Scotland Golf Trip 101 (The Compass Guide)

[tiderider]

i would play the new if you have not played it ... i was assigned castle since i did not put a preference, but i've played the new before ... many of the locals prefer the new over the old, but i suspect part of that is scottish contrarianism ...

[az2au]

Thoughts on Castle over New? We have plans for Old, Kingsbarns, North Berwick, Muirfield and we have to play 1 other course at St Andrews. My thinking is this, I know Castle is new, and you aren't getting the history or "true" Scottish experience. My fiance, who is a really good golfer and can't wait to play in Scotland, loves beautiful courses (Arcadia Bluffs, Pebble, Bandon etc). Do the views make it worth it? I feel like we have 3 great all time courses in TOC, NB and Muirfield. Would Kingsbarns and Castle be too similar, or not worth traveling that far to play both? (I'm not comparing the quality, but they are both new designs, moved land, great views etc). I guess I am stuck on going to Scotland and playing courses that I am older than.

Castle has more dramatic views than Kingsbarns and it is a similar quality course in my mind. The main difference after having played both a handful of times is that Kingsbarns is pretty easy and Castle is not. On a heavy wind day Castle is downright difficult. When we were there in August this year I was with a guy that I work with that's about a 18 index. In a nice wind on the Old he had his best day in years and shot 82. In a similar wind on Castle I'm going to say he actually shot around 125. I think his scorecard said 112 but that was very generous. I don't think he hit the ball all that differently. I shot 80 on Old playing like I'd forgotten how to swing a club and 82 on Castle with pretty much my A game. I'd say Kingsbarns' difficultly level is somewhere between Old and Castle. Oh and I like both of them a lot other than 18 at Kingsbarns which is a terrible closing hole that doesn't fit the rest of the course IMO.

[davep043]

I just received my confirmation for the singles lottery. Sweet. I'm booked for the Castle Course on April 23rd at 11 am, and the Old Course on April 24th at 11:20 am. It's a little earlier in the year than I was hoping for, but I'll take it. Hopefully the weather will be cooperative.

 

This is my first trip across the pond. I'll likely take a red eye that arrives early in the morning. Given that I have to take a train/bus to St Andrews, I imagine I won't play on round on the day of arrival. I guess an afternoon round is a possibility. Any thoughts on playing the afternoon of arrival?

Last time I went, we had lunch, walked around town, and ended up playing the New Course. Its an excellent course, but after about 10 or 11 holes we were done in. No sleep on the flight, a couple of pints at lunch, completely nackered. But at that point we were about two miles from civilization, so we played on in. I recommend you do the same, you'll get over any jet lag, you'll stay awake to a reasonable hour, and you'll have a lot of fun.

Thoughts on Castle over New? We have plans for Old, Kingsbarns, North Berwick, Muirfield and we have to play 1 other course at St Andrews. My thinking is this, I know Castle is new, and you aren't getting the history or "true" Scottish experience. My fiance, who is a really good golfer and can't wait to play in Scotland, loves beautiful courses (Arcadia Bluffs, Pebble, Bandon etc). Do the views make it worth it? I feel like we have 3 great all time courses in TOC, NB and Muirfield. Would Kingsbarns and Castle be too similar, or not worth traveling that far to play both? (I'm not comparing the quality, but they are both new designs, moved land, great views etc). I guess I am stuck on going to Scotland and playing courses that I am older than.

I actually enjoyed the Jubilee quite a lot. Its good and tough, but with much bigger dunes on a few holes than at any other course in the town. I'd probably play that before the New, given the choice, and having played both. I've not played the Castle, and from everything I've read, probably wouldn't, but I've read some review that really enjoyed it.

[mci711]

Thanks for the responses. Seems like everyone is torn between the St Andrews courses. Guess you can't go wrong whichever courses you end up playing. Thanks again.

[TheInfidel]

Thoughts on Castle over New? We have plans for Old, Kingsbarns, North Berwick, Muirfield and we have to play 1 other course at St Andrews. My thinking is this, I know Castle is new, and you aren't getting the history or "true" Scottish experience. My fiance, who is a really good golfer and can't wait to play in Scotland, loves beautiful courses (Arcadia Bluffs, Pebble, Bandon etc). Do the views make it worth it? I feel like we have 3 great all time courses in TOC, NB and Muirfield. Would Kingsbarns and Castle be too similar, or not worth traveling that far to play both? (I'm not comparing the quality, but they are both new designs, moved land, great views etc). I guess I am stuck on going to Scotland and playing courses that I am older than.

Castle has more dramatic views than Kingsbarns and it is a similar quality course in my mind. The main difference after having played both a handful of times is that Kingsbarns is pretty easy and Castle is not. On a heavy wind day Castle is downright difficult. When we were there in August this year I was with a guy that I work with that's about a 18 index. In a nice wind on the Old he had his best day in years and shot 82. In a similar wind on Castle I'm going to say he actually shot around 125. I think his scorecard said 112 but that was very generous. I don't think he hit the ball all that differently. I shot 80 on Old playing like I'd forgotten how to swing a club and 82 on Castle with pretty much my A game. I'd say Kingsbarns' difficultly level is somewhere between Old and Castle. Oh and I like both of them a lot other than 18 at Kingsbarns which is a terrible closing hole that doesn't fit the rest of the course IMO.

 

I think many of us Scotland based links golfers would agree with you on the closing hole and Kingsbarns, but I would just add that only one of the two courses is on the rotation for the Dunhill Links and hosted the Womens British Open, for me Kingsbarns gets the vote over Castle every time. It's a course which falls much more naturally into the landscape and hasn't had the greens re-worked to make it fairer. Just my view.

[dcmidnight]

Guess you can't go wrong whichever courses you end up playing. Thanks again.

 

You really cannot go wrong.

 

And - just me apparently - but I liked the 18th at KB, thought it was tough but fine.

[mci711]

What is a good first-day course? Flying overnight, get in early and don't have anything scheduled. Planning on checking out Edinburgh a little bit, but was thinking I may want to get out later in the afternoon for a nice walk since it gets dark quite late in August. Staying in St Andrews, current thought is driving down to Elie. It seems a little bit shorter, pretty short drive looks interesting.. Elie Tuesday, New or Castle Wed, Old Course Thursday, Kingsbarns Friday, North Berwick Saturday. Thoughts?

[davep043]

What is a good first-day course? Flying overnight, get in early and don't have anything scheduled. Planning on checking out Edinburgh a little bit, but was thinking I may want to get out later in the afternoon for a nice walk since it gets dark quite late in August. Staying in St Andrews, current thought is driving down to Elie. It seems a little bit shorter, pretty short drive looks interesting.. Elie Tuesday, New or Castle Wed, Old Course Thursday, Kingsbarns Friday, North Berwick Saturday. Thoughts?

If you go into Edinburgh, after a morning arrival, and THEN go to St Andrews, you may not have time for a round of golf. I'd suggest you do what I did last time I was there. Arrive, drive direct to St Andrews, check in, walk around a bit, get some lunch, and then play. You might think about the Eden Course. Harry Colt and Donald Steele, par 70, its not going to be the toughest course you play, but to me that's smart for the first day.

Elie is a wonderful course, but I'm not sure I'd want to fly in, go to St Andrews, and then get back in the car to drive to Elie.

Also a question about your last day, you're planning to drive through/around Edinburgh to play at North Berwick? That's something like 2 hours driving in good traffic each way. I loved North Berwick, but I'm not sure its worth that drive, unless maybe you're planning to stay there after golf.

[mci711]

What is a good first-day course? Flying overnight, get in early and don't have anything scheduled. Planning on checking out Edinburgh a little bit, but was thinking I may want to get out later in the afternoon for a nice walk since it gets dark quite late in August. Staying in St Andrews, current thought is driving down to Elie. It seems a little bit shorter, pretty short drive looks interesting.. Elie Tuesday, New or Castle Wed, Old Course Thursday, Kingsbarns Friday, North Berwick Saturday. Thoughts?

If you go into Edinburgh, after a morning arrival, and THEN go to St Andrews, you may not have time for a round of golf. I'd suggest you do what I did last time I was there. Arrive, drive direct to St Andrews, check in, walk around a bit, get some lunch, and then play. You might think about the Eden Course. Harry Colt and Donald Steele, par 70, its not going to be the toughest course you play, but to me that's smart for the first day.

Elie is a wonderful course, but I'm not sure I'd want to fly in, go to St Andrews, and then get back in the car to drive to Elie.

Also a question about your last day, you're planning to drive through/around Edinburgh to play at North Berwick? That's something like 2 hours driving in good traffic each way. I loved North Berwick, but I'm not sure its worth that drive, unless maybe you're planning to stay there after golf.

 

I would be driving to North Berwick the day before and staying the night there, play the next morning then go to Airport. But, I just found out bad news. North Berwick seems to be closed to the public on Saturdays. My only concrete tee time is Thursday morning at TOC and I am planning around that. Get in early Tuesday 6am, and leave Edinburgh late Saturday 8pm. TOC and North Berwick are really my 2 must plays while I am there. I may try for North Berwick on Wednesday then drive to St Andrews for the rest of the trip. That leaves my Tuesday open.

[davep043]

What is a good first-day course? Flying overnight, get in early and don't have anything scheduled. Planning on checking out Edinburgh a little bit, but was thinking I may want to get out later in the afternoon for a nice walk since it gets dark quite late in August. Staying in St Andrews, current thought is driving down to Elie. It seems a little bit shorter, pretty short drive looks interesting.. Elie Tuesday, New or Castle Wed, Old Course Thursday, Kingsbarns Friday, North Berwick Saturday. Thoughts?

If you go into Edinburgh, after a morning arrival, and THEN go to St Andrews, you may not have time for a round of golf. I'd suggest you do what I did last time I was there. Arrive, drive direct to St Andrews, check in, walk around a bit, get some lunch, and then play. You might think about the Eden Course. Harry Colt and Donald Steele, par 70, its not going to be the toughest course you play, but to me that's smart for the first day.

Elie is a wonderful course, but I'm not sure I'd want to fly in, go to St Andrews, and then get back in the car to drive to Elie.

Also a question about your last day, you're planning to drive through/around Edinburgh to play at North Berwick? That's something like 2 hours driving in good traffic each way. I loved North Berwick, but I'm not sure its worth that drive, unless maybe you're planning to stay there after golf.

 

I would be driving to North Berwick the day before and staying the night there, play the next morning then go to Airport. But, I just found out bad news. North Berwick seems to be closed to the public on Saturdays. My only concrete tee time is Thursday morning at TOC and I am planning around that. Get in early Tuesday 6am, and leave Edinburgh late Saturday 8pm. TOC and North Berwick are really my 2 must plays while I am there. I may try for North Berwick on Wednesday then drive to St Andrews for the rest of the trip. That leaves my Tuesday open.

In that case, think about playing the Glen, on the other side of North Berwick. It sits up above some ocean cliffs, so its not a true links, but it's fun, with really great views. You could also consider staying in Gullane, and playing one of the three courses there after a bit of lunch. Gullane #1 is the most "renowned" of those, but #2 and #3 are just fine for an "arrival" day round, and may not need to be pre-booked.

[Argonne69]

'Going to need cash for the caddies and miscellaneous expenses. Did you bring local currency from the U.S., or use an ATM in St Andrews?

[davep043]

'Going to need cash for the caddies and miscellaneous expenses. Did you bring local currency from the U.S., or use an ATM in St Andrews?

I did what most sources recommend, using a local ATM, just let your bank know you'll be using the card in Scotland. I know there's one just outside of TESCO in Market Street, and I'm sure there are a bunch more. You'll get a MUCH better rate through your bank card than you will exchanging cash in the US.

[az2au]

Yep, just use an ATM. They’re everywhere.

[Hawkeye77]

Local ATM. I saw a guy give caddies US currency, they didn't seem too excited about it and I wouldn't blame them, but they were gracious about now having to likely pay to have it changed and not getting much of a tip, lol. And all indications were it was a positive experience.

 

I'd strongly recommend paying them in pounds.

[Hawkeye77]

'Going to need cash for the caddies and miscellaneous expenses. Did you bring local currency from the U.S., or use an ATM in St Andrews?

I did what most sources recommend, using a local ATM, just let your bank know you'll be using the card in Scotland. I know there's one just outside of TESCO in Market Street, and I'm sure there are a bunch more. You'll get a MUCH better rate through your bank card than you will exchanging cash in the US.

 

Downstairs at clubhouse up the hill from Old Course first tee by the New Course has a couple of nice ones. I preferred those to just standing on the sidewalk, which is pretty common. Some banks have them inside.

[Hawkeye77]

I've gotten to where I prefer to pay cash at restaurants and do 99% of the time - so carried their cash for eating and drinks at pubs, etc.

[duffer987]

I would be driving to North Berwick the day before and staying the night there, play the next morning then go to Airport. But, I just found out bad news. North Berwick seems to be closed to the public on Saturdays. My only concrete tee time is Thursday morning at TOC and I am planning around that. Get in early Tuesday 6am, and leave Edinburgh late Saturday 8pm. TOC and North Berwick are really my 2 must plays while I am there. I may try for North Berwick on Wednesday then drive to St Andrews for the rest of the trip. That leaves my Tuesday open.

In that case, think about playing the Glen, on the other side of North Berwick. It sits up above some ocean cliffs, so its not a true links, but it's fun, with really great views. You could also consider staying in Gullane, and playing one of the three courses there after a bit of lunch. Gullane #1 is the most "renowned" of those, but #2 and #3 are just fine for an "arrival" day round, and may not need to be pre-booked.

Go play Goswick if you are going to have an extra day in East Lothian and looking for a round on the Tues. As long as they don't have an event on you can give them a heads up you'd be coming around the afternoon for a game and you'd have no problem getting on or just show up.

[mci711]

Thoughts on Crail Vs Elie? It would be a 2nd round of the day add-on. Not worried about price, drive etc but purely golf course vs golf course and experience.

[davep043]

Thoughts on Crail Vs Elie? It would be a 2nd round of the day add-on. Not worried about price, drive etc but purely golf course vs golf course and experience.

I think I'd prefer Elie, but I can't put my finger on a specific reason. Both are pleasant, not excessively demanding, moderate in price. Elie has 16 par-4 holes, and two par-3s, but reasonable variety in directions, lengths, etc. Crail has more variety, more par-5s and par-3s, and more holes along the water. Crail's clubhouse has a better setting, perched up high. You can't go wrong, really.

[mci711]

Anyone know anything about cars? Looking for a rental, what is a Skoda and are they any nice?

[duffer987]

Anyone know anything about cars? Looking for a rental, what is a Skoda and are they any nice?

They are fine. I've had them a few times over the years. They're under the VW umbrella, typically a generation behind platform speaking of the current VW/Seat offering. Assuming you're seeing an "Octavia or similar" listing? Which would be like a Jetta. Or maybe the Fabia? Which would be like a smaller Golf, think Ford Fiesta.

[mci711]

Anyone know anything about cars? Looking for a rental, what is a Skoda and are they any nice?

They are fine. I've had them a few times over the years. They're under the VW umbrella, typically a generation behind platform speaking of the current VW/Seat offering. Assuming you're seeing an "Octavia or similar" listing? Which would be like a Jetta. Or maybe the Fabia? Which would be like a smaller Golf, think Ford Fiesta.

 

Ah gotcha thanks. Looking at either the Skoda Superb Estate wagon or Mercedez C Wagon. Need a lot of space for clubs and suitcases.

[duffer987]

Anyone know anything about cars? Looking for a rental, what is a Skoda and are they any nice?

They are fine. I've had them a few times over the years. They're under the VW umbrella, typically a generation behind platform speaking of the current VW/Seat offering. Assuming you're seeing an "Octavia or similar" listing? Which would be like a Jetta. Or maybe the Fabia? Which would be like a smaller Golf, think Ford Fiesta.

 

Ah gotcha thanks. Looking at either the Skoda Superb Estate wagon or Mercedez C Wagon. Need a lot of space for clubs and suitcases.

Is it the two of you with clubs and clothes?

Something the size of a Seat Leon ST or Hyundai i30 Tourer would fit the bill, if you wanted something a bit more nimble for getting around the towns and narrow lanes.

I had the Seat earlier this month and it could take clubs and a mountain bike no prob and we had the Hyundai two years ago in Ireland for two of us for a weeks golf and it worked well.

[mci711]

Anyone know anything about cars? Looking for a rental, what is a Skoda and are they any nice?

They are fine. I've had them a few times over the years. They're under the VW umbrella, typically a generation behind platform speaking of the current VW/Seat offering. Assuming you're seeing an "Octavia or similar" listing? Which would be like a Jetta. Or maybe the Fabia? Which would be like a smaller Golf, think Ford Fiesta.

 

Ah gotcha thanks. Looking at either the Skoda Superb Estate wagon or Mercedez C Wagon. Need a lot of space for clubs and suitcases.

Is it the two of you with clubs and clothes?

Something the size of a Seat Leon ST or Hyunda i30 Tourer would fit the bill, if you wanted something a bit more nimble for getting around the towns and narrow lanes.

 

We have to pack for Scotland then a week in Greece. So we have basically 2 different wardrobes. Most likely 2 golf bags and 2 checked large luggage. I know, unfortunately, it is probably going to be a pain in the a** driving around there.

[duffer987]

We have to pack for Scotland then a week in Greece. So we have basically 2 different wardrobes. Most likely 2 golf bags and 2 checked large luggage. I know, unfortunately, it is probably going to be a pain in the a** driving around there.

I see. Flying in and out of Edi? I guess I could look back a page or two :)

Left luggage at Edi for whatever you don't need for part II of the trip. Not just for car hire purposes, but just generally speaking hauling around something you don't need for the week.

 

Left luggage might not be the cheapest, but I've used it multiple times, when I have work and play mixed on the same trip.

[mci711]

We have to pack for Scotland then a week in Greece. So we have basically 2 different wardrobes. Most likely 2 golf bags and 2 checked large luggage. I know, unfortunately, it is probably going to be a pain in the a** driving around there.

I see. Flying in and out of Edi? I guess I could look back a page or two :)

Left luggage at Edi for whatever you don't need for part II of the trip. Not just for car hire purposes, but just generally speaking hauling around something you don't need for the week.

 

Left luggage might not be the cheapest, but I've used it multiple times, when I have work and play mixed on the same trip.

 

Yea, I have looked into that a little. I may need to take a closer look, could be a good option.

[davep043]

Anyone know anything about cars? Looking for a rental, what is a Skoda and are they any nice?

They are fine. I've had them a few times over the years. They're under the VW umbrella, typically a generation behind platform speaking of the current VW/Seat offering. Assuming you're seeing an "Octavia or similar" listing? Which would be like a Jetta. Or maybe the Fabia? Which would be like a smaller Golf, think Ford Fiesta.

 

Ah gotcha thanks. Looking at either the Skoda Superb Estate wagon or Mercedez C Wagon. Need a lot of space for clubs and suitcases.

My wife and I hired a Nissan Qashqai a few years ago, it had plenty of room for our clubs and bags. Its a small SUV (called Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) there). We worked through Celtic Legend, who are booking agents for Arnold Clark car hire, one of the largest in Scotland. All of their rentals include most of the insurance you'll need, an important thing to look at when you're comparing prices. If you can safely drive a standard transmission car, you can save a few pounds.

[spud3]

Quick side question: I know cars in GB have the driver sitting on the right side of the car. Are all the pedals flipped around, too? So, is the gas pedal on the left and a clutch on the right? I'm a middle-aged geezer-in-training, so driving a stick is second nature, but to have to do it backwards might be too much for my rapidly deteriorating brain...

[az2au]

Quick side question: I know cars in GB have the driver sitting on the right side of the car. Are all the pedals flipped around, too? So, is the gas pedal on the left and a clutch on the right? I'm a middle-aged geezer-in-training, so driving a stick is second nature, but to have to do it backwards might be too much for my rapidly deteriorating brain...

 

Haha. No. The peddles are on the same side. It is very easy to drive on the opposite side. I’ve been doing it for years but it was never even slightly hard.

[spud3]

Whew. That's a relief. All I have to do is shift with my left hand rather than my right.

 

 

And stay on the left side of the road....