combine availability there and in The Old Course. If you wish to take a chance at The Ballot for St Andrews, then all you need to do is to book Muirfield and the rest of the trip, as Ballot takes place when you are already in town.

Recommended Itinerary

Scotland has 5 big spots and if possible, we recommend our travelers to do them all. It is a long journey, but every mile is worth every dollar spent. It is good to know that in order to book Ailsa in advance, you have to be staying at the Turnberry Hotel.
This is what we call The Ideal Itinerary:

Tuesday: arrive in Scotland. No golf. Night in Aberdeen. We suggest renting a Van, it is better to drive yourself.

Wednesday: golf in Royal Aberdeen, host of 2014 Scottish Open. Night in Aberdeen.

Thursday: Golf in Trump International Scotland. Then drive to Inverness for 3 Nights.

Friday: Golf at Royal Dornoch. If possible stay there for lunch, a wonderful small town. Night at Inverness.

Saturday: Golf at Nairn. Night in Inverness.

Sunday: Golf in the wonderful Castle Stuart in the morning. Night in East Lothian.

Monday: Golf in North Berwick during the afternoon. Night in East Lothian (Gullane or North Berwick)

Tuesday: Golf in Muirfield, the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Night at St Andrews.

Wednesday: golf in New Course (or Jubilee). Night at St Andrews.

Thursday: Golf in Carnoustie Championship around 11am to avoid the rush hour in Dundee. Night at St Andrews.

Friday: Golf at The Old Course after 12pm. A walk to discover the town in the morning is recommended. Night at St Andrews.

Saturday: early Golf at Kingsbarns. Drive to Turnberry. Night at Turnberry Hotel. Dinner should be at Wildings, a very small restaurant 2 miles from the Hotel.

Sunday: Golf in Ailsa (Turnberry) in the morning. Night at Turnberry Hotel.

Monday: Golf at Royal Troon in the morning and return home after maybe the trip of a lifetime.