Upcoming Portugal/Scotland trip.

[hammergolf]

Hello guys, I’m in the final stages of finalizing my trip this fall. The Portugal leg is finalized, but would like to hear some opinions or recommendations. I have two days in Scotland that I have some options. As usual there’s more courses than days… For those who have played all 4 options, which would you pick out of Gleneagles Queens, (I’ve played The Kings), Boat of Garten, Spey Vallly, or Castle Stuart (Bug Gil Hanse fan)? Then on Monday the options are Castle Stuart, (if I didn’t play it Sat) Nairn, or Moray? Any info, opinions, or recommendations would be appreciated.

 

PORTUGAL

Sat       Arrive in Lisbon play Campo Real

Sun      West Cliffs

Mon     Praia De’l Rey

Tue      West Cliffs

Wed     Praia De‘l Rey

Thu      Royal Obidos

Fri        Oitivos Dunes in the morning then fly to Glasgow arriving late that night

 

SCOTLAND

Sat     Options are: Gleneagles Queens, Boat of Garten, Spey Valley, or Castle Stuart

Sun    Royal Dornoch

Mon   Options are: Castle Stuart, Nairn, or Moray

Tue    Fraserburgh

Wed   Cruden Bay

Thu    Royal Aberdeen or Trump International

Fri      The Old Course (doing walk up)

Sat     The New Course in the morning then drive to Glasgow and fly back to Lisbon

Sun    Fly back home

 

 

 

[puttnforthe8]

41 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Hello guys, I’m in the final stages of finalizing my trip this fall. The Portugal leg is finalized, but would like to hear some opinions or recommendations. I have two days in Scotland that I have some options. As usual there’s more courses than days… For those who have played all 4 options, which would you pick out of Gleneagles Queens, (I’ve played The Kings), Boat of Garten, Spey Vallly, or Castle Stuart (Bug Gil Hanse fan)? Then on Monday the options are Castle Stuart, (if I didn’t play it Sat) Nairn, or Moray? Any info, opinions, or recommendations would be appreciated.

 

PORTUGAL

Sat       Arrive in Lisbon play Campo Real

Sun      West Cliffs

Mon     Praia De’l Rey

Tue      West Cliffs

Wed     Praia De‘l Rey

Thu      Royal Obidos

Fri        Oitivos Dunes in the morning then fly to Glasgow arriving late that night

 

SCOTLAND

Sat     Options are: Gleneagles Queens, Boat of Garten, Spey Valley, or Castle Stuart

Sun    Royal Dornoch

Mon   Options are: Castle Stuart, Nairn, or Moray

Tue    Fraserburgh

Wed   Cruden Bay

Thu    Royal Aberdeen or Trump International

Fri      The Old Course (doing walk up)

Sat     The New Course in the morning then drive to Glasgow and fly back to Lisbon

Sun    Fly back home

 

 

 

 

I know you are not joking; but you're joking right?  Castle Stuart would be the play 9 of 10 times over the other 3.  

 

[AltC]

Scotland - my recommendation would be play Castle Stewart Saturday and Nairn Monday ( whatever you do you MUST play Nairn! It’s pure Scottish links golf. The Boat of Garten is nice but inland parkland (which is not what you are there for I presume) but lovely and very welcoming club. Castle Stewart is very “American” centric but great course on a great piece of ground. If you had time in Inverness then FortRose and RoseMarkie across on the Black Isle is well worth the trip -  it’s a very old golf course - quirky but all the better for it a few great holes - and the dolphins- which you should also see at Dornoch - look left off the 11th tee.

If you fail to get on the Old then I confirm that the New or the Jubilee are actually great courses (without the fanfare)

I would ditch Royal Aberdeen and Trump and head straight to Carnoustie ( you can book it online) or Panmure if you can’t get on there. Organised a tour based in Inverness a few years back - can put you in touch with a guy who owns a nice hotel in Inverness and will do all your golf transport etc in that area. Pm me if you want his contact details - very good and reasonably priced - he is a member at Nairn. Happy travels - will be in Bonny Scotland in April - won’t be up to Inverness but will try to play the New and Carnoustie if I can get on.

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, AltC said:

Scotland - my recommendation would be play Castle Stewart Saturday and Nairn Monday ( whatever you do you MUST play Nairn! It’s pure Scottish links golf. The Boat of Garten is nice but inland parkland (which is not what you are there for I presume) but lovely and very welcoming club. Castle Stewart is very “American” centric but great course on a great piece of ground. If you had time in Inverness then FortRose and RoseMarkie across on the Black Isle is well worth the trip -  it’s a very old golf course - quirky but all the better for it a few great holes - and the dolphins- which you should also see at Dornoch - look left off the 11th tee.

If you fail to get on the Old then I confirm that the New or the Jubilee are actually great courses (without the fanfare)

I would ditch Royal Aberdeen and Trump and head straight to Carnoustie ( you can book it online) or Panmure if you can’t get on there. Organised a tour based in Inverness a few years back - can put you in touch with a guy who owns a nice hotel in Inverness and will do all your golf transport etc in that area. Pm me if you want his contact details - very good and reasonably priced - he is a member at Nairn. Happy travels - will be in Bonny Scotland in April - won’t be up to Inverness but will try to play the New and Carnoustie if I can get on.

Thanks for the info. Leaning towards Castle Stuart on Saturday. That would free up Monday for Nairn. I’m definitely going to get in line early enough and camp out for TOC. I’ve played Jubilee before, and agree it’s really good. New is the only one I haven’t played of the St. Andrews Links courses, so looking forward to that. I’ve played Carnoustie many times, so will be playing in Aberdeen. I would prefer RAGC but depends on availability. If I can squeeze in another round on the way down I could add Panmure. Thanks for the offer with your friend, but I’ll be driving myself. 

[AltC]

Hammer, agree if you have played Carnoustie before then stick with Royal Aberdeen. The only other option would be Murcar which I am told is good but haven’t played it. Was told by someone who played there that the Trump course is really good - however a bit pricey and obviously the Trump brand to consider. In St Andrews area despite my previous statement about parkland courses don’t overlook Ladybank GC - it’s Old Tom Morris inland parkland which plays very links like - again old and quirky in parts but super course.

If you are flying into Glasgow on Friday night be sure to allow enough time to drive up to Inverness - the A9 is a tough drive at night if you don’t know the road - might be best to stay in Glasgow that night and drive in the morning - or head up to Perth and stay there overnight and tackle the A9 in the morning- for an early afternoon tee at Castle Stewart. The distances look small but you don’t want to be in a hurry on those roads - same up to Dornoch from Inverness Tractors and whisky wagons everywhere.

Enjoy your trip - the food in Portugal is spectacular- as is the Vino Verde!! Heheh 

[AltC]

As a Scotsman I have to mention that the food in Scotland is also superb ( not sponsored by the Scottish tourist board hehe!) Especially local seafood and Steak - but don’t forget to try a few drams of the amber bead - plenty of distillery’s on your route to choose from - enjoy!

[hammergolf]

4 hours ago, AltC said:

As a Scotsman I have to mention that the food in Scotland is also superb ( not sponsored by the Scottish tourist board hehe!) Especially local seafood and Steak - but don’t forget to try a few drams of the amber bead - plenty of distillery’s on your route to choose from - enjoy!

Yes, I do enjoy the food and I’ve been known to have a wee dram…. Fingers crossed I may have a member at RAGC bringing me as a guest. Been to Scotland many times and I enjoy it more every time I go back. The Highlands and Aberdeenshire are the only two area I’ve yet to see, so looking forward to it. Thank you for all the tips and advice!

Edited February 10, 2023 by hammergolf

[sabram]

 Castle Stuart and Nairn are the two best choices. They make a great pairing as they are pretty different from one another.  I don't recall if you've played them, but a similar comparison would be Kingsbarns and The New course at St Andrews.

 

Funny you mentioned Spey Bay. It's for sale and there is a thread on Golf Club Atlas about buying it and making it a GCA home course.

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, sabram said:

 Castle Stuart and Nairn are the two best choices. They make a great pairing as they are pretty different from one another.  I don't recall if you've played them, but a similar comparison would be Kingsbarns and The New course at St Andrews.

 

Funny you mentioned Spey Bay. It's for sale and there is a thread on Golf Club Atlas about buying it and making it a GCA home course.

I’ve played Kingsbarns but not the New, but will this trip. I think I’m going to play Castle Stuart on the Saturday, Dornoch on Sunday, then Nairn on Monday. I’m a big Gil Hanse fan and really loved his redesign at Narin & Portnoo last year so think I’ll enjoy Castle Stuart. Fraserburgh has always been a hidden gem I’ve wanted to play and Cruden Bay has been high on my bucket list so really looking forward to the trip. Might try to squeeze in Panmure on my drive down from Aberdeen to St. Andrews.

[sabram]

2 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

I think I’m going to play Castle Stuart on the Saturday, Dornoch on Sunday, then Nairn on Monday. I’m a big Gil Hanse fan and really loved his redesign at Narin & Portnoo last year so think I’ll enjoy Castle Stuart. Fraserburgh has always been a hidden gem I’ve wanted to play and Cruden Bay has been high on my bucket list so really looking forward to the trip.

That's a really great trip. Catsle Stuart has a lot of photo ops. Nairn and the New aren't as scenic, but every hole is really good.

 

Cruden Bay

 

Royal Dornoch

 

Nairn

 

Fraserburgh - Corbie Hill

[Chanceman]

Great photos. No end of glorious golf in Scotland. Love to do this trip one day: St Andrew’s New, Panmure, Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh, Nairn, Castle Stuart, Golspie, RD, Struie, Tain, Boat, Blairgowrie Wee, TOC, Elie and home! 

[hammergolf]

2 minutes ago, Chanceman said:

Great photos. No end of glorious golf in Scotland. Love to do this trip one day: St Andrew’s New, Panmure, Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh, Nairn, Castle Stuart, Golspie, RD, Struie, Tain, Boat, Blairgowrie Wee, TOC, Elie and home! 

Same story as always. So many courses, so little time….

[Malvern]

Not sure how much it factored in, one of our mates out here in Australia is from Nairn and we certainly got a great welcome when we arrived. The course is fantastic, some holes on the coast and an inland loop, doesn't get a lot of wraps but ended up being one of our favourites.

 

I see someone was very positive about Scottish food, surprising 😀 however we had the Cullen skink in the Nairn clubhouse before we teed off.....superb.

[AltC]

If you are into history of golf they have a club archive / history room upstairs at Nairn in the clubhouse - it is not open to everyone but if you ask the club secretary nicely they will let you in for a few drams and a look at all their historical stuff - the NLU boys did this on their trip you can check out their video - looks great. Sadly my tour mates were more interested in copious pints of belhaven best in the spike bar!!! Hehe so never went!

[AltC]

On 2/11/2023 at 11:14 AM, Chanceman said:

Great photos. No end of glorious golf in Scotland. Love to do this trip one day: St Andrew’s New, Panmure, Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh, Nairn, Castle Stuart, Golspie, RD, Struie, Tain, Boat, Blairgowrie Wee, TOC, Elie and home! 

Nailed it there chancer Blairgowrie and  Elie are up there on my not played but must list 

[hammergolf]

On 2/10/2023 at 4:09 PM, sabram said:

That's a really great trip. Catsle Stuart has a lot of photo ops. Nairn and the New aren't as scenic, but every hole is really good.

 

Cruden Bay

 

Royal Dornoch

 

Nairn

 

Fraserburgh - Corbie Hill

What time of year was this trip?

[sabram]

52 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

What time of year was this trip?

It was early June. It was a very chilly and extremely windy week. Rained two days 

[hammergolf]

6 hours ago, sabram said:

It was early June. It was a very chilly and extremely windy week. Rained two days 

Was confused with the guys in shorts but green course conditions.

[Quebec Club Ho]

Your trip is in the Fall and sadly not in early spring/summer (June and half of July for me)😞

I guess we won't be able to play a round together

As an overseas member or Murcar, don't forget my awesome underrated course! Perhaps couple a round after playing our 'land neighbour' Royal Aberdeen or Aberdeen Int'l (literally 15 min down the highway)

Your trip sounds, to quote the young ones, EPIC!!!

[scott_Donald]

On 2/21/2023 at 12:11 AM, Quebec Club Ho said:

Your trip is in the Fall and sadly not in early spring/summer (June and half of July for me)😞

I guess we won't be able to play a round together

As an overseas member or Murcar, don't forget my awesome underrated course! Perhaps couple a round after playing our 'land neighbour' Royal Aberdeen or Aberdeen Int'l (literally 15 min down the highway)

Your trip sounds, to quote the young ones, EPIC!!!

 

There are a bunch of overseas members at RAGC from Royal Montreal and Mount Bruno.

On 2/9/2023 at 4:47 AM, hammergolf said:

Hello guys, I’m in the final stages of finalizing my trip this fall. The Portugal leg is finalized, but would like to hear some opinions or recommendations. I have two days in Scotland that I have some options. As usual there’s more courses than days… For those who have played all 4 options, which would you pick out of Gleneagles Queens, (I’ve played The Kings), Boat of Garten, Spey Vallly, or Castle Stuart (Bug Gil Hanse fan)? Then on Monday the options are Castle Stuart, (if I didn’t play it Sat) Nairn, or Moray? Any info, opinions, or recommendations would be appreciated.

 

PORTUGAL

Sat       Arrive in Lisbon play Campo Real

Sun      West Cliffs

Mon     Praia De’l Rey

Tue      West Cliffs

Wed     Praia De‘l Rey

Thu      Royal Obidos

Fri        Oitivos Dunes in the morning then fly to Glasgow arriving late that night

 

SCOTLAND

Sat     Options are: Gleneagles Queens, Boat of Garten, Spey Valley, or Castle Stuart

Sun    Royal Dornoch

Mon   Options are: Castle Stuart, Nairn, or Moray

Tue    Fraserburgh

Wed   Cruden Bay

Thu    Royal Aberdeen or Trump International

Fri      The Old Course (doing walk up)

Sat     The New Course in the morning then drive to Glasgow and fly back to Lisbon

Sun    Fly back home

 

 

 

 

Seems a great trip! I will play on Wednesday unless it rains for the first time this year; no mats and hopefully a good start to the year after not playing the Old Course last week! Will get some pics!

[hammergolf]

7 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

 

There are a bunch of overseas members at RAGC from Royal Montreal and Mount Bruno.

 

Seems a great trip! I will play on Wednesday unless it rains for the first time this year; no mats and hopefully a good start to the year after not playing the Old Course last week! Will get some pics!

Great! Looking forward to them.

[AltC]

Hammer - when do you arrive in Bonny Scotland as I shall be there in April/May then again in July would be good to catch a round or a couple of beers if you are available in the vicinity - you said fall so maybe too early. If not next time.

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, AltC said:

Hammer - when do you arrive in Bonny Scotland as I shall be there in April/May then again in July would be good to catch a round or a couple of beers if you are available in the vicinity - you said fall so maybe too early. If not next time.

I’ll be there from Sept 30th - Oct 7th. Thanks for the invite, hopefully next trip the dates will align.

[AltC]

Hammer, yep looks like another time - seems you have done a lot of touring - this trip looks fabulous- enjoy the New - I know you will! Cheers