Scotland Here I Come.

[Shouldbgolfing]

So last year my wonderful wife proposed the golf trips of all golf trips for me and my brother's 50th birthday. It is almost here. We will be spending 10 days there and we will be golfing 5 rounds with site seeing in between the golf. The last three days will be consecutive golf rounds so hopefully I will be ready for that HA (also I will be getting caddies for all five rounds). We started planning this about 10 months ago and the only way to get confirmed tee times for the Old Course was to do a 3 day "winter package". We will be golfing these 5 courses in this order. Of course weather is always a factor so we are planning for the worst and hoping for the best. So any little tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciate it. Also there are four of us going, Me, the wife, brother and his buddy. We are renting a vehicle big enough for us and our clubs. Our last round is when St. Andrews start using the fairway mats in the fairway so that is unfortunately a bummer as I hope it does not take away from the experience. Any suggestions or tips I need to know would be greatly appreciated.

 

Royal Dornoch championship course

Carnoustie championship course

 

St. Andrews Castle Course

St. Andrews New Course

St. Andrews Old Course

[wkuo3]

" fairway mats in the fairway", I'm not sure I'll ever be ready for that. , So you and your bro have to be twins, right ? both of you hit 50 in the same year and off you go golfing in the Scotland.,

Kind of Jealous,

[duffer987]

Looking at the package options, drop the Castle course for the Jubilee or Eden.

And I don't want to come off as a d1ck, but really go some time between April1 and Oct 31. I couldn't imagine playing TOC off mats. Just no way. That would be a non-starter for me and my golf buddies. Heck I won't go to the range if they're off mats.

[Conrad1953]

Enjoy the trip!

[SixtySomePing]

Good for you, have a fantastic time. I don't have any tips for you, just go knowing you're taking a lot of us with you in spirit, and we will want to hear from you upon your return. Maybe just refresh this thread with the details... I would say above all, make sure you enjoy the journey more than worry about your scores, soak in the atmosphere and the experience of it, that will make it last forever.

[JonnyKrasnodar]

Royal Dornoch is sumptuous. Might be horrible if our rain continues but the views are something else.

[Sean2]

Happy Birthday and have a great time!

 

 

[Wriggles]

I golfed Friday with a fellow I met last year. He and his wife are from Kent, England, and he belongs to a local club there. I mentioned St. Andrews, and he remarked that he never played there, for the cost was high.

 

Enjoy your trip.

 

Fantastic!

[flog2]

when are you there? I went once and played the Jubilee course and Castle course off mats, didnt know until we arrived and after paying that it was mats- really sucked the fun out the game, sorry to post that but just saying if you can play without mats do it, if that means a different course (TOC isnt that special to play and you can always walk round it) then do the Jubilee (beside it) much tougher course imo.

[The Mad Hacker]

Played Royal Dornoch in July. What a great experience! Magnificent course, amazing views, and the people are fantastic. Seeped in golf history and home of Donald Ross. You may want to take a drive through nearby Tain - very scenic and historic town (with its own very good golf course). My best tips for Dornoch - stay out of the bunkers and the gorse!

[Shouldbgolfing]

" fairway mats in the fairway", I'm not sure I'll ever be ready for that. , So you and your bro have to be twins, right ? both of you hit 50 in the same year and off you go golfing in the Scotland.,

Kind of Jealous,

 

You would be correct I have a twin. Yeah hopefully they forget about the fairway mat rule LOL when we are there.

[Shouldbgolfing]

Looking at the package options, drop the Castle course for the Jubilee or Eden.

And I don't want to come off as a d1ck, but really go some time between April1 and Oct 31. I couldn't imagine playing TOC off mats. Just no way. That would be a non-starter for me and my golf buddies. Heck I won't go to the range if they're off mats.

 

Unfortunately everything has been booked and paid with tee times confirmed. Not sure if I can get that changed to the other courses you mentioned. Yeah the mats are a bummer but it is only one round that we have to use them and unfortunately it is on the old course. Also I have to bid for vacation and I don't have the greatest seniority so I had to take the best possible weeks available.

[Shouldbgolfing]

when are you there? I went once and played the Jubilee course and Castle course off mats, didnt know until we arrived and after paying that it was mats- really sucked the fun out the game, sorry to post that but just saying if you can play without mats do it, if that means a different course (TOC isnt that special to play and you can always walk round it) then do the Jubilee (beside it) much tougher course imo.

 

We will be golf TOC on November first and that is when they start using the mats (that is what I read on the web site). Fortunately all the other golfing is in the last part of October.

[maxpeck]

Looking at the package options, drop the Castle course for the Jubilee or Eden.

And I don't want to come off as a d1ck, but really go some time between April1 and Oct 31. I couldn't imagine playing TOC off mats. Just no way. That would be a non-starter for me and my golf buddies. Heck I won't go to the range if they're off mats.

 

Unfortunately everything has been booked and paid with tee times confirmed. Not sure if I can get that changed to the other courses you mentioned. Yeah the mats are a bummer but it is only one round that we have to use them and unfortunately it is on the old course. Also I have to bid for vacation and I don't have the greatest seniority so I had to take the best possible weeks available.

Looking at the package options, drop the Castle course for the Jubilee or Eden.

And I don't want to come off as a d1ck, but really go some time between April1 and Oct 31. I couldn't imagine playing TOC off mats. Just no way. That would be a non-starter for me and my golf buddies. Heck I won't go to the range if they're off mats.

 

Unfortunately everything has been booked and paid with tee times confirmed. Not sure if I can get that changed to the other courses you mentioned. Yeah the mats are a bummer but it is only one round that we have to use them and unfortunately it is on the old course. Also I have to bid for vacation and I don't have the greatest seniority so I had to take the best possible weeks available.

 

Seniority, must be working in aviation.....

[2putttom]

I gotta say I'm impressed with the agenda. Some day I'll make the journey... golf and pub hopping :drinks:

[jimwgt26]

As mentioned, I would switch Castle for Jubilee or Eden. Add a 6th round at Kingsbarns. Happy 50th, enjoy your trip.

[Medic]

What fairway mats?

 

You are playing St. Andrews my friend. St ANDREWS!!!!! Mats or not I would be in like Flynn. Cannot imagine how excited you are at this point.

 

Have a blast. Try the haggis. And be sure you take enough club. And bring some rain gear. : )

[NJpatbee]

Have a great trip and I hope the weather cooperates!

[wcbjr]

Head over to Edinburgh. That city is fantastic!

[flog2]

Head over to Edinburgh. That city is fantastic!

looks like someone scored a hole in one there ;)

[Shouldbgolfing]

when are you there? I went once and played the Jubilee course and Castle course off mats, didnt know until we arrived and after paying that it was mats- really sucked the fun out the game, sorry to post that but just saying if you can play without mats do it, if that means a different course (TOC isnt that special to play and you can always walk round it) then do the Jubilee (beside it) much tougher course imo.

 

Our last round is on Nov 1st. That is when they start using mats because of winter and that is when we play TOC. Yeah the mats are unfortunate but this is a one in a lifetime trip so TOC had to be on our list.

[Shouldbgolfing]

Looking at the package options, drop the Castle course for the Jubilee or Eden.

And I don't want to come off as a d1ck, but really go some time between April1 and Oct 31. I couldn't imagine playing TOC off mats. Just no way. That would be a non-starter for me and my golf buddies. Heck I won't go to the range if they're off mats.

 

Unfortunately everything has been booked and paid with tee times confirmed. Not sure if I can get that changed to the other courses you mentioned. Yeah the mats are a bummer but it is only one round that we have to use them and unfortunately it is on the old course. Also I have to bid for vacation and I don't have the greatest seniority so I had to take the best possible weeks available.

Looking at the package options, drop the Castle course for the Jubilee or Eden.

And I don't want to come off as a d1ck, but really go some time between April1 and Oct 31. I couldn't imagine playing TOC off mats. Just no way. That would be a non-starter for me and my golf buddies. Heck I won't go to the range if they're off mats.

 

Unfortunately everything has been booked and paid with tee times confirmed. Not sure if I can get that changed to the other courses you mentioned. Yeah the mats are a bummer but it is only one round that we have to use them and unfortunately it is on the old course. Also I have to bid for vacation and I don't have the greatest seniority so I had to take the best possible weeks available.

 

Seniority, must be working in aviation.....

 

Negative, work for a state agency.

[Shouldbgolfing]

What fairway mats?

 

You are playing St. Andrews my friend. St ANDREWS!!!!! Mats or not I would be in like Flynn. Cannot imagine how excited you are at this point.

 

Have a blast. Try the haggis. And be sure you take enough club. And bring some rain gear. : )

 

Word Up regarding the mats the experience is going to be awesome, a few more days and a wake up a pause for the cause and we are gone HA. The wife got us tickets for the haunted castle tour at Glamis Castle so that will be fun, haggis is definitely on the list as is whiskey tour and Guinness tour.

[Shouldbgolfing]

Head over to Edinburgh. That city is fantastic!

 

Yeah will be flying in to Edinbugh

[Man_O_War]

congratulations!!! enjoy

[flog2]

What fairway mats?

 

You are playing St. Andrews my friend. St ANDREWS!!!!! Mats or not I would be in like Flynn. Cannot imagine how excited you are at this point.

 

Have a blast. Try the haggis. And be sure you take enough club. And bring some rain gear. : )

 

Word Up regarding the mats the experience is going to be awesome, a few more days and a wake up a pause for the cause and we are gone HA. The wife got us tickets for the haunted castle tour at Glamis Castle so that will be fun, haggis is definitely on the list as is whiskey tour and Guinness tour.

do what I did, on key(famous holes) dont use the mat as your ball sits about 2" above the turf and it really isnt the same as a driving range mat

[Medic]

What fairway mats?

 

You are playing St. Andrews my friend. St ANDREWS!!!!! Mats or not I would be in like Flynn. Cannot imagine how excited you are at this point.

 

Have a blast. Try the haggis. And be sure you take enough club. And bring some rain gear. : )

 

Word Up regarding the mats the experience is going to be awesome, a few more days and a wake up a pause for the cause and we are gone HA. The wife got us tickets for the haunted castle tour at Glamis Castle so that will be fun, haggis is definitely on the list as is whiskey tour and Guinness tour.

 

My wife brought me a sampler of true Scotch Whiskey; 10 year old, 12, and 18. The 18 is being saved for a special occasion. The 10 and 12 were both amazing.

 

Have a blast over there. Represent we yanks properly. : )

[flog2]

What fairway mats?

 

You are playing St. Andrews my friend. St ANDREWS!!!!! Mats or not I would be in like Flynn. Cannot imagine how excited you are at this point.

 

Have a blast. Try the haggis. And be sure you take enough club. And bring some rain gear. : )

 

Word Up regarding the mats the experience is going to be awesome, a few more days and a wake up a pause for the cause and we are gone HA. The wife got us tickets for the haunted castle tour at Glamis Castle so that will be fun, haggis is definitely on the list as is whiskey tour and Guinness tour.

 

My wife brought me a sampler of true Scotch Whiskey; 10 year old, 12, and 18. The 18 is being saved for a special occasion. The 10 and 12 were both amazing.

 

Have a blast over there. Represent we yanks properly. : )

 

irony overload.

 

I'm also going there in 2 weeks, trying for TOC ballot but have the Jubilee and Castle booked, maybe the new as I heard its more open fairways and easier than the Jubilee. I'm going before mats as I tried it twice now and it feels like the ball is 6" above your feet and the slice of carpet will go further than the ball. Also if you ground your club the ball rolls on the mat- horrible horrible things and should be banned- play from the semi rough

[Chewey85]

Sounds like a blast! Enjoy the trip. I've heard Scotland is a beautiful country.

[TW33]

you only have to play off the mats if you're in the fairway. Solution- pull driver on every hole and enjoy not using the mats.