Scotland Trip - Preparing your game??

[critchtc21]

That is what I was wondering. Not for myself, but for my dad. How physically demanding is it walking there? Most courses seem flat besides your dunes which i am sure are much more than they seem. I am sure he will use a caddie.

Most courses that I've played are on relatively level ground, with lots of smaller contours, humps and hollows and ridges. One exception is at Gullane, where each of the courses goes up and over a large hill, down the other side, then back up and over on the way home. Are you and your dad looking at specific courses? As an option to a caddie, most courses will hire out motorized trolleys as well as the hand-pulled (or pushed) variety.

 

We have 8 going in August playing Western Gailes, Turnberry, Dundonald, Carnoustie, Castle Course, and Kingsbarns, and ballot on Old 5 days in a row so hopefully that.

[davep043]

That is what I was wondering. Not for myself, but for my dad. How physically demanding is it walking there? Most courses seem flat besides your dunes which i am sure are much more than they seem. I am sure he will use a caddie.

Most courses that I've played are on relatively level ground, with lots of smaller contours, humps and hollows and ridges. One exception is at Gullane, where each of the courses goes up and over a large hill, down the other side, then back up and over on the way home. Are you and your dad looking at specific courses? As an option to a caddie, most courses will hire out motorized trolleys as well as the hand-pulled (or pushed) variety.

 

We have 8 going in August playing Western Gailes, Turnberry, Dundonald, Carnoustie, Castle Course, and Kingsbarns, and ballot on Old 5 days in a row so hopefully that.

I haven't played the Castle Course or Turnberry. Western Gailes has some short but steep climbs, Dundonald, the Old Course, and Carnoustie are overall pretty level, Kingsbarns has a bit of uphill and downhill but nothing too drastic. Sounds like a great trip, enjoy it!

[Hawkeye77]

Crail has some pretty good uphills.

If I remember correctly, the toughest uphill at Crail is from the 18th green up to the clubhouse bar. :swoon:

 

Something else for the OP, practice packing and unpacking, and riding in a car. Your course list travels through just about all of Scotland.

 

LOL!

 

I looked at that and wanted a Sherpa!

 

But the rewards were worth it!

 

People "diss" those last few holes in some publications, we loved those holes. There was one long uphill hole that was kind of so-so earlier in the back 9, the rest of the holes on the course we really enjoyed. Such a fun course and lots of hills, yet very walkable. Want to go back.

[cardoustie]

Two other thoughts, have two pairs of golf shoes if you're playing a lot

 

Also, to other posters points on high shots from sand. I did bring a 64* ... AND USED IT A LOT

 

Putting from off the greens is far easier in Scotland as the fairway - or apron speeds - are not far off the green speeds

[cardoustie]

The Castle course has some STEEP climbs FWIW. Electric rental cart to pull you up hills was a MUST

[clp34vmp]

I'm leaving for my first ever Scotland trip in a few weeks and have been looking pretty intently at the weather and the course conditions over there lately. What an incredible summer you guys are having! I was watching the Scottish Open from Gullane this morning, and those fairways definitely look like concrete right now. I only have one previous experience with links golf and that was in Ireland years ago, but the conditions were the polar opposite to the current - cold and damp. Not sure there's any way to really prep for the upcoming trip with the conditions we have here in Virginia right now. I'm thinking the first round or two over there is going to be kind of trial and error just trying to figure out how you need to play shots, especially into the greens. I have a feeling I'll be digging around in the gorse behind the green a fair amount. Probably feeling the most apprehensive though about my ability to play full shots off of really tight, firm lies. Never my strong suit to begin with!

[Shrinkwr4p]

I'm leaving for my first ever Scotland trip in a few weeks and have been looking pretty intently at the weather and the course conditions over there lately. What an incredible summer you guys are having! I was watching the Scottish Open from Gullane this morning, and those fairways definitely look like concrete right now. I only have one previous experience with links golf and that was in Ireland years ago, but the conditions were the polar opposite to the current - cold and damp. Not sure there's any way to really prep for the upcoming trip with the conditions we have here in Virginia right now. I'm thinking the first round or two over there is going to be kind of trial and error just trying to figure out how you need to play shots, especially into the greens. I have a feeling I'll be digging around in the gorse behind the green a fair amount. Probably feeling the most apprehensive though about my ability to play full shots off of really tight, firm lies. Never my strong suit to begin with!

 

I don't think we have seen rain in NE Scotland for 2 months. Our fairways are brown, hard and running fast. It's more than 20 years since I last saw conditions like this. The fairways are so pale I'm playing a yellow ball as my 66 year old eyes lose a white one as it lands. And the fairways are so hot that, for the first time in 30 years of short hitting, on my my home course I drove our par 4 9th. (I guess you don't get to do many good things for the first time in your 67th year so I'm grateful for that.)

 

Two bits of advice humbly offered. First, from the tee, prioritise keeping it on the fairway. It'll go miles. Second, accept the bounces you get, good and bad. They even out.

 

I haven't had this much fun in years!

 

P.S. With regard to tight lies I'm by no means a great ball striker but when I started playing links golf it seemed that if I put the ball just a tad further back in my stance than I might on a parkland track it worked just fine. ( That said, opening the face on high bounce wedges Isn't working out so well here at the moment.)

[phillyspecial]

I’ve been to Scotland/Ireland 5 times. The hardest part is not necessarily learning the bump or knock down, it’s opening your mind to playing different golf shots then you are used to. This is easier said than done.

 

You will be presented with shots that visually do not look THAT much different from the shots you play at home. You will feel like you can hit that 60 like you do at home. It takes time and failure to truly realize you need to think about golf in a different way over there. Hard to explain.

[critchtc21]

I'm leaving for my first ever Scotland trip in a few weeks and have been looking pretty intently at the weather and the course conditions over there lately. What an incredible summer you guys are having! I was watching the Scottish Open from Gullane this morning, and those fairways definitely look like concrete right now. I only have one previous experience with links golf and that was in Ireland years ago, but the conditions were the polar opposite to the current - cold and damp. Not sure there's any way to really prep for the upcoming trip with the conditions we have here in Virginia right now. I'm thinking the first round or two over there is going to be kind of trial and error just trying to figure out how you need to play shots, especially into the greens. I have a feeling I'll be digging around in the gorse behind the green a fair amount. Probably feeling the most apprehensive though about my ability to play full shots off of really tight, firm lies. Never my strong suit to begin with!

 

Same here, Our luck, the rain pours every day.

[MilkyButterCuts]

If we can't get on the old (and im not expecting to) what should we play????

 

Also anyone take a camera or just use your phone?

[davep043]

If we can't get on the old (and im not expecting to) what should we play????

 

Also anyone take a camera or just use your phone?

You can play the New or Jubilee without having to get in your car, an easy walk down the right side of the Old to the clubhouse, and both are really good courses. And if you have a reasonable good camera in your phone, I wouldn't worry about taking a dedicated camera. I took an old (unlocked) smartphone and got a local SIM to minimize costs. for 10 pounds, you can get plenty of "credit" for local calls, calls back home, and data. We used that phone for GPS directions too.

[Hawkeye77]

Cameras on phones are pretty darn good these days, and I took several with my phone that turned out great, including the unexpected photo below (still compromised, especially sharpness unfortunately, because I had to resize it for this post). Digital zoom can be a photo wrecker after the fact when you decide to do some cropping/enlarging from your phone camera, autofocus has some limitations in certain situations, but not really an issue on the course, just have to be mindful of some of the limitations, but the exposure metering on my iPhone SE is awesome. You'll be fine with your phone and even with a caddie I just didn't see having my digital SLR with me as something that made sense while on the course (though every time I stopped and wanted a photo, I was wishing I had it, lol, but I love using it, for me phone is just a convenience only - and did use the SLR for 90% of my off course photography and some on course before and after golf).

[dcmidnight]

If we can't get on the old (and im not expecting to) what should we play????

 

Also anyone take a camera or just use your phone?

 

For most trips my phone (Galaxy S7 edge) is fine but on trips like this I always carry my Sony RX100V. Its small enough that I keep it in my back pocket and dont even notice its there. The RAW files and bigger file sizes make excellent prints.

 

IMO it depends on what you want the pics for. If you just want pics to post on Instagram, your phone is more than fine. If you want big file sizes, stuff you can edit, pics you can make prints out of - you can get some really excellent point and shoot cameras these days.

[North Butte]

If we can't get on the old (and im not expecting to) what should we play????

 

Also anyone take a camera or just use your phone?

You can play the New or Jubilee without having to get in your car, an easy walk down the right side of the Old to the clubhouse, and both are really good courses. And if you have a reasonable good camera in your phone, I wouldn't worry about taking a dedicated camera. I took an old (unlocked) smartphone and got a local SIM to minimize costs. for 10 pounds, you can get plenty of "credit" for local calls, calls back home, and data. We used that phone for GPS directions too.

 

When I was traveling to UK each year I kept a SIM card that I brought home with me each year. That way I had the same UK phone number each trip and I'd just pop the UK SIM into my iPhone while the plane was taxiing to the terminal. Dirt cheap minutes for calling back home if you pick the right SIM provider.

 

That said, my USA provider is Verizon and they now have a $10/day flat rate plan you can opt in for before leaving home. Basically if you opt in it costs you nothing from month to month but if your regular USA phone shows up on an overseas network you are billed $10 for each 24-hour period (midnight to midnight local time) in which your phone is active over there. If/when I make another trip I'll do that.

[duffer987]

If we can't get on the old (and im not expecting to) what should we play????

 

Also anyone take a camera or just use your phone?

New, Jubilee, and Eden are all fine choices. The Eden has the most indifferent holes of the 3, but I also think it has some of the coolest that play right along the estuary.

 

I bring a camera and then just end up using my crappy phone instead as it fits nicely in my back pocket and I'm there to enjoy the golf first and foremost, secondmost, and beer thirdmost. I do like to grab a few photos while playing, but I might only take 4 or 5 over 18 holes.

Sometimes based on how accessible it is, I might pop out after the round and try and grab a few more.

 

TBH, you don't want to be that guy taking a dozen photos a hole. Asking multiple times a round to take your pic. Don't be that guy :)

[Hawkeye77]

If we can't get on the old (and im not expecting to) what should we play????

 

Also anyone take a camera or just use your phone?

You can play the New or Jubilee without having to get in your car, an easy walk down the right side of the Old to the clubhouse, and both are really good courses. And if you have a reasonable good camera in your phone, I wouldn't worry about taking a dedicated camera. I took an old (unlocked) smartphone and got a local SIM to minimize costs. for 10 pounds, you can get plenty of "credit" for local calls, calls back home, and data. We used that phone for GPS directions too.

 

When I was traveling to UK each year I kept a SIM card that I brought home with me each year. That way I had the same UK phone number each trip and I'd just pop the UK SIM into my iPhone while the plane was taxiing to the terminal. Dirt cheap minutes for calling back home if you pick the right SIM provider.

 

That said, my USA provider is Verizon and they now have a $10/day flat rate plan you can opt in for before leaving home. Basically if you opt in it costs you nothing from month to month but if your regular USA phone shows up on an overseas network you are billed $10 for each 24-hour period (midnight to midnight local time) in which your phone is active over there. If/when I make another trip I'll do that.

 

Yep, did this with Verizon and worked like a charm.

[North Butte]

If we can't get on the old (and im not expecting to) what should we play????

 

Also anyone take a camera or just use your phone?

You can play the New or Jubilee without having to get in your car, an easy walk down the right side of the Old to the clubhouse, and both are really good courses. And if you have a reasonable good camera in your phone, I wouldn't worry about taking a dedicated camera. I took an old (unlocked) smartphone and got a local SIM to minimize costs. for 10 pounds, you can get plenty of "credit" for local calls, calls back home, and data. We used that phone for GPS directions too.

 

When I was traveling to UK each year I kept a SIM card that I brought home with me each year. That way I had the same UK phone number each trip and I'd just pop the UK SIM into my iPhone while the plane was taxiing to the terminal. Dirt cheap minutes for calling back home if you pick the right SIM provider.

 

That said, my USA provider is Verizon and they now have a $10/day flat rate plan you can opt in for before leaving home. Basically if you opt in it costs you nothing from month to month but if your regular USA phone shows up on an overseas network you are billed $10 for each 24-hour period (midnight to midnight local time) in which your phone is active over there. If/when I make another trip I'll do that.

 

Yep, did this with Verizon and worked like a charm.

 

They had announced that right before my last UK trip and I already had my UK SIM ready to go (with some minutes pre-loaded). So I did not try the Verizon thing.

 

Now I just hope they are still offering it whenever I next am able to make a trip over there...probably right after an unknown rich uncle bequeaths me a million bucks, given the current costs of airfares.

[davep043]

 

Now I just hope they are still offering it whenever I next am able to make a trip over there...probably right after an unknown rich uncle bequeaths me a million bucks, given the current costs of airfares.

Not sure where you are, but we flew IcelandAir and saved about $400, somewhere around 30% of the lowest fair we could get on United.

[MilkyButterCuts]

Cameras on phones are pretty darn good these days, and I took several with my phone that turned out great, including the unexpected photo below (still compromised, especially sharpness unfortunately, because I had to resize it for this post). Digital zoom can be a photo wrecker after the fact when you decide to do some cropping/enlarging from your phone camera, autofocus has some limitations in certain situations, but not really an issue on the course, just have to be mindful of some of the limitations, but the exposure metering on my iPhone SE is awesome. You'll be fine with your phone and even with a caddie I just didn't see having my digital SLR with me as something that made sense while on the course (though every time I stopped and wanted a photo, I was wishing I had it, lol, but I love using it, for me phone is just a convenience only - and did use the SLR for 90% of my off course photography and some on course before and after golf).

 

 

Exact response I was looking for, thank you!!!!!!!!

 

Coincidentally my phone is the SE. Just picked up a Nikon D3200, still going to take it over but most likely not on the course, as you said. Though I'm torn because I'd love those. Maybe I'll go walk the course again after.

[North Butte]

Now I just hope they are still offering it whenever I next am able to make a trip over there...probably right after an unknown rich uncle bequeaths me a million bucks, given the current costs of airfares.

Not sure where you are, but we flew IcelandAir and saved about $400, somewhere around 30% of the lowest fair we could get on United.

 

I'd have to find my way to NY or Philly then switch over to the Icelandair flights. I'm normally in the Delta/Atlanta ecosystem. So I'd end up doing something like a connector flight into Atlanta, then to NY/Philadelphia and then to UK by way of Iceland. Lot of seat time, airport time, flight connections involved!

 

I miss the days when I could get a connector to Atlanta and then get to Manchester all for under $1,000 round trip.

[Hawkeye77]

Cameras on phones are pretty darn good these days, and I took several with my phone that turned out great, including the unexpected photo below (still compromised, especially sharpness unfortunately, because I had to resize it for this post). Digital zoom can be a photo wrecker after the fact when you decide to do some cropping/enlarging from your phone camera, autofocus has some limitations in certain situations, but not really an issue on the course, just have to be mindful of some of the limitations, but the exposure metering on my iPhone SE is awesome. You'll be fine with your phone and even with a caddie I just didn't see having my digital SLR with me as something that made sense while on the course (though every time I stopped and wanted a photo, I was wishing I had it, lol, but I love using it, for me phone is just a convenience only - and did use the SLR for 90% of my off course photography and some on course before and after golf).

 

 

Exact response I was looking for, thank you!!!!!!!!

 

Coincidentally my phone is the SE. Just picked up a Nikon D3200, still going to take it over but most likely not on the course, as you said. Though I'm torn because I'd love those. Maybe I'll go walk the course again after.

 

D3300 for me, so very similar. I went a little overboard with the wide angle lens I took and lots of pics show my over enthusiasm for that, but daughter has the same camera and we each took a couple of lenses to cover most of what we would see. Still, my shots at Crail and a couple others posted were with the phone, including my favorite of the clubhouse at St. Andrews, just a question of how far back you are, and I'm always surprised by the quality and metering of the SE.

[imakaveli]

Use your phone and keep it in your pocket so you will be quicker to take pics and you won't slow down or lose concentration on your shots ;) you can take great pics with phone nowadays and they are more handy when you are playing

[MilkyButterCuts]

Use your phone and keep it in your pocket so you will be quicker to take pics and you won't slow down or lose concentration on your shots ;) you can take great pics with phone nowadays and they are more handy when you are playing

 

That's what I was thinking, but it'd be cool to be able to have a print or two of each course.

[imakaveli]

Use your phone and keep it in your pocket so you will be quicker to take pics and you won't slow down or lose concentration on your shots ;) you can take great pics with phone nowadays and they are more handy when you are playing

 

That's what I was thinking, but it'd be cool to be able to have a print or two of each course.

 

I took this with an iPhone 6s, a modern smartphone is good enough ;)

 

[stringbean502001]

Back to shot making...agree on all said...I'd add, before I go I also spend time on the range fine tuning moving the ball right to left, left to right...at different trajectories. There are so many cases where, for example, you may want to land short, and changing the entry point into the green to avoid a severe bunker to one side, is really a benefit. A shot everyone has, but I find I don't practice it as much here.

 

Practice the mental side also of facing a shot from deep fescue five feet off the fairway, that you thought was going to finish in the short grass!

[CMCSGolf]

I've been to Scotland/Ireland 5 times. The hardest part is not necessarily learning the bump or knock down, it's opening your mind to playing different golf shots then you are used to. This is easier said than done.

 

You will be presented with shots that visually do not look THAT much different from the shots you play at home. You will feel like you can hit that 60 like you do at home. It takes time and failure to truly realize you need to think about golf in a different way over there. Hard to explain.

 

This is 100% true. It's very weird to pull 8 iron from 190 yards when it's downwind and firm and make normal swing. You logically know that's the shot, but believing it and hitting it to a spot was tough for me. Playing so far away from your target is not something we do in America unfortunately.

[duffer987]

I've been to Scotland/Ireland 5 times. The hardest part is not necessarily learning the bump or knock down, it's opening your mind to playing different golf shots then you are used to. This is easier said than done.

 

You will be presented with shots that visually do not look THAT much different from the shots you play at home. You will feel like you can hit that 60 like you do at home. It takes time and failure to truly realize you need to think about golf in a different way over there. Hard to explain.

 

This is 100% true. It's very weird to pull 8 iron from 190 yards when it's downwind and firm and make normal swing. You logically know that's the shot, but believing it and hitting it to a spot was tough for me. Playing so far away from your target is not something we do in America unfortunately.

 

This! The not going for the pin thing is huge and definitely something that's tough for North American golfers who play mostly parkland golf. I've played mainly with locals or on my own my last two trips so it really hasn't come up, but I was playing at Streamsong last weekend and on the Black both aimed for parts of the green that would funnel the ball and on short shots hit 8i pitch and runs.

 

Guys I was playing with kept going at pins and paid the price for it.

[scott_Donald]

Mentally on a windy day to me Is the hardest bit. 20mph+

 

6 holes in, isn't this wind fun, 12 holes in I hate the wind, 18 holes in I have lost my rhythm completely.

[MilkyButterCuts]

Headed out wednesday, Carnoustie saturday. Can't wait to get demolished by that course!!!

 

Can't get anything done I'm so excited. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[duffer987]

^You're a 4, you'll be grand :)

A week removed from The Open is awesome though. Just be sure to forget the clubs they were saying the pros had into the greens and you'll be fine. 5 & 6s into 16 (even with the wind) was crazy.