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Golf in Scotland 2026

BagBoy
I realized I never responded here - sincere apologies @DavidLeightonReid . A couple that havent' been mentioned:
- Do your research on lodging - we found a couple places that had a laundry service, which allowed us to pack a little lighter
- If you have time / flexible, look up Open competitions held at certain courses. If you time it right, you can play many courses for a fraction of the cost AND get a little competition out of it.
- Make sure your bag is LIGHT - you will be carrying / pushing your bag everywhere, so only pack the bare minimum (including balls, you won't lose that many)
- Opinion on one, but I never once pulled my lob wedge - you could probably get away with leaving it at home
- Practice your bump and run shots - it became my go-to shot at many courses and will serve you well
- Go slow - if you have the ability to stay in a town for multiple days, do it. You get to experience everything outside of the golf, and thats such an important part of the culture of Scotland

Enjoy it above all - super excited for you!
 
I loved Fortrose & Rosemarkie when I played it a couple summers ago
 
One of my favorite stay and plays was Cruden Bay if you happen to be a little more north. Played 36 and loved every step of the way. Tom Morris course too. The little hotel nearby with the restaurant was perfect after a long day of golf. If you have time after the new or another close by, the Jubilee course is not to be missed. So fun in those 40mph gusts. 🙈
 
ClaytonP said:
One of my favorite stay and plays was Cruden Bay if you happen to be a little more north. Played 36 and loved every step of the way. Tom Morris course too. The little hotel nearby with the restaurant was perfect after a long day of golf. If you have time after the new or another close by, the Jubilee course is not to be missed. So fun in those 40mph gusts. 🙈
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How funny!!! I agree with clayton, get out on Jubilee if you can. It is actually easier to get on than the New course.
The first time I played the Jubilee I had the same thing with regards to the wind. We played it as a 3 club wind. The 2nd time was the complete opposite. There wasn't a breath of wind, if you can believe that. hahaha
 
Deets said:
How funny!!! I agree with clayton, get out on Jubilee if you can. It is actually easier to get on than the New course.
The first time I played the Jubilee I had the same thing with regards to the wind. We played it as a 3 club wind. The 2nd time was the complete opposite. There wasn't a breath of wind, if you can believe that. hahaha
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My round was a tale of sadness. I had a really good for me round going.Then the wheels came off on 14. Ugh.
 
Parrot said:
Rain and winter gloves (big fan of Mizuno RainFits and ThermaGrips), as well as a few extra of your regular glove. With that much walking, I’d take some blister bands.

I was there in August, 2025 and really want to go back.

Have fun and post some pics who you have the chance!
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Thank you very much @Parrot!
 
IronDarts said:
My list:
Rain Gear (Best you can afford) including a waterproof hat that stays on in the wind
Extra shoes
Wool Socks
Put ziplock bags in your golf bag to keep items dry
Trip to the Dunvegan
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Thank you @IronDarts!
 
cagolfer said:
Wow, what an amazing trip. The online lottery for the Old course makes it so much easier over sleeping by the starter. :) It's not on your list, but I loved North Berwick. It is a fun unique course if you get a cancellation, and are looking to find a course. If you can get on.
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Thank you @cagolfer!
 
ClaytonP said:
Check for 36 hole or replay rates beforehand. Crail, for example had a killer deal to play both on the same day for something like $125 when I went 3 years ago. I’ll think of more. I wish I had packed more golf into the trip.
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Thank you @ClaytonP!
 
Deets said:
How funny!!! I agree with clayton, get out on Jubilee if you can. It is actually easier to get on than the New course.
The first time I played the Jubilee I had the same thing with regards to the wind. We played it as a 3 club wind. The 2nd time was the complete opposite. There wasn't a breath of wind, if you can believe that. hahaha
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Thank you @Deets!
 
DavidLeightonReid said:
Thank you @ClaytonP!
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Thought of another thing. If your baggage doesn't make it to you at the same time, they will NOT deliver your stuff to you. I played in 5*C weather with rental clubs and my hiking shoes (REI type) with only a T-shirt, a thin rain jacket, and workout shorts under packable rain pants. That's not fun, except the playing golf in Scotland part.

So, I suggest bringing a full set of whatever you can fit into your carry-on. They allow a certain size so make sure yours will fit into their test box at the airport. Otherwise they might make you check it in and who knows if you'll actually get it on the other side. We have these super cheap plastic ones that fit their boxes and fit a fair amount of stuff. Something like this (I did not check dimensions but you can find it on your airline and I'm happy to measure mine): https://www.bestbuy.com/product/win...9T69HSWH/sku/11975742?ref=212&loc=marketplace
 
OK for context I have been twice 2022 and 23 and an going back this June. Get ready for a life changing experience. We always stay in St Andrews- its just the best little town ever. Of the courses you mentioned I've played all the Links Trust courses except Eden. New and Jubilee are so similar that if you play one you get the idea for the other. Old course is closed on Sunday. Also played Crail and Levin as well as Lundin right next store. Crail is amazing. I've played the Balcomie course a few times and this year we are playing Craighead. Links golf is the best and I have never felt an affinity for another country like I do with Scotland. Its just brilliant.

Pro tips- Obviously prepare for the weather like others have mentioned. Start walking now- you never see a cart and in Scotland they walk. I would recommend caddies at least half of the places your playing because its a lot of walking. One 36 hole day I was at 30,000 steps. The caddies are also fun and they are usually members of the club you are playing at. With the exception of the Links Trust courses its all mostly private courses that allows guests to help defray costs. Like Crail, like Leven. They are happy you're there and they love showing off their clubs and the course knowledge helps a lot. also most places give you a little keepsake or other thing to say thanks for playing. Stuff like Bag tags, pitch mark fixers etc. with the club logo type thing. A lot do it. The Links Trust caddies are a mix of older guys and college students. All very knowledgeable.
Driving on the other side of the road is not as crazy as you think. Its actually fun. Most of the rentals are standard shift. Its weird shifting with your left hand but the clutch and brake are in the usual spots.
Its pounds not dollars. You cant get anyone to take American money. You can pre order some and we always use dedicated bank machines when taking out money. That's the best exchange usually just a minor fee. Make sure you tell you bank and credit cards that you're in Scotland.
Have a Scottish breakfast. Its nuts.
Make sure you play the Himalayas putting course in St A. Its a blast and not expensive.
Sometimes when a guy gives you a thumbs up it means "up your bum" and not "good job"
Make reservations for dinner everywhere. The restaurants are smaller and fill up fast.

If I think up anything else I'll add. You are so lucky!
 
Here are the usuals: good rain gear including a hate, rain gloves, definitely two pair of comfortable broken in golf shoes, good socks to wear for golf to avoid blisters, umbrella but depending on the wind it can be useless some days, extra golf balls give they are much more expensive there, light golf bag and take a couple extra towels in your travel case.

Have a good travel case with a stiff arm and make sure no one takes the big hardshell. Vehicles run smaller so go for as big as you can and if you want automatic rent early.

If you are not used to playing and walking a lot of days in a row start prepping.

One definitely nice think to have is the small travel sized massage gun. Can definitely get sore legs and back from walking, playing and carrying. If you have already decided on caddies at all or most plan ahead and if you want to take trolleys take a couple small bungee cords to hold the bag in place.

Have a great trip and pack less then you think you will need but definitely plan around layers.
 
ClaytonP said:
Thought of another thing. If your baggage doesn't make it to you at the same time, they will NOT deliver your stuff to you. I played in 5*C weather with rental clubs and my hiking shoes (REI type) with only a T-shirt, a thin rain jacket, and workout shorts under packable rain pants. That's not fun, except the playing golf in Scotland part.

So, I suggest bringing a full set of whatever you can fit into your carry-on. They allow a certain size so make sure yours will fit into their test box at the airport. Otherwise they might make you check it in and who knows if you'll actually get it on the other side. We have these super cheap plastic ones that fit their boxes and fit a fair amount of stuff. Something like this (I did not check dimensions but you can find it on your airline and I'm happy to measure mine): https://www.bestbuy.com/product/win...9T69HSWH/sku/11975742?ref=212&loc=marketplace
Click to expand...
Thanks again, @ClaytonP! I checked the specs on the 20 winado hardshell carry on and it matches what I have, so I am good for my carry on. I was told by the organizer of our group that Heathrow is very slow in unloading and reloading luggage, so I picked a flight that will give me a 3 hour layover in London. Hopefully, that will give them plenty of time to transfer my clubs.
 
McMunch said:
OK for context I have been twice 2022 and 23 and an going back this June. Get ready for a life changing experience. We always stay in St Andrews- its just the best little town ever. Of the courses you mentioned I've played all the Links Trust courses except Eden. New and Jubilee are so similar that if you play one you get the idea for the other. Old course is closed on Sunday. Also played Crail and Levin as well as Lundin right next store. Crail is amazing. I've played the Balcomie course a few times and this year we are playing Craighead. Links golf is the best and I have never felt an affinity for another country like I do with Scotland. Its just brilliant.

Pro tips- Obviously prepare for the weather like others have mentioned. Start walking now- you never see a cart and in Scotland they walk. I would recommend caddies at least half of the places your playing because its a lot of walking. One 36 hole day I was at 30,000 steps. The caddies are also fun and they are usually members of the club you are playing at. With the exception of the Links Trust courses its all mostly private courses that allows guests to help defray costs. Like Crail, like Leven. They are happy you're there and they love showing off their clubs and the course knowledge helps a lot. also most places give you a little keepsake or other thing to say thanks for playing. Stuff like Bag tags, pitch mark fixers etc. with the club logo type thing. A lot do it. The Links Trust caddies are a mix of older guys and college students. All very knowledgeable.
Driving on the other side of the road is not as crazy as you think. Its actually fun. Most of the rentals are standard shift. Its weird shifting with your left hand but the clutch and brake are in the usual spots.
Its pounds not dollars. You cant get anyone to take American money. You can pre order some and we always use dedicated bank machines when taking out money. That's the best exchange usually just a minor fee. Make sure you tell you bank and credit cards that you're in Scotland.
Have a Scottish breakfast. Its nuts.
Make sure you play the Himalayas putting course in St A. Its a blast and not expensive.
Sometimes when a guy gives you a thumbs up it means "up your bum" and not "good job"
Make reservations for dinner everywhere. The restaurants are smaller and fill up fast.

If I think up anything else I'll add. You are so lucky!
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Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, experience, and advice. At the time of our trip, I will almost be 67 and I have decided that I will not be playing 36 holes in one day. Two of our foursome is planning a couple different 36 hole days. I plan on renting a 3 wheel push cart for each of the rounds I play.
 
Buckeye said:
Here are the usuals: good rain gear including a hate, rain gloves, definitely two pair of comfortable broken in golf shoes, good socks to wear for golf to avoid blisters, umbrella but depending on the wind it can be useless some days, extra golf balls give they are much more expensive there, light golf bag and take a couple extra towels in your travel case.

Have a good travel case with a stiff arm and make sure no one takes the big hardshell. Vehicles run smaller so go for as big as you can and if you want automatic rent early.

If you are not used to playing and walking a lot of days in a row start prepping.

One definitely nice think to have is the small travel sized massage gun. Can definitely get sore legs and back from walking, playing and carrying. If you have already decided on caddies at all or most plan ahead and if you want to take trolleys take a couple small bungee cords to hold the bag in place.

Have a great trip and pack less then you think you will need but definitely plan around layers.
Click to expand...
Thanks @Buckeye! I appreciate the advice. I plan on renting 3 wheel push carts for each round, but I never thought about needing a couple of small bungee cords.
 
ChrisATL said:
I realized I never responded here - sincere apologies @DavidLeightonReid . A couple that havent' been mentioned:
- Do your research on lodging - we found a couple places that had a laundry service, which allowed us to pack a little lighter
- If you have time / flexible, look up Open competitions held at certain courses. If you time it right, you can play many courses for a fraction of the cost AND get a little competition out of it.
- Make sure your bag is LIGHT - you will be carrying / pushing your bag everywhere, so only pack the bare minimum (including balls, you won't lose that many)
- Opinion on one, but I never once pulled my lob wedge - you could probably get away with leaving it at home
- Practice your bump and run shots - it became my go-to shot at many courses and will serve you well
- Go slow - if you have the ability to stay in a town for multiple days, do it. You get to experience everything outside of the golf, and thats such an important part of the culture of Scotland

Enjoy it above all - super excited for you!
Click to expand...
Thank you @ChrisATL! Your comments and advice are much appreciated.
 
DavidLeightonReid said:
Thanks again, @ClaytonP! I checked the specs on the 20 winado hardshell carry on and it matches what I have, so I am good for my carry on. I was told by the organizer of our group that Heathrow is very slow in unloading and reloading luggage, so I picked a flight that will give me a 3 hour layover in London. Hopefully, that will give them plenty of time to transfer my clubs.
Click to expand...
There’s a fairly new paper and few for Americans that go to the UK. I’m sure you know about it but wanted to make sure you are ready.
 
ClaytonP said:
There’s a fairly new paper and few for Americans that go to the UK. I’m sure you know about it but wanted to make sure you are ready.
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By a new paper are you referring to the UK ETA application?
 
This is really really dumb... But it nearly killed me at andrews... Bring H20 and a backup. Links really does mean out and back... Playing the jubilee and Eden (after 8 hour flight ) killed me I was so thirsty. Maybe I missed a watering spot but no club house at the turn was a shock on Eden.

All others we had a halfway house or watering spot.

Dumbarnie and castle are must plays
 
Where are you staying?

Massage gun and Advil came in handy! Lots of walking and swinging over 10 days with your trip...maybe a few too many drinks lol

St. Andrews is a great lil town and dunvegan is a must. There are a lot of trinket stops but a lot of junk in some of pro shops as well
 
G-Man said:
Where are you staying?

Massage gun and Advil came in handy! Lots of walking and swinging over 10 days with your trip...maybe a few too many drinks lol

St. Andrews is a great lil town and dunvegan is a must. There are a lot of trinket stops but a lot of junk in some of pro shops as well
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So far we have VRBO in Crail and Gullame and working on securing our 3rd rental. Thanks for your input.
 
Oh, and watch out for ghosts. A fun read I posted a little while back.

Funny Story while traveling for golf? I'll go first

I went to St Andrews a couple of years ago for my first time. I never thought I'd get to go there but while we were still living in Norway, my wife said - "hey Clayton, whey don't you go play that old golf course in England you are always talking about?" I'm thinking whhhhaaaatttt? What came out...
www.thehackersparadise.com
 
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