We are seeking advice for touring and golfing in the Isles. We appreciate advice and comment on more affordable small groups that fit roughly this profile. For July of ‘25 with hopefully a Friday and or Saturday at the Open Royal Portrush. Tnank you! Howard
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
141 posts
I would highly suggest reading Tom Coyne's books "A course called Ireland" and "A course called Scotland". Not only are they fun reads, I have made endless notes on fun smaller courses (Elie, Crail, Dornoch, Brora, Dunbar, Prestwick) that make a memorable trip. He also recommends restaurants and B&B's. I had a goal for my husband to play all the courses on The Open rota. But, he actually prefers the smaller, quirkier courses. On a pretty day, Old Head (Kinsale) is stunning - but it is in the south part of the Republic of Ireland, not Northern Ireland.
This will be an AWESOME trip. Enjoy!
Posted by
164 posts
Watch out the Open is scheduled July 13 - 20. I was there last year and they were selling hats and gear for the 153th Open back then. Send them a email. My golf bucket list includes playing at St Andrew’s on Christmas Day. It’s free. LOL
Posted by
SoCal
1225 posts
When I went on a golf trip to Scotland, the group leader chose the Hidden Links tour organization; they did a great job for our 8-man group. I plan to use them for a future golf trip to the Scottish Highlands. Pricing was surprisingly reasonable.
Posted by
Southport, NC
381 posts
Hi Howard,
This might be better posted on the forums for the countries listed. I don't believe your post will show up in places others might expect, given this particular tab is for those who are taking, or who have taken, a RS tour.
Best,
Julie
Posted by
8 posts
I planned a golf/tour trip to Scotland in May 2017 with a lot of help from a book called “Golf in Scotland” by Allen Ferguson. We had “won the lottery “ so had guaranteed tee times on the Old Course and New Course in St Andrews. We did a 2 week counter clockwise trip by car, did lots of sightseeing, and also played Boat of Garden, Royal Dornoch, The Carnegie Club and Gleneagles. Stayed at small B&B mostly, except at Gleneagles. I was able to make all my tee times online.
We Are going back to Scotland again this fall, as we again were selected for guaranteed Old Course tee times. This trip will be shorter and mostly golf related; playing North Berwick, Muirfield, Carnoustie, Crail. Again, made all the tee times myself online. But a full day in Edinburgh and some other free time for sightseeing. B&B’s again as we love the small pesonal touch.
In May 2019 we did the RS Heart of Ireland tour. It starts in Ennis and ends in Dublin. We went a few days early, flew into Shannon, and played both Ballybunion courses and then Lahinch. After the tour we played Royal Dublin and Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. All online tee times as well.
This year we did the RS Sicily tour. Who knew there were golf courses in Sicily; I think there are only 4? Went a few days early and stayed at the fabulous Verdura resort (2 18 hole courses), then rented a car after the RS tour and drove to Il Picciolo golf course on the slopes of Mt Etna for the day.
I have always done my own planning, but there are tour companies that will plan and drive you around as well.