Year of Coasts & Waters 2020

Scotland celebrates its year of Coasts and Waters and we thought we would have a wee bit fun with this blog and tie in some golf with this celebration. We have selected a few of Scotland’s stunning coastal links golf courses to wet your appetite for the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020!

February 28, 2020March 11, 2020

Links golf & beautiful beaches

As Scotland endures continued wet weather and strong winds, spring and summer sunshine can’t come quick enough for us golfers. To celebrate The Year of Coasts and Waters, we are going to feature a few of Scotland’s golf courses that have award winning beaches on their doorstep. Or indeed are part of the course itself! What’s better after a tough round of golf on the links than a stroll along a beautiful beach…or even to take a dip – come on in the water’s lovely!

#YCW2020

Prestwick Golf Club

Prestwick Old Course is famed the world around for hosting the first ever Open Championship back in 1860. The club continues to draw in golf fanatics from around the world to play this historical Links course. With many demanding holes, pot bunkers and the quirkiness of a traditional links course its great fun for golfers of any skill level to enjoy.

After enjoying your golfing experience at Prestwick, only a few miles south is one of Scotland’s award winning beaches, Ayr Beach. This west coast beach offers activities for all the family as well as exceptional views across to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. A blissful way to enjoy some down time away from the course.

St Andrews Links

Well the ‘Home of Golf’ speaks for itself and is without a doubt the golfing mecca of the world. Avid golfers are spoiled with a selection of 6 golf courses on their doorstep; Strathtyrum, Eden, Balgove, Jubilee, New and the famous ‘Old course’, all on the same piece of land. St Andrews also offers a number of other courses located on the outskirts of the town.

After walking this famous piece of golfing ground, following in the footsteps of golfing legends you may wish to clear your head and enjoy some time on the adjacent West Sands Beach. West Sands beach offers mile after mile of golden sands and dunes. It was here they filmed the opening scenes to the film ‘Chariots of Fire’. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy some time out and let your woes drift away.

Prestwick Golf Club
Ayr Pier
Ayr Beach
West Sands St Andrews
St Andrews Links

Moray Golf Club, Old Lossiemouth

When the term hidden gem was created, it was created to describe ‘Old Lossie’. The Old course is as traditional a links course you will find anywhere in Scotland. Course provides undulating fairways, smooth fast greens and 7 par 4’s over 400 yards long. Not only that, you will likely experience some of the trickiest wind conditions to make even the world’s best golfers look foolish.

Only a few minutes away along the Moray Firth Coast (voted one of the most breath-taking coasts in the world in a National Geographic Traveller magazine survey), Lossiemouth boasts 2 beautiful beaches; the East and West Beach. East beach has stunning sand dunes and with sand makes it a great place to walk and enjoy the sea views. The West Beach also has Covesea lighthouse which opened to visitors in 2013. From the top, visitors get the best views of the neighbouring RAF base.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Royal Dornoch is a household name around the world. Surrounded by coast & waters, it is one of those stunning traditional links courses that you can never tire of playing. Consistently ranked amongst the top golf courses in the world it attracts golfers from around the globe all year round. This continues year after year. A traditional links of 9 holes away from the club and 9 back.

As you hit the Par 5 9^th hole you have the Dornoch Firth to your left side and the stunning Dornoch Beach. An award-winning beach to accompany an award-winning golf course. It offers miles of golden sands stretching up to Brora and Golspie as well as crystal clear waters and sheltering sand dunes in places. It’s a beach that makes you feel at times you’re the only person on earth…. true bliss.

Covesea Lighthouse West Beach Lossiemouth
East Beach Lossiemouth
Moray Golf Club
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Dornoch Beach

Book your visit to Scotland

These are just a select few of Scotland’s top golf course that are complimented alongside some stunning coastal waters and beaches. There are many more scattered all around this wonderful golfing country. So ‘water’ you waiting for… now is the time to dive in and discover Scotland’s Coasts and Waters! Contact us today to start planning your trip!

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Muirfield Golf Package 2023

ASI Scottish Open 2021

Dun Aluinn, Scotland Staycation

Muirfield

Always ranked among the top golf courses in Scotland, Muirfield is a must play for golfers visiting Scotland. We are pleased to offer Stay and Play Packages for 2020, staying at the luxury Greywalls Hotel, set alongside the famous Championship Course which has hosted The Open an amazing 16 times. Only a few times left so you will need to be quick!….

February 10, 2020February 18, 2020

Stay and play packages 2020

East Lothian ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ is famed for its exceptional golf courses. Many have played host to some marquee events on both Professional and Amateur circuits. But with every first-class golfing experience, there has to be a first class accommodation experience and that’s what The Greywalls Hotel offers in abundance. There are still a few Muirfield times remaining for 2020 through stay and play packages at Greywall’s this year.

2 night package at Greywalls Hotel

– 2 nights B&B accommodation
– Dinner included each night
– 1 round at Muirfield
– Airport transfers on arrival & departure
– Meet & Greet service on arrival
– Welcome pack

PRICE FROM £1090pp

(based on 4 people sharing 2 double/ twin rooms)

Rooms are available for double, twin or single occupancy depending on your group requirements. Packages can be provided based on groups of 2, 4, 6 or 8 golfers staying. In addition, if you wish to extend your stay and enjoy more time around Scotland, we are happy to assist with plans and can book further accommodation, golf, transport & activities.

Remaining Dates for Muirfield

June – 22nd
July – 6^th, 13^th, 20^th & 24^th
August – 28^th & 31^st
September – 4^th & 7^th

BOOK NOW!

Greywalls Hotel

Greywalls is a magnificent Edwardian style country house that was built in 1901. Still to this day, the house holds its style and elegance across its 23 en suite bedrooms as it did when it opened over 100 years ago. Greywalls boasts fantastic views across Muirfield’s 9^th and 18^th greens. Guests can also enjoy views as far as the eye can see across the Firth of Forth to Fife from many of its rooms. It has its own walled gardens to enjoy some relaxing walks as well as its own tennis courts and croquet lawns. Plenty to do when away from the links. No Country House would be complete without some wonderful culinary delights and Greywalls is no exception. Breakfasts, afternoon teas, events and dinners all within the award winning Chez Roux restaurant overseen by Michelin star chef Michael Roux Jnr.

Muirfield, Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers

Tuesdays and Thursdays are visitor days where golfers can play Muirfield. In the morning it as a normal fourball format then in the afternoon golfers have the option to play an additional round in foursomes format. During visitor days you will play in a mix of tee positions with a portion of the course being from the forward tees, some holes from the middle and many from the championship tees. A real incredible test of golf for golfers of all levels.

After your round you may wish to partake in the famous Muirfield Lunch within the clubhouse. Jacket and tie is required to gain access to the dining room but upon entry you will be met by a carvery and a plethora of food fit for a king……some golfers have been known to indulge so much they can’t make their afternoon round.

Book Today!

With over 10 courses in less than a 5 mile radius, Greywalls is a wonderful base for golfers looking for that tranquil, relaxing country house feel coupled with world class golf. If this is something that appeals to you then please contact us through our enquiry form and we can provide you with available dates to play Muirfield during the 2020 season.

Happy golfing……

Dumbarnie Links

Check out Scotland’s newest golf course and an exciting new addition to golf in Fife, Dumbarnie Links! Opening Spring 2020 and available to book now….

June 11, 2019June 11, 2019

Dumbarnie Links is a new addition to the portfolio of wonderful courses along the East Neuk of Fife. The course is located in Leven, which is only 9 miles from The ‘Home of Golf’ St Andrews.

Dumbarnie Links is classed as a ‘True Links’ course and is set on a stunning piece of land along the banks of the firth of forth. In fact fourteen of the eighteen holes offer stunning sweeping ocean views!

The course designer Clive Clark has had a hand in designing a plethora of magnificent courses. Including La Quinta Country Club in California and Woburn Golf Club in England to name a few. Dumbarnie Links is also professionally managed by OB Sports Golf Management, a diversified golf management firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona with a long history of success in the golf industry.

The layout boasts firm and fast surfaces, humps, bumps and undulating hollows. As well as strategically positioned pot bunkers throughout giving the feel that the course has been there forever. There are 5 tee boxes available to play from. The white tees being the forward tees spanning the course just over 5’300yds. The Pro tees, measure at a whopping 7’612yds. Dumbarnie Links will pose a test for any golfer of any ability.

After your round, you will be rewarded in the wonderful 6100 square foot clubhouse; which provides stunning views across the Firth of Forth and over to Edinburgh. Simply relax and reflect on your round.

Book Dumbarnie for 2020!

Dumbarnie Links will be open for play in late spring of 2020 and is available for visitor play 7 days a week. Green fees are around GBP£200 per person. Tee times are now available to book in advance for the opening in 2020 so why not add Dumbarnie Links to your golfing itinerary and contact us to book today.

Trump International Aberdeen

Trump International Aberdeen is one of the most spectacular courses and now is your chance to play it with one of our stay and play packages at the stunning 5 star MacLeod House and Lodge.

May 3, 2019October 17, 2019

Stay and play packages – October 2019

Trump International Aberdeen is one of the latest courses to open in Scotland in 2012. Designed by the respected Dr Martin Hawtree, Trump International Links is certainly one of the most visually impressive golf courses. Standing on every tee you feel like pulling out your camera to take a snap! The par 72, plays out to almost 7500 yards off the championship tees. Each hole takes you through a series of elevations from teeing areas into deep fairways. In addition, many holes are surrounded by the towering sand dunes stretching along the North Sea coastline. Without a doubt, Trump International Aberdeen is one of the most spectacular courses and now is your chance to play it with one of our stay and play packages at the stunning 5 star MacLeod House and Lodge.

MacLeod House & Lodge, is set within the stunning Trump International Estate. Along with the magnificent Trump International golf course on site, there are many other fantastic courses within 15 miles including Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links. The luxurious Scottish mansion contains beautifully appointed guestrooms, dining facilities and an intimate bar. The whisky snug and traditional log fires throughout are also ideal for those colder Scottish nights! MacLeod House offers golfers true luxury within a stunning, peaceful setting.

Along with your round at Trump International Aberdeen you will also have the opportunity to play some other fantastic golf courses, previously mentioned, in the Aberdeen area.

All airport and golf transfers by an executive Mercedes Vito are also included.

2 night package at Trump International

2 nights B&B accommodation in Superior Room at 5 star MacLeod House & Lodge
One course dinner at The Dunes Restaurant & Bar on arrival night
1 round at Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen
1 round at Cruden Bay Golf Club
Airport transfers (to and from Aberdeen Airport)
Return transfer to Cruden Bay Golf Club
Meet & Greet service on arrival
Welcome Pack including itinerary, maps & guidebooks

PRICE FROM £665pp (based on 2 people sharing 1 double/ twin room)

£150 single occupancy supplement

3 night package at Trump International

3 nights B&B accommodation in Superior Room at 5 star MacLeod House & Lodge
One course dinner at The Dunes Restaurant & Bar on arrival night
1 round at Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen
1 round at Cruden Bay Golf Club & Murcar Links Golf Club
Airport transfers (to and from Aberdeen Airport)
Return transfer to Cruden Bay Golf Club & Murcar Links
Meet & Greet service on arrival
Welcome Pack including itinerary, maps & guidebooks

PRICE FROM £950pp (based on 2 people sharing 1 double/ twin room)

£240 single occupancy supplement

Prices stated above are for travel in October 2019. If you wish to stay at another time please contact us for more details and prices.

If you also wish to extend your stay in Scotland and play more of the wonderful courses on offer please let us know and we will be happy to discuss all tour options with you.

Royal Troon Golf Club

A fantastic round of golf enjoyed at Royal Troon Golf Club on a hot summers night in late June. Review from Peter Mitchell, Managing Director of Fairways Scotland.

July 6, 2018November 26, 2019

A jewel in the crown of Ayrshire Golf.

Royal Troon Golf Club is always held high in prestige amongst golfers from all over the world. However I personally have not played at Royal Troon since early 2003. Having watched Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson battle it out in one of the finest final rounds in Open Championship history, I was looking forward to familiarising myself with the golf course again.

As you walk in the grand foyer you receive a warm welcome. Straight away clap eyes on the famous Claret Jug in a cabinet ahead of you. Walking down the hall towards the locker room it’s like walking through a mini museum. The club includes some great memorabilia from previous Open Championships and Amateur Championships at Royal Troon; as well as the club’s amazing history.

Tee off at Royal Troon

After a quick chip and a putt around the practice green we were ready to rock for our tee time. With 20-degree heat, sun and a gentle puff of wind from the east it was an ideal day for golf. Scotland hasn’t seen rain in weeks and the course was looking as ‘Linksy’ as a seaside course can look with dry firm fairways. One thing that became apparent after negotiating through the first few holes at Royal Troon is that you must know the yardages to avoid the fairway bunkers. Accuracy was key with hitting long irons off 90% of the tees all the way round. The 6th hole ‘Turnberry’ is the longest hole in Open Championship golf. However after a solid drive and 4 wood I made it home to the par 5 in 2…… one to tell the grandkids 🙂

Getting below par I found myself on the most famous hole at Royal Troon; the par 3 8th ‘Postage Stamp’, which is the shortest hole on The Open Championship rota. 110yd tee shot that was 1 yrd offline, 5 bunker shots and a couple of putts later I walk off with an 8. Probably 2 of the toughest bunkers I’ve ever been in….. one NOT to tell the grandkids! Royal Troon has a wonderful mix of Par 5’s, 4’s and some of the strongest par 3’s you’ll likely play.

Last remaining holes

As the sun was going down the views of the Isle of Arran and sunset were spectacular. We headed for home over the final few challenging holes. Managing to play some solid golf on the back half and making 3 on the last hole to take the money off the American collegiate capped off a wonderful day on the Links. It’s incredible to think Henrik Stenson shot 63 in the ‘Duel at Troon’ to claim The Open in 2016.

Royal Troon – top golf course in Scotland

Royal Troon will have you using every club in your bag; as well as requiring a heap of imagination and creativity around the greens and that’s why I loved it! It’s just a great fun course to play. Every hole is unique in its own way and poses their own challenges. The Championship Course has made me rethink my top 10 courses in Scotland and is a must play for any keen golfer in the area. I won’t be leaving it as long until I tee it up there again.

If you would like to play at Royal Troon Golf Club during your golf tour to Scotland please let us know and we will be delighted to include this fantastic course within your package.

Winter Golf in Scotland

Can’t wait for the golfing season to begin?! Check out some great value winter golf on Scotland’s iconic courses…

December 21, 2017October 17, 2019

Great value Scottish golf to warm your winter…

With the last groups of golfers leaving Scotland the end of the golf season was upon us. The temperatures have dropped and the days have become shorter. However those iconic golf courses are still here and available for all to play. So, if you can’t wait till the spring, why not contact us today to book yourself a winter golf break to Scotland.

In this blog, we are going to give you a brief insight into the great value you can find playing some of Scotland’s top golf courses during the off season.

North Berwick West Links

This Open Championship Qualifying venue is located only 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre. Voted as the 26th best golf course in Great Britain and Ireland. This picturesque golf course can be played for under GB£60 during the off season.

Gullane Golf Club

Gullane is located only 5 minutes from North Berwick and also boasts some incredible courses. As well as being used as a Final Open Qualifying venue when The Open Championship is held at Muirfield, The Scottish Open is set to return here in 2018. There are 3 great courses at Gullane ideal for a winter golf break. You can play Gullane No.1 from GB£75 up until end of March.

Crail Golfing Society

Travelling further north into Fife, we come to Crail Golfing Society, set on the picturesque shores of the East Neuk. Founded in 1786, the Balcomie Links has been renowned as a hidden gem along Scotland’s East Coast. You can tee it up here for under GB£50 from November to March. Incredible value for winter golf in Scotland.

Carnoustie Golf Links

One of the most famous links courses in the world, Carnoustie Championship Links is set to host The Open Championship in 2018 for the 8th time. There are also a further 2 courses on this fantastic piece of land, The Buddon and The Burnside. They can be played as part of 36 hole or even 54 hole package. Why not walk in the footsteps of legends and tee it up on the Championship Links. For under GB£90 until the end of March. You can then sit back, relax and watch The Open unfold this July and say ‘I’ve played that’….

St Andrews Links

Without a doubt the most famous piece of golfing real estate in the world! Boasting 7 golf courses, this golfing mecca could cater for your entire trip and you wouldn’t have to leave the town. The Old Course is the most famous golf course in the world and can often be very difficult to secure a tee time during the season. However between November and March you can guarantee yourself a round at the ‘Home of Golf’ for only GB£90. To play the ancient Old Course is a dream come true for every golfer!

Turnhouse Golf Club

As soon as you step off the plane at Edinburgh Airport, a great round of golf is right on your doorstep at Turnhouse Golf Club. Turnhouse is one of the top golf courses in Edinburgh and offers great rates especially during the winter months. Winter golf is available at Turnhouse from just GB£25!

Winter Play

Some points to note is that dependant on the weather conditions, some of the golf courses may opt to use fairway mats during the off season to protect their fairways. We can check all this information for you prior to your arrival.

So, if cooling temperatures and the occasional adverse weather condition doesn’t faze you then why not contact us regarding a winter golf break to Scotland?! We look forward to seeing you……….

Top Golf Courses in Scotland

Fairways Scotland asked European Tour Professional, Duncan Stewart, what his favourite golf courses are in Scotland. Check out the pro’s top 5 below….

November 6, 2017May 15, 2019

European Tour Professional Duncan Stewart – Top 5 Scottish Golf Courses!

On a Sunny October afternoon Fairways Scotland Director and PGA Professional Pete, bumped into Duncan on the practice green at Turnhouse Golf Club. They rolled in a few putts and chatted about the Tour, the game and life in general. Pete asked the man from the highlands what his 5 favourite golf courses are in Scotland. Find his top 5 below…

No. 5 – Balgownie Links course, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Balgownie Links, Royal Aberdeen – par 71, 6900 yards

Founded in 1780 as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen and later renamed the Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815. The club received it’s ‘Royal’ title in 1903, granted by Edward VII. The course was originally designed by the Simpson Brothers, Archie and Robert of Carnoustie. James Braid then later re-bunkered and lengthened the course. In 2014, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was host to the AAM Scottish Open, won by Mr Justin Rose.

Royal Aberdeen voted 9th in Scotland’s best Courses in 2017 rated by top100golfcourses.com.

No. 4 – Nairn Championship Links

Nairn Golf Club – par 72, 6721 yards

Nairn Championship is a wonderful seaside links. Founded in 1887 and created from a wilderness of heather. The opening holes stretch out along the shoreline with the turn for home at the tenth. Nairn hosted two huge Amateur events; the 2012 Curtis Cup, won by Great Britain and Ireland. Also the 1999 Walker Cup, also won by Great Britain and Ireland. The likes of Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Matt Kucher have all competed here.

Nairn Championship Links voted 20th in Scotland’s best courses in 2017 rated by top100golfcourses.com

No. 3 – Moray Golf Club (Old Lossiemouth course)

Old Lossiemouth – par 71, 6578 yards

Initially set up as 7 holes in 1875 the course extended to the full glorious 18 holes in 1890. Designed by Old Tom Morris of St Andrews, the course is set on some breath-taking land over-looking the Moray Firth. The course seems untouched, as mother nature intended it to be. Many golfers view Lossiemouth as one of Scotland’s hidden gems. In fact some even claim the Par 4 18^th is one of the finest holes in Scottish Golf.

Moray Old voted 28th in Scotland’s best courses 2017 rated by top100golfcourses.com

No. 2 – Royal Dornoch Championship Links

Royal Dornoch Championship Links – par 70, 6514 yards

It is a wild course and isolated with a pure white sandy beach dividing it from the Dornoch Firth. The club has hosted golfers since 1616. The unique features of the links land have been used to create a magical golfing experience. Uttered by the locals as one of the finest golfing tests in the world. Golfing legend, Tom Watson also frequently visits and it’s easy to see why thousands of golfers each year flock to play this links.

Royal Dornoch Championship Links voted 2nd in Scotland’s best courses 2017 rated by top100golfcourses.com

No. 1 – Carnoustie Championship Links

Carnoustie Championship Links – par 72, 7143 yards

Golf has been played at Carnoustie Golf links since the early 16th century. Over the years, the course has had major modifications to make it the championship course it is today. James Braid added new bunkers, greens and tees in the 1920s to host The Open Championship in 1931. Carnoustie has also hosted the British Open seven times in total, last in 2007 and will again next year in 2018.

This course, steeped in history with hosting so many huge golfing events. Boasting British Open Winners such as Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, Tom Watson and Ben Hogan. Hogan won at Carnoustie on his only appearance at The Open. Subsequently the 6th hole, ‘Hogan’s Alley’ is named after him. In all 4 tournament rounds Hogan aimed out of bounds left and faded the ball into the middle of the fairway to avoid the tricky bunkers. Leaving him in position to reach this tough par 5 in 2.

Carnoustie Golf Links voted 5th in Scotland’s best courses 2017 rated by top100golfcourses.com

What’s next for Duncan?

Looking at those courses you can see the man from Grantown-on-Spey favours the Northern Courses. But who could argue as they are all exceptional! Duncan narrowly just missed out on retaining his European Tour Card for 2018. He flies out to Spain this week to participate in Final Qualifying at Lumine Golf Club, Tarragona, Spain. Everyone at Fairways Scotland wishes Duncan the best of luck for the week ahead and look forward to seeing him back on tour again next year.

Your top 5 golf courses

Want to play your top 5 golf courses in Scotland? Contact us today to start planning your dream golfing trip.