Writing Samples

When looking for the perfect location for a golfing holiday, there are so many factors to consider that it's easy to lose sight of the actual purpose of the holiday: golf. From choosing a destination and course to suit your skill level to accommodation and nearby amenities for when you're not on the golf course, striking a balance can often prove troublesome and sometimes impossible task.

For many people, Scotland is all about Edinburgh and its roots in history: Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, Holyrood Palace; the list is endless. However, Scotland is also home to some of the most famous courses in the world, many of which feature regularly on the professional tournament circuit, as well as countless less-well known courses that cater to every skill level from novices through to the scratch golfer. So next time you're considering planning a golf holiday, Scotland can offer the best of both worlds: a great time on the golf course and an equally great time off of it!

Scotland is, of course, the home of golf' with over 500 golf courses around the country ranging from championship standard courses like St. Andrews, Turnberry and Carnoustie scene of the 2007 British Open. The St. Andrews Old Course is the oldest golf course in existence and has played host to countless professional tournaments, including The Open Championship and the Dunhill Cup. The course itself has many remarkable features, including 112 bunkers and the famous Road Hole' that help make it a true test for even seasoned professionals. Although a public course, the Old Course operates a handicap restriction. However, the Jubilee, Dukes and Kingsbarn courses nearby have no such restrictions, so golfers of all abilities will be able to sample the St. Andrews experience. Away from the course, the historic town has an abundance of hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping to suit all tastes and is only a short journey from the cities of Dundee and Edinburgh.

Head north across the River Tay to Carnoustie and you'll be able to tackle one of the toughest links courses in Scotland. Touted by golfing legends Gary Player and Walter Hagen among others as one of the best courses in the world, is not a course to be taken lightly. On the Carnoustie course, no two consecutive holes run in the same direction while strong winds whip in from the North Sea, making every shot a challenge. The course itself lies in the village of Carnoustie, but plentiful amenities can be found in nearby Dundee and Arbroath. Arbroath also has its own 18-hole public links course. Alternatively, head towards Perth and Gleneagles and it's world-famous hotel and golf course.

The city of Edinburgh has many golf courses in and around it's environs. From the championship links at Muirfield to the inland Dalmahoy with it's majestic 5-star hotel to pay-and-play municipal courses, Edinburgh is a golfers heaven regardless of ability. While there are many golf courses within the city boundary, sports organisation Edinburgh Leisure, operates 6 courses catering for all ages and abilities. For children and beginners there is the 9 hole course at Portobello while the spectacular gorse-covered challenge of Braid Hills is available to seasoned players. What's more, you don't have to have an official handicap simply pay and play! Plus if you're looking for golfing lessons, Edinburgh Leisure can offer coaching at their Craigentinny complex to help improve your game. And when you've finished your round, there's always the tourist sites and shopping that Scotland's capital has to offer!

Whatever your budget, whatever your skill level, you're sure to find a golfing destination in Scotland that will give you a great time on the golf course and an equally great time away from it.

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