Scotland golf trip: any recommendations

[gp7xs]

Hey guys,

 

I just booked my golf trip to Scotland for this summer. On the menu are the following:

• St-Andrews Old Course
  
• St-Andrews New
  
• Kingsbarns
  
• Carnoustie
  
• Castle Stuart
  
• Royal Dornoch
  
• Cruden Bay
  
• Royal Aberdeen
  

Does anybody have any recommendations from previous trips/experiences? Anyone with local knowledge or insights?

[MikeMcM]

Great trip, spend every summer over there, and, these are the best you could do heading north from St. Andrews, where are you staying?

[Chilidog]

Every single person in Aberdeen will tell you that Trump's course there is twice the course Royal Aberdeen is. Played them both and it's no comparison. If you can get those switched, you definitely need to do so.

[playerbb1]

north berwick fantastic course and great people.

[gp7xs]

[quote name='MikeMcM' timestamp='1364593817' post='6722405']
Great trip, spend every summer over there, and, these are the best you could do heading north from St. Andrews, where are you staying?
[/quote]

I've got a hotel room in St-Andrews and then it's gonna be mostly staying with friends and family for the rest of my itinerary with 1 or 2 B&B.

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364605880' post='6723461']
Every single person in Aberdeen will tell you that Trump's course there is twice the course Royal Aberdeen is. Played them both and it's no comparison. If you can get those switched, you definitely need to do so.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info! I thought about it but personnally I just don't care much from Trump's courses. I saw it was receiving good reviews but it just doesn't have the history that's attached to Royal Aberdeen. Plus the way that project came to fruition doesn't really entice me to play there.

And playerbb, thanks for the advice, but that part of Scotland is not on my itineray. Probably next year along with Muirfield!

[MikeMcM]

The only other thoughts I would add. If you're going in the June-July timeframe, there's plenty of time to get in 36 a day. Crail is worth a short, close to St. Andrews, a lot of history, and a spectacular setting, play Balcomie, the old original. Brora is really worth playing, it plays second fiddle to Dornoch, but it a great links layout and a real value. Since you'll be up north, Nairn's right around the corner from Castle Stuart and is a very fine links course with a good deal of history. We've always found great restaurants around all of the areas you're traveling, but if you have friends there, they should help, but let me know if you'd like any suggestions. Cheers!

[gp7xs]

[quote name='MikeMcM' timestamp='1364641689' post='6724945']
The only other thoughts I would add. If you're going in the June-July timeframe, there's plenty of time to get in 36 a day. Crail is worth a short, close to St. Andrews, a lot of history, and a spectacular setting, play Balcomie, the old original. Brora is really worth playing, it plays second fiddle to Dornoch, but it a great links layout and a real value. Since you'll be up north, Nairn's right around the corner from Castle Stuart and is a very fine links course with a good deal of history. We've always found great restaurants around all of the areas you're traveling, but if you have friends there, they should help, but let me know if you'd like any suggestions. Cheers!
[/quote]

Yeah I've been thinking about these courses. If time allows it, I'll give them a good look (with Old Moray as well). Brora is a strong probability as my itinerary should allow it, but I don't think I'll have time for the others.

If you've got any restaurant suggestions, please don't hesitate. Believe it or not, the friends were visiting are vegeterians, so we'll be eating out!

[MikeMcM]

Nahm Jim for Thai, the Cellar for seafood, Dunvegan for pub food in the St. Andrews area, ,The Rocpool and Cafe 1 in Inverness, The Classroom in Nairn, The Cawdor Tavern between Nairn and Inverness. Enjoy!

[jay65]

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364605880' post='6723461']
Every single person in Aberdeen will tell you that Trump's course there is twice the course Royal Aberdeen is. Played them both and it's no comparison. If you can get those switched, you definitely need to do so.
[/quote]

Certainly not for me! Trumps Course is an abomination and not popular with most of us locals at all actually. I personally wouldn't play it if I was paid the £165 Green fee. Royal Aberdeen is wonderful and he would get a far warmer welcome from the locals here.

[jay65]

[quote name='gp7xs' timestamp='1364609177' post='6723745']
[quote name='MikeMcM' timestamp='1364593817' post='6722405']
Great trip, spend every summer over there, and, these are the best you could do heading north from St. Andrews, where are you staying?
[/quote]

I've got a hotel room in St-Andrews and then it's gonna be mostly staying with friends and family for the rest of my itinerary with 1 or 2 B&B.

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364605880' post='6723461']
Every single person in Aberdeen will tell you that Trump's course there is twice the course Royal Aberdeen is. Played them both and it's no comparison. If you can get those switched, you definitely need to do so.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info! I thought about it but personnally I just don't care much from Trump's courses. I saw it was receiving good reviews but it just doesn't have the history that's attached to Royal Aberdeen. Plus the way that project came to fruition doesn't really entice me to play there.

And playerbb, thanks for the advice, but that part of Scotland is not on my itineray. Probably next year along with Muirfield!
[/quote]

Good for you! You will enjoy Royal Aberdeen very much, as you will Cruden Bay, which is a bit of rollercoaster, but so quirky, but this doesn't detract from the enjoyment one iota. Dornoch is a fabulous experience, which I'm sure you will carry some special memories of. By the way, whilst you are in Cruden Bay, don't forget to stop by in the Kilmarnock Arms in the village, the food is really good and wholesome, and you can have the choice of a fair few good single malts and blended grain Whiskeys, the choice is endless if good Scottish Whiskey is your tipple. Slangevar!

[Chilidog]

That is interesting...I talked with probably 50 locals while I was there for my my trip and of the ones that had played both, they all agreed that Trump's course was a much better course than Royal Aberdeen. Even the members I was paired with at Royal Aberdeen agreed that Trump's course was better.

Have you played Trump's course? I've played 70% of the World's Top 100 and it is in my top 5 best courses in the world.



[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1364810762' post='6735265']
[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364605880' post='6723461']
Every single person in Aberdeen will tell you that Trump's course there is twice the course Royal Aberdeen is. Played them both and it's no comparison. If you can get those switched, you definitely need to do so.
[/quote]

Certainly not for me! Trumps Course is an abomination and not popular with most of us locals at all actually. I personally wouldn't play it if I was paid the £165 Green fee. Royal Aberdeen is wonderful and he would get a far warmer welcome from the locals here.
[/quote]

[jay65]

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364826733' post='6736325']
That is interesting...I talked with probably 50 locals while I was there for my my trip and of the ones that had played both, they all agreed that Trump's course was a much better course than Royal Aberdeen. Even the members I was paired with at Royal Aberdeen agreed that Trump's course was better.

Have you played Trump's course? I've played 70% of the World's Top 100 and it is in my top 5 best courses in the world.



[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1364810762' post='6735265']
[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364605880' post='6723461']
Every single person in Aberdeen will tell you that Trump's course there is twice the course Royal Aberdeen is. Played them both and it's no comparison. If you can get those switched, you definitely need to do so.
[/quote]

Certainly not for me! Trumps Course is an abomination and not popular with most of us locals at all actually. I personally wouldn't play it if I was paid the £165 Green fee. Royal Aberdeen is wonderful and he would get a far warmer welcome from the locals here.
[/quote]
[/quote]

For me its not a matter of how good the Course is, as the OP suggested in one of his posts, its more of a matter of the ethics behind its conception. The true locals (not the Golfing locals) are extremely distressed by the way they were treated by the Trump machine and the local and Scottish Government, as they feel betrayed. Trump by-passed many laws to the detrement of homes and local livelyhoods in the area, then employs mainly foreigners to administer the place.

Its not a political statement, just my and thousands of others in the area, of opinion on the way the Course came into being, no reflection on the quality of the Golf course whatsoever.

Anyway, its all irrelevent to this thread really, as the OP has already heard of this issue and made his mind up that his conscience won't allow him to play there anyhow. If other want to play there, thats their decision, but it wouldn't be where I would ever play and neither of the OP it seems.

[Chilidog]

jay,

Thanks for the insight. Wasn't trying to upset you, just being a local I was interested in your opinion. That's interesting regarding how Trump treated the people. I guess I got the day that the Aberdeenians were working as they were all local and seemed to be 80% women focused. Hate to hear that that there was bad treatment of anyone and definitely a disappointment as the golf course is beautiful.

I enjoyed Royal Aberdeen as well so the OP will have a great time. Great people and some incredible views. Survive the first 7 holes and it gets much easier. As far as golf courses are concerned and taking the politics out of it, I don't think any magazine or reviewers will rate Trump near Royal Aberdeen though. A real shame for the community there. Really hate to hear that.

[jay65]

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364903014' post='6742755']
jay,

Thanks for the insight. Wasn't trying to upset you, just being a local I was interested in your opinion. That's interesting regarding how Trump treated the people. I guess I got the day that the Aberdeenians were working as they were all local and seemed to be 80% women focused. Hate to hear that that there was bad treatment of anyone and definitely a disappointment as the golf course is beautiful.

I enjoyed Royal Aberdeen as well so the OP will have a great time. Great people and some incredible views. Survive the first 7 holes and it gets much easier. As far as golf courses are concerned and taking the politics out of it, I don't think any magazine or reviewers will rate Trump near Royal Aberdeen though. A real shame for the community there. Really hate to hear that.
[/quote]

No problem at all, as I said, its not a reflection on the Course at all. I'm sure that from a Golf Course design point of view its stunning, but from an ethical point of view, it has been a really bad affair. I personally don't take much notice of reviews though in magazines and 'Top 100's' or whatever, as they have a history of being manipulated. Anyhow, as I also said, the OP obviously has heard about these issues and he feels uncomfortable with it, so no argument here.

Play well! No argument with you at all.

[Olmo]

I've heard many good things of Trump course as well, so indeed it has to be pretty fancy links course. Definitely I'll add that to my "before you die" list! I guess we all know how he treated people there but I think that's the different case.

Anyways, I just confimed my last reservation and now everything is set for my Scotland visit later this month. Going to spend there 6 days at the end of a month and now booked following courses:
- St Andrews Castle
- Crail, both courses
- Lundin Link
- Leven

I still have one empty day there because I was planning to attend to the Old course ballott at St. Andrews. Played the legendary old course in 2008 but going this time with friend of mine whi hasn't play there, so I guess it's a worth of shot.

If we are not getting lucky in ballott, I guess we're going to play another Links Trust course. Any recommendations? Or would it be better to go to another place around Fife area? Would love to hear your thoughts. ( And sorry if and when there's some spelling mistakes in my text. I'm not a native English speaker, as you probably noticed:))

[jay65]

[quote name='Olmo' timestamp='1364978136' post='6749769']
I've heard many good things of Trump course as well, so indeed it has to be pretty fancy links course. Definitely I'll add that to my "before you die" list! I guess we all know how he treated people there but I think that's the different case.

Anyways, I just confimed my last reservation and now everything is set for my Scotland visit later this month. Going to spend there 6 days at the end of a month and now booked following courses:
- St Andrews Castle
- Crail, both courses
- Lundin Link
- Leven

I still have one empty day there because I was planning to attend to the Old course ballott at St. Andrews. Played the legendary old course in 2008 but going this time with friend of mine whi hasn't play there, so I guess it's a worth of shot.

If we are not getting lucky in ballott, I guess we're going to play another Links Trust course. Any recommendations? Or would it be better to go to another place around Fife area? Would love to hear your thoughts. ( And sorry if and when there's some spelling mistakes in my text. I'm not a native English speaker, as you probably noticed:))
[/quote]

If you can't get a place in the Old Course ballot, trust me, you will not be short changed to play the New Course at St Andrews. Many prefer it, and consider it a better overall test. Thats speculation, as there is something special that stirs the soul in playing the Old course, but from a pure Golfing point of view, the New Course is superb. If you wanted somewhere a bit 'left field' in Fife, you could certailnly consider Scotscraig. Its a really brilliant test.

[MG 1977]

I've just got back from Turnberry and if I were asked to sum the place up in one word, that word would be 'WOW'. Ayrshire is the other coast from St.Andrews but it's well worth a trip, the Ailsa course is a masterpiece with the Alisa Craig Island and/or the Lighthouse in view on every hole. I've never played Royal Troon but thats not too far up the coast, it would make a trip across well worth it's while if you could play them both. The Hotel at Turnberry is also top notch, it sits on top of a hill over looking the course, lighthouse and Ailsa Craig. It's a Wonderful place to spend a couple of days.

Muirfield is my next must play, thats just across the bay from St.Andrews.

[ohmslaw]

[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1364810762' post='6735265']
[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1364605880' post='6723461']
Every single person in Aberdeen will tell you that Trump's course there is twice the course Royal Aberdeen is. Played them both and it's no comparison. If you can get those switched, you definitely need to do so.
[/quote]

Certainly not for me! Trumps Course is an abomination and not popular with most of us locals at all actually. I personally wouldn't play it if I was paid the £165 Green fee. Royal Aberdeen is wonderful and he would get a far warmer welcome from the locals here.
[/quote]

Not played Trumps course, a friend has and whilst its pretty good, its still showing signs of being a new course, give it a few years, let it mature and then it would be worth a play, I certainly wouldn't drop Royal Aberdeen in faovur of Trumps course.
I have played Royal Aberdeen, hands down one of the best Links courses I've EVER played, and being from the UK I've been lucky enough to play a fair few of them.
Royal Dornoch is golfing heaven, may not be the best course you'll play but on a clear, sunny day I couldn't think of a better place to play golf
St Andrews Old, does it get any better than playing the home of golf? Well it does actually, the more times you play it the more you'll understand the reasoning behind the design.
The New is actually a "better" course than the Old, you'll enjoy that too.
Carnoustie, nice story when I played it.. starter said, "enjoy your round, the first and last holes are tough, in-between its impossible!" Its a great classic course, if you play well, it rewards you, if you don't it will punish you like no other course!

Depending on the time you have, it maybe worthwhile looking into some not so famous courses.
Lundin and Leven, near St Andrews, two very very good courses!
Montrose, 4th or 5th oldest course in the world, very very good too and very cheap to play
Dunbar, quality track
If you want to play some inland courses, Blairgowrie have two great tracks, their hospitality is also second to none.
Gleneagles is also work a play, the Kings and Queens courses are very good, but due to the location are a bit pricey.

[Herm33]

This topic has been great to read as my first ever trip to Scotland is coming up in exactly three weeks. Our group of four is playing the following in order over 9 days:

Nairn
Castle Stuart 36
Royal Dornoch 36 (or as many as they'll let us play!)
Carnoustie
New Course
Old Course
Muirfield 36
N Berwick
Gullane #1

We also have a free day right now after our day of New and Old Course and are thinking ballot for TOC again or Kingsbarns or Crail (or Leven, Lundin, etc.)

One question for anyone that is familiar with Carnoustie area. Our group is wanting to schedule massages for that morning before we play, thinking our bodies will need to be treated to something nice mid-trip. Any recommendations for a good place to get a massage that is close to Carnoustie?

[jay65]

[quote name='Herm33' timestamp='1365103635' post='6761639']
This topic has been great to read as my first ever trip to Scotland is coming up in exactly three weeks. Our group of four is playing the following in order over 9 days:

Nairn
Castle Stuart 36
Royal Dornoch 36 (or as many as they'll let us play!)
Carnoustie
New Course
Old Course
Muirfield 36
N Berwick
Gullane #1

We also have a free day right now after our day of New and Old Course and are thinking ballot for TOC again or Kingsbarns or Crail (or Leven, Lundin, etc.)

One question for anyone that is familiar with Carnoustie area. Our group is wanting to schedule massages for that morning before we play, thinking our bodies will need to be treated to something nice mid-trip. Any recommendations for a good place to get a massage that is close to Carnoustie?
[/quote]

None that are legal spring to mind!! Lol.

[Herm33]

Didn't say they had to be legal.... :-)

[jay65]

[quote name='Herm33' timestamp='1365104473' post='6761759']
Didn't say they had to be legal.... :-)
[/quote]

Well there's Dirty Doreen from Broughty Ferry!??? Lol. Seriously though, if you are playing North Berwick (which is wondeful by the way) The Macdonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick has a spa onsite, so will give you guys that wind down massages therapies you need. And on the other issue, if you had that spare day, I would probably go for Kingsbarns if it were me. You guys will have a fabulous time over here. Good luck to you all.

[ohmslaw]

[quote name='Herm33' timestamp='1365103635' post='6761639']
This topic has been great to read as my first ever trip to Scotland is coming up in exactly three weeks. Our group of four is playing the following in order over 9 days:

Nairn
Castle Stuart 36
Royal Dornoch 36 (or as many as they'll let us play!)
Carnoustie
New Course
Old Course
Muirfield 36
N Berwick
Gullane #1

We also have a free day right now after our day of New and Old Course and are thinking ballot for TOC again or Kingsbarns or Crail (or Leven, Lundin, etc.)

One question for anyone that is familiar with Carnoustie area. Our group is wanting to schedule massages for that morning before we play, thinking our bodies will need to be treated to something nice mid-trip. Any recommendations for a good place to get a massage that is close to Carnoustie?
[/quote]

Played Crail, Lundin and Leven, if I had a choice I play Lundin and Leven again, Crail as got cracking first 6 holes but its less impressive after that.
Dunbar I rate better than Crail too.
If you have a spare day in the Carnoustie area, give Moniefith a try as well, Open Qualifying course!

[sabram]

[quote name='Herm33' timestamp='1365103635' post='6761639']

We also have a free day right now after our day of New and Old Course and are thinking ballot for TOC again or Kingsbarns or Crail (or Leven, Lundin, etc.)

[/quote]

It depends on where you are staying. It looks as though that's your transition day from Fife to East Lothian. If you'll be in East Lothian I'd suggest Dunbar, or if money is no object, Archerfield. If you are staying in Fife then the ones you've mentioned are good choices, with Kingsbarns being the most expensive. Or, if you want a break from links, you might consider Ladybank to add a strong inland course to your experience.

I'll be playing most of the courses on your list starting a week after you. Our morning fourball at Muirfield is all set but the HCEG have not yet confirmed whether we will be allowed to also play afternoon foursomes. Apparently the R&A is concerned about too much play before the Open Championship.

[Herm33]

We also have not confirmed yet with HCEG on availability for foursomes that afternoon (we are playing on Thursday May 3rd.) If we get shut out there we may look at Dunbar or one of the other Gullane courses.

We are staying in St. Andrews for a couple nights so the free day is on our transition day from there to East Lothian. I would imagine we will either try the ballot for TOC or do Kingsbarns.

Thanks for all suggestions from other posts, can't wait to be over there!

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1365160754' post='6766131']
[quote name='Herm33' timestamp='1365103635' post='6761639']

We also have a free day right now after our day of New and Old Course and are thinking ballot for TOC again or Kingsbarns or Crail (or Leven, Lundin, etc.)

[/quote]

It depends on where you are staying. It looks as though that's your transition day from Fife to East Lothian. If you'll be in East Lothian I'd suggest Dunbar, or if money is no object, Archerfield. If you are staying in Fife then the ones you've mentioned are good choices, with Kingsbarns being the most expensive. Or, if you want a break from links, you might consider Ladybank to add a strong inland course to your experience.

I'll be playing most of the courses on your list starting a week after you. Our morning fourball at Muirfield is all set but the HCEG have not yet confirmed whether we will be allowed to also play afternoon foursomes. Apparently the R&A is concerned about too much play before the Open Championship.
[/quote]

[sabram]

[quote name='Herm33' timestamp='1365172256' post='6767225']
We also have not confirmed yet with HCEG on availability for foursomes that afternoon (we are playing on Thursday May 3rd.)
[size=4][/quote][/size]

[size=4]Thursday is May 2nd... You don't want to miss it by a day. I'll be there May 9, so don't take too many divots [/size] [size=4] [/size][size=4] [/size]

[Shemp]

[quote name='MG 1977' timestamp='1365076129' post='6758259']
I've just got back from Turnberry and if I were asked to sum the place up in one word, that word would be 'WOW'. Ayrshire is the other coast from St.Andrews but it's well worth a trip, the Ailsa course is a masterpiece with the Alisa Craig Island and/or the Lighthouse in view on every hole. I've never played Royal Troon but thats not too far up the coast, it would make a trip across well worth it's while if you could play them both. The Hotel at Turnberry is also top notch, it sits on top of a hill over looking the course, lighthouse and Ailsa Craig. It's a Wonderful place to spend a couple of days.

Muirfield is my next must play, thats just across the bay from St.Andrews.
[/quote]

I agree about Turnberry. It's my favorite golf course. My ancestors were deeded their property from Robert The Bruce. The ruins of his birth castle are next to the lighthouse and I have to say it was a thrill to feel the connection to history.

I landed a shot in a large grass bunker alongside a fairway while playing there and my caddie came up to me and said "Now Jack, don't be taking too deep a divot from that bunker!" I asked "why?" He responded "because that's a WWII bomb crater you're hitting out of!"

Muirfield is everything they say it is. We played 36, ate lunch with the members, and had a thoroughly splendid experience. Also try to get to North Berwick when there, a real gem.

[sabram]

I agree about Turnberry. It's my favorite golf course. My ancestors were deeded their property from Robert The Bruce. The ruins of his birth castle are next to the lighthouse .

 

You can see the ruins in this photo from the 9th tee

 

Turnberry Ailsa #9 view from tee - b by tewiespix, on Flickr