10 Reasons Why You Should Aspire to Play Golf in Scotland
By Bradley Turner Keiser University College of Golf Director of Online Golf Instruction – MBA, PGA
American golfers are fortunate to have so many golf courses to play. The variety of climates and golf course designs provide unique golf experiences in every region of the U.S. Golf destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Orlando, and Michigan have been staple locations for avid golfers everywhere. While I have experienced these golf destinations and enjoyed the golf courses, there is something uniquely special about golfing in Scotland. Golf is great at many golf destinations in America, but golf in Scotland is simply different and a place where you should aspire to play one day. Stat planning a Golf Trip today!
Golfing in Scotland
Scotland is the birthplace of golf and boasts a rich golfing heritage that captivates enthusiasts from around the world. The country is adorned with legendary golf courses, including the iconic St. Andrews, known as the “Home of Golf.” Playing golf in Scotland is an immersive experience that transcends the sport itself, offering a journey through picturesque landscapes, historic links, and challenging terrain. The weather can be unpredictable, with winds off the North Sea adding an extra layer of challenge to the game. The golf scene in Scotland is not just about the courses; it’s a cultural pilgrimage for golf aficionados seeking to trace the footsteps of the game’s origins while enjoying the warmth of Scottish hospitality in charming clubhouses and nearby pubs. Whether teeing off on renowned courses or exploring lesser-known gems, golfing in Scotland is a pilgrimage that blends history, tradition, and the sheer joy of playing on some of the world’s most revered fairways.
10 Reasons to Play Golf in Scotland
1. The History
You do not need to be a golf historian to appreciate playing golf in Scotland. If you book a golf trip, you should read up on the beginnings of the game and the role Scotland played in creating a culture of passionate golfers. The more you know about the game’s history, the more you will enjoy visiting the many special golf-related experiences available to American golf enthusiasts.
2. The Old Course at St. Andrews
This is a must golf course to play, the Old Course at St. Andrews. The official home of golf, the Old Course, has been available to play for over 500 years! It is a favorite golf course of many of the all-time greats in the game and still tops the favorite golf courses of current superstars. The course has been modified over the years, yet the genesis of the golf course is unknown. Apparently, the golf gods created the Old Course at St. Andrews for all golfers to enjoy over the next 500 years. You must experience the course once in your life to understand the sentiment expressed by world-class golfers.
3. Golf Courses are Easily Accessible
Many golf courses in the small towns of Scotland are open to the public golfer. While Scotland is known for many championship-caliber golf courses, there are 550 golf courses in a country with only 5 million people. In the U.S., approximately 8% of the population plays golf, and with 16,000 golf courses, there are about 1550 golfers per course. In Scotland, there are 725 golfers per course. The math is simple, availability to play golf in Scotland is twice as good as in America.
4. Variety of Courses
The links-style golf courses will provide every visitor with a wide variety of golf course experiences. Many of these courses were built over 200 years ago, and the course designers allowed Mother Nature to be the primary architect. In those days, it was not feasible to move massive amounts of dirt to shape fairways and greens. Course designers worked with the land they were given to create unique golf courses. Even the New Course at St. Andrews was built in 1895, if that gives you any perspective on the history of golf course design in Scotland!
5. Golf is a Good Value Experience
The simple economics of supply and demand dictate golf course green fee pricing. The most famous golf courses have the highest demand, so the price to play can be high. However, there are only a few of those courses, with the majority available at a very reasonable rate. You will find good small-town golf courses that will charge you 20-25 pounds to play. Remember, you will be walking on many of these courses, so you must prepare accordingly.
6. The Culture and Hospitality
The warm and friendly Scottish people make your golf trip that much better. There are plenty of pubs to quench your thirst after your round of golf. Tours of some of the finest Single Malt Scotch distilleries are another fun adventure. The Scots love their golf, a full pint, and an after-dinner single malt scotch which aligns well with many golf addicts, me included.
7. The Weather
Scotland is surprisingly far north in comparison to the United States. The latitude of Scotland sits on the 56th parallel, well above the state of Maine, which is around the 45th parallel. The Atlantic Ocean creates a much milder climate than we experience in America. This also means that in the middle of summer, you can play a lot of golf. Sunrise is around 4:30 a.m., and sunset is at 10:00 p.m. If your group was motivated enough, you could play four rounds of golf every day! You may not be able to get yourself out of bed the next morning, but you would have a good story to tell your golfing buddies.
8. The Scenery
The natural beauty of Scotland, with the rugged coastline combined with mountain ranges in the Scottish Highlands, provides a spectacular break from the golf links. The contrast of American urban buildings and roadways with the Scottish countryside is a welcomed change of pace for most visitors. Hiring a driver or tour guide to take you around to these beautiful sites is the best and safest way to see the scenery and wildlife of Scotland.
9. Historic Sites Outside of Golf
There are many other historical sites to see, including over 3,000 castles in Scotland. Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s number one visitor attraction and is located very close to St. Andrews. Experiencing the old-world culture in the many town restaurants and pubs is a must for every visitor. For those that want to experience the countryside, there are plenty of spectacular hikes in Scotland. Even if you forgot your golf clubs, a trip to Scotland would be an incredible adventure.
10. Fulfilling
For those that are passionate about golf, a trip to Scotland is a specific bucket list item. As for me, I spent a week in Scotland and played some wonderful golf courses, including the Old Course at St. Andrews. I have played some of the world’s greatest golf courses and certainly loved them all. But the Old Course experience was the best and most fulfilling in over 50 years of playing this game. If a trip to Scotland is on your bucket list, make a plan and get your group booked this summer for an unforgettable time at the home of golf, Scotland!
Learn more!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-344-4964.
