Golf Your Heart Out in Scotland
Scotland is a golfer’s paradise, and this sample itinerary will have you teeing up at some of the world’s most renowned courses. . .
Photo courtesy of Gather DMC
We know from some of our most beloved clients—and indeed from our own CEO Margaret—that keen golfers will go just about anywhere to check those coveted courses off of their bucket list.
Scotland just might be at the top of the list for many golf aficionados, probably because golf was first recorded here in the 15th century! Fast forward a few hundred years, and Scotland is home to nearly 600 golf courses. Some say Scotland boasts more courses per capita than any country in the world.
As such, we teamed up with our on-the-ground golf partners in the UK to dream up a sample itinerary that will have you packing your golf clubs in no time. Every Poe Travel trip is custom designed, so this itinerary is only meant to give you a glimpse into what is possible when planning a few days on some of the world’s most storied courses. And if you’re traveling with loved ones who perhaps aren’t as keen on golf as you are, never fear! There are suggestions for the non-golfers too!
Here’s an idea for four golf-filled days (six nights total) in Scotland. . .
Day 1
Arrival & St. Andrews
After your international flight across the Atlantic, meet your private driver at the Edinburgh Airport for a transfer to St. Andrews. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to acclimate to your new surroundings.
Depending on your preferences and travel style, we will recommend a hotel in St. Andrews. We personally love Rufflets, Old Course, and Rusacks, but your advisor will know which one suits you best!
Day 2
The Old Course, St. Andrews
You’re starting your trip off very strong with a day of golf at the legendary Old Course, the birthplace of golf and a place where the sport has been played for over 600 years. The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are recognized across the globe. Even so, the Old Course remains a public golf course, open to all. For this reason, securing a tee time can be nigh on impossible, but thankfully, our connections in Scotland mean we can help out with this!
Photo courtesy of Gather DMC
It’s impossible to forget, as you tee up at the first hole, that you are following in the footsteps of all the legends who have ever played the game. Playing very much out and back, if you tend to fade the ball you may find the outward seven holes a challenge, but playing here is one great experience after another.
Top tip: take a caddy and LISTEN TO THEM, even when you think there is no way they could be right! Remember that the course originally played the other way around and there are bunkers located in places you wouldn't expect.
For the non-golfers, today is a day to relax at your hotel and take advantage of the amenities. Alternatively, we can arrange for a private walking tour of St. Andrews to give them a chance to stretch their legs.
Day 3
Stirling & Scone/Golf at Carnoustie
For the non-golfers, today is a chance to meet up with a private local driver-guide for a journey out to some of the most stunning spots in Edinburgh’s surrounds.
Your journey will take you via Stirling. Holding the pass to the Highlands, Stirling once occupied a crucial strategic position in Scotland’s struggles for independence. Dominating the skyline are Stirling Castle, one of the country’s most famous castles, and the Wallace Monument, commemorating William Wallace’s crushing defeat of the English led by King Edward I at Stirling Bridge in 1297. This foreshadowed Robert the Bruce’s victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
The day also brings you to Scone Palace, seat of the Earl of Mansfield and one of Scotland’s most impressive palaces. The present Georgian palace incorporates older buildings dating to the 16th century. This is the place that the “Stone of Destiny” was found, upon which Scottish monarchs, including Robert the Bruce, were crowned. This is why Scone is known as the “Crowning Place of Scottish Kings.” The stone was most recently used in the coronation of King Charles III in Westminster in May 2023.
As for today’s golfing adventure, you’ll find yourselves on Carnoustie’s Championship Course. One of the greatest golf courses in the world, Carnoustie is cloaked in prestige and eminency. Play on this course, located on the east coast of Scotland, can be traced to the 16th century, and its standing in the game has always been significant. The Open Championship has been played eight times at Carnoustie. The mark of a great golf course is that it produces great winners, and given that the list of major winners on this course includes the likes of Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, it’s fair to say that Carnoustie is one of the toughest around.
Photo courtesy of Gather DMC
As you move through the course, take in frequent views of the North Sea. When swirling winds abound, Carnoustie becomes a substantial battle between player and course. On a fine day, however, a round on Carnoustie’s Championship Course can be like taking a walk through a glorious meadowland. The natural links atmosphere is evident in the hilly mounds and the rolling terrain, and it is an experience that will be enjoyed even by those who have the worst rounds here.
Day 4
Kingsbarns Golf Club/Edinburgh
Photo courtesy of Gather DMC
For the golfers in the group, a driver-guide will take you to Kingsbarns. The golf links at Kingsbarns, easily one of the most breathtaking in the world, opened to rapturous applause in 2000. The course is traditional in nature but features world-class design with its current championship layout, which was designed by Kyle Phillips. The course has received accolade after accolade, used frequently as a local qualifying course for The Open, along with other prestigious tournaments.
Once you’ve finished your 18 holes, pop into the nearby award-winning Kingsbarns Distillery. Located in the beautiful East Neuk of Fife, the whiskey distillery (alongside their sister Darnley’s Gin distillery), sits in a charming 18th-century converted farm steading. Kingsbarns is one of Scotland’s newest distilleries and is owned by the Weymyss family, who have a longstanding passion for malt whiskey. Along with fellow enthusiasts, enjoy a guided tour and a warming dram.
The non-golfers can use today to head into Edinburgh with a driver-guide for a day of touring. Depending on your interests, here are a few places you may want to visit:
Palace of Holyroodhouse – The official residence of Scottish monarchs for over 500 years, Holyroodhouse has strong historical links with Mary, Queen of Scots.
Royal Yacht Britannia - Having clocked a million miles around the world, the Royal Yacht Britannia played host to the Royal Family on holidays and four royal honeymoons. The Royal Apartments saw state visits and official receptions with guests such as Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan, Rajiv Gandhi, and more. This was the late Queen’s home at sea for forty years and has been described as the only place she felt she could truly relax.
The National Museum of Scotland – This museum’s stunning building seamlessly joins up Edinburgh’s traditional Georgian architecture with a contemporary new wing. It is home to diverse collections that will take you through the history of Scotland, the wonders of nature, art and design, science and technology, and world cultures. This is the guardian of Scottish history.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery – Opened to the public in 1889 as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery, this is the place to come face-to-face with famous historical figures such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter SCott, and Prince Charles Edward Stuart, along with more recent pioneers in science, sport, and the arts.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street – Discover how, rather than settling for the status quo, Johnnie Walker’s pioneering spirit, resiliency, and bold creativity continue to set them apart as drivers of innovation, social connection, and downright delicious drinks.
Day 5
The New Course, St. Andrews
The non-golfers can enjoy a well-earned day of respite today, relaxing at the hotel or exploring St. Andrews. Or, if your group is especially active, we can arrange some more private touring for them depending on their interests.
Photo courtesy of Gather DMC
Golfers will enjoy St. Andrews’ New Course today. Built in the traditional out and back fashion, the New Course dates back to 1895—so it is only really “new” compared to its much older sibling! Located adjacent to the Jubilee Course, its international perception is really only dwarfed by the Old Course. Heather and gorse is much more the order of the day here, and this only adds to the significant challenge posed by the course’s 6,625-yard layout. Although little can match the history of the Old Course, the New Course is regarded as the stiffer challenge!
Day 6
Onward Travels
You’ll check out of your St. Andrews hotel today, and your private driver will either return you to the Edinburgh Airport for your flight home or onto the next portion of your journey. Whether you’re planning on enjoying more time in Scotland or hopping over to England or Ireland to continue your golfing and cultural explorations, Poe Travel will set you on your way in style.
If you would like to Go Away to golf in Scotland, contact us. We will design a customized itinerary to suit your group’s interest and energy levels.