After watching the Open, I'm curious about the average US golfer's thoughts on making that trip to the UK for Golf.

I will definitely go one day. If not Ireland than maybe Scotland; somewhere in the UK. I would love to play some true golf, the way it was meant to be played.

I am planning a trip right now actually! It will be a few years down the road but it is in the works.

been to England and Europe when I was younger never to play golf.
I would not mind playing St Andrews but to plan a trip gambling on good weather over there you would have to be so lucky.

Nope not likely for me.

We were supposed to go this year. Me and 3 of my good friends have always celebrated our birthday every 5 years with a guys trip (we all live in different states). We got together on our 25th, 30th, 35th..etc, 5 years ago was our 45th and we started talking about the Big FIVE O this year. It was going to be to Ireland or the UK. Before we could even start planning it, the friend I'm closest to in the group died suddenly of a Brian Tumor, he died less than two weeks after being diagnosed.

He was kind of the glue that kept us all together. We've gotten together a few times in the past 4 years to remember him, like for the Superbowl when the Steelers won, but it hasn't been the same. There is no trip planned this year, I'm thinking I'll just say to them we should go to Pittsburgh (his home town) visit his grave site and hit some of his old haunts, and tell funny stories from childhood.

Someday I do plan to get to Scotland, I'm Scottish and I can't think of a better trip. Although I hear Ireland is beautiful.

Had the incredible opportunity to play 10 rounds in 10 days in Scotland summer 2006. There may not have ever been a 10 day stretch of weather as good as it was while I was there. It drizzled on us the last day, but that was the only rain. Definitely windy at times, but temps were always reasonable. Couldn't have been more lucky.

Loch Lomand
Dundonald
Turnberry - Ailsa
Royal Troon
Prestwick
North Berwick
Gullane #1
St. Andrews - Old
Kingsbarns

Trip of a lifetime.

that indeed was a trip of a lifetime. I'm envious. I have a buddy (not one from the above post) who goes every year and says it rains almost all the time. But they expect it.

I went to Ireland two years ago and will be going back next year. It was a fantastic trip. We flew in to Shannon and out of Dublin. 16 guys went on this trip and we had a motor coach drive us from the towns we stayed in to and from the hotels to the courses. We spent 3 nights in Killarney, one night each in Kilkee, and Newcastle, Northern Ireland and the final 2 nights in Dublin.

The courses we played:
Adare Manor Golf Club
Old Head (36 holes)
Waterville and Dooks (same day)
Tralee
Doonbeg
Royal County Down
Portmarnock

Waterville, Royal County Down, and Portmarnock were my favorites.

Was by far the best golfing trip I was on. It is pretty coincidental that when we played Royal County Down a pro shop attendant came out and asked if we would like to see Tom Watson. He was there playing with Sandy Tatum who was a former president on the USGA. We stood by the 9th green and watch them play into the green, finish the hole and then tee off on 10.

went to ireland the past 2 years and will go again this year to to play the last few well regarded links courses that i have not yet played

after this trip i will have virtually played every links course in ireland with the exception of a few 9 holers and 1 or 2 around dublin that i won't have time or interest to visit

i know people are concerned about the weather but i have been lucky - most steady rain i have had was the last 13 holes at sandy hills at rosapenna - occasional squalls or showers for a few holes are to be expected in the uk or ireland

I know its tough for people to arrange group trips and to get everyone to commit - but i travelled to ireland once on my own and would do it again if need be - sure it can be a bit boring but hire a caddie or make friends with the other players you will be paired with - everyone in ireland is looking to go for dinner or have a pint after the round

as for the guys who can't get away from the wife or earn her approval for a guys only trip - disregard and go to cabo instead and hopefully you can sneak a round in there while she is shopping

We might have been there at the same time. We were there before and after the Open Championship that Tiger won at Hoylake. The weather in Ireland and Scotland was FANTASTIC. It was practically a heatwave with temps in the high 80s with very little wind.

We played a ton of courses in Scotland and one in Ireland.

Portmarnoch Old
St Andrews Old, New and Jubilee
Kingsbarns
Carnoustie
Royal Troon, and Portland
Turnberry Ailsa
Prestwick

The last course we played was Turnberry, and it was the last day it was open before they closed it for the Senior Open. We had great caddies that day, many of whom were going to caddy for the 2nd tier seniors who didn't bring their own caddies. They had some great stories to tell. I shot a 79 that day and finished par-par-par-birdie-par. That was probably the highlight of my trip.

It was hilarious to watch the Seniors play Turnberry after we got home because as soon as we left the weather turned REALLY nasty. The flagsticks were practically bent over sideways due to the heavy wind and it rained like crazy on them. Loren Roberts won that one as I recall.

It was supposed to be the "trip of a lifetime" for my brother ,cousin and a close family friend, but on the way back home we were already scheming for how to talk our wives into letting us go back there.

I'm going to Ireland next year and can't wait! If you're at all on the fence about going, I highly suggest you look into it- the prices are not at all what I expected. very reasonable IMO. I'm going for 7 days total, with 5 days of golfing at Old Head, Doonbeg, Waterville, Lahinch Old, and Ballybunion Old. It's just me and my wife. We're using a travel planner to take care of everything- reservations, tee times, car, etc. We just have to buy our plane tickets. The first agency I called said they could not do a trip for just one guy, but I was able to find several others who said it would not be a problem. I'd be happy to give the names of the agencies I called if anyone is interested.

Many great courses in Kerry and Clare, as discussed above. Not a great fan of Old Head, which most Irish consider rather overpriced and contrived.

I would like to recommend Northern Ireland for a great trip. Fly into Belfast, Shannon or Dublin, drive up to NI (100 miles from Dublin) and play Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Castlerock, then cross into Donegal and play Ballyliffin and Donegal (Murvagh). Depending which route you choose, also play Baltray (Co. Louth), on the road from Dublin to NI, or Rosses Point (Co. Sligo) , Carne and Enniscrone coming up from Shannon. There are also a bunch of other great courses dotted amongst all of those. In Ireland, you are never too far away from a decent golf course!

Also, if you have a bit more time, car ferries go from Belfast and Larne to Scotland, landing not too far away from Turnberry or Troon.

I had the opportunity to spend a week in Scotland in June of 2003. Work committments prevented my wife, who happens to be my favourite golf partner, from joining me so I travelled solo. I was heading that way for a wedding that ended up being cancelled. When I found out about the wedding being cancelled, I was on the fence about following up on the trip. My wife thought I was nuts. She said that since I had the guaranteed tee time at St. Andrews I had to go!

I played Troon (Championship & Portland), Jubilee, Old Course twice, Carnoustie, and Royal Dornoch. I had great weather and only had to pull out the rain gear for three or four holes at Carnoustie. I actually ended up with a sunburn playing the Old Course. Imagine that! I shot 79 and 81 on my two rounds on the Old Course and still think of those two rounds as the peak of my golfing days even though I am not yet 40. I was holding back tears on my tee shots on 18 each round, it was so moving.

The highlight of the trip was my accomodation in St. Andrews. A dorm room at the University of St. Andrews for 25GBP/night including breakfast. I opened the curtains in my room with a stunning view up the 1st and 18th. Sadly, it has since been sold and is now a condo complex from what I understand.

All trip, I wished that my wife could have been with me. As a consolation, we're both heading to Scotland next April and we're hoping to get on at the Old Course.

Does anyone have any information on whether Royal Dornoch will be worth the trek up north in early April? Temps around 10C won't scare us but if the course is in winter condition, I won't bother with the trek.

Went to Scotland in 04. Played Nairn, Royal Dornoch(best of all), St Andrews Old and New, Carnoustie, Kingsbarn. Perfect weather, in fact too nice. The courses are really easy with no wind. However the day we Played te Old Course it was blowing about 20 and raining as hard as I have ever seen for 18 holes. They had to come out and move the cups on 3-4 holes as they were underwater.
Don't for one second believe that Foot Joys Dry Joys are water proof !! By the third hole my feet were soaked , when finished I threw those POS shoes in the trash. My buddy had Ecco shoes and his feet were dry.
Great people and would go back in a heartbeat.

I'm planning to go to Scotland with my wife in September. I'll be bringing my sticks along, and am planning to play a few times. I'll be a single, so I'm hoping it won't be too much of a problem to get on. I'll definitely be playing the Old Course (side note: anyone know how early you need to get to the starter to get in line to ensure that you get out at a resonable time?), and I'm thinking about trying to play Carnoustie and Gullane No. 1. Just starting to try to figure out the golf itinerary, so not much planning has been done.

While it won't be a "golf trip", I'm excited to play in the home of golf.

I voted Have already been. Can't wait to go back

Went to Scotland in 2004 and it was everything I imagined and more. Much more.

I've gone to Scotland twice, and would do it again in a heartbeat.
The first time there we played:
Turnberry
Western Gailes
Pestwick
Glasgow Gailes
Aberdeen
Nairn
Dornoch
Skibo Castle and
Loch Lomand.

Second time:
Gullane I & II
North Berwick
Dunbar
Luff Ness New
Craigelaw
Muirfield
TOC
St. Andrews Jubilee

It's a must do. I went last September with a group of 12. We go away each year and it was our 10 year anny so crossed the pond. It was unreal IMO. I can't wait to go back.

St. Andrews
Kingsbarns
North Berwick
Carnoustie
Muirfield

Arrived on Wednesday morning and played the Old Course that afternoon. Played Muirfield then North Berwick on Thursday. Played Kingsbarns then Carnoustie on Friday. Saturday flew home. It was quick and short but it was still awesome!!

JS

I have played golf in Scotland but not Ireland. I plan to play in Ireland next year. For those who have never been, it is quite different than most of the courses you will see in the US. Everything is not lush and green, the sand is not white or even close to white, and the bunkers for the most part are true hazards.

Also absent on many golf courses in that part of the world are cart paths. Why...no electric or gas carts for the most part. You can carry them or you can pull them on a trolley.

If you love the game of golf, it is definitely an experience you will never forget once you go. Another thing to remember also...go during the time of year when you can hit off grass and don't have to carry a mat around with you to hit off of.

i love both places. i would say ireland is more rugged. some of the courses it felt like iwas playing on a mountain top, like lahinch and ballybunion.
i also enjoyed baltray , royal country down, portmarnock very much.

scotland hasa ton of histroy and many great courses.
i have played
kingsbarn
old course
muirefield
north berwick
all ofthem were very enjoyable

i will be planning it once my planned trip to whistling straits is complete.

Been to Scotland twice now and would go back every year. Love that place. First trip in 06 - 15 college buddies.

Glen Eagles
Jubilee
Old
Carnoustie
Kingsbarns
Royal Troon
Portland Troon
Prestwick
Western Gailes

Last trip was back in April stated right on 18th of the Old Course played
Jubilee - twice
New - twice
Old - twice
Kingsbarns

Both great trips! The Scots are so pleasant.

I'd always dreamed of playing golf in Ireland, and for a thousand reasons never got to it. Then, last year, I happened to have a business meeting at a hotel just south of Dublin where the Druids Glen and Druids Heath courses reside. I'm half Irish, and while that was a draw, it was also a concern. I had heard so many people say, "Go to Ireland, the people are so wonderful." It seemed silly to me to suggest taking a trip in order to enjoy "the people." After all, how can you know which particular people you might run into? Aren't some of them great, and some of them awful?

Well, I'll no longer subscribe to that particular brand of logic. Everyone I met enriched me in some way. While I didn't get to play as much golf as I'd have liked, those two courses were delightful and memorable. But it was really the Irish people that I encountered that I'll remember. Of course, it could be that I'm of Irish ancestry. But I don't think that was it. I think Ireland, and it's people, are wonderful.

One last note. I'm American, and I don't find Americans beloved throughout the world. I felt 100% totally accepted in Ireland. And while viewing what is essentially the Irish Declaration of Independance at Trinity College in Dublin, I noted that that important document itself calls attention to the support and inspiration that America provided the Irish people. Made me feel at home, and that on a wonderful level, we are one.

So as not to seem too sentimental, let me add that the Guinness is good too! Better than in the states. I hope I get the chance to go back.

There is a strong bond between Ireland and the US. Most Irish people have family who went over to the US, not necessarily as far back as the Famine!

I was in Dublin when 9/11 happened, and there were a bunch of American, some colleagues, most not, over at the same conference. Over the next wek or so when they were essentially trapped there while inbound flights were barred from the US, many were genuinely touched by the empathy and support they received from ordinary people in Ireland. Simple things mostly, like a kind word or a free ride from a cabbie, the queues at the US Embassy to sign the Book of Condolences, hotels making sure they had access to phones to call home, that sort of stuff.

One of my colleagues said he was walking in the city centre about 3 days after and a man stopped him, presumably having heard his accent, and asked "Are you an American?". My colleague said he was and the man replied "Terrible thing that happened. We are all praying for you", shook his hand and walked away. My colleague was moved to tears.

My buddy and I will Go in a few years, I have to wait until the little ones get larger....

Can't wait.

While the wife and I will be going at some point, I doubt I'll play golf. If I did it would only be at St Andrews but I'm doubtful it will happen. My wife doesn't play and when we go on vacations I rarely play because I feel guilty about taking up so much of our time.

I had a client who would go to Scotland or Ireland every other year to golf with his buddies. The guy lived the perfect life. Retired at 40 years of age (family wealth) and golfed every other day for the the next 35 years. When he was 72 he shot his age for the first time.

By the way, if you guys don't mind playing when it's a little chilly, my parents were discussing a trip to ireland at Thanksgiving time. Round-trip plane fair and 4 nights at a hotel for only $300! Just a ridiculous deal, they did it a few years ago (they don't play golf, they are travelers).

I'll have to ask them more about it, and try to link you guys if you're interested.

I had the privilege of working in Aberdeen for a few months and while there, I went and stayed at the Old Course Hotel (Course view room!), played the Old Course and what a dream (was a surprise from my girlfriend)!!! I went back a couple months later (still working) and played the both Old and New Courses.

To the guy asking about when to get there....if October, may not be an issue. I had no problems whatsoever and the first time, I actually arrived, changed into my golf clothes went out and teed off. It was February of this year. I went back late April, got on the ballot with a time but did not need it because most of the afternoon was empty out there. You can always check the ballot list online the day before to get an idea of what spaces are open and beyond that, depends on no shows. You cannot get on the ballot as a single but if you call the pro at the Old Course Hotel and ask nicely, he MAY put you on the list with some guests. Normally, they only do this for hotel guests but as I said, maybe will do you a favor.

Other courses I played that I really enjoyed:
Moray Golf Club
Crail Golf Club
Newburgh Golf Club
Montrose Golf Club

Heading back next Spring for a week playing St. Andrews Old, New, Jubilee, Kingsbarns (is a 5 day tournament!). Cannot wait to go back. Staying at Old Course Hotel again. This trip was 40th b-day present from my girlfriend.

Oh and I saw some people talking about having great weather.....that is an anomaly, for sure. Bad weather is part of links golf!!! Embrace it and hope you get to experience the Scottish weather in all its glory.

My 1st round in Feb at the Old Course, was 35 mph winds and rain to start, then cleared up was sunny but still very windy.....definitely adds to the challenge. I even had to buy a wool cap to start with! No baseball cap styles can be worn there....they blow away.

The next time, late April....identical weather!!!! Slightly warmer but not by much.

Most of my rounds played over a span of 3 months were in varying degrees of wind. I enjoyed the challenge. Does not mean I scored well but I enjoyed it.

Harshest wind experience was a downhill, 200 yard par 3 at Newburgh Golf Club. Elevated tee, maybe 60 foot elevation drop or maybe more. Dead into the wind. I ripped a solid drive (one of the few on that day for me) and even with the downhill landing, did not even reach the green. To put in perspective, if not wind, with the elevation drop, I would have hit about a 6 iron.....maybe 7.

Try Moray Golf club. Wind blowing...with all the gorse there, good luck if you are not hitting it straight!!!

Heading over in three weeks. We have two foursomes and are playing the following courses.

Carnoustie
St. Andrews (if we are fortunate enough for the daily ballot)
Kingsbarns
Crail Balcomie Links
Lundin Links
Boat of Garten
Royal Dornoch (this will be my third time to play this my favorite Scottish Course)
Nairn

Hey your poll should have an option for - Live in Scotland and play there a lot!

I live in Ireland its a great place to stay and play golf! Have been to Scotland many times and its a great experienced although can be a little over priced in places! although there are some amazing courses for great value! ROyal Dornach is my favourite course! period!

Old Head Defo is overpriced but there are great links around.

As mentioned Rosses Point (Co. Sligo) is a fantastic there is a hotel right in front of the course which is very reasonable. there is also a 9 hole course there which is pretty ok to. Enniscrone is also great but prefer it before they made the changes. Murvagh in Donegal is also excellent and great deals can be had. There is also a flood of really great links courses on the East Coast, The Island (Very Tough), Laytown - Bettystown, Greenore, Arklow, Wicklow & Seapoint (its the course that co-joints Baltray) no more than a 45 min drive from Dublin. all can be had mid week for between €30 - €60 inc a steak sandwich dinner.

For the pure sadists and those who don't mind losing 2 dozen proV1s the European Club is quite expensive but is a great track. If you go in off season there is a Weekly competion that you can get out for €50. there is a handicap limit of 8 and is open to pros & low amatuers. Harrington plays in it from time to time as does Des Smyth.

Your Dead Right Mate!! The Guinness is GREAT!! I work for Diageo (Who own Guinness) in St James Gate, If any of you guys are in Dublin shoot me a PM and I will get you free tickets for the Guinness Storehouse Tour. You even get a free pint at the end!

Going to Ireland on Monday! But I did live there for a good few years so it is more of a homecoming. But will be playing some golf over the 10 days. If you haven't been to Ireland on a golfing holiday, I cannot recommend it highly enough - it really is a lot of fun and if you can hook up with some locals, all the better. Just remember to NOT keep your hand in your pocket at the pub - that is the height of rudeness back there. However, if you buy some drinks you will have friends for life (almost) and a lot more drinks on the day if you want them.

Chris

Bit off topic but what is your avatar about? Surely not???? I live in ireland also, and enjoy guinness, I heard that for the anniversary of guinness Diageo are bringing out a commemorative drink. When will we see it?

To everyone else in this topic who is thinking of coming to Ireland, do it!

Jack

My Wife and I took a trip to Ireland in '96. Played the old course at Ballybunion, one of the Killarney courses, Waterville, and Galway Bay. After the fact we wished we had played several more time during our ten days there, however, we enjoyed the pubs and the people so much we can't complain about how we spent our time. Our first day we drove from Shannon to Ballybunion and before the afternoon was over we were drinking pints and listening to older gentlemen sing in a small pub. Quite simply one of the best days of my life. Playing Ballybunion the next morning was not bad either.

We have a twelve year old daughter that has taken up the game fairly seriously this year for the first time. When she started working pretty hard, I told when she breaks 100 consistently, we would go to Ireland.

Today she broke 100 for the first time with a 99 on a fairly tough course at 5,200 yards. She has improved over 20 strokes since April. I'll start looking into a trip for next August in the next few weeks.

I see 6 have voted that they have no interest in playing golf in Scotland or Ireland. I would be interested in their thoughts about why.

It was a april fools picture that was released as part of a April Fools Ad campain.

There was a "White" Guinness drink called Breo once a upon a time but we try and forget it to be honest
There is a commeretive Guinness drink called Guinness 250, only released in bottles in the states though, which is a shame as it tastes pretty good.

Where do you play out of?

I'm planning a trip to Northern Ireland next late March. I know it will be cool, windy and rainy, but don't really care, it's when I have the time to go, and the fees are a bit cheaper. Planning to stay in Portrush, focus on the Dunlace and Valley courses there, hit the two main courses at Portstewart the next most, and get in a trip to Ballycastle and Castlerock on the side. Looking at just short of two weeks, and don't plan on renting a car. Figure the courses I've chosen are close enough that a cab won't be bad, or bus/train, plus I love a Guinness or whiskey or both after a round, or two, or, ok just one more ...and don't want to chance driving on the wrong side of the road.

Can't wait!!!!

Portrush is absolutley class you will love it.

I work in NI a few days a week and the weather has been pretty good lately, couple of showers but temp around 17deg C. hopefully it will stay like that for you.

If you like whiskey you have go to the Bushmills Distillery! Diageo own that 2! PM me if you want and i'll hook up some free passes for the tasting tour for you.

You could stay at the Bushmills Inn, but a car would be handy. If you had one you could also take a night in Newcastle and play RCD. Stay at the Slieve Donard.

http://www.bushmillsinn.com/

http://www.hastingshotels.com/slieve/index.htm

cabs will be fairly expensive - castlerock and ballycastle are not that close to portrush especially when travelling on slow and windy roads. you might want to look into renting a car for a few days once you arrive in portrush to play those courses that are a little farther afield from where you are staying

a car also comes in handy if you want to so any sightseeing - ie Dunluce Castle, Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery

how many rounds are you playing on the dunluce course ???? hopefully more than one - royal portrush is a fanatstic facility = just feels like a proper open championship venue (1951)

also I hear the 9 hole short course at castlerock is very good - I have only played the mussenden course which is not to be missed

have you played links golf or in the UK before ???? anyways have a great trip

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, may rent a car, or may take transit at least to Castlerock. My main focus will be at Portrush, my rough guesstimate is to play 30% of my rounds at Dunlace, Valley, [both at Portrush, almost walkable from the B&B] and Portstewart each, and one round at each of the other two. Thanks for the lodging advice, although my budget is small, and i've found what looks to be a great B&B. My preference, instead of hitting a different course a day [not that I wouldn't enjoy the heck out of that] is to really settle in to one area, find a favorite pub, bump into the same folks several days in a row...Oh, and no, have never played a true links course or been over the pond...

Thats a shame, I read about that and really wanted to have some but never heard anything about it. Would love to try it.

I play at Royal county Down. You?

Jack

Co meath, although play most of my Golf in Carton House these days as I live right beside it.

RCD is one of my favourite tracks usually get to play there once a month as a guy I work with in Belfast is a member there. The Mourne isn't to shabby either!

Marc

Who do you know who is a member?

Carton, very nice. May be able to play there soon, i hope it works out.

All the best

Jack

bob barkely

you will enjoy it mate make sure you play the Monty, Its a great track especially off the blues! O'Meara is ok but only has 3 really good holes. if you down a for few days playing try and get across the to PGA national, its only about 20mins or so from Carton. Its a fantastic track.

M

Dont know him actually!

Ahh i think it will only be one round, but thanks for the advice. Im sure at some stage il get to play them both, only one year out of juviniles, still have many years of golf ahead of me touch wood.

Jack

Just went to Scotland for the first time. Went to the Open final round then golf for 5 days.
Played Dundonald, Gleneagles Kings and PGA, Crail, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, O.C., Gullane #1 and N.Berwick. Unbelievable trip, great golf, very nice people. Even without Watson winning, the trip couldn't have been better. Can't wait to give Ireland a try in a year or two.

Rodney