Solo trip to Scotland and Ireland; looking for games

g_double · February 23, 2016

Hello Everyone,

Let me preface this by saying that I understand Ireland is not part of the UK, however, this section seems to get more views and active participation so I'm taking my chances.

On April 6th I'll be landing in Shannon to start a 24 day solo-golf trip in Western Ireland and then the Aberdeen and St. Andrews areas of Scotland.

I'm looking for members of clubs/courses to play with at various links courses so that I can get a feel for the culture and history of the club as well as enjoy the course with someone sure to love and appreciate its nuances. Additionally, it won't hurt to not need a caddie at every course given the local knowledge members possess.

About me: I'm a 35 y/o male, who hasn't played much golf the last few months given the winter here in Colorado, who currently plays to between an 8 and 10 HCP. I'm a member of a links course here in Colorado and I'm completely in love with everything about links golf, including the unpredictable weather. I don't play slow, don't throw or ground clubs, am respectful of the course and am generally considered good company on the course.

Courses I'm looking to play:

Southwest Ireland between 4/6 and 4/11 (I'll be based out of Tralee and traveling by car):

Ballybunion

Dooks

Waterville

Lahinch (playing with a member)

Tralee (playing 4/11 with a member)

Northwest Ireland between 4/13 and 4/18 (I'll be based out of Belmullet for two nights and then Letterkenny, traveling by car)

Carne

Enniscrone or Strandhill

Rosapenna

Narin & Portnoo

Ballyliffin (know a member)

Northern Ireland

Royal Portrush

Aberdeen, Scotland between 4/20 and 4/23 (based out of Aberdeen and traveling by train/bus/whatever)

Royal Aberdeen

Cruden Bay

Murcar Links

Newburgh on Ythan

St. Andrews between 4/24 and 4/28 (I'll be very near the 18th green of The Old Course and will travel mostly by foot/b

Elie

Kingsbarns

I'm open to some other suggestions as well. Please feel free to PM me if you'd like some more information or have ideas to discuss in private, such as better places to meet members of these clubs/courses.

Thank you,

Garen

HoffTTM · February 24, 2016

Could try the forums of a UK based magazine called Golf Monthly and see how you get on. Depending on the dates you could also look to play in open competitions that certain clubs might be running.

g_double · February 24, 2016

Thanks for the response and the ideas!

TheDailyDuffer · February 24, 2016

WRX really just need to merge the UK and Ireland section into a GB&I section, and have another section for the rest of Europe.

Is this your first golf trip to GB&I? Are you really not planning on playing the Old Course or have you just not listed it?

Firstly I'd certainly recommend renting a car in Scotland. Its not all that expensive, and doing a good bit of public transport with your clubs is going to be rough. Honestly i bet you save money by renting a car.

More information on the way.

g_double · February 24, 2016

WRX really just need to merge the UK and Ireland section into a GB&I section, and have another section for the rest of Europe.

Is this your first golf trip to GB&I? Are you really not planning on playing the Old Course or have you just not listed it?

Firstly I'd certainly recommend renting a car in Scotland. Its not all that expensive, and doing a good bit of public transport with your clubs is going to be rough. Honestly i bet you save money by renting a car.

More information on the way.

It is my first trip and I thought that might look weird about St. Andrews. A friend of mine in London has introduced me to someone on the board of the local golf community there in St. Andrews so I'm confident he will sort me out. If he doesn't, I will likely inquire here for some company. Regardless, rest assured that I will be playing in and around St. Andrews until I can't walk as it's where I'm finishing my trip.

Thanks for your thoughts on renting a car vs. public transport. I look forward to the other information you're going to provide.

HoffTTM · February 26, 2016

Public transport around St Andrews is a complete pain starting with it not having a train station.

here is the info re buses but i would certainly recommend car/taxi to get to the likes of the Golf House Club or Kingsbarns.

http://publications.1fife.org.uk/uploadfiles/publications/c64_STANDREWSBUSSTATIONPOSTERSFINALNOV15.pdf

g_double · February 26, 2016

HoffTTM: Thanks for the suggestion, it is definitely something I'll look into.

I'm now considering limiting my time in NW Ireland and instead replacing one day with a trip to Portstewart as I'm already trying to get to Portrush.

For those of you that have played in NW Ireland, if you could pick only one place to play between Rosapenna, Portsalon, and Narin & Portnoo, which would you choose and why?

Thanks,

Garen

TheDailyDuffer · March 2, 2016

Here a few pictures of Fraserburgh which is only a short drive from Cruden Bay. Disclaimer: Im a terrible photographer and i was running out of memory on my phone so don't judge the place too hard on my lack of photographic talent.

I also have a short video, but i don't think that i can post that here.

HoffTTM · March 3, 2016

Here a few pictures of Fraserburgh which is only a short drive from Cruden Bay. Disclaimer: Im a terrible photographer and i was running out of memory on my phone so don't judge the place too hard on my lack of photographic talent.

I also have a short video, but i don't think that i can post that here.

Speaking of the underrated Fraserburgh:

TheInfidel · March 3, 2016

Hi, Open Medals are a great way to get access to courses in Scotland that you otherwise would have difficulty with. I've posted a link below to Golf Empire, they keep a refreshed list of the Opens, the dates and prices etc. It might help.

http://www.golfempir...00/scotland.htm

I grew up in the NW of Ireland and out of the courses you've listed I would hit up Rosapenna and the lesser spotted Dunfanaghy. Dunfanaghy was laid out in 1905 by Harry Vardon and is €25 for a round during the week. I'll post pics of the 9th and 10th. That should be enough to give you something to ponder.....

g_double · March 6, 2016

Thank you both for the suggestions and information. I'll definitely look into Dunfanaghy, I had not given it any consideration until now so thank you.

I'll also try to check out Fraserburgh when in the Aberdeen area.

Thanks again guys,

G

mdannolfo · March 20, 2016

I've played Strandhill and Enniscrone. Enniscrone is a better track. The dunes are amazing. Similar to Carne. Sligo or Roses Point is closer to Strandhill and a nice track. Doesn't have the crazy dunes, but beautiful scenery.

You may want to email the clubs directly you want to play at and the dates and tell them you are interested in playing with a member or members. I made all my reservations via email when playing in Ireland and Scotland. The clubs are all very welcoming. A bit different then here in the states where you need to know a member or your pro has to have a connection.

Sounds like a great trip. I found the Irish and the Scots to be wonderful hosts. If I didn't have two little ones, I would go over every year. Can't wait to get back.