Dream Scotland Golf Vacations

Any professional golfer or golf fanatic's dream would definitely be spending days in not just one but several Scotland golf vacations. Most of the travel agencies offering golf packages would most likely include St. Andrews golf packages among others.

But why do golfers dream of going to Scotland when there are a lot more seemingly better golf destinations to go? Read on.

Golf's Place of Origin - Scotland

The game of golf, spelled as "gowf" hundreds of years back, began in Scotland and continued for over five hundred years before taking its current shape. One of the oldest golf courses was the Musselburgh Links in East Lothian, Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots, in fact, was said to have played there in 1567. Many avid golf lovers prefer Scotland golf vacations since it combines the adventures of the game with a feeling of nostalgia. When a golf traveler comes across a package like the St. Andrews golf packages, his mind runs back into the historical days when princes, barons and knights used the golf courses to mingle with the other royalties. In addition, the Scottish golf courses throw a number of challenges that an avid golfer loves to deal with.

St. Andrews

One of the famous golf destinations in the entire world, St. Andrews provides welcome greetings to all type of golfers visiting this exotic place. St. Andrews is entirely devoted to golf, and all amenities possible for a golf player are available here. So when one thinks of a Scotland golf vacation, St. Andrews invariably figures in the list. Of course, St. Andrews has much more to offer to a traveler than just golf because this is one of those historical towns in Scotland that has many spots for a lover of history or a student of archeology. The castles, cathedrals and historical gardens are some of the world's best. Moreover, the beautiful golden coasts are something which can be any visitor's delight. And this town has a link to all major cities in Scotland. For many travelers who are not even remotely associated with golf, this is a home away from home providing all facilities of a travel with sightseeing and homely environment. And as far as a short golf traveling break is concerned, this place is really unmatched.

Golf Pilgrimage

A number of open golf tournaments are played in St. Andrews like the 134th Open Championship held in July of 2005. It was the 27th occasion for this tournament to be held there. The first time the tournament was played here dates back in 1873. It also holds the most popular golf event, the British Open. In fact, St. Andrews has earned a reputation as the home of golf. Moreover, St. Andrews has got the best of Scotland golf courses. The St. Andrews golf courses themselves are famous enough and Scotland golf tours cannot be considered complete without a visit to St. Andrews.

How It Started

Way back in the year 1834, William III of Scotland initiated the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews. The first recorded "hole in one" was made by Tom Morris during the Open Championship at Prestwick in 1868 and he continued this feat for four years in a row. In 1897, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club was given the status of the Governing Body to regulate the rules of golf. The Scotland golfers brought glory to their country when they won the Alfred Dunhill Cup after 98 years in 1995.

How Play is Arranged at St. Andrews

While St. Andrews has many things to offer, a large number of people come here only to play golf. The first golf course was laid here way back in the 15th century though the next one came up only in 1895 and the Jubilee course following in 1897. There is no private golf course, all the courses are owned by the municipality. Hence, in a most democratic way and to provide chances for everyone who wishes to play, a balloting or tee time system is followed to fix up the priorities in providing chances to the golfers.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, together with the USGA, regulates the game rules and how golf should be played worldwide. A clubhouse is available but only men are allowed, and only those with an invitation. Among the St. Andrews golf courses, the Green Fee golf course is extremely popular and the fees are most reasonable. But access is limited since there are always a vast number of candidates who get a scope only if they are selected by ballot. If you get a chance there, it will be a treasured memory. In any case, golf lovers prefer Scotland and they appreciate St. Andrews. While the non-golfers may find it hard to appreciate the golf courses, this remains a pilgrimage for golf lovers all over the world.

Nearby Accommodations

Accommodation is not a problem since quite a good number of hotels and guest houses are available nearby. Let us take a look at some of the best hotels and resorts available near St. Andrews.

The Craigtay Hotel is located at 101 Broughty Ferry Road in Dundee. It is a family run hotel and the atmosphere is something like home away from home. The hotel is one of the most favored by golfers and businessmen and a visitor is treated more as a member of the family rather than as a customer. The hotel has 18 bedrooms and suites too with all modern facilities like TV, ironing, tea and coffee making, direct dial telephone, laptop connection and central heating. The hotel is unmatched for comfort and friendliness. There is a free private car parking, too. The advantage of the hotel is that it is surrounded by many world famous and championship golf courses including St. Andrews. Room prices range from 80 to 139 pounds.
The Dunnikier House hotel situated at Kirkcaldy on Dunnikier Way provides rooms at 67.5 pounds. Located in a private 18th Century Mansion House, it is adjacent to Dunnikier golf course but not far away from St. Andrews either. Like other top hotels all basic amenities are available in this hotel. All the rooms in this hotel are suite-types.
The Golf Hotel at St. Andrews provides rooms at 80 pounds as rent. It provides enchanting views of the bay and other links of St. Andrews. The greatest attraction is its fine restaurant for which it was awarded two rosettes by the AA. The hotel has all the basic amenities available and is a family-run hotel.
The Parklands Hotel at 2 St Leonard's Bank at Perth is only at a little distance from the town. Rooms are available at a price of 40 pounds and provide all modern amenities to the visitors. But it is more known for proximity to other attractive tourist spots in Scotland. It overlooks the main park and it has got a number of gardens within the hotel premises.
Other notable hotels in the area include the Peat Inn with rooms available at 115 pounds and boasts of the best kitchen and malt in the country; the Spindrift, the best choice for economy since rooms are available at 28 pounds only and very attractive for its stone built Victorian constructions. The Spindrift is only ten minutes away from St. Andrews. And there is also the Woodside Hotel that attracts attention for elaborate mahogany making and glass ceilings. You can also get rooms at the Ruffets Country House at St. Andrews at 95 pounds rate.

Attractions for Non-Golfers

While golfers excel in their favorite golf destination meeting the challenges thrown, there may be companions who are not interested in golf and desire other diversions. Luckily, they will not be disappointed since the location offers a number of great pieces of attractions for any tourist. In recent times, people have flocked to visit the magnificent legacies of the Culdees, Archbishops and, recently, of the town planners. The ancient buildings and chapels, Scotland's oldest university, gardens and cathedrals, all offer something they would love to visit.

The Botanical garden at St. Andrews is a large and attractive spot to visit. It has an area of around 18.5 acres and managed by the local authorities. It is also registered and recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
You can enter the Cathedral grounds free but to enter into the visitor's museum and St. Rule's Tower, you will have to pay a fee to enjoy the great Pictish carving of the world of St. Andrews Sarcophagus.
The Cathedral has graves of many eminent persons.
A haunted tower is there where the Lady of St. Andrews was buried.
At ten minutes drive from St. Andrews a tunnel leads to the Secret Bunker. It is 100 feet underground and 24,000 square feet in area.
Enjoy the thrill of exploring Angus, Fife, Perthshire and the Scottish Highlands.

Continue to : Package Deals for St. Andrews

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