scotland and ireland golf trips

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Golf Trips to Ireland and Scotland

Custom golf vacation packages to Scotland and Ireland starting at $2,759*

Golf is more than just a game

It’s an escape, a breath of fresh air, a way of life. Take your swing at the world’s best courses with a vacation to the home of champions and let us take care of every detail except your shoes.

“The people who gave us golf and called it a game are the same people who gave us bagpipes and called it music.”

Handcrafted itineraries on and off the course

From transportation, to accommodation, to authentic meals and activities in-between rounds (for golfers and non-golfers alike) our team can help you handcraft an incredible Celtic vacation on and off the course.

Top on-the-course experiences

Old Course Hotel

Brilliant for golfers and non-golfers alike, this elegant property is a must-stay. Just a short stroll from the historic St. Andrews University and 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, overlooking the famous links and West Sands Beach.

Cameron House Golf Course

Take an 18th century mansion, a championship golf course, decadent cuisines, and picturesque views overlooking Loch Lomond… and your clients will understand why this is one of Scotland’s most beloved places to stay.

The Home of Golf

The oldest and most iconic golf course in the world is found in St. Andrews, Scotland. Dating all the way back to the 12th century, the course still open to the public and hosts thousands of players every year.

Top off-the-course experiences (for golfers & non-golfers alike)

Killarney Horse Riding

Adventure through Killarney National Park and take in some of the finest views Ireland has to offer (and there’s no better way to see it than by horseback).

Galway Food Tour

Meet artisanal producers and sample regional favorites including traditional drinks and bites from different eateries.

Falconry at Ashford Castle

Get up close & personal with these majestic birds of prey with an experience unlike any other and one of Brendan’s most admired activities; exclusive to the castle grounds.

Howth Walks

Revel in the great outdoors along Dublin’s beautiful coast, as you discover hidden routes and nooks across Howth’s cliff paths.

Everyone’s a winner at the 19th hole

Whether you’re a non-golfer that spends the afternoon here mingling with the locals, or you’re an avid player that knows the best way to end a day on the course, everyone’s a winner at the 19 th hole.

Check out our favorite places to eat & drink after the game.

Impressive accommodations featuring world-class golf courses

Carton House

Located on 1,100 acres this historic mansion is an all-encompassing playground featuring 2 championship golf courses, 3 fabulous eateries, a leisure center with an 18 meter swimming pool and Carton Spa.

Mount Juliet

Once known as the 'Big House' this country estate is proud to maintain the traditions and standards that gave it that name. As one of Ireland's finest country homes it features 7,200 yards of a Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed Parkland golf course.

Adare Manor

This neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece is a 5 start luxury resort that was once the family seat of the Earls of Dunraven also features an award-winning golf course designed by Tom Fazio.

Sample itineraries for inspiration

Here are some sample itineraries to get you dreaming. Our Celtic Experts can work with you to customize and build your vacation of a lifetime.

Ireland's Northern Dream

Ireland's Scenic Peninsula

Golf on the Emerald Isle

Scottish Kilts and Clubs

You dream it. We design it.

Every detail, exquisite. Every dream, exclusive. Every day, extraordinary. Individually hand-crafted luxury experiences designed by our Celtic Experts.

Terms & Conditions: *$2,759 from pricing is based on Irelands Scenic Peninsulas on January 05. Price is per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Subject to availability; varies by inclusions and travel dates. Conditions apply. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the enclosed content.  Brendan Vacations cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Other conditions may apply. CST# 2084503-20  

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Scottish Irish Combination Deluxe

If you can’t decide whether to travel to Scotland or Ireland, then do both on our SW Ireland & Best of Scotland package with Guaranteed St Andrews Old Course.

Along with a guaranteed time on St Andrews Old , this package also includes British Open venue Carnoustie Championship , St Andrews Castle Course of David McLay Kidd fame, and the 3 best courses in SW Ireland, Ballybunion Old , Waterville , and Lahinch Old .  Deluxe Hotel accommodations.

Availability is limited – Please call for specific dates.

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Day 1 Arrive in Ireland Enjoy your first 2 nights at Killarney Park Hotel in Killarney, one of the most picturesque towns in the Southwest.

Day 2 Play Waterville Course Although it does not have the history of Ballybunion, this majestic links course perched on Ballinskelligs Bay has become accepted as one of the finest courses of its kind anywhere in the world. Long but not hilly, it is enjoyable to walk, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Kerry Mountains. Each hole has individual characteristics and every club in the bag will be needed.

Day 3 Play Ballybunion Old Course Undoubtedly, Ireland’s most famous golf course – a place of giant sand hills and deep valleys, this links course is a treat for the senses. Wildly beautiful and spectacularly located, when the wind lashes in from the Atlantic, this is not a place for the faint-hearted!

Spend the following 2 nights at Trump Doonbeg. Day 4 Play Lahinch Old Course or Trump Doonbeg Lahinch is steeped in history and the features of this famous course are carved out of natural terrain. The Old Course is the permanent home of the South of Ireland Open Amateur Championship (first played in 1895). This course also regularly hosts the Irish National Amateur and Professional Championships.

Doonbeg Course, redesigned from 2014-2016 by the great Dr. Martin Hawtree, the course has kept its original integrity by allowing the soul of the land to flourish while enhancing the playability and greens of each hole.

Day 5 Travel to Scotland Spend your next 3 nights at the deluxe Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, the home of golf

Play St Andrews Castle Course St Andrews Castle Course is located 2 miles outside of St Andrews, occupying a majestic cliff-top setting, which has been converted from a flat potato farm into a roller coaster ride of gargantuan proportions. David McLay Kidd, the young Scotsman responsible for Bandon Dunes, deserves all of the credit for creating a seaside gem, more than worthy of carrying the St. Andrews name.

Day 6 Play Carnoustie Championship Course Dating back to 1560, Carnoustie is described as one of the true wonders of the golf world. Frequently used for the British Open, this 18-hole layout presents one of the greatest challenges for any player at the top of his game. Day 7 Play St. Andrews Old Course on a Guaranteed Starting Time It was nature that formed St. Andrews over the centuries, and the St. Andrews Old Course has seen little change from its original layout. From as early as 1552, this course has been visited by Royalty, as well as the greatest golfers the world has known. From the 1st hole crossing the bridge over the famous Swilcan Burn, to the 18th with its notorious Valley of Sin, there is no other golf course with the history of the St. Andrews Old Course.

Day 8 Depart Scotland.

• 7 Nights 5 Star Hotel Accommodations
• Full Breakfast each morning
• 6 Rounds of Championship Golf, including St Andrews Old
• Old Course Souvenir Photo Book
• Rental Vehicle in Ireland shared by 4
• Rental Vehicle in Scotland shared by 4
• All local taxes

Courses in this Trip

• Ballybunion Old Course
• Lahinch Old
• St Andrews Castle
• Carnoustie Championship
• St Andrews Old Course

Starting at $8,850 per golfer

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Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil Golf Cruise | March 6 - 15, 2024

This exceptional 9 night, 4 round voyage onboard the intimate-sized Azamara Quest  visits Argentina , Uruguay  & Brazil , making calls in Buenos Aires , Montevideo , São Paulo , Paraty  and Rio de Janeiro. Golf is highlighted by the Alister MacKenzie designed Club de Golf del Uruguay , and the Gil Hanse designed Olympic Golf Course , site of golf’s 2016 return to the Olympic Games .  Details

Plan Your 2024 Golf Trip Now Scottish Highlands & Aberdeen

Availability still exists for 2024 in the North of Scotland.   Royal Dornoch , Castle Stuart , Nairn , Cruden Bay  & Royal Aberdeen  are testaments to the quality and individuality of each course. Not to be overlooked is the concentration of whisky produced in Speyside which complements a perfect day’s golf. Round out your trip with visit to Dunrobin Castle . Details

Japan, Hong Kong & Vietnam Golf Cruise | April 18 - May 3, 2024

This exceptional 15 night, 5 round voyage onboard the intimate-sized Azamara Journey sails the South China Sea from Tokyo to Singapore , making calls in Japan , Taiwan , Hong Kong  and Vietnam . Golf is highlighted by two rounds in Japan, the stunning Clearwater Bay  in Hong Kong, plus the outstanding Ba Na Hills Golf Club  and Tan Son Nhat  in Vietnam. Details

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In addition to the  Custom Tours  we arrange to eleven of the world’s most memorable destinations, we also create an annual selection of  Escorted Tours . These fixed-itinerary programs combine marquee golf with sightseeing, wine touring, fine dining, world-class hotels, resorts and spas for a thoroughly immersive experience. It's an excellent opportunity for couples and individuals to join a group of 20 to 30 like-minded new friends for a relaxed and fully managed experience inclusive of numerous meals, guided sightseeing, carts/caddies, and local transportation. Read More

Worldwide Golf Cruises

Our reputation for international golf tours now stands behind the most extensive selection of international golf cruises available. From January to November we sail for many of the world’s leading destinations ranging from the British Isles , including attendance to The Open , and the Mediterranean to South Africa , the Baltics , South America , Southeast Asia , New Zealand & Australia and the Arabian Gulf . Each voyage combines marquee golf and robust sightseeing with an exceptional cruise experience provided by our partner Azamara® whose fleet of boutique hotels at sea for less than 700 guests are ideal for the purpose. Read More

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Golf Tours in Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales​

Authorised provider of tee times at st andrews old course.

Golf Vacations UK are long-established, multi-award-winning Golf Tour Operators providing fully inclusive and tailor-made, escorted or self drive golf vacations in Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales for large or small groups. All our golf packages include guaranteed tee times on courses such as St Andrews Old Course and all major Open Championship Venues and Ryder Cup venues in addition to the fantastic hidden gems of each region. 

Golf Vacations UK are members of The International Association of Golf Tour Operators and are also affiliated to the Scottish Tourist Board – Visit Scotland.

If you are looking for a Golf Vacation in Scotland, Ireland, England or Wales, contact us for a competitive quote. For availability on St Andrews Golf Courses, including the Old Course and other major venues, contact us from the USA & Canada on our toll-free number 1-888-209-4094 or from other regions on                +44 (0)1228 598089.

Visit our Client References page to view photos and comments from previous tour groups.

We will guarantee that your experience with us to will be a memory that will live with you forever.

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Welcome to Dunbar Golf Tours – Ireland & Scotland

Dunbar Golf Tours is an Irish golf tour operator and we specialize in creating tailored golf vacations in Ireland and Scotland. In addition to golf trips in Ireland and Scotland, we offer a range of other golfing destinations on request, including England, Wales, Spain and Portugal.

Founded in 2007, Dunbar Golf Tours is family company, owned and managed by Marc and Sandra Dunbar. We are dedicated to creating memorable golfing experiences, with each golf trip designed to suit each client’s particular needs and budget.

With over twenty years experience in the golf travel business, we know what it takes to make the perfect golf trip and our attention to detail has ensured that we have never had a client return home anything but delighted with their experience in our hands.

I look forward to hearing from you and to making your dream golf trip a reality.

Marc Dunbar

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Established in 1971.

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“Everything went smoothly and we had a most enjoyable trip of golf and sight-seeing.”

The Home of Golf – five Open Championship venues including St Andrews.

Spectacular courses, quaint villages, and wonderful pubs.

Home to Golf Digest’s #1 rated course outside the US.

More courses than Ireland, Scotland, and Wales combined.

Some of the best courses on the planet are found Down Under.

Enjoy great weather, great golf and great food!

Discover some of the many courses along Portugal's extensive sun-soaked coastline

Breathtaking scenery and incredible golf tee up an amazing travel experience

Magnificent scenery, great golf, delicious wine and game drives. South Africa has it all.

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Tralee ireland, ireland & scotland golf tours from henry golf tours, cead mile failte. a hundred thousand welcomes.

For over twenty years, Henry Golf Tours have been delivering customised golf tours of Ireland and Scotland to satisfied clients. Our experience in finding the most stunning golf courses and breath-taking links is matched by seamless organisation of transport, accommodation and entertainment.  We take pride in making your dream golf trip become a reality. But don’t take our word for it, check out these reviews from happy golfers. ….. 

Henry Golf tours are renowned for our old-fashioned personal service.

We may meet as strangers, but we will part as friends.

Ireland Golf Vacation 

Teeing off in Ireland is a unique experience.  World famous golf courses like the Old head Kinsale  , Ballybunion Old Course , Portstewart , Doonbeg and Lahinch  offer excellent golf in stunning scenic settings with warm welcoming accommodation, awesome food and evening spent having ‘the craic’.  Golfing in Ireland on a Henry Golf customised tour will make memories to last a lifetime. Start a conversation today and let us put a package together that hits everything on your golf wish list and within your budget.  

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Scotland Golf Vacation 

The Scots take their golf seriously, and so they should.! Scotland is the home of the game and boasts some of the most iconic golf courses in the world.  They say the spirit of golf itself can be found on these hallowed greens. Any golf enthusiast worth his par will put Scotland on his itinerary for a perfect golf holiday.  We combine great golf with scenic trips and historical interests to make your Scottish Golf package a wee gem of a time to remember.                                                              

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Best Of Ireland And Scotland

Enjoy radiant Paris and the Renaissance romance of Florence, dramatic Alpine landscapes and the Eternal City of Rome where you'll toss a coin in the Trevi Fountatin to secure your swift return.

Travel to see the very best of Ireland and Scotland, from delicate Waterford Crystal to the golfing greats of St. Andrews. Kiss the Blarney Stone and you'll be sharing tales from Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Highlands for years to come.

Our prices start from

15 Days • GUIDED • 20 Meals

The Details

• 14 nights accommodation
• Services of a travel director
• All on-tour transportation and related fees
• Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
• Airport transfers at specified times on arrival and departure days
• 14 breakfasts, 6 dinners

Engaging Experiences  These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.

Mespil/Ballsbridge

Dinner Included

Explore the Celtic heritage and hospitality of Ireland and Scotland on this grand adventure through beautiful landscapes and enchanting cities. Your first day sees you delve into the whimsy of the Irish capital, before joining your fellow travelers and travel director for a welcome reception.

Breakfast Included

Drive through the streets of Dublin, joining your local specialist for a sightseeing tour past the stately Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the city. Stop for a pint of the "Black Stuff' in Temple Bar, admire the colorful performers on Grafton Street or consider joining an optional experience this evening to tap your feet to the lively sounds of Irish music at an Irish cabaret.

Visit the Irish National Stud Farm dedicated to rearing world-class thoroughbreds for a insight on the breeding of these horses. Also, visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a cultural insight demonstration and tour of the workshop.

Dive Into Culture and gain insights into Ireland's strong tradition of breeding world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud. Enjoy a guided walk admiring the powerful steeds that have made racing history and stroll around the tranquil Japanese gardens. Next you will travel to the House of Waterford Crystal in the afternoon and witness this delicate craft, watching talented master craftsmen at work in their workshop.

Connect with locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, savoring delicious local flavors in the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney.

Killarney Towers/Hotel Killarney

Breakfast, Dinner Included

Maybe, bend over backwards and kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab' before crossing the Kerry Mountains to County Kerry. Journey to 1930s Ireland this evening, visiting the working farms of Muckross, where you'll learn about traditional farming and meet the families who ply the land. Join locals over a dinner experience, enjoying delicious local fare in the Quilles Farmhouse.

The astounding beauty of Iveragh Peninsula accompanies us on this soul-stirring coastal journey around the Ring of Kerry - a dramatic landscape of mountains, loughs and lakes which have inspired writers and poets for centuries. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with the Macgillycuddy's Reeks peaks in the distance.

Ocean Sands

Drive to Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, known for its thatched cottages. Visit the imposing stone cathedral, built on the site of an old prison and Eyre Square during your next stop in Galway, where you'll enjoy some free time to explore the city before continuing your journey northward. This evening you'll dine in your hotel.

Everglades/City

Head north to Donegal with its "Diamond" center before joining a local specialist in Derry/Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century walls. See the "Troubles" neighborhood of Bogside, with its murals depicting the battles of that time.

Tread in the footsteps of Finn MacCool and along the other-worldly Giant's Causeway "steps" that descend into the sea. Your visit will make a difference by helping to conserve this iconic landmark. Arrive in Belfast later and visit the Titanic Belfast Experience where you'll gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the capital of Northern Ireland.

Hilton Garden Inn City Centre/Maldron

Join your local specialist in Belfast this morning for an included city tour which will take you to Queen's University and the Baroque Revival-style City Hall. Board your ferry at Larne and cross to Cairnryan in Scotland, driving through the Ayrshire countryside bound for Glasgow, your home for the next two nights.

Visit the beautiful Glengoyne whisky distillery and learn how to make Scotland's favorite honey-colored drink with a chance to sample a wee dram.

Delve into Scotland's intriguing cultural capital and stroll through the town to admire views of George Square and the River Clyde, once the heart of Scotland's shipbuilding industry. Head to whisky country next, visiting the beautiful Glengoyne whisky distillery where you'll dive into culture and learn about Scotland's favorite drink. Your heart warmed, return to Glasgow for some free time to explore the city.

Journey along the famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the tragic site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds at the "Glen of Weeping." Continue to Fort William at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Then, cross to the Isle of Skye, where you'll spend this evening dining in your hotel.

We leave the rugged beauty of Skye behind and venture to the site where three lochs meet. View Eilean Donan Castle before traveling along the banks of Loch Ness in search of the elusive monster that bears its name. The bloody battlefield of Culloden is our next stop, where we spend a poignant moment reflecting on the many men who lost their lives in the brief but brutal battle between the Redcoats and Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobites. This evening we spend the evening dining at our hotel in the Scottish Highlands.

Novotel City Centre/Apex Haymarket

Traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, pass Pitlochry before arriving in St. Andrews to see its famous golf course on which golfing greats have clamored to play for centuries. You will cross the scenic Firth of Forth to enchanting Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Perhaps, take to the streets of the Scottish capital this evening, soaking up its warmth and conviviality with an evening of traditional dance, music and Scottish fare. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Join your local specialist for a guided sightseeing tour which includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, surveying the city from imposing Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyrood in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the new Scottish Parliament building. As your memorable holiday comes to an end, join your travel director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner to reminisce over shared experiences.

For now it's time to say a fond farewell to Scotland and your newfound friends, at the end of an unforgettable Celtic sojourn.

Pricing is subject to change without notice. It is inevitable prices or details may have changed since initially provided, see your AAA Travel Agent for current pricing. Pricing is per person, double occupancy, land only, based on April 8, 2023 travel date. International airfare is additional.

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The First-Timer’s Guide to Golf in Scotland and Ireland

Few things can match the excitement of putting your first golf trip to Scotland or Ireland on the calendar.

But before any golfer gets to that point, there’s first a lengthy list of decisions, reservations, and other plans that must be put in place.

It’s easy for first-timers to get bogged down in the sometimes monumental task of putting it all together.

Not to mention the added, and usually self-imposed, pressure of creating that perfect first trip for you and your travel companions.

As a result, many golfers choose to enlist the service of a golf travel company to help relieve the burden. Even with an expert by your side, however, the first golf trip abroad still comes with its own set of unique questions and expectations.

If you’re in the midst of planning your first golf trip across the pond, these ten tips will help keep you in the fairway.

10 Tips for Your First Golf Trip to Scotland and Ireland

Plan early..

Arguably the most important tip for your first golf trip to Scotland or Ireland is to begin the planning process earlier than you think.

The marquee courses, such as The Old Course at St. Andrews, Muirfield, Royal County Down, and Royal Portrush, usually release their tee times in the spring of the year prior to your trip.

And they don’t last long.

This being your first overseas golf trip, there’s a good chance your ideal itinerary includes at least one of these courses. To avoid disappointment, we suggest getting started around January of the year before your trip.

The guides below cover this topic in even greater detail.

When to Begin Planning a Golf Trip to Scotland

When to Begin Planning a Golf Trip to Ireland

But before you put any plans to paper, you’ll want to…

Be selective with your invites.

For some first-time golf travelers, the invite list is already settled.

Perhaps you’re planning a family golf trip to Scotland with your siblings and dad. Or maybe you and the regular foursome want to play Royal Portrush before The Open returns in 2025.

On the other hand, if your group isn’t clearly defined, you’ll want to remember an old adage before you hand out a single invite…

One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.

This wisdom absolutely holds true for golf trips. We all have that one golfing acquaintance who manages to drain the life out of the group.

Make sure their invitation is lost in the mail.

If you’re having a hard time deciding who should or shouldn’t make the list, this guide will provide some valuable insight .

You’re probably going to change hotels.

Golfers visiting Scotland and Ireland for the first time should know that there are some key differences between trips across the pond and those here at home.

For example, at domestic destinations like Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst, you’ll generally base yourself at one accommodation and play several courses throughout the trip.

In Scotland and Ireland, however, the great courses are spread far and wide.

In order for your first golf trip to Scotland to include The Old Course and Royal Dornoch–as just one of numerous examples–you’re going to have to change hotels. Possibly twice, which is common for the marquee destinations in Ireland.

Because of this, it’s important that you pay special attention to our next piece of advice…

Don’t overdo it.

The biggest mistake that many golfers make when embarking on their first golf trip to Scotland or Ireland is planning an overly ambitious itinerary.

The tendency with the first trip is to try and squeeze as many big name courses as possible into the time allotted.

But as explained above, the bucket list golf courses, which most first-time travelers want to play, are spread all across Scotland and Ireland. You would need a month or better in each country in order to play them all.

Those same courses are also concentrated in several clusters within the two countries.

Whether it’s your first or tenth overseas golf trip, our advice is to choose the two or three regions that appeal to you most and play all of the marquee courses within those areas.

The other clusters will be waiting for you on your next journey.

Of course, choosing which regions to visit presents yet another conundrum.

But rest easy, the guides below have you covered.

The Best Regions for Golf in Scotland

The Best Regions for Golf In Ireland

“All the prep by H&B made our trip smooth sailing! I also think staying in St. Andrews and Turnberry ‘only’ was so much easier than moving several times during the trip.”

~Coe Brier, Charleston National

Consider who’s driving.

When golfers travel to Scotland and Ireland for the first time, transportation is often an overlooked consideration.

But there’s far more to this challenge than simply getting from one region to the next. Even within a single region, you may have a commute of an hour each way to a particular course.

For this reason, the majority of H&B travelers opt to hire a Driver-Host for their Expeditions. They’d just rather sit back, enjoy the view and camaraderie on the ride, and let a local deal with driving on the other side of the road.

What’s better… Each and every year, our travelers list the Driver-Host as the best part of their time across the pond.

That’s because your Driver-Host, as explained in this guide , is so much more than a means to get from Point A to Point B.

“Aidan O Donoughue was our driver-host and he was fantastic! Cannot say enough positive things about the whole “driver” experience. He made dinner reservations for us, recommended sightseeing and took us there, educated us on Ireland and its customs etc.”

~Dave Kuhl, Boulder Country Club and Champaign Country Club

Prepare your body.

You’re going to “get your steps in” during your first overseas golf trip.

Golf carts – or “buggies” as they’re called – are virtually unheard of in Scotland and Ireland. In addition, most courses require a signed note from your physician in order to take one of the few carts they do have.

You should be prepared to traverse the courses each day on foot. But the tradeoff to the lack of golf carts is actually an upgrade.

Because at virtually every course across the pond, you’ll have the opportunity to take a caddie. And just like your Driver-Host, your caddies are certain to be among the highlights of your trip.

Of course, navigating the ins and outs of caddies in Scotland and Ireland could fill a guide of its own.

Which is why we’ve put one together for you here .

Consider a day off.

Most travelers will play more rounds in the span of a week-long golf trip than they might over a few months, or even longer, back home.

Although the desire to play as much golf as possible during your first trip to Scotland or Ireland is an understandable one, that many rounds can take a toll on both the mind and body.

For this reason, you should consider taking a day off the golf course.

We know that’s easier said than done, especially when it’s your first trip. But at the end of it all, your body – and probably your scorecards – will appreciate the rest.

And if your travel companions need a little convincing, this guide explains in detail why you should plan a day off the golf course during your trip.

Don’t forget the Good Life.

Another common mistake golfers make during their first golf trip to Scotland or Ireland is putting all of the emphasis on golf and not much else.

Ask any H&B traveler and they’ll tell you that the time off the golf course is just as important to your overall enjoyment of the trip as the time on it.

We call it the Good Life, and it’s the foundation that separates Haversham & Baker from every other golf travel company.

Whether it’s a guided tour of Dublin or Edinburgh, a whisky tasting at Glenmorangie, or marveling at the view from the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant’s Causeway, no journey is complete without enjoying the history, culture, and people of your destination.

Take time to eat in the pubs, walk the cities, and take lots of photos.

~Ron Lessnau, Colorado Golf Club and Glenmoor Country Club

Prepare your game.

For many, the first golf trip to Scotland or Ireland delivers a rude introduction to links golf.

During the course of your trip, you’re certain to encounter a variety of shots that you wouldn’t dream of playing back home. Our advice is to spend a few sessions at the range practicing your bump and run, keeping it low in the wind, and lengthy lag putts.

You should also have a look at our guide to how to play links golf .

By the time your departure date arrives, your game will be ready and your travel companions won’t know what hit them.

At the end of every H&B Expedition, we ask our travelers if there is any advice that they’d pass along to those making their first golf trip across the pond.

Without question, the most common advice is just two words…

What most fail to consider is that cooler weather often means that some articles of clothing can be worn more than once. But there’s another, more common reason why you should pack less than you think…

Along the way, you’re all but certain to pick up a variety of golf shirts and other fashionable keepsakes.

Leave extra room in your luggage for your purchases, and put them to use during the trip itself.

For more helpful packing tips, see our guide to packing for a golf trip to Scotland and Ireland .

“Pack light. Most of our guys packed pretty heavy bags. You end up buying souvenirs along the way so be prepared to bring it all back.”

~Arthur Hoffmann – Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic Club

Bonus: Stay in the Moment.

Our last piece of advice for first-timers is something that most golf travel companies would rather not bring up…

We would love nothing more than to say that every H&B Expedition goes off without a single hitch.

But occasionally, stuff happens. It just comes with the territory these days with travel.

When you travel with H&B, in those rare cases when something goes awry, the combination of our 30 years of expertise, our dedicated partners on the ground, and our 24/7 support team are all called into action to get your trip back in the fairway.

Whether you travel with us or not, if something goes sideways with your first trip, it’s important to stay in the moment, work through it quickly, and not let those momentary blips get in the way of enjoying your journey.

Because it’ll be over before you know it.

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Ireland and Scotland Golf Trips

Ireland and Scotland are a pure golfing delight, with over fifty top courses to choose from, including two of the top ten in the world.  Why not let us escort you on your golfing tour of Ireland and Scotland?

[accordiongroup ]

Fly into Dublin and meet your Golf Guide/ Driver.

Transfer to the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle

Enjoy dinner in the Percy French + Restaurant

Play the world famous Royal County Down Golf Club

Enjoy Dinner in the quaint Harbour Inn

Transfer to the Culloden Hotel and play Royal Belfast Golf Club

Enjoy a pint of Guinness in the Maypole Bar in Holywood and dinner in the Dirty Duck

Transfer to The Gresham Hotel in Dublin and enjoy a round of golf at Royal Dublin Golf Club

That evening visit Temple Bar and dine at the Irish restaurant Gallagher’s Boxty House

Fly home from Dublin Airport [/accordiongroup]

[well]The tour above is a mere taster of the golfing heaven that awaits you here in Ireland, and we have the vehicles at our disposal to make your golfing ‘pilgrimage’ the most comfortable experience possible”. As part of our dedicated concierge services and in conjunction with our partners we will ensure that your caddies, buggies and rental clubs are all in place, precisely when you need them.

Please contact us for further details or for a transportation quote for your trip. With plenty of experience amongst our drivers in terms of both social and competitive golf here in Ireland we will do whatever we can to enhance your or your guests golfing experience here in Ireland or Scotland. We’ll setup your tee-time, ground transport, accommodations all at the best locations and at the best prices.  And, when the golf is all over, we will be delighted to take you to the best local pubs and restaurants where you can re-live the day’s highlights and enjoy the world famous Irish “craic.”[/well]

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The Best Golf Trip Ever: Scotland (vs) Ireland

• BY Sponsored
• Jun 23rd 2016
• Read all comments

Scotland and Ireland are often mentioned when it comes to bucket list golf and ultimate golf vacations. First off, these golf destinations are indeed worthy of those labels – the golf really is that good. Second, these countries are easy to travel to, so trips here should not be considered to be “once in a lifetime”.

But when it comes to which is best… well… that’s open to debate. When MyGolfSpy asked Golfbreaks.com that question, we sat on the fence and instead asked our local experts why their country should be crowned with the “Best Trip” title.

To this end, in the Blue Corner, representing Scotland, we have Kieran Clark , Scottish golf journalist and self-proclaimed golfing nut. And in the Green Corner, we have Kevin Markham , author of ‘ Driving The Green ’ and a man who has played every course in Ireland!

We set them the task to describe their best ever seven day, seven round golf vacation and to tell the world why we should all jump on a plane to experience it.

First up, Kieran describes his love of… you guessed it… St Andrews.

SCOTLAND:   7 Days in St Andrews

It would be difficult to find a more fulfilling golf destination than St. Andrews. The town is completely synonymous with the game, as its spiritual home, and features some of Scotland’s finest links courses on its doorstep. Throw in an unmatched level of vibrancy (for a small place) that comes from the number of tourists and students at the historic University, more pubs per square-feet than anywhere else in the UK, and its location amidst the spectacular surroundings of beaches and medieval architecture, and you have something approaching perfection for your average, fun-loving golfer.

First, pay homage to the Old Course

Naturally, playing the legendary Old Course is a must for anyone visiting the Auld Grey Toon. Host of 29 Open Championships, all of the greats have played here; the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Bobby Jones have all claimed the Claret Jug on the timeless layout. With palpable levels of history and numerous iconic images around you, playing the Old Lady can be overwhelming for some, but it is an unforgettable experience for anyone with an appreciation of the game’s past and its purest form. Toasting your round afterwards in the Jigger Inn or Dunvegan Hotel is the perfect conclusion to a day on one of the game’s truly bucket-list courses.

You’re spoilt for choice at the Auld Grey Toon

There are seven courses under the St. Andrews Links umbrella – with the next best of them being the New, which is literally sat adjacent to its older sister. This is a more conventional course than the Old, but it remains a classic links challenge in the iconic surroundings of the Home of Golf, and is a perfect companion piece to its more famous neighbor. The same can be said for the Jubilee and Eden Courses, both of which have their own understated charm. While the most recently added Castle Course, which is situated just outside the town, boasts some imaginative and thrilling holes .

Take on the Young Pretender and Old Master

St. Andrews is also ideally positioned as a base for playing other courses, not least nearby Kingsbarns, which is only eight miles away. Opened for play in 2000 and part of the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the European Tour, this modern layout is visually spectacular and tremendously fun to play, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area. On a clear afternoon, you can often see across the North Sea to the small town of Carnoustie and its fearsome and tantalizingly challenging Championship Course that has tested the game’s best players for decades.

Visit the Giants in Lothians and Perthshire

Further afield, and all within just two hours of St. Andrews, are the likes of Gleneagles in Perthshire, whose stunning King’s Course is one of the best inland tracks in Scotland, and the delights of East Lothian, which features the iconic links of Muirfield, Gullane and North Berwick within a short stretch of beautiful coastline . These can all be considered among the best courses in the country, if not the world.

St Andrews has it all… Who can argue?

Ultimately, St. Andrews is not only the best golfing town on the planet, with great courses and an atmospheric nightlife, but it is also an ideal base camp to sample many of the other great courses that continue to draw tens of thousands of golfers from across the globe each year.

Scotland’s Best Ever Trip:

• Old Course, St. Andrews
• New Course, St. Andrews
• Championship Course at Carnoustie
• West Links at North Berwick
• Gleneagles Kings

Other Courses to consider:  Gullane No. 1, St. Andrews Castle, St. Andrews Jubilee, St. Andrews Eden, Crail

Sounds good right? But now it’s Kevin’s turn to hit back at the Home of Golf as he pulls out Ireland’s golfing heavyweights and recommends a trip to the South West of the Emerald Isle…

IRELAND:  7 Days in Killarney and South West Ireland

Ireland’s South West is renowned for its string of links courses which stretch along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It starts with the Alister MacKenzie classic, Lahinch, to the north, and embraces Doonbeg, Ballybunion, Tralee, Dooks and the idyllic Waterville, on the Ring of Kerry to the south. On Ireland’s southern coastline lies the immaculate Old Head Golf Club, peering down on the ocean from 300 foot cliffs on, a peninsula which resembles a diamond earring in shape… and quality.

Top 10 Ocean Courses… and HUGE dunes!

When it comes to drama and beauty, this region is astounding. Three of these courses make Golf Channel’s Top 10 Ocean Courses in the world (Tralee, Ballybunion, and Old Head), while the entire stretch of coastline from Clare to Cork forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way – the longest coastal driving route in the world.

In a face-off between Scotland and Ireland for the ‘best golf trip ever’ there are two other important considerations: the size of the Irish dunes and the all-encompassing, never ending, heart warmingly famous craic. There is no welcome quite like an Irish welcome .

The Culture, the Hospitality … and the Craic!

And there’s no better place to start than Killarney, one of Ireland’s most colorful and vibrant towns. Packed with restaurants, artist studios, bars and hotels, Killarney is surrounded by the 26,000 acre Killarney National Park, the 19th century Muckross House (designed by a Scot, ironically), and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. This is the place to stay for some unforgettable golf.

Golfers can ease themselves in at Killarney Golf Club, where the Irish Open was held in 2010 and 2011. Set on Lough Leane, with mountains filling the horizon, this is idyllic parkland golf that’s kept in good company by the club’s two other courses.

Big Vistas and Iconic Links

The real action begins with Waterville, Dooks and Tralee; three links courses that boast the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. Bays, peninsulas, mountains and ocean all make these inspiring golf experiences, but playing them is even better. Waterville has the most elegant and rhythmic of dune systems and it is a course which builds and builds, with the closing three holes streaking above the ocean in a dramatic par four, three, five finish . It is the most picture perfect links in Ireland.

Dooks is shorter but packed with character. It is famous for its Natterjack toad and colorful flora, but the course takes center stage. Tralee was designed by Arnold Palmer and/or God… or so said Palmer of the majestic back nine which rise and fall to create many of the most impressive holes in the country.

And then there’s Ballybunion…

Little needs to be said about Ballybunion, a links which rose to prominence thanks to Tom Watson’s visit in the 1980s. It is another course of muscular dunes and outstanding green setting. And its sibling, the Cashen, boasts even bigger dunes; it’s a charismatic links that adds the extra challenge of some target-golf greens… thanks to the design of Robert Trent Jones Sr.

90 minutes away, Old Head lures golfers to play luxurious cliff-top golf. It doesn’t get more thrilling than this, with nine of its holes literally clinging to the cliffs’ edge.

The all-round golfing package…

Ireland’s South West promises a majestic golf experience with the ‘Irish’ extras to make a visit truly unforgettable.

Ireland’s Best Ever Trip:

• Ballybunion Old
• Ballybunion Cashen

Other Courses to consider:   Ceann Sibeal, Lahinch, Doonbeg, Castlegregory, Cork, Fota Island, Bantry Bay.

Our Conclusion:

When it comes to the golf, the history of the game and the sheer feeling of occasion when you step out on the first tee, it would be hard to beat St Andrews as the ultimate golf trip destination. However when you take in the overall golfing experience, a trip to South West Ireland could just edge it. From the iconic links to the breath-taking landscapes, not to mention the hospitality and the craic, not many golf destinations in the word can compete with Killarney and its accompanying golfing greats.

OK, so we have sat on the fence slightly, but it’s genuinely hard to recommend one over the other. The only way is for you to draw your own conclusions… and that starts with a trip to the British Isles!

Fortunately Golfbreaks.com is at hand to make that trip a reality, and we’ll aim to do all the work for you and save you time and money!  Simply send us an inquiry by contacting our Golf Vacation Specialists at usa.golfbreaks.com or by calling 1-855-699-5853 toll free.

Golfbreaks.com’s UK and Irish 7 night, 5 round golf vacations start from just $999 pp.

About Golfbreaks.com

Golfbreaks.com is a recognized market leader in golf travel and in 2015 over 220,000 golfers booked their vacations with us. With offices in Charleston SC, Windsor UK and Copenhagen Denmark, you’ll benefit from 18 years’ experience and an expert team passionate about golf travel. We genuinely care and always aim to give you the very best price for your vacations as well as save you time. In fact, 98% of our customers have told us that they would book with us again.

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Guy Proddow

7 years ago

Thanks for the comments. To give you an indication of pricing, our 4 night, 4 round packages to South West Ireland start from $665 pp. See: http://usa.golfbreaks.com/ireland/south-west-ireland/ )

And to the St Andrews area they start from $1105 for 4 night, 4 rounds. See – http://usa.golfbreaks.com/scotland/st-andrews-carnoustie-gleneagles/

All our tours are bespoke, so we can work to your budget and golfing ambitions should you want to play lesser known or more renowned courses. Its is also a great time to come to the UK and Ireland at the moment due to the US Dollar being so strong on the GB Pound and Euro!

Happy golfing, Guy

Thank you. But what about the greenfees? We need to know.

If you have to ask how much the green fees are, you can’t afford to leave home.

Michael Kefer

So… I guess this is an advertisement. Neat.

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Testimonials

Not sure where to start other than everything was perfect- the App, accommodations, logistics, communication and specifically our driver Gordon. Gordon is a fabulous ambassador for SGH, my family, the entire trip and of course for Scotland. Everything went flawless ! I would highly recommend SGH to my friends and family! Thanks, Tim

We had a ball!!  Accommodations, golf and Gordon were fabulous. Debbie

Just landed in Newark. Thank you all for a great trip. Will definitely use you again and recommend your team. Regards, Chris.

Miller Group

We are heading back now Iain but all went great during our trip to Ireland thanks for all your efforts. 

Heekin Group

What a wonderful trip to Eire!!  Aer Lingus delayed my golf bag a couple of days but I got to try brand new sticks!  Doonbeg and Adare are fabulous tracks.  Thanks for all your help buddy!  Please, tell the staff they did a superb job!!

McGinnis Group

We had a wonderful time. Gordon was fabulous. The golf was great. The weather was perfect by US standards. Thanks for getting buggies for us. That made everything great!! Allen

Holman Group

Thanks so much. We appreciate all the SGH team and you did to help make our trip incredibly special. All the best, Tom

Hinkle Group

Thank you for all of your help.  We had a wonderful time and once we get settled, I will send you some more detailed feedback and some photos. I just wanted to reach out and thank you all for your help in setting up a wonderful trip for Liz and I.  Everything worked out wonderfully and we had a great time with the golf, sightseeing, hotels and the driver.  WE could not have asked for more. Thank you again for everything. Perry Moore

Moore Group

Good morning, I just wanted to thank you guys for helping with our trip. It was truly an experience none of us will ever forget. We were extremely fortunate with our weather which really helped but everything in between was just wonderful. If we are able to do this again in the future there is no doubt we will be reaching back out to you guys to help plan again. All the best, Andrew Wendell

Wendell Group

Except for some British Airways miscues on the way home, the trip went very well.  My son Jeff had a great time and really enjoyed the Scotland experience. Rusacks gave Jeff and I a room in the new building with a lovely view of 1 and 18. Weather was pretty good all week.  We got a little wet at Carnoustie and it was foggy at Crail.  The final playing day at Kingsbarns on Friday was probably the best day I had ever seen in Scotland. Thanks for keeping our arrangements “fresh” with everyone. We had a great time with SGH. Regards, Bob Steger

Steger Group

Iain, Thank you so much for all of your help. You made this an awesome trip for us. We are on the plane now leaving Scotland. Cheers!

Cunningham Group

Exceptional trip, golf courses and friends!!! Amazing friends and incredible golf courses! Best golf trip ever!!! Thanks for all the good times and laughs!

Thanks Iain. We had a great time and loved all the golf and accommodations. We are looking forward to our next trip. We are currently at the airport waiting for our flight. 

Fraser Group

We had a fabulous time! We loved having Jim again as our driver as he makes the trip so smooth and was always there for us.           Weather, hotels, golf and service was all A++.  Thanks for another great trip. - Donna

Stack Group

We wanted to let you know our trip was absolutely wonderful!!! We loved every moment once we arrived in Dublin. The hotels/golf/restaurants/drivers were just awesome. We feel very fortunate to have been able to go on such a great trip ~ thank you for everything From John and Heather Hughes

Hughes Group

We arrived home safe and sound and happily exhausted. The trip was a rousing success. We survived driving the van on the narrow Irish roads. Each course was unique and challenging to say the least. I don’t think they designed the courses in the 1800s with women in mind. The imaginary pink tees were helpful. We’ll most likely be planning a return trip in 2025. More to explore and golf to experience. Thanks for everything. Pattie and David Owens. Hank and Jean Clark ☘️🇮🇪⛳️

Owens Group

Our trip was seamless thanks to you and your team over here in the states. We played Old Head on a warm, dry and windless day which was truly a blessing and rare event we were told. Even managed to get a sun burn!

We will definitely use SGH Golf again in the future. - Jean Stewart, Ireland, May 2022

Stewart Group

We had our best weather of the entire trip! Mike & I had a great time at Royal Dornoch. We played it on our last trip and it lived up to my memory. One of my top 5 courses in the world! We have had a wonderful time. Neil has been fantastic. The entire SGH Golf team has been exceptional! Very warm, friendly with outstanding customer service. I will be sure to let Ian and Tricia know how truly special our trip has been. - John Thompson, Scotland, May 2022

Thompson Group

I said Ireland given it’s a place I believe you guys specialize in but open to other locations. We’d likely want to upgrade hotels.  We liked the Rusacks.  

Thx ! - Michelle Moloney, Scotland, June 2022

Moloney Group

I want to thank all of you for your help in what was a marvelous trip and lifetime experience for us.  The golf courses, transportation, hotels all were just fantastic and the entire group was blown away.  - Lumpkin, Scotland, July, 2022

Lumpkin Group

We all had such a wonderful time!  Each day was memorable and better than the day before.  We thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to another trip. Jody Weathers, Scotland, August, 2022

Weathers Group

Thank you for your kind help. We had a great time. Suzuki Party, August/September, 2022

Suzuki Group

Iain, We had a great trip and Phil was outstanding.  Weather was perfect, which was a huge bonus.  The itinerary was enjoyed by all.  Three guys braved the cold and stood in line to play the Old Course.  As the organizer, I stayed with the pack and went to Dumbarnie, which I think will be hosting significant tournaments in its future. I can suggest that you avoid rooms in the cottages in the Piersland Hotel.  I heard some grumblings about those rooms.  Both of my rooms were great. Regards Steve Davey Party, Sept, Scotland, 2022 

Davey Group

It has been a hectic week since returning from Scotland, but I wanted to reach to you all to thank you for an amazing trip. SGH exceeded all expectations, seriously. I could not have been better. Darren did a great job and enhanced our experience. He went above tracking down insulin for one of party who forgot it and kept us on track. We all thought the addition of Dumbarnie was perfect, especially after being kicked in the teeth by Carnoustie. It may have something to do with the starter pouring us whisky on the first tee. I will admit opening Iain’s text about the ballot was a bit difficult to open but all good in the end.  I could go on for ever about our faces hurting from a 9-day smile, but I won’t. Below is us, cleaned up in Prestwick Smoking Room. Thank You Again, Ken. Morgan Party, Sept, Scotland, 2022

Morgan Group

Scotland Ian once again, it was magnificent! We had the greatest time. North Berwick, Dunbar, Gullane, Royal Aberdeen, Newburgh, Trump Int’l and Cruden Bay. Through in Newburgh and it was a fun track. We never got wet, sun was mostly out and just a little wind. I really enjoyed the golf overall. Trump is a little tricked up but beautiful. Overall, the golf was amazing. The view from the 9th tee at Cruden Bay is the best I’ve ever experienced in golf! Even better than the 2nd shot on 8 at Pebble. Dunbar was an absolute joy. Aberdeen was tremendous. All the courses except Trump where traditional gems. Arnold Clark is the way to go! The Caledonian is fabulous. Kyloe is a great restaurant to suggest basically next door. The two new hotels at the airport look fantastic and we heard nothing but great things about them All in all man, it was great! Appreciate all the help and we’re looking forward to designing the Ireland trip next year. Got some other ides in it, too!

McGinnis Party

Scotland “ The trip was absolutely great! The highlight was that every golfer got to play the Old Course! What a fantastic experience! Hotels were very well located, very comfortable and we could visit, shop and dine by walk which in our case was great. Both bus drivers were very nice we felt in security with them while traveling. Scotland is a great country we are all pleased we had the chance to visit.”

Beaudry Group

Hi Ian. The Open is about to start at Carnoustie. I'm feeling Nostalgic. I just wanted to take the time to THANK YOU ALL at SGH Golf for the wonderful service you all provided to make my 2nd Honeymoon with my wife Paula such a success. I don't know how you all arranged for me to get a hole in one on the 11th at Turnberry on my first round in Scotland, but you did it. The lovely bottle of Champagne as a congratulations you sent was just another piece of evidence of how well you all do your job, and make your clients feel special. The Golf courses you set us up with, were all amazing. Walking the hallowed grounds of the Old Course, Carnoustie, Troon, Turnberry, Prestwick, Kingsbarns and the New Course at St. Andrews made it hard to concentrate on my game, as I was thinking of all the golf history, I was following with every step I took. Ian, you were always there whenever I had a question. Sean, you were a great comfort to us knowing that you were always a phone call away. Next time we're with SGH not only will I be requesting that you are available to assist us, I will also try to book my vacation so that you have a day off so that I can treat you to a round at your favourite course. I'd love to play a round with you some time. Tricia, Tracee, and all the SGH staff always answered my emails right away and let me know that dreams were forthcoming. If you all ever need a reference, then I am all yours. Thank you again for all your help in making some of my dreams come true.

Tobias Party

Ian we had a tremendous experience in Ireland and our customers universally commented that it was the trip of a lifetime. SGH provided outstanding service and their attention to detail was phenomenal! Our tour guide Sean, went above and beyond every day, exceeded our service expectations and made friends with all 28 Yanks on the tour!! However, what stands out the most was Sean’s determination to help four of guests retrieve their lost luggage due to an airline SNAFU!! We are all very appreciative of SGH and Sean for a wonderful golf trip to Ireland!!

Maupin Group

This was our 5th trip with SGH and they remain absolutely the best in the business. Don't hesitate to use their services for whatever your golf trip needs may be.

For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and it was for me. The only regret is that I didn't do it sooner in life so that I would have time to do it again. Perfectly planned and executed by SGH. Don't know how it could have been better.

Our 7 day tour of Scotland arranged by SGH started out as a mere checkmark off the bucket list but ended up being a true trip of a lifetime. From start to finish, SGH worked with us to customize an itinerary that fit our limited time frame and budget. Tee times at the 4 courses we chose we were arranged and travel between them expedited so the entire experience was seamless and easy. My girlfriend became my wife while we were over there and SGH helped us with the intricacies of getting married. They even surprised us with a bottle of champagne! All in all, a totally wonderful experience. I would not hesitate to use SGH again.

The SGH staff does an outstanding job of tailoring the trip to your specifications and the drivers are most accommodating to both golfers and non-golfers

SGH golf has the tradition of making great golf memories. In 2004 you made it happen for myself and my brother. Now in 2012 you made it happen again for myself and my three adult sons. SGH golf made this past trip perfect. The 8 passenger bus with the 8 captains seats and our guide truly made the traveling part painless and very enjoyable. Our accommodations were the very best at every course we stopped at and having the guide to smooth out any problems with the starters was very handy. I will always recommend SGH to my golfing friends planning a trip to the "holy grail" of Scotland

Great trip! SGH is very easy to work with and provide wonderful service.

Thank you so much for all of your assistance in booking our golf trip! We had a spectacular time. Your team was very helpful in all aspects: from arranging accommodations, booking golf, meeting us at the airport, etc. I hope to be able to get back to Scotland some day...if I am able I will be contacting you for your assistance again! Thank you!

SGH is very accommodating as far as modifying specific elements of a trip, such as hotels and golf courses. Knowledgeable people who are very helpful.

Taking a trip of a lifetime to play The Open Courses was made memorable by the attention to detail of SGH

I would totally recommend SGH to anyone!

Being able to play the Old Course at my age(74) was a real thrill. I just wish I could have done it earlier in my life. I was envious of the Swedish teenager who was able to play the Old Course with his father at such a young age. I was also very pleased that I was able to play the old course with no lost balls and was only in 2 bunkers( one twice.)

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience- was well organized. We had little to do but play golf and enjoy ourselves.

The SGH staff does an outstanding job of tailoring the trip to your specifications and the drivers are most accommodating to both golfers and non-golfers.

Our golf trip to England was superbly planned & executed by SGH, as were two previous tours by SGH to Scotland & Ireland. No details were omitted.

I just wanted to thank you for changing our hotel in Liverpool. It was well worth the drive to the British Open and especially worth the drive back when we were tired and hot from sitting out in the sun all day! You really made our stay in Scotland and England great!

We had a great time. The entire trip was better than expected. We would like to thank you and the entire team for a great job.

Duffield Party

I want to thank you two for a great golf experience. I think everyone in our group would give it a 10 out of 10. Weather was good. Only rained on 2 nines during the week. My thoughts on the trip are as follows: 1. Jim Grier was a great tour bus operator. Very personable and had all the information we work looking for as far as food, drink, any additional rounds we were interested in playing while there. I hope his tip was sufficient from our group. He deserved it. Great face for your company. 2. Hotels were very good. (European rooms are expected to be smaller than in the US) They had good locations and with food/drink. I will say that Aberdeen is a great city that you should recommend to anyone that wants to fill out their itinerary. 3. Golf was magnificent. Sean kept in touch and the group was able to ballot on the Old Course Overall the trip was outstanding. The price was good and the fact SGH took care of tee times, hotels, travel and gave us the information we needed was great. I would recommend your company to anyone looking to go to Scotland.

Thanks to Tricia, Tracee, and Sean for all that they did to make sure that our trip was perfect! We did not encounter one problem during the trip and enjoyed every minute!

Chris James C

Scotland 2019

Our SGH trip went exactly as planned. We were greeted promptly at the Airport, our in-Country host kept us informed and made sure we were comfortable. We were graciously greeted at both Hotels and at each golf course. The trip was smooth and seamless, and we had a great time.

Marty & Christina K

My husband and I had the trip of a lifetime to St Andrews all organized by SGH. Ian and Tracee made sure our questions and concerns were addressed in quick fashion. Staying at the Russacks made us feel like we were part of timeless history. We will contact SGH to organize our next trip to St Andrews and the Russacks hotel for our next trip!

Our group had a great time in Scotland working with Sean. Of the six courses we played, by far the best experience was the Old Course Make sure Kingsbarns is one of your chosen courses. It is phenomenal.

Outstanding trip....we will be back!, Very well run and organized. Kate and our driver Jim were outstanding!

Kelly & Rod H

SGH planned a perfect St Andrews trip for me and my boys. We had some special requests and he handled them easily. Our driver Jim was the best driver we’ve had - went way above what a normal driver would do without asking. We will certainly use them for any future trips.

I have used Ian and SGH Golf exclusively for my previous golf trips to Ireland and Scotland spanning 15 years and 5 trips and each one has been an excellent experience.

Ireland 2019

SGH really took a hands-on approach to ensuring our trip to Scotland and the Home of Golf was one we'll never forget. An SGH representative was in touch from the time we stepped off the plane in Edinburgh and throughout our stay making sure all our needs were met. I would recommend SGH without reservation to anyone looking for the golf trip of a lifetime!

SGH provided a very professional and personable experience and I would recommend them to my family and friends. This was a trip of a lifetime.

Our SGH guide and driver, Jim Grier was terrific. He made great recommendations, booked our restaurants, took us wherever we needed to go, can't say enough about him.

The trip was as good as I could have imagined. The courses we played were fantastic and our driver was the best.

I would highly recommend using SGH for a golf trip in Scotland. Everything about this part of our trip went without an issue. Sean provided A+ customer service throughout the trip. He was so accommodating when one of the ladies in our group hurt her knee and needed to have a buggy. In addition, he was able to work with us to reschedule our tee times when we won the open ballot to play the old course. My next trip will include SGH.

I would use SGH Golf for travel again in a heartbeat! Everyone went above and beyond to ensure we had the trip of a lifetime! Thank you for everything you did to help make our bucket list trip such a success!

SGH is definitely a five star plus company that accommodates all your need and requests. We had a group that decided to play 36 holes and they were able to get us on another course quickly to play the additional round. That happened 2 days in a row and they worked hard to meet our every need. The staff is excellent, and the tour bus was perfect in carting us around all week. This is the second time we used SGH and we will definitely be using them again to book our next trip! Thanks for a great experience!!

SGH Golf is a fantastic company to schedule a golf trip. We have use them for Scotland and Ireland. They book you in great accommodations and set up tee times. The staff is very friendly and work with you for whatever needs you have. They provide brochures covering your lodging and golf plus sites to visit with your spare time. You can not go wrong with SGH Golf.

Beth and Gene P

Ian and Kate were very professional and courteous during the entire process. Everything under their control went off without a hitch!

SGH and Sean did a wonderful job. Our trip was everything we expected and more. We loved the golf and created some memories of a lifetime. Thank you and we will be back.

Lived in Cincinnati for many years and met Ian many moons ago. I’ve used SGH for years now and they have been fabulous for the golfer and non-golfer. Excellent accommodations, well qualified tour guides, hassle-free golf arrangements and top-notch recommendations for food and sightseeing. They provide the best asset of all while traveling...peace of mind.

SGH is superb! We wanted a non-standard trip in that we wanted to play mostly course that are not on The Open rotation. They put together a trip that include some fabulous links courses that many never hear of. I would heartily recommend them for Scottish golf needs. I always enjoy booking with you. You guys are wonderful

So thankful for SGH Golf helping to plan our trip. I can't imagine having booked all the rounds, arranged caddies and transportation without their help. It was especially helpful during the balloting process for the Old Course. Trip of a lifetime! Thanks again!

Tricia, Thank you for providing us with a world-class itinerary for our recent trip to Scotland. We are so appreciative of your efforts to incorporate both golf and sightseeing in our trip. We had an absolutely fabulous time. Our hotel accommodations were great, the sightseeing stops we made were glorious, and of course the golf was spectacular. Thanks for the memories.

Ian and SGH Golf planned a perfect trip for our father son golf trip to Scotland!

SGH is first class in detailed plans for golf and excursions! We will use them to go to Ireland soon! Trisha was so easy for Ines to work with. She planned our ladies excursions to perfection. Sean made our men so happy playing all the courses they wanted to try.

I can't speak highly enough of SGH golf and their UK representative Sean, they organized a top notch golf trip for me as a single, which is not easy, and helped me achieve my dream of playing the old Course, while also taking my mom on a trip of a lifetime. If your are looking for a group that will treat you like a king, handle every detail, and do it with style, then SGH should be at the top of your list.

Ian, your agency organizes fantastic trips. Everything is taken care of . It is a great pleasure to travel with you. Staff is A1! We really had a blast!

Appreciated Trish immensely and her suggestions, thank you for making this is a wonderful experience.

We enjoyed a wonderful week of golf and touring in beautiful Scotland. SGH Golf planned an incredible trip leaving our group with warm memories.

Our driver, Stuart, was great and did a great job considering the issues we had with the airlines "losing" our clubs for a few days. We still played 198 holes of golf.

England 2019

Have worked with Ian on multiple trips in the past, SGH has consistently delivered over the years and always accommodates our itinerary requests

Ian arranged a terrific golf trip to Scotland and Ireland. I took my sons and we had so much fun. Everything important arranged and we just enjoyed ourselves. Access to every course we wanted. Everyone was very nice to work with as well. Lifetime memories. Thank you!

Scotland & Ireland 2019

Our SGH team from our organizer to our hired driver was outstanding. Even when our two foursomes were split due to the Daily Ballot for the Old Course, things went smoothly due to the professionalism and efforts of the team. Because of that, we were able to get everyone on all of the courses they wanted to play. Outstanding work on the fly!

Loved every minute of my trip and it will be something I remember forever. Thanks Ian.

This was my dream vacation. SGH and our driver, Dean, gave us an experience that exceeded my expectations. Now I can dream bigger and shoot for a combo Scotland-Ireland trip next visit. There are many more holes to play hopefully. Thanks so much!

SGH delivered on everything that they arranged. All arrangements with rooms, transportation, tee times, and caddies were flawless. Our driver, Jim, acted as a tour guide as we went past historic places, knew all of the short cuts, and referred us to some really good places to eat.

I would highly recommend SGH for planning your golf trip to Scotland. They did an outstanding job planning our visit and every detail worked out perfectly. They even work it out so we had great weather the week we were there. Amazing trip. Just awesome.

Well-orchestrated trip. Dean really tailored his service to our group which was much appreciated. We weren't a stuffy/boring kind of crowd, so he made sure we had plenty to eat drink and plenty of laughs. Cheers.

I highly recommend Ian at SGH for a Scotland outing! Our late August trip included: Western Gailes (added this one), Troon, Turnbury, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, and the Old Course. (Ballot) If you get a driver, you need to request Dean. That man goes way beyond the basic driving duties. He will keep you entertained the entire trip. Everything in our agenda was right on time. From our tee times, caddie assignments, driver pickup times, and accommodations. You will not be disappointed with SGH.

We recently visited Scotland to celebrate our 20th and another couple's 25th wedding anniversary. We used SGH Golf to plan for the trip as we were interested in playing golf during our visit. The travel team did a fantastic job of helping us plan for this trip (Ian, Kate, Tracee and Tricia were all involved in the process). Thanks SGH Golf for making it memorable.

Do you have a Bucket List trip in mind? Nervous about the experience? Don't be! I just returned from a 7 day 6 round trip to Scotland. Played the best courses of my life, capped with the first tee time of the day at the Old Course! Sean our trip manager was great to work with and made sure we got the most out or our time in Scotland. I will also say our driver for the week, Dean, was a wonderful asset. His personality and professionalism made our week! From the accommodations, the restaurants, the pubs, and the courses this was the trip of a lifetime. Can't wait to come back. Thanks SGH!

Sean was great. He is very quick to respond to emails and calls. Every detail of the trip was as expected. The trip was perfect.

SGH Golf did a great job organizing the trip. I had to make changes do to medical reasons and they were more than helpful making the changes. I recommend using them for your golf trip and would use them again if I make another golf trip.

Lovely trip. Everything went well, appreciate all you do for me Ian.  We’ll do Scotland next year.

Wonderful experience, our trip to Ireland was first class. courses were fantastic and accommodations very comfortable. Thanks Ian

You Play It

Play golf at st andrews, the home of golf, royal dornoch golf club, nairn golf club, ailsa course, trump turnberry, carnoustie golf club, gleneagles golf club, trump aberdeen.

“Just keep doing what you do best and that is unprecedented customer service. When we Googled “golf tours Scotland” you obviously know we received several results. You were selected from 8 respondents and our group is so glad (and lucky) that Scotland Golf Tours was our selection. We will all remember this trip forever. It was absolutely PERFECT! Mike Rice, USA”

Play The Old Course

Sample golf packages, custom made golf tours, royal troon open 2024 plan your golf trip, why choose us, request a quote, how to get your tee times on the old course, st andrews in 2021, 2022 & 2023.

If you want your group to play there in 2021,  2022 or 2023, then start planning it now. 2021 is virtually fully allocated already, however we might have access to some 2021 dates at short notice due to cancellations. Please join our Old Course mailing list on the St Andrews page of this site and we will contact you should dates become available.

2022 is already nearly full as our allocations are reduced due the course being closed for 5 week as a result of The Open being hosted there in July 2022.

Join Old Course Waiting List

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Seven convicted of being involved in ‘harrowing’ child abuse ring in Scotland

Four of the group found guilty of attempting to murder child by pushing her into microwave and trapping in other places.

The offences, involving four children, happened between 2012 and 2019. Photograph: iStock

Seven people involved in a child abuse ring have been convicted of a litany of charges including gang rape which a judge described as “the depths of human depravity”.

Iain Owens (45), Elaine Lannery (39), Lesley Williams (41), Paul Brannan (41), Scott Forbes (50), Barry Watson (47), and John Clark (46), were all convicted of a string of sex crimes towards children including rape and sexual abuse in a Glasgow drug den where heroin and crack cocaine were used.

Four of the group – Owens, Lannery, Brannan and Williams – were found guilty of attempting to murder a child by pushing her into a microwave and trapping her in other places.

An eighth person – Marianne Gallagher (38) – was found guilty of assaulting a child and was granted bail.

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A trial at the High Court in Glasgow, which lasted for eight weeks, heard evidence of systematic child sex abuse, described as “harrowing” by judge Lord Beckett.

Three of those on trial – Mark Carr (49), Richard Gachagan (46), and Leona Laing (51) – were acquitted of all charges.

The offences, involving four children, happened between 2012 and 2019.

Owens, Lannery, Brannan, Williams, Forbes, Watson and Clark were found guilty of taking part in the gang rape of a child.

During the trial, the crown said it would have been “off-the-scale devious” to concoct the allegations.

An allegation that the accused used a Ouija board to “call on spirits and demons” causing the child victims to “believe that they could see, hear and communicate with spirits and demons” and making them take part in “witchcraft”, was dropped by prosecutors during the trial.

Owens and Lannery were both convicted of attempted murder and multiple counts of assault, sexual assault, rape and causing a child to ingest drugs and alcohol.

Williams was convicted of attempted murder, assault, rape and supplying drugs.

Brannan was convicted of attempted murder, sexual assault, causing children to consume drugs and alcohol, rape and supplying class A drugs.

Forbes was found guilty of rape, while Watson was found guilty of rape and sexual assault, and Clark was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

All 11 of those who stood trial were acquitted of killing dogs.

Concluding the trial, judge Lord Beckett addressed those remaining in the dock.

He said: “None of you can now enjoy the presumption of innocence. You have all been found guilty of at least one serious charge.”

In discharging the jury, Lord Beckett thanked them for their “remarkable public service”.

He said that given their “extraordinary service”, he is excusing each of them from ever again serving on a jury.

“It has been a very difficult trial to listen to,” Lord Beckett added.

“It has been pretty unpleasant and shocking.

“It plunges to the depths of human depravity.”

Owens, Lannery, Williams, Brannan, Forbes, Watson and Clark will be placed on the sex offenders register, but the length of this will be determined at sentencing.

Lord Beckett remanded the seven in custody and adjourned the case until January for reports and sentencing.

Det Supt Nicola Kilbane said: “This has been a horrific ordeal for the young victims who were subjected to years of unimaginable abuse. Our thoughts are with them today and I hope this outcome can help them in moving forward.

“The levels of depravity shown in this case are extremely rare in Scotland and the courage of the victims was essential in securing this conviction.

“This was a long, complex and challenging investigation for a team of officers and staff who had to work through the most harrowing evidence to bring those responsible for these despicable crimes to justice.

“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse. We will use all available resources to find and arrest the abusers, no matter how much time has passed. I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.

“Since the investigation began we’ve worked closely with a range of partners in social work, health, education, crown office and the third-sector to protect and support the victims.”

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st, Scotland’s national children’s charity said: “The depth of trauma that the children, in this case, have suffered will be unimaginable to most of us.

“It is imperative that they now get the intensive support they need to recover from the terrible experiences that led to this trial.” – PA

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