Advice for Summer 23' Scotland trip

[philsRHman]

This has been discussed a lot here, especially with a long trip like yours (and mine, when I had 3 weeks solo 1.5 years ago). Do you go deep or wide? I went deep - 4 rounds at North Berwick, 3 on the Old (one lottery, two daily ballot through Ballot Buddy), multiples on the Jubilee and Castle. I can still close my eyes and play NB in my mind.  Can’t say the same for many of the one-offs. Also, St Andrews was such a magical place, I’d do my best to just add a couple more days there, some of my best time was spent walking town, shopping, eating. Time vanishes, especially on the road. But I get that’s everyone’s decision to make. 
 

As for Goswick, I drove down from NB and wouldn’t go thst far out of the way for it, but if it’s on your journey, it was fun. Dunbar was one I couldn’t work out on the calendar but walked some of it and really wished I played it. Very cool setting along the water. 
 

North Berwick, I’d try to double up, rather than swap. Also, it’s a pretty easy walk, I played 36 both days I was there. 
 

Im far from great shape but found that by mixing easy (most are easy) and hard walks, I got a lot of mileage out of my legs. Only once did I really seize up and that was after the long drive from SA to Cruden Bay, with a stop in Aberdeen. But it did cost me my second round at CB. 

 

 

Thank you for giving me a trip down memory lane. I miss it so much. Would give anything for another extended visit. One advantage you’ll have is all the daylight. I found that most golf gets going later in Scotland than the US, partly because members hold the earliest times. Hopefully that gives you time to add a second round on days you feel good.

[buckI]

18 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Dumbarnie lost their greens. Its green fees are around £200 so not the cheapest, especially considering conditions. There are so many options for other courses. The Castle Course, Crail Craighead, Lundin, Scotscraig, Drumoig and others. 

They were closed last year early May when I was there but I know others that went in the fall and said they were fine and really loved the course.

[scott_Donald]

1 hour ago, buckI said:

They were closed last year early May when I was there but I know others that went in the fall and said they were fine and really loved the course.

 

Yes they were fine in September. I was going to play but couldn't get a date organised to go. I aim to go in the next couple of months.

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, buckI said:

They were closed last year early May when I was there but I know others that went in the fall and said they were fine and really loved the course.

I was told that they were still struggling a couple months ago. 

[AltC]

Seconded Chancer on Silloth on Solway if you head up the M6 out of Manchester - but you can also head over to Leeds and pick up the M1 /A1 which takes you up to Newcastle quite quickly - Manchester airport is South East of Manchester- so it’s a toss up - I always head M6 but that suits me as my destination is SW Scotland/ Annan to check in with my folks.

[AltC]

Similar to other comments you maybe trying to pack too much in - might be a better idea to take a bit more time in a few places rather than cram it all in - both from a golf and enjoyment perspective. Just saying! I love Scotland it’s my home country - but it cannot be appreciated without some time to relax and take in the history and heritage!

[thecraw]

It sounds like a fun but manic trip.

 

I'm not trying to put you off or anything and please ignore this advice if you please but as has been pointed out in an earlier post the drive from Skye to Campbeltown is quite an undertaking and will take quite a lot out of you. It will be all narrow single carriageway roads. Skye down to Fort William, onwards to Oban, then across country to Lochgilphead then the stunning drive down the Kintyre Peninsula to Machrihanish. 

 

Both Machrihanish courses are wonderful as is the quirky delights of Dunaverty. 

 

Good luck and keep us posted with your final plans.