If you’ve arrived at this corner of our website, there’s a good chance you’re a solo golfer planning a trip to Scotland or beyond.
First, there’s something we should point out…
Haversham & Baker does not offer an option for travel as a single golfer.
The reason for this is rather simple…
Most of the marquee golf courses in Scotland, Ireland, and England require a minimum of two golfers in order to book advance tee times.
Although we’re unable to assist with planning your trip, it’s not our style to simply turn away single golfers empty-handed.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when traveling across the pond as a single golfer.
Be flexible
When planning a golf trip as a single, flexibility is key. There’s a good chance that many of your plans will come together at the last minute (we’ll explain this later). The more you can “go with the flow,” the better your chances of playing the golf courses high on your list.
Send an email
While many golf courses in Great Britain & Ireland will not book advance tee times for single golfers, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck entirely. These courses will inevitably have open slots with a pre-booked threesome that they’d like to fill.
It doesn’t hurt to send an email introducing yourself to the bookings office. They may tell you those slots are filled at the last minute (within 72-hours, for example), or they might have you check back on a certain date. Either way, you’ll at least know how to proceed from there.
Stay in one place
Although you may envision driving around and seeing the various regions of Scotland, this runs counter to the need to remain flexible. Our advice is to base yourself in one place with lots of nearby options for golf, such as St. Andrews, East Lothian or the North Coast of Ireland.
If you were unsuccessful in connecting with a course by email, stop into the pro shop and inquire in person. If they’re able to squeeze you in on the day after tomorrow, you’ll be glad you decided to stay put.
And speaking of The Home of Golf, here’s everything you need to know about playing The Old Course at St. Andrews as a single.
Offer to take a caddie
In your correspondence with the various courses, be sure to point out if you’re willing to take a caddie. Their reluctance to book a single golfer may vanish if they know a caddie will get a bag for the day.
Get off the well worn path
Scotland, Ireland, and England are home to a wealth of lesser known golf courses that are a delight to play. The further you’re willing to venture off the well worn path, the more likely you are to be able to book tee times as a single golfer.
Because they’re less frequented by American golfers, you’ll probably find warm hospitality from a course that’s glad you’ve come. By the end of the round, you’re likely to feel the same.
If you need a little inspiration, here’s some of our favorite golf courses found off the well worn path.
Make friends in the pub
Things just have a funny way of coming together across the pond. We’ve heard numerous stories through the years of single golfers making friends at the pub and falling into an invite for golf the next day.
At places like The Dunvegan, The Jigger Inn, and Harbour Bar, you’re likely to find plenty of like minded golf travelers. Strike up a conversation, you never know what may come of it. At worst, you’ll make fast friends for the evening.
Dine early or at the bar
Our last tip has nothing to do with golf, but is something single travelers should keep in mind.
Like the golf courses, many restaurants across the pond aren’t keen on booking one-top tables. Our advice is to dine early and make it clear that they’ll have the table back whenever it’s needed.
Or ask to dine at the bar. This custom isn’t as common overseas as it is stateside, but it may work in a pinch.
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