The Traveller's Magazine
Golf is certainly more popular in the USA but if you’re a Tiger Woods at heart and you don’t want to cross the Atlantic for a putting holiday, there are plenty of courses close to home that will certainly give your driver a run for its money. We’re talking about you, Scotland!
Golfing in Scotland doesn’t come without its challenges. For one, the wind and the rain are just part of the game here! Seasoned golfers will know that Scottish courses are varied and fun, with lots of surprises along the way. These are some of the best links available up north.
Best golf courses in Scotland
Royal Dornoch Golf Club – This course has been described as the “most natural in the world,” and “the most fun” so it’s bound to be a good choice in Sutherland, tucked away between some sand dunes along the North Sea. The challenge? The wind! It takes a little practice to get used to those Dornoch gusts but that’s all part of the fun.
The Old Course at St. Andrews Links – This is often referred to as the grandfather of golf course architecture with many golf courses either modelled after this one or inspired by features of it. A lot of golfers sit on the fence though, between loving the expansive greens or hating them. Same with all the blind shots.
Muirfield – Located in East Lothian, Muirfield is a pretty low-key and straightforward course. Almost every shot is visible and considerably well-defined. The routing changes direction at every hold to give golfers a chance against the wind and changing wind conditions.
Turnberry Resort – These legendary links were practically destroyed by World War II. Not from bombs but from military air strips with were laid here during the wartime years. The concrete runways have been torn up though and the course re-established.
Carnoustie Golf Links – This championship course is not for the beginner golfer. It’s one of the longest and toughest Open venues which has been testing golfers since the 1930s when the last three holes were created.
Kingsbarns Golf Links – This St. Andrews course looks very natural in its setting. It was a priority for architects to transforms the lifeless farm fields into something special, but not overbearing on the landscapes surrounding it. The routing is crescent-moon shaped, hugging the Fife coastline with holes at three different levels and amazing views of the ocean.
Trump International Golf Links – This course in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire is only two years old but is already making waves in the golf world as one of the best. It’s set amongst some dramatic sand dunes along the course, with some 100 feet above the fairways. As you can tell by the name, this course is owned by Donald Trump.
How to bring your clubs on an airplane
British Airways
Gold clubs and umbrellas can be brought as checked luggage on any flight as long as it does not exceed maximum weight restrictions for checked luggage. They must be packed in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.
- The bag can be up to a maximum size of 190cm x 75cm x 65cm.
- Bags weighing more than 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge.
- A golfing umbrella or parasol carried separately counts as one item of baggage.
Ryanair
Sporting equipment such as golf clubs may be carried in the hold of the aircraft in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance up to a limit of 20kg per item upon payment of a discounted online fee of £50 per item, per one way flight. If purchased at the airport, the fee of £60 per item/per one way flight. Any sports equipment weighing over 20kg will be charged for the excess at the applicable excess baggage rate per kilo.
EasyJet
One item of sports equipment can be carried in addition to your hold baggage allowance. Golf equipment is considered a small sports equipment (items up to 20kg) and includes golf shoes. You will be charged an additional non-refundable fee for each item carried. To bring your golf clubs as luggage, simply select the “Sports Equipment” option when you book your flights to Edinburgh or other Scottish destination.
Ready for your golfing adventure?
