2025 St. Andrews trip planning, looking for advice

[McMunch]

I would like to climb aboard the "Denied" train as well. 

We're still going... just won't play the Old. Lucky to have played it twice but this rejection has now opened up a whole bunch of new opportunities.

[scott_Donald]

23 hours ago, mshills said:

@scott_Donald one of these days you’ll see me on #1 tee at TOC. I’m easy to spot, look for the guy playing with one arm.

 

I will get there to play.  This game is a gift that’s been given back to me and I’m going to get there, but 2025 is not looking real good. 

 

Hope those of y’all on here who are selected have a bucket list experience and please post pics, videos, and anything else to share the day!  👍

Cruden Bay was also good today…

 

[scott_Donald]

oooops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 22, 2024 by scott_Donald

[scott_Donald]

oooops

 

Edited October 22, 2024 by scott_Donald

[jatrain]

On 10/21/2024 at 12:43 PM, Messma said:

My understanding is they at least keep some times open at the other courses. When I was there this summer, I was walking around in the morning (around 7ish) and the first tee at the New Course was open. The starter said I could go off if I’d like, but unfortunately I couldn’t. I’m not sure what it is like in the afternoon though. 

They do, to some extent.  From what I was told when I was there, they keep a good number of times open on the New course open for same day play.  For Jubilee, Castle and Eden they don’t hold open times for same day and will only add a single to a group with their permission.  
 

When I was there in September the New was closed for an R and A event.  I check in with the starter when they opened at 6:30 to see if they could get me on.  The first day there was a single going out first thing on the Jubilee and he gave the OK for me to join up.  The second day I tried to do the same thing for either the Eden or Castle but the starter said that while there were a number of groups of less than four, they were all tour groups and those didn’t generally allow outside players to join them.  She said I was welcome to wait but I didn’t want to risk missing a day of play.  
 

I ended up going to Crail as the Craigshead course had openings (Balcomie was full) and a guy I played with early in the week at Elie said really good things.  I asked the starter there about getting on Balcomie, they told me to give them a couple minutes, and were able to get me out.

 

I will say that everywhere I went the starters were really helpful about working people in. (More so than at St. A) I had prebooked tee times at both Elie and North Berwick but even though both showed completely full online, the guys I played with had showed up same day and got on.  The guy I was paired with at North Berwick knew absolutely nothing about the course or how hard it was to get on.  He was just staying in town with his wife and decided to rent clubs and play 18. 
 

 

 

 

[mshills]

4 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

oooops

 

Man. If the photos are that good, feel free to post again and again. 👍🏼👍🏼

[hammergolf]

7 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

Cruden Bay was also good today…

 

What a day!

[scott_Donald]

8 hours ago, mshills said:

Man. If the photos are that good, feel free to post again and again. 👍🏼👍🏼

 

won't be back until nest year but dad is a member...

 

5 hours ago, hammergolf said:

What a day!

 

My golf started so bad - 3 putted the first 3 greens! lost 4 and 3, 5 down threw 6. oh well the round has got me in the mood for golf again.

 

wind was only 25 mph after 80mph on Sunday.

 

still a fun day! half set of clubs now until March.

Edited October 23, 2024 by scott_Donald

[Yoshifan151]

Got my housing booked, staying at the Honeypot Guest House while in the Fife area, and the Glenshee guest house while up in Dornoch. Only a few more rounds to book and we're pretty much set!

 

It's also INSANE how much money you save doing it yourself and not going through a tour operator. Appreciate all the help and advice guys!

[mshills]

37 minutes ago, Yoshifan151 said:

Got my housing booked, staying at the Honeypot Guest House while in the Fife area, and the Glenshee guest house while up in Dornoch. Only a few more rounds to book and we're pretty much set!

 

It's also INSANE how much money you save doing it yourself and not going through a tour operator. Appreciate all the help and advice guys!

 

Excellent.  I will make that trip in the foreseeable future.  This year will be tough, just too much going on so I shall have to live vicariously through this forum.

[hammergolf]

9 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

 

won't be back until nest year but dad is a member...

 

 

My golf started so bad - 3 putted the first 3 greens! lost 4 and 3, 5 down threw 6. oh well the round has got me in the mood for golf again.

 

wind was only 25 mph after 80mph on Sunday.

 

still a fun day! half set of clubs now until March.

Well, at least you had a nice day to play. What are your favorite holes there? From the pics, looks like the pin was pretty far back on #14. I haven’t played Cruden yet, but is very high on my list.

[scott_Donald]

2 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Well, at least you had a nice day to play. What are your favorite holes there? From the pics, looks like the pin was pretty far back on #14. I haven’t played Cruden yet, but is very high on my list.

 

Very nice day for October!

 

Hmmm. I like 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12, 13. hate - 2, 6, 15. The relatively new 9th hole is so much better. To me it's about 4 shots easier than RAGC. 

 

14 is hard - 2 iron not well hit, half 6 iron from a big above the ball stance, 2 putts to half the hole to a 5 and shot. It was out of the wind as the hill was protecting it. Pin was at the back, they have a diagram on the tee telling you where it is, plus you can see when you are on 9 tee. 

 

I like it and don't love it. Funny yesterday RAGC was closed and there were 5 groups of RAGC members playing at Cruden Bay. My dad has been a member at Cruden Bay and RAGC for more than 60 years. I have played it a lot and know it well yet there are some holes I am boring on as I don't know the lines to hit. 

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

 

Very nice day for October!

 

Hmmm. I like 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12, 13. hate - 2, 6, 15. The relatively new 9th hole is so much better. To me it's about 4 shots easier than RAGC. 

 

14 is hard - 2 iron not well hit, half 6 iron from a big above the ball stance, 2 putts to half the hole to a 5 and shot. It was out of the wind as the hill was protecting it. Pin was at the back, they have a diagram on the tee telling you where it is, plus you can see when you are on 9 tee. 

 

I like it and don't love it. Funny yesterday RAGC was closed and there were 5 groups of RAGC members playing at Cruden Bay. My dad has been a member at Cruden Bay and RAGC for more than 60 years. I have played it a lot and know it well yet there are some holes I am boring on as I don't know the lines to hit. 

A trip to Aberdeen and The Highlands is in the works. RAGC, International Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh, Nairn, and Dornoch. Just have to find the time.

[Yoshifan151]

Brora and Golspie booked!

[El Gringo]

On 10/23/2024 at 9:50 PM, scott_Donald said:

 

Very nice day for October!

 

Hmmm. I like 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12, 13. hate - 2, 6, 15. The relatively new 9th hole is so much better. To me it's about 4 shots easier than RAGC. 

 

14 is hard - 2 iron not well hit, half 6 iron from a big above the ball stance, 2 putts to half the hole to a 5 and shot. It was out of the wind as the hill was protecting it. Pin was at the back, they have a diagram on the tee telling you where it is, plus you can see when you are on 9 tee. 

 

I like it and don't love it. Funny yesterday RAGC was closed and there were 5 groups of RAGC members playing at Cruden Bay. My dad has been a member at Cruden Bay and RAGC for more than 60 years. I have played it a lot and know it well yet there are some holes I am boring on as I don't know the lines to hit. 

You don’t like 6? It is one of the most interesting 3 shotters I have come across. The green location is awesome.

[scott_Donald]

1 hour ago, El Gringo said:

You don’t like 6? It is one of the most interesting 3 shotters I have come across. The green location is awesome.

 

that's the problem with it on paper should be a 2 shotter but you can't see a thing on the second; if I played there more than 3 or 4 times a year then I would know where to aim but I don't.

 

My first round this year down big wind I hit an 8 iron onto the back of the green for a second shot. guessed where to go after climbing the dune.

 

Second round with no wind - I hit a good drive and hit a PW to lay up and a SW from there. po op.

 

Third round on Tuesday into a cold 25mph wind - blocked drive - full 5 iron, full 4 iron, chip and 2 putts.

 

I like fair holes - it is not. 

[El Gringo]

3 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

 

that's the problem with it on paper should be a 2 shotter but you can't see a thing on the second; if I played there more than 3 or 4 times a year then I would know where to aim but I don't.

 

My first round this year down big wind I hit an 8 iron onto the back of the green for a second shot. guessed where to go after climbing the dune.

 

Second round with no wind - I hit a good drive and hit a PW to lay up and a SW from there. po op.

 

Third round on Tuesday into a cold 25mph wind - blocked drive - full 5 iron, full 4 iron, chip and 2 putts.

 

I like fair holes - it is not. 

I am not sure what you mean by fair. Everybody plays the same hole?

 

I can’t reach the green in two. At best, if downwind and I hit two crackers, I can get pin high just left of 7 tee. It’s not a bad pitch from there.

Edited October 26, 2024 by El Gringo

[tad950]

18 hours ago, Yoshifan151 said:

Brora and Golspie booked!

Please post your final roster. Should be impressive! Especially for a single trip.

[Yoshifan151]

28 minutes ago, tad950 said:

Please post your final roster. Should be impressive! Especially for a single trip.

I'm going with my dad lol this would be crazy for just me but here's what I have so far:

 

June 13: arrive

14: sightseeing/hit the range

15: North Berwick, I may hit up Muirfield and see if we can check out the clubhouse while down there

16-20: try for the TOC ballot, if unsuccessful we'll try to get on New/Jubilee/Eden/Lundin/Leven etc, I may book a time or 2 in advance, throw in a day to sightsee/rest

21: drive up north and play Royal Dornoch

22: Brora

23: Golspie

24: drive back to Fife area and do some sightseeing along the way

25: Elie

26: Panmure

27: sightsee/rest, try for TOC

28: Crail Balcomie

29: Carnoustie

30/July 1: TOC ballot, substitute another course as well

July 2: fly back

 

I'm all ears for any good restaurants, distilleries, or other things to check out!

[tad950]

I meant for one trip not a single golfer 😄. I’m guessing your Dad is about my age. Anyway, not exactly along your route from Dornoch to St. Andrews, but Fortrose and Rosemarkie is pretty decent, in my opinion anyway. Some people in our group weren’t impressed, but I liked the atmosphere. Views were decent. Maybe see a pod of dolphins. 
 

There was a Chinese restaurant n Dornoch. One of my friends brought a plate back to the condo. It was pretty good. She went there because cheaper dining options were kind of limited later in the evening. 
 

Dunrobin Castle is pretty interesting. Touristy, but they have a falconry demonstration that I really enjoyed.

 

There are distilleries everywhere 😄. The first time I went to Scotland, I saw a sign for 50 Distillery tasting trail.😄

Edited October 26, 2024 by tad950

[scott_Donald]

5 hours ago, El Gringo said:

I am not sure what you mean by fair. Everybody plays the same hole?

 

I can’t reach the green in two. At best, if downwind and I hit two crackers, I can get pin high just left of 7 tee. It’s not a bad pitch from there.

fair to me is a whole the rewards good and hinders bad shots, I don’t think it does….

 

1 hour ago, Yoshifan151 said:

I'm going with my dad lol this would be crazy for just me but here's what I have so far:

 

June 13: arrive

14: sightseeing/hit the range

15: North Berwick, I may hit up Muirfield 

 

I'm all ears for any good restaurants, distilleries, or other things to check out!

good luck with muirfield it’s private and very private.

 

food what types of food; I can help St Andrews and East Lothian.

 

57 minutes ago, tad950 said:

I meant for one trip not a single golfer 😄. I’m guessing your Dad is about my age. Anyway, not exactly along your route from Dornoch to St. Andrews, but Fortrose and Rosemarkie is pretty decent, in my opinion anyway. Some people in our group weren’t impressed, but I liked the atmosphere. Views were decent. Maybe see a pod of dolphins. 
 

There was a Chinese restaurant n Dornoch. One of my friends brought a plate back to the condo. It was pretty good. She went there because cheaper dining options were kind of limited later in the evening. 
 

Dunrobin Castle is pretty interesting. Touristy, but they have a falconry demonstration that I really enjoyed.

 

There are distilleries everywhere 😄. The first time I went to Scotland, I saw a sign for 50 Distillery tasting trail.😄

and gin!

[Yoshifan151]

1 hour ago, tad950 said:

I meant for one trip not a single golfer 😄. I’m guessing your Dad is about my age.

Ohhhh ok LOL, I was originally going to do a ~2 week trip but he found a crazy deal for flights but was a week longer. I added the little trip to Dornoch after that. Pops will be almost 72 during that trip.

 

1 hour ago, tad950 said:

Anyway, not exactly along your route from Dornoch to St. Andrews, but Fortrose and Rosemarkie is pretty decent, in my opinion anyway. Some people in our group weren’t impressed, but I liked the atmosphere. Views were decent. Maybe see a pod of dolphins. 
 

There was a Chinese restaurant n Dornoch. One of my friends brought a plate back to the condo. It was pretty good. She went there because cheaper dining options were kind of limited later in the evening. 
 

Dunrobin Castle is pretty interesting. Touristy, but they have a falconry demonstration that I really enjoyed.

 

There are distilleries everywhere 😄. The first time I went to Scotland, I saw a sign for 50 Distillery tasting trail.😄

Fortrose and Rosemarkie is on my list of tracks to eventually play, hopefully on another trip and also get out to Tain, Nairn, Moray, Castle Stuart, etc. We'll likely check out the Chinese joint and the castle as well, I think I saw that while skimming Google maps, looked pretty neat!

[Yoshifan151]

48 minutes ago, scott_Donald said:

good luck with muirfield it’s private and very private.

Yeah I'm not holding my breath with that one, especially on a Sunday, but who knows.

 

50 minutes ago, scott_Donald said:

food what types of food; I can help St Andrews and East Lothian.

I'm not someone with expensive food taste so any good pubs, fish n chips spots, other good local spots. Maybe we'll do one night out at a nice steakhouse or something.

[ssp]

Good stuff

[Poor Mans Ty Webb]

3 hours ago, tad950 said:

 

I meant for one trip not a single golfer 😄. I’m guessing your Dad is about my age. Anyway, not exactly along your route from Dornoch to St. Andrews, but Fortrose and Rosemarkie is pretty decent, in my opinion anyway. Some people in our group weren’t impressed, but I liked the atmosphere. Views were decent. Maybe see a pod of dolphins. 

 

 

2 hours ago, Yoshifan151 said:

Fortrose and Rosemarkie is on my list of tracks to eventually play, hopefully on another trip and also get out to Tain, Nairn, Moray, Castle Stuart, etc.

With gorse all over the place, Fortrose

 from the black tees has some teeth, especially if there is wind. Holes 4 and 17 are stellar, dare I say world class links holes. Everyone there was exceedingly pleasant, and I had a blast.

[tad950]

2 hours ago, Yoshifan151 said:

Yeah I'm not holding my breath with that one, especially on a Sunday, but who knows.

 

I'm not someone with expensive food taste so any good pubs, fish n chips spots, other good local spots. Maybe we'll do one night out at a nice steakhouse or something.

When we played Muirfield, we were checked in at the front gate, and we were shuttled in.  So your chances of seeing the clubhouse are probably nil. It’s too bad, the place of filled with memorabilia. Used to be the process for playing Muirfield needed to be started a year plus in advance. 4somes only. They added an extra visitor day per week, post Covid. So it got a little easier for a bit. Muirfield missed all those American dollars coming in because of the pandemic 😄. Not sure if they went back to the regular schedule. 
 

St Andrews: Cromars, a fast food fish and chips is pretty reliable. My friend says that Little Italy is the best Italian restaurant he’s ever eaten at. I don’t know the difference between a great and average Italian food.😄. We splurged one night and ate at Seafood Ristorante. That was great for sure. Also very pricey. Probably should have done lunch instead of dinner and saved some $$. Jannettas if you like gelato. There was a chain Indian fast food place that specialized in chicken that I liked, but I don’t remember seeing it this time. 
 

I think the Chinese place in Dornoch is take out only. 
 

I’m 3+ years older than your Dad. The end of international travel for me is looming. Although one woman I know is in her 80’s and still going on golf trips. It’s kind of embarrassing when I’m huffing and puffing, walking up a hill, and she’s on my butt. It would look really bad if I stopped to rest. 😄

of course she had a caddie and I was carrying, but still….
 

 

Edited October 26, 2024 by tad950

[Chanceman]

8 hours ago, tad950 said:

When we played Muirfield, we were checked in at the front gate, and we were shuttled in.  So your chances of seeing the clubhouse are probably nil. It’s too bad, the place of filled with memorabilia. Used to be the process for playing Muirfield needed to be started a year plus in advance. 4somes only. They added an extra visitor day per week, post Covid. So it got a little easier for a bit. Muirfield missed all those American dollars coming in because of the pandemic 😄. Not sure if they went back to the regular schedule. 
 

St Andrews: Cromars, a fast food fish and chips is pretty reliable. My friend says that Little Italy is the best Italian restaurant he’s ever eaten at. I don’t know the difference between a great and average Italian food.😄. We splurged one night and ate at Seafood Ristorante. That was great for sure. Also very pricey. Probably should have done lunch instead of dinner and saved some $$. Jannettas if you like gelato. There was a chain Indian fast food place that specialized in chicken that I liked, but I don’t remember seeing it this time. 
 

I think the Chinese place in Dornoch is take out only. 
 

I’m 3+ years older than your Dad. The end of international travel for me is looming. Although one woman I know is in her 80’s and still going on golf trips. It’s kind of embarrassing when I’m huffing and puffing, walking up a hill, and she’s on my butt. It would look really bad if I stopped to rest. 😄

of course she had a caddie and I was carrying, but still….
 

 

I’m 75 in a week so I know what you are talking about! International golf trips are getting harder but I do like to play every day usually for a 3 week trip. If the funds bear up I would still like to travel every year maybe skipping a round here and there! Or playing more 9 hole courses along the way. But no doubt Father Time will catch up eventually. 

[TBD203]

11 hours ago, tad950 said:

When we played Muirfield, we were checked in at the front gate, and we were shuttled in.  So your chances of seeing the clubhouse are probably nil. It’s too bad, the place of filled with memorabilia. Used to be the process for playing Muirfield needed to be started a year plus in advance. 4somes only. They added an extra visitor day per week, post Covid. So it got a little easier for a bit. Muirfield missed all those American dollars coming in because of the pandemic 😄. Not sure if they went back to the regular schedule. 
 

St Andrews: Cromars, a fast food fish and chips is pretty reliable. My friend says that Little Italy is the best Italian restaurant he’s ever eaten at. I don’t know the difference between a great and average Italian food.😄. We splurged one night and ate at Seafood Ristorante. That was great for sure. Also very pricey. Probably should have done lunch instead of dinner and saved some $$. Jannettas if you like gelato. There was a chain Indian fast food place that specialized in chicken that I liked, but I don’t remember seeing it this time. 
 

I think the Chinese place in Dornoch is take out only. 
 

I’m 3+ years older than your Dad. The end of international travel for me is looming. Although one woman I know is in her 80’s and still going on golf trips. It’s kind of embarrassing when I’m huffing and puffing, walking up a hill, and she’s on my butt. It would look really bad if I stopped to rest. 😄

of course she had a caddie and I was carrying, but still….
 

 

Muirfield is still doing the guest day. You play 18 holes in the morning, change into your suit and tie for lunch, then go play alternate shot in the afternoon. I have it scheduled for next July and I couldn't be more excited.

[Greg_egg]

Also denied. Were any singles actually successful? 

 

What chance do you think I have of getting on via the singles ballot, three full days in mid-ish May?

[tad950]

3 hours ago, TBD203 said:

Muirfield is still doing the guest day. You play 18 holes in the morning, change into your suit and tie for lunch, then go play alternate shot in the afternoon. I have it scheduled for next July and I couldn't be more excited.

I opted out of the afternoon foursomes  I wanted to have a leisurely lunch and look at the memorabilia in the clubhouse. The buffet is very good, by the way. The rack of lamb was tasty. And I’m not usually a fan of lamb.

 

And if you’re looking for swag in the golf shop, and you can’t find your size, ask. They’ll probably have it. Logo clothing looks to be a BIG moneymaker for the club. 😄

Edited October 27, 2024 by tad950