Tips For Getting the Most From Travel Vacations to Scotland

Is there a better place for golf vacations than Scotland, the birthplace of golf? Aside from the historic courses, Scotland offers some of the most beautiful scenery, championship golf and a cultural experience like none other. If you’ve determined that this year is the year you golf Scotland, these tips from insiders will help you make the most of your golf trips.

Research and Build an Itinerary

Scotland may be small, but it’s the epitome of good things that come in small packages. The tiny country manages to pack more golf goodies into its square mileage than any other country. Your best bet is to look at a map, choose an area and then hit the Web to check out reviews of golf courses in that area. Build your itinerary around the courses that have the best reviews or the ones that you find most intriguing.

Insider tip: Spend a few days in Ayrshire and play Royal Troon Golf Club, Turnberry Rest and Prestwick Golf Club.

Some of the Best Golf Courses Are Local Secrets

So many of the Scottish golf courses were established in the 1800s, when no one considered such things as where to park the 20,000 or so cars for the fans that show up to British Open and other championship matches. Many of them are gems that are at the top of the list for tour operators, who rank courses by how much their clients enjoy the course. Look for out of the way courses, or contact a travel agent who specializes in golf vacations to find the best places to tee off.

Insider tip: Play Western Gailles. Not only is it rated in the Top 100 Courses in Scotland, the Club is an experience in and of itself. You’ll be treated like a king from the moment you step through the door to the moment you pack up your clubs and drive off.  And after all, isn’t that how it should be when you’re engaging in the sport of kings?

Observe Local Etiquette

You’ll be considered a boorish outsider if you violate many of the rules of golf etiquette that are custom in Scotland golf. You’ll get better service and have far more fun if you take the time to get to know what’s expected of golfers in Scotland.

Insider tip: Never wear your hat indoors. Always call ahead to book a tee time and never walk in unannounced. Keep your practice swings to a minimum and if you’re holding up the group behind you, allow them to play through.

And the best insider golf vacations tip of all is that if you suspect that this will be your only chance to golf in Scotland in this lifetime, splurge and pay for a guaranteed tee time at the Old Course. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any golfer.

Must-Play Courses for Arizona Golf Trips

Arizona is one of the country’s best areas for golfing, thanks to 320+ days of sunshine a year. The state features two main areas that are ideal for golf trips—the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, with a variety of classic courses, and the Tucson area, which has a younger, less stodgy feel. Tucson is famed for its youthful golf enthusiasts; Phoenix for its championship courses. If your Arizona vacation includes plan to hit the links for some exercise, there are a few courses that you can’t afford to pass up.

Troon North Golf Club

The semi-private Troon North Club is located in Scottsdale, close to the world-famous Four Seasons Resort. It’s a classic desert golf course design, with plenty of play on the two 18-hole courses. The Monument course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, takes its name from the large boulder that stands in the middle of the par-5 third hole. The course offers tricky approaches and stretches of dry desert wash to keep things interesting. The second course, the Pinnacle, features elevation changes and obstacles with spectacular views of Pinnacle Peak and the surrounding desert. Troon makes Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses to Play in America list every year, so be sure you put it on your list of must-play Arizona golf courses.

Ventana Canyon Golf Club

In the Tucson area, the two golf courses at the Ventana Canyon Golf Club make Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in Arizona list at number eight. The two resort courses are desert courses requiring you to play target golf style. The bent grass greens make putting a challenge, thanks to their undulations. The Mountain Course features elevation changes and elevated tees. The Canyon course demands tight play and strong focus. Designed by Tom Fazio and Andy Banfield, the Canyon opened in 1988.

Wee-Ko-Pa Cholla Course

Wee-Ko-Pa, on tribal land owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, features two courses – the Cholla and the Sqguaro. The Cholla Course is the older course, opened in 2001 and ranked high on the must-play list almost from the start. The wide-open space features large greens and fairways with little in the way of “civilization” to interrupt the scenery or your golf game. In 2006, We-Ko-Pa added the Saguaro Course, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. The Saguaro is designed to be walkable, a rare distinction for desert courses.

If you’re planning golf vacations in the areas of Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, be sure to line up your tee times early so that you don’t miss out on some of the best golfing in the country.