Your golf trip to Scotland – between Fife and Aberdeen
All Square 4min read •
15 Nov 2019
All Square has planned the perfect itinerary for a golfing vacation to Scotland, golf’s birthplace and home to some of the finest golf courses in the world.
Suggested arrival airport: Aberdeen International Airport
1. The Duke’s St Andrews
Getting there
The Duke’s St Andrews, south of the historic city of Aberdeen, is less than a two hours drive east from Aberdeen International Airport. The beautiful town of St Andrews is just a few minutes drive away.
The golf course
The Duke’s Golf Course is one of the finest heathland courses in the UK, and All Square’s 28th best course in Scotland. Opened in 1995 and designed by five-times Open Champion Peter Thomson, the course was re-designed in 2004 by the US based Kohler Company, home to the famed Whistling Straits. It’s a challenging test of golf thanks to its varied holes featuring a mix of thick heathland, tree-lined fairways and vast bunkers. With the conditioning of the course comparable with some of the finest in the world, and the friendly atmosphere and welcome afforded in the luxurious clubhouse, a visit to The Duke’s is highly recommended. This is the only non-links inland course in St Andrews.
Suggested accommodation
The Old Course Hotel: The Duke’s course is owned by The Old Course Hotel which is located next to the infamous ‘Road Hole’ 17th at the St Andrews Old Course, the Home of Golf. It has 144 classically elegant rooms and 35 suites and is recognised as one of Europe’s leading resorts. Visitors can enjoy the luxurious spa, award-winning dining and afternoon tea. Room prices start at €240 per night.
2. Montrose Golf Links
Getting there
Montrose Golf Links is just over an hours drive north from The Duke’s St Andrews.
The golf course
Golf is recorded as being played here since 1562 making it the world’s fifth oldest course. The 1562 Course here has hosted the Final Qualifying Competition for The Opens held at nearby Carnoustie in 1999 and 2007, and the Senior Open at Carnoustie in 2016. It’s a traditional Scottish links, with dunes, gorse and spectacular ocean views. A golfing trip to Scotland would not be complete without playing this nostalgic, traditional course. This is a layout that will test every aspect of your game.
Suggested accommodation
Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa: A beautiful 4-star 19th-century mansion house set in 30 acres of tranquil Aberdeenshire countryside. After a day of pampering at the Ardoe Spa, enjoy sophisticated and locally-inspired dining or indulge in Soapie’s Lounge & Bar for a nightcap. It’s also close to Balmoral Castle, one of the residences of the British royal family. Room prices start at €90 per night.
All Square’s 23rd best course in the UK. The 7,400 yard, par-72 championship course was designed by renowned course architect Dr Martin Hawtree, and follows a classical pattern of two out-and-back loops of nine holes. All 18 holes thread their way engagingly through dunes, rising to find panoramic views of the North Sea’s dramatic coastline, and plunging into secluded valleys rich with native vegetation. Each hole has six separate tees catering for all levels of golfer. European Tour officials have said it’s a course worthy of staging a Major championship.
Suggested accommodation
Trump MacLeod House & Lodge Hotel: This historic Scottish mansion and lodge is set amidst mature woodland in the heart of a magnificent estate. It’s an opulent 5-star property which provides exquisite superior and grand deluxe guest rooms and intimate bar and dining facilities. Room prices start around €210 per night.
If you have more time…
Fairmont St Andrews Resort: A short drive south of St Andrews, this resort has 5-star accommodation and a luxury spa housed in an ancient, simply stunning mansion and two 18-hole golf courses. The Torrance course was co-designed by former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance. It’s one of Scotland’s most dramatic and challenging courses and hosted The Open Qualifying Championship in 2010. The Kittocks course is perhaps even more challenging than the Torrance with incredible sea views.
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