Putting together a Scotland trip

jas904 · June 17, 2014

Fellow WRX'rs,

For anyone that is or may be thinking about making a Scotland trip, I would be more than happy to share my experiences. I have organized three "once-in-a-lifetime" trips that occurred in 2010, 2012, and 2014. In 2010 there were 8 golfers, 2012 - 2 and 2014 - 4. Prior to 2010 I have never been out of the United States. I say this because it's really not that difficult. I've learned that planning golf trips has become a passion of mine. I have a travel binder from each trip containing info that I can share in a .pdf. I am just a regular working guy who has no ties or connections to the travel industry. I have nothing to gain from this other than enjoyment of talking about traveling to Scotland. Send me a PM if you wish and we can chat.

Jason

tiderider · June 18, 2014

i've been 3 times ... just curious ... did you play the old course, and if you did, how did you get a tee time? ... i played the 3rd time, but went the "2 year advanced tee time" route ... and did you play muirfield? ...

aked · June 18, 2014

I'd love to see that information. I currently have 4 nights booked at Turnberry in May 2015 but haven't gotten much done beyond that.

tiderider · June 18, 2014

i would assume you still have a shot at troon, which is next door ... prestwick is where they played the first 5 opens (or so), and it's next door as well ... nice course with some history ... being a year out, i don't think there's much difficulty with any of em except the old course and muirfield ... muirfield is semipublic and only allows visitors on tues/th unless you're staying at some fancy hotel next door, which allows friday play, i believe ...

jas904 · June 18, 2014

[quote name='tiderider' timestamp='1403130600' post='9527523']
i've been 3 times ... just curious ... did you play the old course, and if you did, how did you get a tee time? ... i played the 3rd time, but went the "2 year advanced tee time" route ... and did you play muirfield? ...
[/quote]
I played the Old in 2010 and 2014. Each trip I got tee times following the Advance Reservations closely. They open up applications in January for the same year. I submitted my applications on the exact day and time (which meant sending the email at 3am my time) that they opened it up. With all of the big name courses I have found that planning your trip well in advance is the key to success. I started planning each trip in October the year prior for a May visit. I would also know the "busy dates" calendar when they release it. If you are set on playing the Old don't go during busy dates.

During our 2012 trip we went during the R&A Spring Meeting week. We didn't mind because we weren't planning on the Old for that trip. It turned out to be a great move. The day we played the New a single joined us. On the 17th tee we found out we was a R&A member from Canada in town for the meeting. He invited us in to the R&A after our round. It was the last day that guests were allowed in before the meetings began. We borrowed coats and ties from the gent who's bed and breakfast we were staying at. My coat was about three sizes to large, didn't matter as long as I didn't put my arms down. Sitting in the R&A drinking gin and tonics while watching the sunset over the 18th on the Old was an experience I will never forget. Afterwards we hung out with the member and bought him dinner and more drinks at the Dunvegan. On the other nights we met R&A guys in the pubs. They are a great bunch of guys who love to drink.

I played Muirfield in 2010. Absolutely fabulous. You are correct, Tuesdays and Thursdays only for guests. What most people don't realize about Muirfield is the 36 hole option. Muirfield is the only venue that I would highly recommend taking a coat and tie. After your morning round, playing your own ball, you put on your coat and tie and have lunch in the clubhouse. You are only getting in with a coat and tie. The clubhouse is spectacular. So much history. After lunch, throw your golf shirt back on in the locker room and head back out. They only allow alternate shot in the afternoons. It's a blast.

jas904 · June 18, 2014

[quote name='aked' timestamp='1403136356' post='9528015']
I'd love to see that information. I currently have 4 nights booked at Turnberry in May 2015 but haven't gotten much done beyond that.
[/quote]

With each of my trips we have started out in St Andrews then went elsewhere. In 2010 we went a little south to Muirfield/North Berwick area. In 2012 we went west to Turnberry/Troon area and in 2014 we went north to Aberdeen. I'm assuming you are playing Turnberry which is great. I would also highly recommend Troon. Also take a look at Western Gailes it a little lesser known but a great course. I bet if they had the facilities and the ability to hold crowds it could be an Open venue. Prestwick gets somewhat mixed opinions. It has a lot of history but in my opinion they are getting a little too much mileage out of hosting the first Open in 1860. The course is good but not great. On another note I would strongly suggest to take a caddy whenever you can, such as at Turnberry and Troon. It adds so much to the experience.

If you PM me your email address I'll send you a copy of my trip planning binder from 2012 that will have that information.