Haversham & Baker Expeditions Golf Travel

Field Report: A Member’s Take on Golf in Scotland

One Member’s Journey from Turnberry to the Swilcan Bridge

Mike Walters

August 20, 2025

6 Minute Read

One of the great joys of this job is seeing a trip come to life—not just on paper, but in the stories that come back after the final round. I had the pleasure of working with Tom Knudtson from Dubquque Golf & Country Club to help plan his Expedition to Scotland, and let me tell you... they made the absolute most of it.

Tom recently shared the detailed recap below, and with his blessing, we’re passing it along. It’s filled with great insight, honest reflections, and more than a few moments that every traveling golfer will appreciate. If you’re thinking about or counting down to your own journey across the pond, there’s a lot to learn in the note that follows.

Haversham & Baker Scotland Golf Trip Review

"I think everyone would say this was the highlight of the trip. I honestly have never been so nervous to hit a tee shot."

Field Report: Tom Knudtson’s Scotland Recap

I cannot believe it has come and gone. It was an absolute bucket list trip for everyone! So many highlights. Sorry for the long email. Still a bit jazzed up.

I think the layout of the trip was about as perfect as possible. The start at Turnberry was a breathtaking. Finishing the trip in St. Andrews and The Rusacks was an absolute treat. The view from 3rd floor rooms overlooking 18/1 was spectacular - so many ‘pinch me’ moments. The build in going from Troon to North Berwick to St. Andrews was perfect. It would have been unfair to the other links/towns/hotels if we started in St. Andrews. Does that make sense?

Turnberry - Jaw dropping views and holes. It played into the wind on the closing holes and it was tough! Rough was probably the thickest of any places we played and the greens were the fastest. Greens seemed to be slightly more elevated than I was expecting. The Open would be spectacular there.

Royal Troon - I very much enjoyed the track and how it builds up from the beginning. Postage Stamp was so cool (I made par). 11 is great (I did not make par). Finishing in front of the clubhouse is special.

Muirfield - Great day/experience. The decorum and organized nature of the day was present from start to finish. It reminded me being inside the gates Augusta National for The Masters. Very tough and demanding course from start to finish. I did not play my best, and the bunkers ate me up. Again, very cool to finish in front of the clubhouse. I was worried that the time between 18s would be too long but it went very quickly. Lunch was a fun experience. We had a very warm day and everyone was wiped by the time we finished the second time around.

Also, I was happy we stayed at Marine North Berwick. While I would have loved to play North Berwick, I was happy to have the opportunity to go for a little walk with the group after dinner and check out the 15th (Redan) and 16th (Biarritz green).

Off day on Wednesday - Perfect timing for the off day, coming off 36 at Muirfield. Provided everyone an opportunity to physically and mentally reset as desired. We got into St. Andrews around 11 am. Some guys walked around St. Andrews a bit. Others, went to the spa. Two of us got a tee time at the New. We invited our driver, Alan to join us which was great. More on Alan later…….

The Old Course - I think everyone would say this was the highlight of the trip. The energy around the course was palpable - hard to describe. I honestly have never been so nervous to hit a tee shot as I was on #1. I couldn’t pull the club back. I hit my 4 iron about 90 yards, which I am sure I'll hear about for a while. It took a couple of holes for me to feel my limbs! I also did not follow your advice on #11 and hit it deep into the swale behind the green - the statement about it being the ‘shortest par 5 in golf’ was very true for me! Fortunately, there were a number of good shots too. The finish on 17 and 18 is pretty magical.

After the round, Alan got us into the St. Andrews Golf Club for a couple of pints which was special. You could feel the history in that place.

Carnoustie - Had the unfortunate position of being behind The Old Course in the lineup. It doesn’t have the aura or scenery of some of the other places, but clearly is capable of standing on its own. The finishing holes are great and stout. My caddie pointed out the scratched out “Jean Van de Velde” on the wall of the Barry Burn which seemed an appropriate tribute.

That evening we met up with someone who knew the brother of one of the guys in our group. He was a member of the ‘The New Club’ so we were able to get into there and have a few pints. So much history in there as well. We were shown the stairs in the back of the kitchen where Old Tom Morris fell and, soon thereafter, passed away.

Alan Henderson - He was a gem! So much more than just driving us from place to place. Quick with the wit and Scottish perspective. He clearly loves golf and Scotland. He made sure everything went smoothly re: travel times, reservations, caddies, etc. Exactly the kind of host driver we would have wanted.

Last but not least, thanks you, Mike, for helping plot and plan this all out. It was perfectly crafted and blast from start to finish.

Sincerely,

Tom Knudtson (and the rest of our crew)

When It All Comes Together

Hearing stories like Tom’s is a reminder of why we do what we do.

Every trip is a little different, but when the right pieces come together—great golf, great company, a thoughtful plan—it becomes something truly special. If this Field Report has you picturing your own walk down the 18th at St. Andrews, Let's Talk.