Isn`t the weather bad in Scotland?
Not at all, it does not rain much in Scotland especially on the East Coast of the country, where St Andrews is located, it is much dryer than the West Coast. It is never a strong rain, mostly showers.
When is it the best time to visit and play golf in Scotland?
We advise our customer to come between the end of March to the beginning of November. But the prices during winter are two or three times less than during the high season and most of the golf courses are still in great condition.
Is a trip to Scotland expensive?
No, as the pound is very weak in compare to the euro and other currencies.
How long in advance do I need to plan my golf trip in Scotland?
We advise you to plan well in advance at least 2 months before to be able to get tee times and the type of accommodation you want. But, if you wish to book 1 week before, we have always different possibilities to book golf courses and accommodation.
For the Old Course, we advise you to book the guaranteed tee times at the beginning of October for the following year.
Is it possible to play the Old Course?
The answer is yes, there are 3 ways to play the course:
- Through the ballot: for parties of 2 or more, we will enter you the day before you wish to play the course in the ballot system before 2pm and we will know after 4pm if you have been picked. 50% of the tee times are allocated to the ballot everyday which leaves a good chance to be successful.
- On the day: For one person on its own, it’s not possible to enter the ballot, the only way is to go and see the starter the day you wish to play and he will try to place you with other people. There always around 20 spaces left for people on their own everyday. Obviously, earlier you go better are the chances for you to play.
- Guaranteed tee times: They are sold as a package of 2 golf courses like the Old Course plus another course from St Andrews such as the New Course, the Jubilee Course and the Castle Course. They are more expensive but that’s the only possibility to play the Old Course with a guaranteed Tee Time. They are available the year before at the beginning of October for the following year. They have to be purchase well in advance.
Which handicap do I have to have to play the Old Course and other golf courses in Scotland?
The handicap limit to play the Old Course is 24 for men and 36 for women (a handicap certificate will be asked by the starter). Other courses such as Kingsbarns or Carnoustie ask for a maximum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for women, otherwise the big majority of golf courses do not ask for a handicap limit.
Is the Old Course the only course in St Andrews?
No, there are another 6 public golf courses very close to the Old Course and another 12 top courses in less than 40 minutes by car.
Where are the best golf courses in Scotland?
You will find fantastic golf courses everywhere in Scotland, on the West coast such as Turnberry, Troon; on the East coast such as St Andrews, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Muirfield, North Berwick, Royal Aberdeen or Cruden Bay and in the North with the best scenery in the country such as Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Tain, Brora or Castle Stuart. Most of them are links courses (very close to the sea) but other are inland such as Gleneagles, Spey Valley or The Carrick (Loch Lomond).
As a small country, it is an advantage the access to all golf course in a short period of time, less than 2 hours and a half starting from the centre of the country. The roads are all in good conditions.
Do you recommend a caddy?
Yes, we do recommend, especially to play the big courses such as the Old Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the others. They do not only carry the bag, most of them are professionnal, their experience and knowledge is indispensable for players new to the courses. They give you the right lines and the distance on every shots, they help you to choose the right club and they tell great stories about the place. The fee is usually 40 pounds plus tips. Worth the money!
Is it easy to travel to Scotland?
Scotland`s main airports are: Edinburgh, Glasgow International, Glasgow Prestwick, Aberdeen and Inverness. You will find lots of direct flights going to those airports at a good value for money. The closest airport to St Andrews is Edinburgh airport, only 1 hour by car.
