Feature Stories
Scotland Beyond St. Andrews: The Highlands boast rugged and stunningly beautiful golf courses
Golfers the world over know St. Andrews is where the game began, but golfing in Scotland does not end with St. Andrews. Clive Agran continues his series of "Scotland Beyond St. Andrews" with a look at some of the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands, including Castle Stuart Golf Links and Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
... full article »Scotland Beyond St. Andrews: In the Southwest, the links are almost close enough to form a chain
Golfers the world over know St. Andrews is where the game began, but golfing in Scotland does not end with St. Andrews. Here, Clive Agran begins his series of "Scotland Beyond St. Andrews" with a look at golf in southwest Scotland, including Royal Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry Resort, host of the epic "Duel in the Sun" between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 British Open.
... full article »Golf in Fife: Where the game began and thrives today
Each region of Scotland offers its own allure. For Fife, the crystal clear reason to visit above all else is St. Andrews, where the game dates back longer than anywhere else in the world. But look beyond the seven Links Trust courses, and the kingdom is Scotland's most robust region for golf. For those making their first golf trip to Scotland, it makes a lot of sense to begin in Fife, just as the game did itself.
... full article »Castle Stuart: New Scottish links on its way to becoming golf capital of the Highlands
Bringing the Barclays Scottish Open back to a links course seemed like a no-brainer. Moving the event to the remote Highlands on a brand new golf course was the gamble. But those who make the trek to Inverness and set foot on the new Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness will soon realize this is a place that's hard to say no to, Brandon Tucker writes.
... full article »2011 shaping up to be a big year for St. Andrews, Scotland golf travel
Golf travelers all over the world have already started making plans for a 2011 golf vacation to St. Andrews and Scotland. But even if you haven't booked your St. Andrews times yet for 2011 and miss out on a guaranteed time, there are still advantages to planning now. Like what? Brandon Tucker explains.
... full article »Planning a Scotland golf vacation? Top five travel tips for planning your trip
A lot of pressure can come with planning a Scotland golf vacation, especially if its your once-in-a-lifetime trip to the home of golf. And to complicate things, usually each person in your group has their own wish list. But there are a few things you should agree on when it comes to your links vacation, and Brandon Tucker offers five tips to help steer you in the right direction.
... full article »Five great links golf courses that will never host the Open Championship
Plenty of Scotland's links gems could never host an Open because of issues related to location or size. And that's exactly what makes them even better clubs, in some cases, for the traveling golfer to experience. Here are five of the best non-Open rota, historic links golf courses in Scotland, plus another worthy and affordable course nearby each ...
... full article »Travel tips: How to save money on a Scotland golf vacation
A golf trip to Scotland doesn't have to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Brandon Tucker has a few helpful, money-saving tips that could see you playing in the land of links as often as you like. Well, maybe not that often, but enough to start developing a taste for haggis.
... full article »Five must-play links golf courses under $100
Play only Open Championship rotation courses in Scotland, and you'll get a first-rate links experience. But these links may also burn a hole in your pocket, charging between 125-200 pounds. If you want to experience Scotland's best on a budget, mix a few Open rota courses like the Old Course and Turnberry in with some bargains like Dunbar, Machrihanish and Southerness, Brandon Tucker writes.
... full article »After a round at Gullane Golf Club, stop into Archie Baird's Heritage of Golf Museum
The long history of golf has its grey areas, but stop into the Heritage of Golf Museum after a round at Gullane Golf Club and local legend Archie Baird will serve it up in a single, concise, black-and-white tour.
... full article »Newly restored MacDonald Marine Hotel puts golfers in the heart of the action in North Berwick, Scotland
At the MacDonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick, the views are not only scenic but highly entertaining. Sea-view guest rooms provide views of not only the Bass Rock, two miles off-shore in the Firth of Forth, but of the short, par-4 16th hole at North Berwick Golf Club, with one of the most unusual and severe greens you'll ever come across.
... full article »Thirsting for that perfect 19th hole whisky or pint? Try East Lothian's best pubs and bars
From East Lothian's historic coastal towns of Musselburgh to Dunbar, you're never far from a fabulous links golf course, not to mention a complementary 19th hole nearby. Here are some of East Lothian's best 19th holes ...
... full article »Scotland's golf courses giving away free tee times with 'Drive it Home' promotion
2009 may be the best year yet to visit the home of golf. Not only is the British pound weaker against the U.S. dollar and euro than it's been in years, Scotland's golf courses are giving away up to £2 million in free golf - from South Ayrshire to the Highlands and everywhere in between.
... full article »Something old, something new: Scotland's best old and modern golf combos
Read enough glossy literature on golf in Scotland and you might be led to believe all the top courses here were founded during the Stone Age. But many new designs are being built. So on your next trip, consider including a few newbies located near the historic clubs for a taste of old and new Scotland.
... full article »Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf resort finally gets green light
After years of legal battling with officials in Scotland, Donald Trump's golf resort just north of Aberdeen has finally received the green light. When completed, the golf courses, hotel and vacation homes will make the northeast coast one of the U.K.'s most coveted golf destinations, supporters say.
... full article »Where to golf during Dumfries & Galloway's Gael Force music and arts festival this fall
The popular Gael Force music and arts festival returns to Dumfries & Galloway this fall. When you're not rocking out in some of the country's most scenic and rural areas, be sure to hit the golf course. Stranraer Golf Club, Southerness and St. Medan are nearby, Brandon Tucker writes. And Open Championship venues Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick are just a short drive away.
... full article »Take in a few castles on your next Scotland golf vacation
Scotland has around 3,000 castles, and it's possible to see some of the more impressive on a tour through the country's many golf courses, including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Gleneagles, Carnoustie and Cruden Bay. Here are some excellent castles close to excellent golf courses ...
... full article »Golf and more in Perthshire, Scotland's historic heartland
We golfers are short-changing Scotland, and ourselves, if we travel to the game's holy land without exploring at least a few of the country's historical and cultural attractions, many of which pre-date our beloved sport by thousands of years. Luckily, however, thanks to the plethora of both historical attractions and golf courses in Scotland, it is usually no problem at all to combine golf and history on a daily basis during your visit.
... full article »Fairytale towns, braised lamb shank and shaking hands with sheep: Golf off the beaten track in Scotland
A few years back you finally made that trek to Scotland, the home of golf, and it was all you thought it would be. But it's been a few years now and you're itching to go back. Only this time, you want something different. Old Tim McDonald offers some suggestions for golf off the beaten track in Scotland.
... full article »Monster golf at Loch Ness: Looking for "Nessie" and birdies in the Highlands
It's a strange package, golf and the Loch Ness monster. But, Tim McDonald writes, there are several golf courses worth playing around the mythic beast of the lake in the Scottish highlands, including Inverness Golf Club and the revered Royal Dornoch.
... full article »- Scotland's Whisky Trail: Root of the barley in the home of golf
- Beat the summer crowds with a shoulder-season golf package to St. Andrews in Scotland
- Scottish club opens: The secret to low-cost play in the birthplace of golf
- Planning a golf outing to Scotland? Take plenty of balls
- Jammy Sod touts golfing in Southwest Scotland
- A St. Andrews golf trip in April? You can dodge rain - and the crowds
- Golf in the Kingdom of Fife
