The answers to each of these questions are somewhat dependent on one another. For example, deciding who to invite on the trip may depend on where you intend to go. In turn, where you intend to go then impacts when you should begin the planning process.
You might say that planning Ireland golf trips is like working on a giant jigsaw puzzle, with these interdependent questions forming the outer edge. At the links above, we’ve provided helpful guides to assemble the first two-thirds of that border. The remaining portion – where to play golf in Ireland – is found below.
The best golf in Ireland is mostly concentrated within four distinct regions. What follows are the pros and cons of each region, ordered by their popularity among our travelers.
Northern Ireland and the North Coast
Pros
Home to the current #1 ranked course in the world and the only course in Ireland on The Open rota: Royal County Down and Royal Portrush.
Other golf courses in the area like Ardglass Golf Club, Ballyliffin, Castlerock, and Portstewart Golf Club may play the role of understudy, but they could form an outstanding golf trip all on their own.
The region is well suited for all types of trips: buddies, couples, or family.
An excellent array of sightseeing opportunities at some of Ireland’s most popular attractions, from the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and sites of Belfast.
Ferry service from the west coast of Scotland provides a convenient way to enjoy a little of both countries in a single trip.
Cons
Due to the popularity of the region, Northern Ireland golf trips require the most advance planning. Particularly for Royal Portrush and Royal County Down tee times.
You may add “had a calamity at Calamity” to your golf resume.
Southwest Ireland
Pros
The highest concentration of world ranked courses in Ireland. Five altogether, plus a future Ryder Cup venue that belongs on the next list.
Among the headlining courses, Old Head Golf Links is perhaps the biggest draw and regarded as one of the most spectacular experiences in the game.
Home to some of the finest golf hotels in Ireland, such as Adare Manor, Doonbeg, Hayfield Manor, and the Killarney Park.
The Southwest features some of the best sightseeing in Ireland, thanks to Killarney National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and many more.
Without question, the most picturesque of any region for golf in Ireland.
An ideal destination for both buddies and couples golf trips to Ireland.
Cons
The best courses are spread out over a fairly large area of the coast. Because of this, golf trips to Southwest Ireland often require multiple hotel changes and a few commutes of over an hour to the course. Our suggestion: hire an H&B Driver-Host, sit back, and just enjoy the views.
You may add “lost a dozen balls in the Atlantic” to your golf resume.
Credit: Old Head Golf Links
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Ireland.
Dublin
Pros
The best golf near Dublin includes no less than six world-class links courses, as well as a trio of great parkland offerings that are worthy of play.
Numerous direct flights from the states eases the logistics of travel.
As the capital of Ireland and one of Europe’s great cities, Dublin offers some of the best sightseeing in the country.
Those looking to enjoy the Irish pub culture will find it in no short supply. The best pubs in Dublin are a good place to start.
The Guinness Storehouse is here.
Cons
If you plan to combine Dublin and the links of Northern Ireland into a single week-long trip, you’ll probably have to leave some good courses near the city off your itinerary.
You may add “hit 3 off the 1st tee at Portmarnock” to your golf resume.
Credit: Portmarnock Golf Club
Northwest Ireland
Pros
The golf courses in Northwest Ireland are some of the most visually stunning in the game, featuring a collection of dramatic dunes that must be seen to be believed.
Golf architecture aficionados now have plenty of reason to visit the Northwest thanks to the reimagined Narin & Portnoo Links by Gil Hanse and the new St. Patrick’s Links by Tom Doak.
Those who enjoy journeys off the well worn path will enjoy the charm, solitude, and seclusion of the Northwest.
Golf history buffs will find a connection to the patriarch of the game. One of the two links courses at Rosapenna was designed by Old Tom Morris.
Because the Northwest doesn’t garner the spotlight, the booking window is not nearly as far out as the other regions.
The hospitality in the Northwest is arguably the warmest in all of Ireland.
Of all the regions in both Ireland and Scotland, the Northwest presents the best bang for the buck thanks and significant savings in overall cost.
Cons
The remote location and absence of marquee “bucket list” courses usually makes the Northwest a destination for the 2nd or 3rd Ireland golf trip.
You may add “climbed a small mountain to find my drive” to your golf resume.
Credit: Enniscrone
As you can see, each of the regions for golf in Ireland has its own unique set of pros and cons.
If choosing where to go on your trip requires a little more insight, perhaps you’ll find it at the links below. But if you’ve enlisted the expertise of an H&B Expedition Planning Manager, your job is essentially done.
All you have to do now is sit back and watch as the giant jigsaw puzzle we spoke of earlier comes together.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Ireland, visit the pages below, read our Ireland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker…
Each year, thousands of golfers and tourists alike visit the ancient town of St. Andrews, Scotland.
Although it’s the main attraction in town, there is so much to see and do in St. Andrews besides golf.
And with a record number of travelers heading to St. Andrews in the coming years, it’s never too early to begin planning what you’d like to experience while in town.
To help guide the way, here are ten of our favorite things to see in St. Andrews – The Home of Golf.
Beyond The Old Course
The Old Course may be top of your list of things to do in St. Andrews, but the area is home to an abundance of outstanding golf.
Roughly 30-minutes from St. Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links is itself an 8-time host of The Open. Much closer to town, Kingsbarns Golf Links debuted during the 2000 Open Championship and has quickly joined the must-play list for golf trips to St. Andrews. Dumbarnie Links debuted in 2020 and is primed to follow the Kingsbarns model of both service and success. And then there’s several less-heralded courses, such as Crail Golfing Society, Elie, Lundin Links, and Panmure, all of which are worthy of a place on the itinerary.
Credit: Dumbarnie Links
The Jigger Inn
Located adjacent to the famous Road Hole, the Jigger Inn occupies some of the most valuable real estate in St. Andrews. Whether you’re teeing it up on the famous links or simply seeing the best attractions in St. Andrews, your visit to The Home of Golf requires at least a little time on the patio at the Jigger Inn.
Fish & Chips at Tailend
Just a short stroll from the 18th green, the best fish and chips in St. Andrews is found at Tailend. You’re all but certain to spot the little white takeaway boxes while walking around St. Andrews. The restaurant is a favorite stop for the H&B Forces, and serves an exceptional menu that stretches far beyond the fish and chips.
This suggestion also comes with a fair warning: the line on a random Tuesday evening can stretch out the door. Get there early.
St. Andrews Cathedral & Cemetery
St. Andrews may be The Home of Golf, but its heritage dates to centuries before anyone ever hit a little rock with a stick. Nowhere is this more evident than the grounds of the St. Andrews Cathedral. Beneath the ruins of the 12th century cathedral, many of golf’s early luminaries are laid to rest.
The list includes Old and Young Tom Morris. The former was the Keeper of the Green at The Old Course for decades and shaped much of the links as it is played today. The latter was golf’s first iconic champion, winning The Open on four straight occasions before his untimely death in 1875 at the age of 24.
If you’re visiting St. Andrews, your visit is not complete until you’ve strolled the grounds of the cemetery and tipped your cap to golf’s true originators.
The Dunvegan
If you’re looking for things to do in St. Andrews, The Dunvegan absolutely belongs on your list. The pub is one of the best 19th holes in St. Andrews and claims to be “just a 9-iron from The Old Course.” With modern equipment, we think it’s more like a pitching wedge. When The Open comes to town this is, quite simply, the place to be and be seen. We’re not entirely sure how they manage the influx of spectators, but the team at The Dunvegan has it down.
To learn why The Dunvegan is special to so many visitors, and why it belongs on your must-visit list during The Open, tune-in to this episode of On the Tee with H&B with long-time proprietor Sheena Willoughby.
18 at The Rusacks
The Rusacks Hotel recently completed a head-to-toe renovation. Among the many updates, the new 18 at The Rusacks is on track to join the best restaurants in St. Andrews. In addition to the outstanding views of The Old Course, 18 at The Rusacks offers a menu that’s expertly crafted by acclaimed chef Derek Johnstone. Thanks to its world-class view and location, securing a table requires some advance planning. Or you can just stop in to the bar and have a putting contest between sips.
R&A World Golf Museum
The R&A World Golf Museum is one of the best new things to see in St. Andrews. Located just steps from the 18th green of The Old Course, the site was formerly known as the British Golf Museum, and was reimagined by the R&A in 2021. Among the numerous exhibits, the museum opened with a tribute to the great Seve Ballesteros, who captured The Open at St. Andrews in 1984. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the heritage of golf during your visit to St. Andrews, the World Golf Museum will make a great addition to your list.
Dinner at Forgan’s
Just a few doors down Market Street from the previously mentioned Tailend, Forgan’s offers great dining with a unique story. The restaurant is located in the former factory for the Forgan golf company, where clubs were produced as early as 1860. During construction of the restaurant, workers found several 1-irons beneath the floor which are proudly displayed in the restaurant. In another era, the Forgan name stood for quality in golf clubs. Over a century later, the same holds true for its namesake restaurant. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are sure to agree. The royal couple dined at Forgan’s during a recent visit to St. Andrews.
Gelato at Jannettas
There’s an old rule of thumb when it comes to restaurants and other eateries… The place with the long line usually has it for a reason. Jannetta’s is a perfect example. The line, especially on weekends, is so long it usually requires a theme park style queue system. But rest assured, it’s worth the wait.
The H&B Concierge recommends the Double Chocolate.
St. Andrews Brewing Company
Just as it has here in the states, the craft beer scene has taken off in Scotland. Whisky has long been an attraction for visiting golfers, but many are now enjoying craft beers during their golf trips to Scotland in equal measure. One of the first on the scene was the St. Andrews Brewing Company. Located a short stroll from The Old Course, the brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, as well as enjoyable pub fare. St. Andrews Brewing also produces the Road Hole Lager and the Tom Morris Ale, two beers which are sure please any golfer.
Golf is always the main show in town, but if you’re looking for things to do in St. Andrews, the above options are a good place to start.
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Scotland.
Royal Portrush Golf Club waited 68-years for The Open Championship to return to the spectacular Dunluce Links. This time, the wait will be much shorter.
The R&A has announced that The Open will return to Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2025.
The event will mark the second time in just six years that Royal Portrush has hosted The Open Championship. With the exception of The Old Course at St. Andrews, you have to go all the way back to 1992 to find when the R&A returned to one of its Open Championship venues in a shorter span.
Credit: Getty / Royal Portrush Golf Club
The honor is of little surprise to anyone who is familiar with the story of The Open’s long-awaited return in 2019. In advance of that championship, Royal Portrush deployed a variety of updates to its infrastructure and golf course, which would provide the model for all Open Championship venues to follow.
The club laid miles of fiber optic cable beneath the golf course and set additional groundwork in place for grandstands, scoreboards, and other infrastructure required for The Open. All of which eases the burden of preparing for the championship and helps to make The Open almost a “plug and play” event.
That is, when it’s held at Royal Portrush.
In addition to the permanent infrastructure put in place for The Open, Royal Portrush also made a variety of changes to the Dunluce Links. The most notable of these changes are the new 7th and 8th holes. The duo filled the void left by the former 17th and 18th holes, which were abandoned to make space for The Open Championship tented village and other temporary infrastructure.
The updates to the Dunluce Links were carried out by the design firm of Mackenzie & Ebert. As anyone who has visited Royal Portrush since the new holes debuted will attest, they blend seamlessly into the historic and spectacular landscape.
Of course, the return of The Open to Royal Portrush in 2025 is as much a testament to the people involved as it is the course. Perhaps the most instrumental person in the entire process was long-time Club Secretary, Wilma Erskine. Although Wilma has since gone on to a well-deserved retirement, Royal Portrush’s place on The Open rota is due, at least in part, to her determination and leadership.
Before the 2019 Open, Wilma joined us to discuss in detail all of the changes and preparations taking place at Royal Portrush. The interview is an insightful listen for anyone looking forward to the 2025 Open or planning a golf trip to Royal Portrush.
The Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush is listed among the best golf courses in the world, and rightfully so. Although that’s usually a given for the golf courses on The Open rota, at Royal Portrush the distinction is well-deserved. In fact, some might even say that the Dunluce Links is the best of them all.
But regardless of where it falls on the list of Top 100 golf courses in Scotland and Ireland, The Open’s return to Royal Portrush in 2025 is sure to inspire thousands of golf travelers to see it for themselves first-hand.
As you might imagine, it’s a popular ticket.
Royal Portrush tee times, along with those for nearby Royal County Down, are among the first to sell out every year. The Open’s pending return will only enhance this phenomenon.
If you’re among the golfers hoping to play Royal Portrush before the 2025 Open Championship, our advice is pretty simple…
Start planning early.
You can begin that process by reading our complete guide to Royal Portrush. The guide provides just a small preview of what our Expedition Planning Managers can craft for your time in Portrush and the rest of your golf trip to Ireland.
When The Open arrives at Royal Portrush in 2025, you’ll then be able to say that you’ve been there, done that, and got the bag tag.
You’ll also understand from experience why the R&A saw fit to return so quickly.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Ireland, visit the pages below, read our Ireland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker…
The modern game of golf is largely dominated by distance. But some of the most dramatic moments in the professional game come courtesy of short par-3s. Think of how many times The Masters or The Players Championship has been decided on the shortest hole on the course. The 7th at Pebble Beach is another great example. Although the hole rarely has an impact on the final outcome, the drama provided by its spectacular setting is impossible to ignore.
Across the pond, many of the great links golf courses feature short par-3s of their own. These holes are often wildly unpredictable. They’re also likely to be some of the most memorable holes of your trip.
If you’re planning a golf trip to Scotland, Ireland, or England, here are a few of our favorite short par-3s to look forward to, all of which are under 150-yards from the medal tee.
Royal Troon
8th Hole – 123 Yards
Better known as the “Postage Stamp,” the 8th hole at Royal Troon is one of the most famous holes on the Open Championship rota. The hole earns its nickname due to its small green, which is a challenge to find even on the calmest of days. Depending on the wind direction, the Postage Stamp could require everything from a small flick of a wedge to a mid-iron. Whatever the shot requires, avoid the Coffin Bunker at all costs. It has the potential to wreck your entire front-9 at Royal Troon.
Credit: Royal Troon Golf Club
Brora Golf Club
13th Hole – 125 Yards
Your round at Brora Golf Club is certain to be filled with delightful moments. The par-3 13th hole is likely to be one of them. The tee box is a frequent gathering place for the many sheep and other livestock that roam the course and help with mowing duties. The green is guarded by a ring of bunkers, and features the sea as backdrop in the distance. There’s also a small burn, which appears to be out of play short of the green, but swallows poorly struck tee shots with surprising regularity.
Royal Liverpool
17th Hole – 134 Yards
When the Open Championship returned to Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 2023, it featured a new 17th hole. This short par-3 – which plays as the 15th hole for members – is certain to add to the drama at the finish of the tournament. The small, elevated green is guarded on the front by a perilously deep bunker, severe runoffs on three sides, and the banks of the Dee Estuary beyond. If the wind is howling off the estuary, a future Open could be won or lost right here.
Credit: Royal Liverpool / Kevin Patrick Murray
Prince’s Golf Club Himalayas
5th Hole – 135 Yards
Over the last few years, Princes Golf Club – host of the 1932 Open Championship – has deployed a variety of updates to its 27-holes. The most notable of which might be the new 5th hole on the Himalayas nine. The wildly undulating green backs up to the English Channel and is protected by a wicked little pot bunker and severe runoffs on all sides. The hole is known as “Bloody Point” and has the potential to live up to its name as far as your round is concerned. And yet, with a short-iron in hand, it may also yield a brush with an ace, as your author found on a recent visit.
Credit: Prince’s Golf Club
Crail Golfing Society
14th Hole – 147 Yards
If you’ve ever read the book “Golf in the Kingdom” by Michael Murphy, the 14th hole at Crail Golfing Society may feel a bit familiar. After enjoying the spectacular view from the tee, and successfully avoiding the giant bunker short of the green, you then stroll past a small, ancient cave. Could this be the home of legendary teacher Seamus MacDuff? If you haven’t read the book, consider picking up a copy before your trip to Scotland. But even without it, the 14th at Crail is sure to offer an intriguing and memorable experience.
Royal County Down
7th Hole – 135 Yards
The par-3s at Royal County Down are truly spectacular. The 7th hole is the shortest among them, but might offer the sternest test. The tiny green is guarded by deep pot bunkers on the left, and are all but certain to collect anything spinning toward that side. Likewise, the right-side of the green is protected by perilous runoffs. If you miss the green here, getting up and down in two is no easy feat. Of course, the same could be said of up and down in three.
Lahinch Golf Club
5th Hole – 145 Yards
The Dell at Lahinch Golf Club is arguably the most famous par-3 in Ireland. As the name suggests, the green sits in a hollow between a set of enormous dunes. Only a tiny portion of the putting surface is visible from the tee. As a result, the majority of tee shots on the Dell are blind, with nothing more than a white stone on the dune to guide the way. It’s the kind of hole that would never be built today. Old Tom Morris designed it. Alister MacKenzie and Martin Hawtree left it untouched. It’s also the kind of hole that some professionals would decry as “unfair.” But when the Irish Open came to Lahinch in 2019, some of the best in the world discovered the joy of this great little hole.
Short par-3s often present some of the most memorable and unique holes across the pond. What they lack in yardage they almost always make up for in memories.
What is your favorite short par-3 across the pond?
For more insight on planning your golf trip across the pond, visit the pages below, read our reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker…
When it comes to great destinations for golf in Scotland, Turnberry is almost unrivaled. The Ailsa course has hosted The Open Championship on four occasions and is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world. It’s joined by the famed Turnberry hotel.
For over a century, this combination has offered one of the finest pairings of Golf and the Good Life in Scotland. For that reason, this guide to Turnberry Scotland gives equal billing to the features and amenities both on and off the golf course.
Whether you’re counting down to a tee time at Turnberry, or planning a golf trip to Scotland, this complete guide to Turnberry should prove helpful.
Built by the Glasgow & Southwestern Railway in 1906, Turnberry was originally known as The Station Hotel. The property was quickly regarded as one of the finest seaside resorts in Britain. After the rail station closed in 1942, the resort lost some of its luster in the decades that followed, yet Turnberry Scotland remained one of the most popular destinations for golf in the country. One thing that never faded, however, were the magnificent sunsets from Turnberry’s hilltop perch overlooking the sea. Today, the well-publicized change in ownership brought with it a substantial investment in both the Ailsa golf course and the hotel, returning the Turnberry resort to its former glory.
Before the renovation, many regarded the 5th hole on the Turnberry Ailsa course as the best of them all. Even more came to the belief after the hole was further improved with the addition of fairway bunkers before the 2009 Open Championship. Ironically, for a course that’s best known for its seaside holes, the ocean does not come into play once you’re off the tee, though its presence is felt just beyond the dunes. When the wind is up, finding the fairway on this par-5 can be a tall order. The same goes for the green, which is guarded by a few of the deepest bunkers on the course. If you come away with par on the 5th hole, walk to the next tee with pride. If not, you’re still certain to enjoy the stroll, because the path from the 5th green to 6th tee is sublime.
9th Hole
The former 9th hole at Turnberry was a par-4 which ran alongside the famous lighthouse and featured a fairway that was nearly impossible to find. The idea of transforming the hole into a par-3, with the green perched at the base of the lighthouse, was tossed around for decades. When the redesign of the Ailsa course commenced, turning that idea into reality was one of its biggest goals. As it turns out, those who claimed the space deserved a world-class short hole had it right all along. The 9th hole at Turnberry is now, without question, one of the best par-3s in all of golf.
Donut Bunker
As part of the renovation, the tee on the 10th at Turnberry Ailsa was pushed back and the hole was converted into a par-5. The new 10th hole also features one of the unique elements found on the course. The famed “donut bunker” stands prominently in the middle of the fairway and promises to punish the poorly struck approach or misjudged layup. During the renovation, the design firm of Mackenzie & Ebert consulted historical photographs to restore the bunker to its original shape. Although it makes for unique photos, we’d suggest admiring the “donut bunker” from the outside looking in.
11th Hole
The par-3 11th hole was the site of one of the more dramatic transformations during the upgrade of the Ailsa course. The former par-3 played adjacent to the sea, but a new greensite closer to the water’s edge was practically begging to be put to use. The new hole is similar to the 9th, with a tee shot played over the rocky shoreline. The new 11th green offers a greater challenge, however, thanks to a series of small inlets waiting to capture a pulled tee shot.
18th Hole
As one of the great seaside experiences in golf comes to a close, the 18th hole at Turnberry Ailsa grants one final encounter with the ocean. The new championship tee on the 18th hole is pressed hard against the sea, with the hole running inland directly toward the Turnberry hotel. The 18th at the Ailsa has seen two unforgettable moments in The Open Championship. Both of which were produced by the same player.
During the 1977 Open, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson put on a show that has come to be known as the “Duel in the Sun.” The two players matched each other shot for shot over all four days, until Tom Watson sealed the win by knocking his approach to 2-feet on the final hole. Over 30 years later, the 59 year-old Watson returned to the last hole of the 2009 Open with a 1-stroke lead. His perfectly struck 8-iron proved to be just a little too perfect and, sadly, we all know how the story ends.
Every night at 6pm, one of the great traditions of Scottish golf takes place just outside the grand hotel. A lone-bagpiper serenades the resort with traditional ballads, as the sea and the Ailsa course stand as backdrop. Our suggestion: make a 7pm reservation at the award-winning 1906 restaurant and enjoy the performance with a pre-dinner cocktail. On most evenings, the first reservation available happens to be 19:06pm.
The H&B Forces with the Turnberry Piper
Halfway House
In addition to the new 9th hole, the redesign of the Turnberry Ailsa course welcomed a new and imaginative use for the landmark lighthouse. The base of the lighthouse was transformed into the Turnberry Halfway House, where golfers can pause for the usual recharge while soaking in the splendid panorama. As if they anticipated the Halfway House becoming an attraction of its own, the patio area was equipped with comfortable seating, inviting those who wish to linger the opportunity to do so. The Turnberry Halfway House might be the only one in the world where golfers are known to return for a second visit after their round.
Castle Ruins
As you depart the Halfway House and make your way to the 10th tee, you’ll notice what remains of Turnberry Castle. The castle was built in the 13th century and was the boyhood home and possible birthplace of the great Scottish King, Robert the Bruce. When the castle was on the verge of capture in 1310, Robert the Bruce ordered it to be destroyed. The castle was never rebuilt and the ruins adjacent to the lighthouse are all that remains.
RAF Turnberry Memorial
During both World Wars, Turnberry was requisitioned by the British military for use as an air force base. The remnants of its time as RAF Turnberry can be seen in numerous places around the property, including significant portions of the former runways. Next to the 12th green, a memorial was erected in honor of those who lost their lives while serving at RAF Turnberry. The memorial is perched on a small hill, and is worth the short climb for a moment of remembrance.
King Robert the Bruce
Along with the dramatic transformation of the Ailsa course, the reimagination of Turnberry also welcomed a revamp of the King Robert the Bruce course. Like the Ailsa, the redesigned course makes use of the seaside views and offers an enjoyable test of golf. If you’re looking to knock off the jet lag after arriving from across the pond, the King Robert the Bruce is a fine place to do it.
The Duel in the Sun
Naturally, every great golf course requires an equally great 19th hole to celebrate the day. The aptly named Duel in the Sun provides just that. From the 2nd story of the clubhouse, you can enjoy post-round beverages, remarkably good fare, and soak in the panorama as the sun fades over the Atlantic and the Ailsa Craig.
The H&B Forces toasting a memorable trip at the Duel in the Sun
Turnberry is located on the west coast of Scotland in the county of Ayrshire, approximately 50 miles south of Glasgow.
When do Turnberry Ailsa tee times become available?
Unlike other golf clubs around the British Isles, the Ailsa course is part of a broader resort. Rather than opening the tee sheet on a set day for the entire year ahead, Turnberry Ailsa tee times are typically available to golf travel companies much further in advance. Generally speaking, however, we’d advise discussing Scotland golf packages with an H&B Expedition Planning Manager at least one year in advance. Perhaps longer depending on your destination, as explained in this guide.
Who designed the Turnberry Ailsa course?
The original Ailsa course was badly damaged during the resort’s time as RAF Turnberry. Phillip Mackenzie Ross was hired to restore the course after World War II, and the Ailsa was soon added to The Open rota. In recent years, the dramatic transformation of the Ailsa course by Mackenzie & Ebert has been met with near universal praise. No stone was left unturned in the process, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
What other golf courses should I play near Turnberry?
The Ayrshire coast is a popular choice for Scotland golf trips thanks to the rich assortment of links at hand. In addition to the Ailsa course, Prestwick Golf Club – the Birthplace of The Open Championship – as well as Royal Troon and its famous Postage Stamp are both just a short drive away. Nearby, Western Gailes is another fine links course that generally finds its way into the starting lineup of golf trips to this part of Scotland.
Are caddies available at Turnberry?
Yes, caddies are available at Turnberry, but like all clubs around the British Isles, they can not be guaranteed. Consult our Caddie FAQs to learn more about caddies on your golf trip to Scotland.
Do I have to stay at Turnberry to play the Ailsa course?
Although Turnberry is the preferred accommodation choice for most of our travelers, staying at the hotel is not a requirement to play the Ailsa course.
What are the best rooms to book when staying at Turnberry?
Turnberry features a variety of accommodation options, from traditional guestrooms, to spacious suites, to multi-bedroom villas. Your H&B Expedition Planning Manager can help guide you to the right choice for your group, however one suggestion remains constant: Reserve the Oceanview. The famous sunset at Turnberry will make it worth every penny of the difference.
What interesting sites should I see while visiting Turnberry?
Although the sightseeing is a little limited in this part of Scotland, an exploration of Culzean Castle should not be missed. Of course, there are several interesting sites right on the Turnberry property. The famous lighthouse features the best halfway house in golf as well as the ancient ruins of Turnberry Castle – the birthplace of Robert the Bruce. Also, near the 12th green is an impressive monument to those lost during both World Wars. But the most interesting site at Turnberry is actually an event… At 6:30pm each day, the Turnberry Piper emerges to fill the resort with the sounds of Scotland.
How far is Turnberry from the other areas of Scotland?
Turnberry to Glasgow – 1 hour 15 minutes
Turnberry to Edinburgh – 2 hours 15 minutes
Turnberry to St. Andrews – 2 hours 45 minutes
Turnberry to Inverness / The Highlands – 4 hours 15 minutes
Turnberry to Aberdeen / Cruden Bay – 3 hours 45 minutes
What other destinations can I visit via the nearby ferries?
Ferry service from the west coast of Scotland provides a gateway to a few other outstanding areas for golf. From Ardrossan you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Arran, home to the enigmatic 12-hole course at Shiskine. In addition, there is ferry service from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, which is home to Machrihanish Golf Club and Machrihanish Dunes. To the south of Turnberry, ferry service connects the port at Cairnryan to Belfast, enabling golfers to combine the links of Northern Ireland with those of Ayrshire.
As one of the iconic destinations for golf in Scotland, Turnberry ranks on the must-play list for most golf travelers. It’s also the kind of place that you won’t want to rush. Plan a few days, play the Aisla more than once, and enjoy Golf and the Good Life at its Finest.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Turnberry Scotland, visit the pages below, read our Scotland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker…
Many golfers arrive at our corner of the internet asking a common question: How do I plan a golf trip to Ireland?
The first thing you should know is that planning a golf trip to Ireland requires the research and fulfillment of 40-50 separate reservations and other arrangements. But before you even get to that point in the planning process, you must first navigate a number of important decisions about your trip.
If you’re planning a golf trip to Ireland and aren’t sure where to begin, rest assured that you’re not alone.
How to Plan a Golf Trip to Ireland
To help get you started, we’ve compiled some of the most important decisions into this helpful infographic. The individual sections are covered in further detail below, along with links to guides and other resources on each decision.
Type of Trip
Your golf trip to Ireland probably started as just an idea. Maybe your regular foursome has tossed around planning a trip for years during your Saturday morning game. Perhaps you’ve considered a trip with other couples from the club. If so, here’s the best destinations for couples golf trips. Or maybe you’ve dreamed of seeing Ireland with your entire family. In that case, here’s our ultimate guide to family golf trips across the pond.
As you move the trip from the idea to the planning phase, it’s usually best to pick one style of trip and remain consistent. Mixing couples, family, and buddies doesn’t always work out so well.
Your Invite List
As any experienced golf traveler will attest, your invite list has the capacity to make or break your trip. So much so, that we’ve devoted an entire guide to helping you decide who to invite on your golf trip to Ireland. Choose your travel companions carefully. If one of your friends in golf has a tendency to bring down the whole group, it might be a good idea to misplace their invitation.
The Budget
We understand that discussing money is rarely fun among friends, but it’s crucial that everyone on the trip sees eye to eye when it comes to the budget. Handling the topic of money early on will help things to run smoothly during both the planning process and the trip itself.
Once the budget conversation is out of the way, you can begin to make some of the other important decisions that will influence the cost of your Ireland golf trip. To understand all of the factors that will impact your final price, we’d suggest reading How Much Does a Golf Trip to Ireland Cost?
Call an Expert or Go it Alone
As mentioned earlier, the average Ireland golf trip requires the research, planning, and execution of roughly 40-50 separate reservations. Add to that all of the other decisions you’ll make during the trip itself, like where to eat and what to see, and you start to get an idea of the complexity involved in these trips. Early in the planning process, it’s important to ask yourself whether you can afford the amount of valuable time that’s needed to successfully pull it all together on your own or if you should call in an expert.
Golf travel companies can provide some relief, but selecting the right one offers yet another decision to be made. That’s why we’ve shared our insight on identifying the best golf travel companies for your trip to Ireland.
Spoiler alert: It’s not always us.
Custom or Stock
If you decide to enlist the service of an expert, it’s important to understand that their approach to planning an Ireland golf trip can vary widely from company to company. Many companies offer a variety of pre-packaged itineraries designed for the masses. It’s possible such an itinerary will work for your group just fine.
But if you desire a trip that’s been custom tailored to your desires and expectations, a cookie-cutter itinerary will rarely fit the bill. To understand the key differences between these two options, we’d suggest reading about the benefits of custom Ireland golf packages before handing the reins over to a golf travel company.
Self-Drive or Driver-Host
If you’ve spent any amount of time researching Ireland golf tours on our website, you’ve likely encountered a mention or two of our Driver-Hosts. Most H&B travelers prefer to let a local handle the driving while they sit back and enjoy the camaraderie of their travel companions and the wonders of Ireland out the window.
Simply put, choosing between a self-drive trip and hiring a Driver-Host is likely to be the most important decision of the planning process. But, as explained in the benefits of hiring a Driver-Host, the impact on your overall experience simply can’t be measured.
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Ireland.
When to Go
Although your family and work obligations will likely be the biggest factor when planning the dates of your trip, there are some important things to keep in mind when identifying the best time of year for an Ireland golf trip. Everything from The Open Championship to seasonal cost fluctuations may influence the dates of your trip.
Where to Go
There are so many bucket-list worthy golf courses in Ireland, the average traveler would need at least a month across the pond to see them all. As luck would have it, the best golf courses in Ireland are generally confined to a handful of regions on the island. When choosing where play golf in Ireland, pick one or two of those regions and leave the others for your next journey.
Narrowing Down the Courses
Once you’ve selected a region or two to explore in Ireland, deciding which courses to play is still no easy task. The Top 100 golf courses in Ireland are a natural attraction, but there’s also an abundance of underrated golf courses in Ireland (we avoid the phrase “hidden gem”) that are worthy of a place on your itinerary. Unless you plan to include a few 54-hole days, seeing them all will be tough to manage.
Our advice: Pick the courses which are most important to you, don’t be afraid to toss in a place that you’ve never heard of, and try not to overdo it.
How Much Golf
Should you take a day off to go sightseeing or mix in one of the best 36-hole days in Ireland? Although it’s fairly obvious that a golf trip will include plenty of, well, golf, it’s a good idea to test the pulse of your group before you fill the itinerary. You may even find that some members want to do their own thing one day. If so, you’ll want to revisit the benefits of a custom itinerary mentioned above.
What to Pack
When the planning phase for your Ireland golf trip is complete, that’s when the fun really begins. Especially once the suitcase finally comes out of the closet. But like selecting the courses, it’s easy to overdo it when it comes to filling that suitecase. To that end, we’ve put together this Ireland golf trip packing list, plus a guide for what you should leave at home.
If you’ve ever heard the old adage “pack half the clothes and twice the money,” rest assured that it applies here.
If all of this sounds like a lot to manage, that’s because it is.
Although this infographic covers the most important decisions for planning a golf trip to Ireland, there’s so many more factors to take into account along the way. These decisions are sure to follow you before, during, and even after the trip. Because as any experienced golf traveler will affirm, there’s one decision that will always linger…
Where to Next
Whether it’s your first or tenth trip to Ireland, the journey is sure to provide a both unforgettable memories and a strong desire to return.
Of course, as we covered above, the best way to take the stress out of planning your Ireland golf trip is to put these decisions into the hands of an expert.
All that it takes to get started is a little info in the form at the link below. We’ll take it from there.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Ireland, visit the pages below, read our Ireland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker…
