Scotland - The Home of Golf

Welcome to Scotland. We'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. We will be staying here for 4 nights so you will have time to explore the City. Inverness is located on Scotland’s northeast coast where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. With a population of about 55,000, it is the largest city of the Scottish Highlands and also the cultural capital. Still retaining its market town feel, the Old Town features 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the mostly 18th-century Old High Church and an indoor Victorian Market selling food, clothing and crafts. The contemporary Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history. Inverness is a fast growing city and popular tourist destination due to the nearby Airport and its location in the Highlands. There is plenty to see and do, within the city and in the surrounding area.

‍Meals:

Accommodation: Hotel in Inverness

After a hearty Scottish breakfast you will be driven from the hotel to Castle Stuart Golf Links by private transfer. This 18-hole Championship links course overlooks The Moray Firth near Inverness. As a European tour venue for The Scottish Open, it sits proudly beside Kingsbarns Links as one of Scotland’s world-renowned courses designed within the last 20 years. Set amongst a rugged natural landscape, it features a practice range, a large putting green, an art-deco inspired clubhouse, and the historic 17th century castle after which the golf course was named. From infinity edge greens to rumpled fairways, natural bunkers, and spectacular open views, golf at Castle Stuart Golf Links is best described as a throwback to golf as it once was. The course is regarded as a model for modern golf architecture, being fun, engaging and playable for every-day players of all abilities, but also a challenge for the very best.

In June 2022, Castle Stuart Golf was acquired by Cabot. While Castle Stuart Golf Links will remain unchanged, the property will expand with the build of a second golf course as well as luxury accommodation.

After your game you will be taken back to the hotel by private transfer.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Inverness

Past host to the USA v GB&I prestigious amateur events The Walker Cup and Curtis Cup, Nairn has benefitted recently from improvements by highly acclaimed design firm Mackenzie & Ebert. A classic out and back traditional Scottish links, this Par 71 Championship course enjoys a setting on the Moray Firth that lets golfers view the sea from every hole. This is not an easy golf course. Typically Scottish in style the links offer undulating fairways full of humps and hollows, an abundance of gorse and heather, tricky greens and the challenge of a coastal wind. The front nine holes hug the coast so closely that is perfectly possible to hit the ball into the sea on each of the first seven holes! The course is known for the quality of its greens, most of which are well protected by bunkers or other natural hazards. James Braid commented on playing the Championship course that "the texture of the turf and the character of the greens is unrivalled". The fairways are tight and fast.

The historic Icehouse, situated between the 9th green and the 10th tee, was built in 1877, with the Bothy added in 1904 for the purpose of catching and storing salmon. Both buildings have recently had a facelift and the Bothy has been converted into a halfway house where golfers can purchase snacks and refreshments while taking a well-earned breather and enjoying the stunning scenery.

Private transfer between the hotel and golf course (25 mins each way).

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Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Inverness

Often ranked in the World’s Top 5 golf courses, this links course has scenic views of the Dornoch Firth and is described by Tom Watson as “the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.” The curved bay of Dornoch Firth has magnificent broad beaches backed by a narrow strip of softly contoured dune land rising in two distinctive levels, providing just enough room for parallel fairways. The ridges, hillocks, dunes and undulating links have all the characters of the best of links courses, plus most of the difficulties. The first eight holes follow the ridge. The remaining ten holes, played in the opposite direction are bounded (except the 17th and 18th) on the left by the sandy beaches of the firth. The par of 70 is evenly distributed over the two halves, each having two par threes, a par five and six par fours. In windy conditions the course will demand more from the player, especially the par four finishing hole where a par can be considered a birdie. Old Tom Morris was the architect responsible for extending the original 9-hole layout to 18 holes in 1886. He introduced the plateau greens which are the soul of the course. Their uniqueness lies in their size and their inverted saucer shapes.

Private transfer between your hotel and golf course (1 hour each way)

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Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Inverness

After breakfast there will be a three hour private transfer to Cruden Bay on the east coast.

Just 36km north of Aberdeen and next to a spectacular golden sandy beach is Cruden Bay. Set in a remote and beautiful area of rolling, massive sand dunes, this course has a lot to offer. The Club has a long history and is regularly voted in the Top 100 golf courses in the world. Some regard this course as quirky while others consider it a masterpiece due to the original lie of the land having been used to fantastic effect. Many of the holes are secluded from each other by sandhills, but there are also elevated tees as well as humped and hollowed fairways, so expect plenty of unique challenges. The course also offers panoramic views over the North Sea, plus you can see Slains Castle (the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula) which sits high on the cliffs above the village.

Cruden Bay prides itself in offering a warm welcome to members and visitors alike so expect this to be a day to remember.

After your game you'll be taken by private transfer to your hotel in Aberdeen - your home for the next 4 days.

The seaport of Aberdeen (pop. ~458,000) lies between the Dee and Don rivers where they meet the North Sea. Boasting notable fishing and shipping industries as well as a lively cultural scene, this city offers visitors a broad range of things to see and do. It's also known as the ‘Granite City’ for its many enduring grey-stone buildings. There are two Old Towns: Old Aberdeen with its cobbled streets, mature trees and 15th century fortified cathedral and then there’s Footdee – a quirky fishing quarter at the water’s edge, with squares of tiny cottages, flower-filled gardens and brightly painted outhouses, their eccentric decorations drawing on the city’s seafaring soul.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Aberdeen

Today there's a private transfer (1 hour 15 mins) to historic Balmoral Castle - The Highland home of the British Royal Family since 1852. Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the castle is an example of Scottish baronial architecture. The Balmoral Estate has been added to by successive members of the royal family, and now covers an area of 21,725 hectares. It is a working estate, including grouse moors, forestry and farmland, as well as managed herds of deer, Highland cattle sheep and ponies.

From your castle visit you'll head over to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery for a guided tour and tasting where you'll learn how they produce their smooth malt whisky with its grassy character using traditional ways of working.

After a wee dram we'll take a private transfer to Trump International to watch the Legends Seniors Tour Event where we will spot some of the world's leading Senior players.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Aberdeen

Founded in 1909 this attractive 18-hole Championship Course close to Aberdeen is said to be the fourth best links course in Aberdeenshire, offering undulating fairways and superb views across the North Sea. This par 71 course is set amongst massive sand dunes and can be quite challenging especially if the wind is up, so it's not for the beginner. Some of the fairways are quite tight. It's definitely a course of two nines. The first two holes get you out to the dunes, which you reach on the 3rd green. From the fourth to ninth tee you play through wonderful dunes along the coastline, although the dunes prevent you from really seeing much of the beach. The inland back nine are quite different where dunes are replaced by flatter land with adjoining fields on some holes, but still providing a good test. The trick to a good round on this course is to keep the ball in play! Its been suggested that the best 18 holes in links golf are the front nine at Royal Aberdeen followed by holes 2-10 at Murcar Links, so this course should be a truly memorable and rewarding experience.

Private transfer to and from is about 20 minutes each way.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Aberdeen

Scotland’s sixth oldest golf club, Balgownie hosted the 2014 Scottish Open won by Justin Rose. It’s a traditional out and back links, running along the shore of the North Sea and is regarded by many as having the finest first nine holes in golf. The first tee is under the clubhouse window and the fairway heads straight for the sea. The next eight holes run parallel to the shore, weaving through towering sand dunes. You then head back towards the clubhouse, playing the back nine holes on higher ground, with stunning views of the North Sea. While the front nine holes are quite tough, the back nine are probably harder being more exposed to the elements and bearing the full brunt of the wind. Being a traditional golf club, a jacket and tie must be worn to use the lounge or dining room.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Aberdeen

North Berwick is a three hour drive by private transfer. On the way there we'll have a 4-5 hour stop at the seaside town of St Andrews where you can grab some lunch and explore. St Andrews is of course famous for its many golf courses including the Old Course - with the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole. You are able to walk part of the Old Course but bookings are essential and there is a charge. You can also visit the the ruins of St Andrews Castle and the British Golf museum.

This afternoon we will check into our hotel in the pleasant seaside town of North Berwick where we will be staying for three nights. During your stay you will have time to explore North Berwick's attractive beaches, great coastal scenery along with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes and bars. It's also home to the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre and the world’s largest northen gannet colony. When not playing golf, there is plenty to see and do including boat trips around the local islands.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in North Berwick

One of the World’s Top 50 Courses which has hosted many events over the years including being a final Qualifying venue for The Open. It's a classic Scottish links course on the edge of the Firth of Forth with unique features including The Pitt and Biarritz green. Playing this championship course is all about imagination with the sea in play on 6 holes! The beach is just one long and sometimes wet hazard if the tide is in. You will find walls in the middle of fairways and in front of some greens, plus you’ll need to negotiate deep bunkers and all kinds of humps, hollows and burns. From almost every tee there are fantastic viewsof the Firth of Forth and the islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra. The first tee is just a short walk from the centre of North Berwick town. North Berwick is a genuinely entertaining course.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in North Berwick

Archerfield Fidra is a unique mixture of pine forest and fast-running links. Out here it feels as if it’s just you and the course. Designed by former Ryder Cup players DJ Russell and Ian Woosnam, the Fidra has hosted both European and Senior Tour events.

Fidra Links is named after the tiny island and iconic lighthouse – said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Treasure Island".

Prepare to be challenged as you play the rolling fairways whilst admiring the stunning coastal views of this spectacular course.

‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in North Berwick

This true links course has played host to countless national and international championships including The British Boys', The Scottish Amateur, Scottish PGA, Scottish Boys', British Ladies' and the Ladies Home International Championships.‍ It has been a qualifying course for the Open when played at  Muirfield.

The course has been laid out by the likes of Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers and James Braid. Well defined holes following the natural contours of a narrow strip of land between the old red sandstone deer park wall and the rocky shoreline are the hallmarks of these links. Consequently the course doesn’t have a huge amount of rough – instead you have to worry more about a really wild shot sailing over the wall or into the water. Make the most of the front nine when the prevailing wind is behind you (Dunbar may be one of the sunniest towns in Scotland but its rarely dead calm). It should be a really fun course to play.

After your game there will be a one hour transfer to your hotel in Edinburgh.

‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Edinburgh

Today we'll embark on a 2-hour private walking tour of The Royal Mile and Old Town. A historian once said that 2/3 of Scotland’s history took place on The Royal Mile. We’ll walk in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Deacon William Brodie, Robert Burns and the Irish murderers Burke and Hare. We’ll visit some of the places where history happened – including two or three execution sites!

We'll spend our last evening together sharing dinner at one of Edinburghs wonderful restaurants.

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Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel In Edinburgh

After breakfast we say farewell. Please make your own arrangements for onward travel.

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‍Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast