Itineraries2 minute read
A Seven-Day Scottish Golf Itinerary
A week that balances five rounds with Edinburgh, St Andrews and time to breathe. A sample route, with the reasoning behind it.
By The Scottish Golf Collection
North Berwick and its West Links from the Law, East Lothian
Seven days is a lovely length for a first Scottish golf trip: long enough for five rounds and some of Scotland beyond the course, short enough to keep the energy high. This sample focuses on the east coast, where the travel is easy and the golf is extraordinary.
It is an illustration rather than a package, and every element depends on availability at the time of booking.
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
Most transatlantic flights land in the morning. Resist the urge to play on day one; a walk through the Old Town, an early dinner and a proper night's sleep will be repaid all week.
Day 2: North Berwick
Forty minutes from the city, North Berwick's West Links is the perfect first round in Scotland: fun, quirky, and a gentle introduction to playing along the ground. Stay on the coast or return to Edinburgh for dinner.
Day 3: Gullane or Muirfield, then to St Andrews
A morning round in East Lothian, then the drive north into Fife, roughly two hours by road. Arrive in St Andrews in time to walk the town in the evening light.
Day 4: Kingsbarns
Kingsbarns is an easy drive from St Andrews and a showcase of coastal golf. Enter the Old Course ballot for the following day.
Day 5: The Old Course, or an alternative
If the ballot or an advance allocation has been successful, this is the day. If not, the Jubilee or New Course and an afternoon exploring the town make a fine day, and the ballot can be tried again. Remember the Old Course is usually closed on Sundays.
Day 6: Carnoustie
Forty-five minutes north across the Tay, Carnoustie is a fitting final challenge. Or rest, and spend the day in the East Neuk villages instead.
Day 7: Depart
Edinburgh Airport is a little over an hour from St Andrews by car.
Why this works
- Short drives. No day involves more than about two hours in the car.
- Two bases. Edinburgh, then St Andrews, so there is very little packing and unpacking.
- Built-in flexibility. Two chances at the Old Course ballot and a strong alternative for each.
Variations
With an extra two or three days, continue north to Royal Dornoch and the Highlands, as in our Scottish Links Expedition. For a west-coast flavour, swap East Lothian for Royal Troon and Turnberry.
See this route as a complete sample in The East Coast Collection, or tell us about your group and we will shape a week around you.