Plan Now: How To Play Golf In Scotland & Secure Your Tee Time

What is a links course? A links course is a golf course built on coastal land, often sandy soil, featuring rolling terrain, natural hazards like gorse and pot bunkers, and exposed conditions. Can I play St Andrews without a tour? Yes, you can play St Andrews without booking a full golf tour, though securing a tee time can be very challenging and requires careful planning, often entering a ballot system. Playing golf in Scotland is a dream for many. It is the home of golf. But planning such a trip can seem hard. This guide will help you make your dream golf trip come true. We will show you how to book your rounds. We will help you pick the best places to stay. Soon, you will be ready to walk the famous fairways.

How To Play Golf In Scotland
Image Source: d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net

Why Play Golf in Scotland?

Scotland is where golf began. The game has been played here for hundreds of years. The courses are not just places to play. They are part of history. You can feel the past on every hole. The land itself shapes the game. The wind, the sea, the old grass – it all makes a golf round special. Playing golf here is more than a game. It is an experience. It is a journey into golf’s soul. Many golfers wish to play on these famous greens. It is truly a unique travel goal.

The Call of Scottish Links Golf Courses

Scotland is known for its links courses. These are natural courses. They sit by the sea. The land is sandy and rolling. The wind is a big part of the game. You will find deep bunkers. You will see thick gorse bushes. The greens often have many slopes. Playing links golf is different. It is a challenge. It asks you to think. It asks you to be creative.

Many of the world’s top courses are links courses. Places like St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Muirfield are famous. They are all links courses. They offer true tests of golf. They are also very beautiful. The views of the sea are amazing. This is the pure form of golf. Every golfer should try it.

When to Visit Scotland for Golf

Choosing the right time is key. The weather in Scotland can change fast. It can be sunny one minute. Then rain might come.

Best Time to Visit Scotland for Golf

The best time for golf in Scotland is late spring to early autumn. This means May, June, July, August, and September.

May and September: These months often have good weather. There are fewer crowds. Prices might be a bit lower. The days are long. Golf can be played into the evening.
June, July, August: These are the busiest months. The weather is usually the best. Days are very long. Tee times are hard to get. Prices are at their highest. If you want to play during these months, book very early.

Table: Best Time for Golf in Scotland

Month	Weather	Crowds	Daylight Hours	Notes
April	Cool, some rain	Low	Medium	Courses reopening, can be chilly.
May	Mild, less rain	Medium	Long	Good balance of weather and crowd levels.
June	Warmest, bright	High	Very Long	Peak season, most daylight, high demand.
July	Warm, good	Very High	Very Long	Peak season, very busy.
August	Warm, good	Very High	Long	Peak season, very busy.
September	Mild, less rain	Medium	Medium	Great alternative to peak summer, fewer crowds.
October	Cool, windy	Low	Shorter	Some courses close, weather can be tough.

Winter golf (October to March) is possible. But many courses use winter greens. The weather is cold and wet. Daylight is short. It is not the best time for a first trip.

Picking Your Courses

Scotland has many great courses. Deciding where to play can be tough. Do you want famous courses? Or hidden gems?

St Andrews Golf Tour Planning

St Andrews is golf’s home. The Old Course is the most famous. Many golfers dream of playing it. Getting a tee time here is hard.

The Ballot System: Most daily tee times for the Old Course are given out by ballot. You enter your name two days before you want to play. You need at least two players. You hear if you got a spot the next day. This means you need flexible travel plans.
Booking in Advance: A small number of Old Course tee times are available far in advance. These are usually part of packages. You might need to book two years ahead.
Single Golfer Queue: If you are alone, you can go to the starter’s hut early. They might fit you in with a group. This is not guaranteed.
Other St Andrews Courses: St Andrews Links has other great courses. These include the New Course, Jubilee Course, Castle Course, Eden, and Strathtyrum. These are easier to book. They are all very good. They offer a taste of St Andrews.

Coastal Golf Courses Scotland

Many of Scotland’s best courses hug the coast. These are true links courses. They offer stunning views. The sound of waves adds to the game.

East Coast: Besides St Andrews, you have Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and Muirfield. North Berwick and Gullane are also gems. These courses are often firm and fast. The wind can be a major factor.
West Coast: Courses like Turnberry and Royal Troon are famous. Prestwick is where the Open Championship first started. These courses offer different challenges. The scenery is amazing.
North and Islands: Further north, you find Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart. These are often called some of the best in the world. They are more remote. They offer a true escape.

Historic Scottish Golf Clubs

Many clubs in Scotland are very old. They have long histories. Playing at these clubs feels special. You are walking where legends walked.

Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews: Though members don’t play the Old Course exclusively, its history is tied to golf’s rules.
Prestwick Golf Club: This club hosted the very first Open Championship in 1860. It offers a unique look at old links design.
Muirfield (The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers): One of the oldest golf clubs. It is known for its tough, fair course.
North Berwick Golf Club: An old club with a charming links course. It has many holes copied by designers worldwide.

When planning, mix famous courses with lesser-known ones. This gives you a broader experience. It also helps with booking.

Booking Your Scotland Golf Trips

This is the most important step. Good planning makes for a smooth trip.

Booking Scotland Golf Trips: Early Bird Gets the Tee Time

Popular courses book up fast. This is true for peak season. Start planning at least 12-18 months ahead. For St Andrews Old Course, think 2 years ahead.

Steps for Booking:

Pick Your Dates: Decide when you want to travel. Be a bit flexible if you can.
Choose Your Courses: Make a list of must-play courses. Also, list some backup options.
Decide Your Budget: Golf in Scotland can be costly. Tee times vary. Hotels vary.
How to Book: Will you do it yourself? Or use a tour operator?

Golf Travel Packages Scotland: DIY vs. Tour Operator

You have two main ways to book your trip.

1. Doing It Yourself (DIY):

Pros: More control over your schedule. Can save money. You can pick every detail.
Cons: Takes a lot of time and effort. Booking tee times can be hard. Especially for top courses. Arranging transport, hotels, and caddies is your job. You need to know the local rules.
Best For: Flexible travelers. Those with lots of time to plan. Those who like problem-solving.

2. Using a Golf Tour Operator (Golf Travel Packages Scotland):

Pros: They handle everything. Tee times, hotels, transport, even dinner spots. They know the best ways to get Old Course times. They have deals with clubs. They offer expert advice. They can save you stress.
Cons: Costs more than DIY. Less flexibility once booked. You might be part of a group.
Best For: Busy people. Those who want a smooth, worry-free trip. Those who want to play the famous courses.

Table: DIY vs. Tour Operator for Golf Trips

Feature	Doing It Yourself (DIY)	Golf Tour Operator
Control	High (you pick everything)	Low (they build the package)
Cost	Potentially lower	Generally higher
Effort	High (booking, logistics, research)	Low (they handle details)
Access	Hard for top courses (e.g., Old Course)	Better for top courses (allocations)
Flexibility	High (can change plans easily)	Lower (set itinerary)
Expertise	Requires your own research	Benefit from their local knowledge
Convenience	Low	High

If you go DIY, contact courses directly. Most have online booking. For the very top courses, check their websites for specific booking rules. Many use a lottery or ballot.

On the Course: Playing Golf in Scotland

Once you arrive, it’s time to play. Knowing what to expect makes the game more fun.

Scottish Golf Course Etiquette

Golf in Scotland has its own rules. These are about respect for the game and the course.

Pace of Play: Play fast. Keep up with the group in front. Be ready to hit your shot. If you are slow, let faster groups play through.
Respect the Course: Repair pitch marks on greens. Replace divots on fairways. Do not litter. Keep trolleys and carts off tees and greens.
Dress Code: Many clubs have a dress code. Check before you go. Generally, proper golf attire is needed. Collared shirts, golf trousers, or shorts are common. Jeans are usually not allowed.
Caddies: It is good to use a caddie (see below). They are a big part of the experience.
Shake Hands: Shake hands with your playing partners before and after the round.
Know the Rules: Play by the Rules of Golf. If unsure, ask your caddie.
Weather: Be ready for all weather. Dress in layers. Play in rain or wind. Scottish golf is rarely stopped for bad weather.
Walk, Don’t Ride: Most links courses are walking courses. Buggies (carts) are rare. They are usually only for those with a medical need. You will walk many miles. Be ready for it.

Hiring Caddies in Scotland

A caddie can make your round much better. They are more than just bag carriers.

Local Knowledge: Caddies know the course. They know the best lines. They know where to land the ball. They know where bunkers are hidden. This is very helpful on links courses.
Green Reading: They can read the greens. This saves you strokes.
Course History: Many caddies share stories about the course. They might tell you about famous players. They add to the history of your round.
Pace of Play: A good caddie helps you play faster. They help you find balls. They are ready with your club.
Enjoyment: They are often good company. They can make a tough round fun.

How to get a caddie: Ask when you book your tee time. Or ask at the pro shop when you arrive. Most clubs have a caddie master. Rates vary. A tip is also expected. Usually, you pay the caddie directly in cash.

Crafting Your Scotland Golf Itinerary Guide

Planning your route is important. Scotland is not small. You want to group courses together. This saves travel time.

Sample Golf Itinerary: East Coast Focus (7 Days)

This is a popular choice for first-time visitors. It focuses on the famous East Coast courses.

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
* Fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
* Pick up rental car or arrange transport.
* Check into your hotel in Edinburgh or nearby North Berwick.
* Explore Edinburgh city.

Day 2: North Berwick
* Play North Berwick Golf Club. A charming links course.
* Explore the town of North Berwick.
* Overnight in North Berwick.

Day 3: Gullane / Muirfield
* Play Gullane Golf Club (Courses No. 1 or No. 2).
* If you have arranged it, play Muirfield (very hard to get on).
* Travel to St Andrews (about 1.5 hours drive).
* Check into your St Andrews hotel.

Day 4: St Andrews – Old Course Ballot
* Enter the Old Course ballot for Day 6.
* Play St Andrews New Course or Jubilee Course. These are excellent links courses.
* Walk the Old Course in the evening (when it is closed).
* Explore St Andrews town.

Day 5: Kingsbarns or Elie
* Play Kingsbarns Golf Links (south of St Andrews). It is a top-ranked modern links.
* Or play The Golf House Club, Elie. A historic, fun links course.
* Overnight in St Andrews.

Day 6: St Andrews – Old Course or Alternative
* If you got an Old Course tee time, play it! It is the highlight.
* If not, play St Andrews Castle Course or another course you enjoyed.
* Enjoy a final Scottish dinner.

Day 7: Depart
* Travel to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) for your flight home.

Sample Golf Itinerary: West Coast Gems (7 Days)

This focuses on the Ayrshire coast, home to many Open Championship courses.

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow
* Fly into Glasgow Airport (GLA).
* Pick up rental car or arrange transport.
* Travel to Turnberry (about 1.5 hours drive).
* Check into your hotel at Turnberry.

Day 2: Turnberry
* Play Ailsa Course at Turnberry. Iconic views, a stunning links.
* Explore the lighthouse area.

Day 3: Prestwick / Western Gailes
* Play Prestwick Golf Club (first Open site).
* Or play Western Gailes Golf Club, a top-ranked links.
* Overnight near Troon/Prestwick.

Day 4: Royal Troon
* Play Royal Troon Golf Club. Another Open Championship venue.
* Explore Troon town.

Day 5: Dundonald Links / Barassie
* Play Dundonald Links (modern links, often hosts events).
* Or play Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.
* Travel towards Glasgow or Loch Lomond.

Day 6: Loch Lomond Area or Departure
* Option to play a parkland course near Glasgow, or revisit a links.
* Or, depending on flight times, start your journey home.

Day 7: Depart
* Depart from Glasgow Airport (GLA).

These are just ideas. You can mix and match. You can make it longer or shorter. Think about driving times. Scotland’s roads can be narrow.

Practical Tips for Your Golf Trip

A few extra tips can make your trip better.

Getting Around

Rental Car: This gives you the most freedom. You can reach remote courses. Remember, Scots drive on the left!
Private Driver/Coach: If you use a tour operator, they usually arrange this. It means no driving for you. This is good after a long day of golf.
Trains/Taxis: Possible for city-based trips. But less flexible for reaching many courses.

Where to Stay

Hotels near Courses: Many courses have hotels on site. Or good hotels are very close.
Towns as Bases: St Andrews, North Berwick, Troon, or Dornoch make good bases. You can play several courses from one town.
Guesthouses/B&Bs: Offer a warm Scottish welcome. Often good value.

What to Pack

The weather changes fast. Be ready for anything.

Layers: Bring thermal base layers, golf shirts, sweaters, and a waterproof jacket.
Waterproofs: A good waterproof jacket and trousers are a must. You will play in rain.
Golf Shoes: Waterproof golf shoes are very important.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Even on cloudy days.
Comfortable Clothes: For evenings out.
Adapter: For UK plug sockets (Type G).
Medication: Any personal meds you need.
Golf Gear: Clubs, balls (many!), gloves, tees.

Remember, most golf courses have pro shops. You can buy balls, gloves, and rain gear there.

Scotland’s Unforgettable Golf Courses

Beyond the very famous ones, Scotland has hundreds of great courses. Many are less known but offer amazing golf.

Hidden Gems: Look for courses like Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh, or Machrihanish. They are often pure links, less crowded, and give a true Scottish feel.
Parkland Courses: While links are famous, Scotland has great inland courses too. Gleneagles is one example. It offers a different style of play.
Variety: Try to play a mix of old and new. Try a very famous course and a smaller, local one. This shows you the range of golf in Scotland.

Enjoy the culture. Talk to the locals. Visit old castles. Taste local food. A golf trip to Scotland is also a cultural journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to play golf in Scotland?
A: Costs vary greatly. A round on a top course like the Old Course can be £200-£300 (or more if part of a package). Lesser-known links might be £50-£150. Caddie fees are extra (around £60-£100 plus tip). Travel, hotels, and food add to the cost. A week-long trip for two, playing good courses, can cost several thousands of pounds.

Q: Do I need a handicap to play in Scotland?
A: Many major Scottish links courses require proof of handicap. This is usually 24 for men and 36 for women. Always check the course’s website. Bring your handicap certificate from your home club. Some smaller courses do not need a handicap.

Q: Can I bring my own golf clubs to Scotland?
A: Yes, you can bring your own clubs. Most airlines allow them as checked luggage. You can also rent clubs in Scotland. This saves you carrying them. Check with the course or a local golf shop.

Q: What if the weather is bad? Do courses close?
A: Courses in Scotland rarely close for rain or wind. They often stay open in conditions that would close courses elsewhere. Be ready for wind, rain, and cold. Pack warm and waterproof gear. They only close for snow or very heavy fog.

Q: Is it safe to travel in Scotland?
A: Yes, Scotland is a very safe country for tourists. People are friendly. Use common sense as you would anywhere else.

Q: How do I enter the Old Course ballot?
A: The ballot opens 48 hours before the day you wish to play. You can enter online or by phone. You need a minimum of two players. Results are given 24 hours before play. It is a lottery.

Q: What is the average caddie fee and tip?
A: Caddie fees range from £60-£100 per round. A tip of £20-£40 is standard for a good caddie. Pay them in cash after the round.

Q: Are buggies (golf carts) available on Scottish courses?
A: No, most Scottish links courses do not have buggies. They are walking courses. Buggies are usually only available for players with a doctor’s note for a medical reason. Be ready to walk.

Your Scottish Golf Dream Awaits

Playing golf in Scotland is a truly special journey. It is a trip to the roots of the game. It is a chance to play on legendary courses. It is a test of skill and spirit against nature. With good planning, your dream can come true. Start your research today. Secure your tee times. Get ready for an amazing golf adventure. The Old Course, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch – they are waiting. The sound of the wind, the smell of the sea, the feel of the ancient turf – it all adds up. Plan now, and soon you will be living the dream.