Planning a group trip to Scotland? Here's five things you need to know....

Scotland is the home of Golf and a bucket list trip for many. If you're planning a trip across the pond, here's five things you need to know....

1. Some courses are already sold out for 2025

A few weeks ago, an influential American executive decided he wanted to play the Old Course this summer, so he pulled out all the stops, calling all his well-placed contacts and offering top dollar for a tee time. Guess what that executive is not doing this summer? Playing the Old Course. Most of the well known courses sell out fast with the likes of Muirfield and the Old Course already sold out for 2025. The only way to play the Old Course in 2025 without a tee time is through the daily ballot. This opens 48 hours prior to your desired day of play and is not guaranteed.

2. The Bigger the name, the scarcer the tee time

Royal Dornoch, Trump Turnberry and Royal Troon. These heavyweights are still currently available for 2025 but they are harder to get than some of the lesser-known courses particularly for large groups that are looking for back-to-back tee times.

3. Consider hidden gems

Just a few minutes from Muirfield is an amazing course - Gullane golf course. Close to St Andrews is Dumbarnie Golf links, home of the womens Scottish Open. Down the road from Royal Aberdeen is the fantastic Cruden Bay. For almost every marque venue is a hidden gem close by. Though many of these hidden gems are becoming more well known, tee times are easier to come by than their famous neighbors.

4. Caddies are the cherry on top

Most courses in Scotland don't allow carts (unless you have a doctors note) which leaves three options: carrying your own clubs, using a pushcart or hiring a looper. The majority of our American clients hire a caddy when playing across the pond (and not just for carrying their clubs). Their vast course knowledge comes in handy especially when faced with blind tee shots, undulating greens and swirling winds. An experienced caddy can easily shave several strokes from your score. Not to mention some of the stories they share with you along the way!

5. Factor in travel time

Scotland is roughly the size of South Carolina, whilst not massive, it's certainly not a country you can cover thoroughly in 7 days. Unless you plan on travelling by helicopter, we suggest sticking to one or two regions. For example, the Ayrshire coast where you can play the likes of, Turnberry, Royal Troon and Dundonald. Then there's St Andrews and Edinburgh where you can play the Old Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane.