Page 197 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

GOLF IN SC O TLAND  195

When to Play book ahead if you need a
It’s easier (and cheaper) to get caddy. Buggies (ride-on golf
a game during the week rather carts) may be available if pre-
than at a weekend, and out side booked at the larger courses,
busy holiday periods. The main but the norm in Scotland is
golfing season runs from about to walk the course unless you
April to mid-October, but most have a medical condition or
clubs stay open all year round, physical disability.
especially the links (coastal)
courses, where the climate is Long Traditions
milder. May and September are
ideal times to play: temperatures Many of Scotland’s courses are
are moderate and the scenery is steeped in history and tradition.
at its most beautiful. The further Without a doubt, St Andrews
north you go, the hours of day- Teeing off as the sun sets at Royal Troon in Fife is the true home of golf,
light vary more. At midsummer, Golf Club, Ayrshire where the game originated in
you can tee off at midnight on the 15th century (records date
Orkney and Shetland. back to 1457). The St Andrews
Facilities Links Trust now operates
A scheme called “Visiting seven superb courses on this
Golfing Events Golfers Welcome”, operated by hallowed stretch of seaside, the
Many keen golfers combine a VisitScotland, indicates which most venerable of which is the
visit to Scotland with a well- clubs provide facilities for Old Course. Every golfer
known golfing event. Besides the non-members. Smarter dreams of playing here. If
famous Open Champion ship, clubs offer on-site you are lucky, your dream
held at least every other year, accommo dation; this can may come true – this
professional fixtures attracting be extremely luxurious, legendary course is
visitors to Scotland are the with many leisure accessible to visitors
Aberdeen Asset Management amenities, as at world- at short notice via a
Scottish Open, staged at renowned Gleneagles or democratic ballot system.
different golf clubs every year in the Ballater Golf Club in Simply contact the Trust the
late summer; the Dunhill Links Royal Deeside. Others can day before you want to
Championship (Oct); and two suggest hotels or bed play, and your name
women’s champion ships: the and breakfasts nearby, will be included in the
Women’s British Open and the many of which offer daily draw (successful
Ladies’ Scottish Open. Popular special rates or dis- applicants are posted
amateur events include the counted green fees The Claret Jug on the club’s website).
St Andrews Links Trophy (Jun) for golfers, along with trophy St Andrews’s resident
and the Scottish Amateur storage facilities, drying Royal and Ancient Golf
Champion ship (Jul–Aug). “Golf rooms and early or late Club (R&A), founded in 1754, is the
Weeks” are held at St Andrews mealtimes. Look out for the official ruling body of world golf.
(Apr), Royal Deeside and “Golfers Welcome” logo, which The R&A organizes the famous
Machri hanish (both in May), and indicates accommo dation British Open Championship,
Pitlochry (Jun). The Fife, Ayr shire specially geared to golf lovers. traditionally hosted by
and Highland Classics are held Clubs and hand trollies can St Andrews every five years.
at multiple venues. be hired at most courses, but The winner of this prestigious
contest is awarded the coveted
Claret Jug trophy, crafted and
hallmarked in 1873. The British
Golf Museum, opposite the R&A
clubhouse, is a must-visit
attraction for any keen player.
Not far from St Andrews is the
Crail Golfing Society, which
began life in 1786. Its Balcomie
links course is a tough seaside
test. The Royal Burgess,
instituted in 1735, is the oldest
golfing society in the world.
Upholding time-honoured
golfing rules, it features a
picturesque tree-lined course
on the north side of Edinburgh.
The 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Visitor tee times are available.

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