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For people who take golf holidays, golf breaks in Scotland represent the quintessential golfing retreat. There are three main reasons for this. Firstly, Scotland has all the best courses – including the world-class Turnberry, St Andrews and Gleneagles, all offering the most fantastic golf holidays available.

Secondly, the scenery is unparalleled and provides the perfect backdrop to a round of golf. Scotland’s rugged mountains, lush green valleys, thundering waterfalls and ethereal mists all help to create an experience you can really savour. Thirdly, Scotland always is easy to get to, either by road, train or air travel.

Anyone who plans a golf break in Scotland is also probably influenced by knowledge of the country’s long-standing affiliation with the game. It is widely accepted that golf originated in Scotland in the 1100s, with the first recorded game played at Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1456.

Even the word ‘golf’ comes from Scotland – it is thought to have come from the Scots word ‘goulf’, meaning ‘to strike or cuff’. When the game was in its early days and, in fact, right up until the mid-20th century, it was usually played with clubs made from hickory wood, which is why golf played with old-fashioned wooden clubs is now called ‘hickory golf’.

Traditional hickory golf is catching on in a big way. You see, there’s a big secret haunting the manufacturers of modern golf clubs – despite all the ‘improvements’ in golf club technology, you can hit nearly as far with clubs made the original way – with hickory – as you can with the latest club being promoted on the US PGA Tour. What’s more, with hickory golf clubs you can play the game the way it was designed to be played – playing around the bunkers, through the gaps and really thinking about the challenge of the hole.

There are tournaments all over the world for modern-day hickory golf players, and for the last three years one particular tournament has been held in Scotland – golf’s birthplace. The 2007 World Hickory Open took place last month at Craigielaw golf course in East Lothian. As a golf course, Craigielaw is scenically located on the shores of the Firth of Forth with the hills of Fife framing its magnificent backdrop.

Craigielaw golf course presents a challenge for both short and long handicap players. As a result, the course is a popular for golf breaks in Scotland for players at every level. The layout at Craigielaw is such that the wind is nearly always part of the course’s natural defence. The consensus among both pro and amateur golf players is that the organisers picked a course almost perfectly suited to hickory golf.

There is a special physical sensation that hickory golf clubs give you. You know if you’ve hit a good one just by the lovely feeling coming through your hands and you also know if you’ve hit a bad one (especially in a cold Scottish wind) as it feels like a cricket ball has landed on your knuckles!

I managed to come third in the Amateur section, no disgrace but I’m coming back for more. And at last I know what I want from Father Christmas – All the best hickory golf clubs: Persimmon woods with True Temper shafts, a set of matching hickory irons pre-1935, a Cleveland wedge and sand wedge and a Scotty Cameron putter.

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Scotland is a place with a rich history in both culture and sports. Some say that people in Scotland have been playing golf for a good 100 years before Columbus discovered America. Golf has certainly been an integral part of the Scottish culture. Because of this rich tradition, golfing holidays in Scotland offer some of the best championship golf courses in the world to suit every budget and ability. Here is a look at some of the best golf courses in Scotland. The Ailsa Course This wonderful course is located at the Turnberry Golf Club. It is arguably the most popular course in Scotland and one of the finest in the world. The course is especially challenging and has some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country. This golf course offers more than just fine views; it has strong winds that require really strong drives and a fair degree of skill. The course’s ninth hole is famous due to the fact that the tee is located on the sea’s edge. This golf course offers an amazing experience which is a must have for all golf lovers. Kingsbarns Golf Links This stunning golf course was designed by Kyle Phillips. It’s interesting design acts like a link to the coastline of the North Sea. This demanding course has been around for a decade now, and is ranked as one of the finest golf courses in Scotland. The Kingsbarns Golf links has a par five 12th hole which is considered to be its signature hole. It is hands down one of the best links course in Scotland that exist today. Gleneagles Kings Course There is a collection of golf courses at Gleneagles that are really amazing and are a must on any golfing itinerary in Scotland. Specifically, the best course is the Gleneagles Kings Course. This course is truly meant for kings. It boasts superb design as well as breathtaking views. It is a challenging course and has delighted golfers since 1919. Carnoustie Golf Links Skilled golfers, who look for a really tough challenge while on golf holidays in Scotland, should definitely check out the Carnoustie Golf Links. It is the toughest course of its type in all of the United Kingdom. This course as hosted a total of 7 Open Championships and in addition has been the source of some major frustration for the best golfers in the world as many have finished well above par. Carnoustie definitely offers a round of golf that no other course in Scotland can. St Andrews Old Course St Andrews Old Course is the world’s oldest golf course. It is not only the oldest but is also rated widely as the absolute best golf course in the world. This golf course has a natural layout that has not been altered much since its creation. Playing golf at St. Andrews allows golfers to enjoy some of the most historic holes in the game.

While many countries have a valid claim to an early game that resembles the game of golf, the origins of golf are without a doubt routed in Scotland’s past. The fact is, golf probably derived from other countries and stick and ball type games. However, while these are stick and ball games, they are missing that vital ingredient that is unique to golf. The hole. It was the Scots who introduced the golf hole into the game we now call golf.

Over the centuries, golf has evolved into the game it is today. The first recognizable form being played in Scotland in the early 1400′s. Andrews, Scotland is the birthplace of the game golf. Originating on the east coast of Scotland, golf quickly became the Scots’ national pastime and passion, bound forever to Scotland’s history and people.

According to Scottish lore, the people of Scotland believes that Golf was invented by Scottish fishermen to amuse themselves on the way home from fishing.

In 1457 golf was banned in Scotland because it interfered with the practice of archery, which was vital to the defense effort. The ban on golf had been issued in a time when Scotland was preparing to defend itself from the English. Scotland can say that they are the founding fathers in regards to the oldest golf course. It was in

Scotland that the passion for golf came alive. There is general agreement among historians and golf fans alike that the Scots were the first golfers who became somewhat addicted and passionate about the sport. In the very early days of golf, each golf group in Scotland produced their own and unique rules, which was sometimes the cause for interesting discussions. Golf is still a very popular game today in Scotland today.

The game of golf soon spread to areas outside of Scotland. In one form or another, the variant games of present day golf were clearly enjoyed throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. In fact in seventeenth century Dutch landscapes commonly show golf being played on ice. The game of golf began its destiny in time towards becoming popular around the world.

Golf in Scotland is a historical phenomenon. According to records the game was first played in 1457 after which it was banned by King James II.
Golf is a national pastime for Scots since 1502!

The Stewart monarchs were themselves keen to develop golf in Scotland. The reputed Scottish golf courses lie in parkland, moorland, pasture or heathland.
If you are a golf lover, Scotland can be an ideal place to spend your vacation.

You can engage yourself in thrilling activities like – shoot game, fishing on a river or Scottish loch, play golf, visit a Scottish castle, hunt deer and dream of our Braveheart “William Wallace”. Walking, boating, cycling and watersports are for everyone.

With traditional warm Scottish hospitality you can relax here, listen to pipes and transcend in the world of history.

Golf courses

Dalmunzie Golf Club

This club is located in the heart of Perthshire, near Spittal of Glenshee. Dalmunzie Golf Club is a nine hole moorland course. This is the first choice for beginners and golfers who want to increase their skills. The golf course at Dalmunzie is not long – actually it is only 2100 yards. The Golf course is surrounded by mountains on three sides with an abundant of wildlife on the course. Grouse, deers and even rabbits run wild on the moors.

Rosemount Golf Course

This golf course exists in history of golf in Scotland since 1889. Greg Norman have to be fond of this Perthshire peach, as he was the first Australian to win his first European Tour event here.

No doubt, it is one of the best inland courses. Fairways are bordered with troublesome trees and patches of heather. Accuracy is the key to play golf in Scotland.

Lansdowne Course

Near to Rosemount course, there is Lansdowne Golf Course which was opened in 1977. It is the first priority for visitors who come to Blairgowrie to see Lansdowne.

Gleneagles – Kings Course

At Gleneagles, there are 3 golf courses. All golf courses are great but King’s Course is the best of all. Throughout the year, it is kept in perfect condition and it also shares the reputation of being the best inland course in Scotland.

There are 18 holes at Kings Course, each of them offer different type of golf – from drives to approach shots to elevated greens, elevated tees to cambered fairways, wickedly angled greens, sweeping plateau doglegs and much more.

Add present wildlife and the majestic scenery if you are residing at Gleneagles Hotel. With all these excellence and experience in Scotland – playing golf in Scotland will live long in your memories.

If you haven’t been there don’t delay, plan your next vacation for Scotland.

For any of those who like to tee off and hit the fairways one place that must be visited at least once in a lifetime is Scotland. As the home of golf and its birthplace the heritage is there for all to see. A great way to visit as many golf courses as possible is to hire a car and self drive. Car hire means you can travel at your own pace and also means you can lug your golf clubs around with ease, after all; public transport and a huge golf bag is rarely advisable.

Scotland probably has the most famous golf course in the world; St Andrew’s, the scene of so many tournament culminations is a wonder to play while approaching the eighteenth hole is a sight to behold, allowing you to trace the footsteps of some of the legends of the game. Parking is extensive meaning that a hire car is the perfect way to access this unique course. Do remember to book before you even plan the rest of your trip to Scotland as teeing off times are hard to come by and booking months in advance is usually a prerequisite.

St Andrew’s is not the only championship course located in Scotland accessible to you in your hire car. A wealth of courses that will constantly challenge are present, so if a pro or an amateur enjoyment is guaranteed. Of these Muirfield, Royal Troon and Carnoustie are the most famous and offer playing conditions of sparkling variety and will push your golfing skills to the limit. Do not fear however if you are travelling on a budget, there are many more affordable courses in Scotland that are well worth a visit in your hire car.

No matter what side of the country you are located it is doubtless that a golf course will be close by. In Scotland golf is more of an institution than a sport and if travelling in a hire car it will seem as if there is a golf course at every turn. From the highlands to the lowlands and coastal areas there are courses to suit every skill level.

If travelling the Highlands in your hire car there is a fascinating mix of golf and history on offer. Famed course designer James Braid’s work is in ascendancy in this part of Scotland with courses showing his true genius to its full extent. Nestling in the Cairngorms the views are spectacular and provide the perfect backdrop for a round. It is not just mountain courses however; links courses are prevalent throughout the Highlands, naturally with Braid’s guiding hand involved in their design.

If links courses are your preference, heading along the coast of Scotland is highly advisable. As you traverse the coastal roads in your hire car you will be amazed by the breathtaking rugged beauty of this stretch of coast; and that’s before you have even teed off. The Elie Golf Course, although where Braid learnt to play actually has no sign of his handiwork in its design. Whilst a course such as Scotsgraig offers a challenging mix between links and heathland holes, showing the great variability of courses in Scotland.

Whatever your skill level the golf courses in Scotland have something to offer everyone. Twin this with the enthralling history and friendly inhabitants and it makes it a holiday of wondrous enjoyment for all who undertake it. With stunning scenery varying from rugged coastline to impressive mountains it is a feast for the eyes. If you enjoy a round and even if you just want to sample some of this fascinating culture, Scotland is an excellent destination.

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Golf Fundraiser
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Scottish soldiers of the Black Watch Regiment knew at once that they found a treasure trove in the wide rolling dunes land in the Southwest of Ireland, just approximately 2 miles from the stunning Cliffs of Moher, in 1892 and converted it into one of the best classic golf links in all of Ireland. Ranked number 27 by Golf’s Digest in 2005 in the top 100 golf courses outside of the United States, the Lahinch Golf Club has continuously attracted many golfers to test its windy courses and have a great scenic experience as they play a round of golf.

The first layout was designed by Tom Morris and was soon given alterations 3 decades after by Dr. Alister Mackenzie. This links course has panoramic views that have a scenic vision of the Liscannor Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. By 2004, the course underwent a major reconstruction and many members and visitors have agreed that the enhancement has made vast improvements and making it further a favorite golf vacation spot in Ireland.

Each and every hole promises a challenge and especially the 4th hole and 5th hole, dubbed as Klondyke and The Dell respectively, which is deemed as historic. Great views and breath taking ambience engulfs each player taking him to a new experience unlike no other.

Besides the fantastic round of golf each and every golfer, whether a local or a tourist, you get also fantastic service and amenities that is truly world-class. The clubhouse has a restaurant that serves fantastic Irish dishes and other international cuisine, while the pub offers a taste of Lahinch history and a wild array of drinks.

Hotels and other points of interests can also be found just a couple of miles away from the Lahinch Golf Club. This is a vacation where you can take your family with you and have lots of fun together.

You can have your game in the morning and still be able to spend some of your time with your family in the surrounding attractions. You can explore the quaint little fishing villages and the many restaurants and museums that are located in this part of Ireland.

Ireland certainly knows its golf. Admittedly, Ireland is dotted with world class golf courses that can cater to different golf proficiencies. Some of them are very well-known while some are kept as Ireland’s hidden secrets. Some of them are even capable of hosting and acting as venues for international competitions.

But while each and every one of them has its own allure, only the Lahinch Golf Club occupies a special place in the memories and hearts of every Irish golfer and all those who have set foot on the Lahinch green. With its fantastic location, the culture and history and its magnificently designed course, you get most probably Ireland’s best golf vacationing spot.

All you have to do is check out the website for Lahinch Golf Club and check out the details for bookings and reservations. Many offers are being given to international tourists which comes in packages. You can choose which package would suit your needs and budget. You can also check out travel agencies locally or through the Internet. With a little research, you may be on your way to your dream golf vacation in Ireland.

My family and I are planning a golf vacation to Scotland in the summer of next year. We hope to play the St Andrews Old Course, Turnberry, Carnoustie and other “hidden gems” while we are there. Does anyone have any relevant information that will help us plan our trip? What clothes to wear, courses to play etc? Thanks for any help.