Ru Macdonald - Scottish Golf Podcast

Having recently profiled Royal Donroch, Castle Stuart, Nairn, Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen our winter series rolls south to our first Open Championship venue, Carnoustie Golf Links. Golf Course Review The history of Carnoustie without doubt played its part in the key formation of the game as we know and love now. A young 'Old' Tom Morris learned his trade here under St Andrean mentor Allan Robertson both of which lay claim to influencing the course layout from 10 holes to the now recognised 18. Host to 7 Open Championships perhaps the most significant champion was Ben Hogan during the 1953, the only time he competed in The Open. If every golf course has a personality, Carnoustie is that of a working man. Looking over Carnoustie from the first tee and you are bound to be disappointed. Be patient, however, and you will be rewarded. For a hole by hole account of the course check out Graylyn's popular course review -http://www.graylynloomis.com/carnoustie-golf-links/ Ru & Graylyn’s Thoughts Apdly named by visiting golfers as 'Carnasty'.. Graylyn being the resident golf architect fan admits a growing appreciation for the course design and strong finishing holes however remains perplexed on how to negotiate the criss crossing, burn ridden 17th hole. Ru believes this could be the best opportunity in Scotland who hopes to knock Play Open Championship venue off their bucket list based on visitor accessibility, location and green fee. Carnoustie Golf Links 2015 Green Fees  Per Round £160 Day £180 (Championship Course + Additional round on Buddon/Burnside) Number of Visitors A huge influx of international golfing visitors descend on Carnoustie for an allusive round on the links however visitor times are set aside 7 days a week. With the other courses on site, the 18 hole links of Buddon/Burnside are popular with the locals and offer much of the same course characteristics. Caddiemaster Martin Roy has devoted his life to Carnoustie and as Graylyn referenced in the podcast goes that extra mile to ensure the golfer has the very best experience during their visit. Within his role he successfully fulfils up to 9,000 caddie requests a season and in doing so oversees one of the country's strongest caddy pools. Best Time to Play? – Mid morning. Success of 2014 The course improvements on Buddon/Burnside Improvement Area for 2015 Season   The arrival at Carnoustie historically had golfers arriving behind the iconic white Carnoustie Golf Hotel however the new turning circle and drop off point will ensure first impressions are much more striking. Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 Book ASAP to avoid disappointed and consider a trip to Carnoustie early July before The St Andrews Open. (Colin McLeod – Carnoustie Golf Service Manager) Advice from your Hosts Carnoustie Country is golf country. Check out Montrose, Panmure and Monifieth for great golf on this side of the River Tay. (Ru) Everyone wants to play their best when teeing it up on the world's best golf courses. Don't let a challenging Carnoustie ruin your experience. Keep smiling and keep your head up, literally! (Graylyn) Until Next Week.. Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.

The inaugural gathering of the wide spectrum of the international golf industry descended on the enormous Orange County Convention centre in Orlando for the last week in January.It was also my first trip to the United States which naturally allowed me to experience the golfing culture from Scotland’s largest international inbound market and one which I found to be very different. The Visit Scotland stand was home to the largest representation within the travel sector of the show made up of a collective 20+ business ranging from golf tour operators, hotels and golf courses promoting ‘Scotland, The Home of Golf’. Naturally the interest in golf travel to Scotland remained high this year with the forthcoming Open Championship returning to St Andrews in July and the recent success of the 2014 Ryder Cup. Away from the convention it was my first trip to the United States, one with much anticipation to meet those within the industry but also understand the golfing culture which I had heard so much about. With no golf planned it so happened that I experienced both ends of the golfing spectrum in Orlando; the private member club of Orange Tree and Winter park a municipal 9 hole course in central Orlando. Orange Tree is a country club with a well to do membership adjacent to Bayhill and a frequent home to returning PGA Tour players such as Bubba Watson who enjoy the challenge of tight fairways and quick greens. On arrival the ghastly sight of grey security gates was reminiscent of a prison cell was the first surprise. Such arrivals are fortunately only restricted to a few courses in Scotland, the new course Trump International Scotland along with Muirfield with the rest open to the general public. From the private to the public we headed to the wonderful 9 holes of Winter Park in central Orlando which proved to be very reminiscent of Scotland. (Only $10!!) To conclude the trip I ended up on the Golf Channel albeit off air! The 2016 PGA Show is just too far away..   Ru Macdonald Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.

Royal Aberdeen joins the short list of courses that can offer golfers the perfect blend of Championship links and golfing heritage. This episode outlines all you will need to know ahead of a visit including news on some interesting course improvements currently being implemented. Golf Course Review Read Graylyn’s hole by hole review of Royal Aberdeen here. here. Background History  Golf dates back here as far back as 1625 and is home to the first recorded reference of a 'golf hole'. Truly Scotland's only world class Scottish links within the a city boundary, Aberdeen offers golfers a roller-coaster of golf set amongst humongous dunes crafted by nature. Within that lies the front 9 holes, acclaimed by many as the finest collective 9 holes of links golf anywhere in the world. Only last year it hosted the Scottish Open with Justin Rose the eventual winner. Ru & Graylyn’s Thoughts Living locally I was fully aware of the prestige of Royal Aberdeen, a member orientated club with a superb routing. Advice from your Hosts  GL - Experience the clubhouse. Reminiscent of Muirfield or Troon the history can be felt within. Ru - Manage expectations of welcome. It's a members club first and foremost. One more thing.. Hear the story of Royal Aberdeen's course superintendent Robert Patterson and his dog. Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.

Our latest guest Dan Miller shares his mammoth 9 week tour of Scotland which included rounds at Turnberry, Prestwick, North Berwick and the Old Course. Mentioned during the episode was Dan's blog where you can find detailed accounts of his Scottish golf travels, definitely worth a read. Expect to hear more from Dan as he plans to publish his fictional novel 'Machrihanish' inspired by his annual visit to the Kintyre coast on Scotland's southwest.  Read his thoughts on the golf course here. Dan shares his Scottish golf travel hints & Tips below: Favourite Course Machrihanish Favourite Accommodation Self Catering Equipment Option Good rain gear - no umbrella Misconception of Scottish Golf You can't travel in small numbers, you can! Parting bit of advice Be spontaneous and allow flexibility in your golfing itinerary. Check out some new reviews added to the site after a recent visit to St Andrews where hosts Ru & Graylyn met up during Graylyn's fleeting visit 'home' over the festive period. Luxurious Rufflets Country Hotel St Andrews - Perfect for couples Forgans Restaurant - Dining & Dancing in St Andrews Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.

We got a first-hand account of what it was like to make that first trip to Scotland by Robbie Vogel who kept a detailed account of his trip on his photo blog. Much of the inspiration for the trip came from Alan Shipnuck's article detailing his 8 day tour of Scotland's golf courses which included rounds at North Berwick and Cruden Bay. The itinerary also included two visits to the Ryder Cup, golf at Old Musselburgh and some putting on the Himalayas Putting Green in St Andrews. Robbie's photo blogs captured his rounds of golf during his trip. Old Musselburgh Photo Blog North Berwick Photo Blog Cruden Bay Photo Blog Robbie shares his thoughts on his trip in a quick fire questions round.. Favourite Course North Berwick  Accommodation Airbnb for self-catering options Equipment Option Sand Wedge for the bunkers Misconception The weather, it was great! Advice for a Scottish golf trip? Golfing in Scotland is for all abilities Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.

Cruden Bay is the next course featured on our winter series as we profile Scottish links courses golfers will want to play in 2015. Golf Course Review Read Graylyn Loomis' Cruden Bay Golf Club review. "In a remote and beautiful area of rolling and massive sand dunes, a few miles to the north-east of Aberdeen lies a brooding seaside links like no other."   Ru & Graylyn’s Thoughts Admittedly biased, Ru as a member often has the course described to him as Scottish golf as the visiting golfer imagined. High dunes, undulating fairways and some of the best views in Scotland creates Scottish links golf at it's very best. Similar sentiments are echoed by Graylyn who describes the routing at Cruden Bay as  a variety of fun, interesting holes. Never likely to host a Major Championship or Scottish Open the links course will remain hidden for those lucky enough to find this hidden gem. Cruden Bay Golf Club 2015 Greenfees based on High Season Rates  Per Round £100 Day Ticket – £135 Number of Visitors Visitor rounds have increased in reason years however remain in comparative terms small as the Club maintains a strong membership. Best Time to Play? – Availability is usually very good with member tee-times only restricting visitor play after 10am on Monday, 2.10pm Saturday and 12.30pm Sunday. Success of 2014 The staff enjoyed a busy end to 2014 noting that the Ryder Cup fever could be felt as far north as Cruden Bay. Improvement Area for 2015 Season   The course improvements can be read in greater detail here and we suggest you stay up to date with all the work on the Cruden Bay Greenkeeper Blog. Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 “We look forward to welcoming you at Cruden Bay. We try to treat every visitor the same and make a visit here as pleasant as possible. We look forward to welcoming you in 2015 and beyond.” (Les Durno – Cruden Bay Golf Club General Manager) Advice from your Hosts Member Ru only had three bits of advice for visitors; - Embrace the history, uniqueness and the quirks of Cruden Bay, you will have a blast! - When planning give yourself a full day to enjoy Cruden Bay. The 9 hole course is very good for those not fit for a second 18 or alternatively take the short walk to Dracula's Castle which overlooks the golf course. - Upon arrival head for the far left of the parking lot and take in that view. You will struggle for a better one. Graylyn suggests also enjoying the view but with a cold drink in the clubhouse overlooking the course below you reminiscing about your round. Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.

The final Highland golf course of the winter series is Nairn Golf Club located just a few miles south of Castle Stuart Golf Links. Golf Course Review This traditional Scottish links course nestled along the shores of the Moray Firth has hosted the Curtis Cup in 2012 and Walker Cup in 1999. The links layout is a cornerstone of the golf offering in the Scottish Highlands and is precariously moving from the ‘hidden gem’ category to a must play when in Scotland. Nairn Golf Club review. (Sourced by Top 100 Golf Courses) “Founded in 1887, the sweeping coastal course was created and shaped from wild land beside the Moray Firth through the combined efforts of legends Archie Simpson, Old Tom Morris, James Braid and Ben Sayers.” Ru & Graylyn’s Thoughts With neither having played commenting on the course was based on recommendations from golfers lucky enough to have played the West course, Nairn. Graylyn noted his intrigue into the course design. With it being a hybrid between two of Scotland’s famous course designers Tom Morris and James Braid, the classic links design makes a visit to Nairn even more sought after. Ru adds similar sentiments. Nairn’s greens are often hailed some of the best links greens you are likely to putt on during a Scottish golf trip. Nairn Golf Club 2015 Greenfees based on High Season Rates  Per Round £110 36 Holes – £170 (Second round played within 4 days) Number of Visitors Nairn has a strong membership aligned with a strong visitor number meaning the course is always in use. Best Time to Play? – Availability is usually good. Members have the tee until 9.30am through the week. Success of 2014 The staff at Nairn Golf Club has successfully implemented various initiatives to make the visitor welcome. Improvement Area for 2015 Season   Continue making the experience at Nairn as memorable as possible. The transformation of an old salmon fishing dry store will make for a very unique new halfway house. Visiting golfers can enjoy complementary range balls in the improved range facility and visit the recently refurbished archive room with the minutes of the club’s first meeting dating back to 1887 on display. Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 “Our product on the course has always been highly regarded as a fantastic Scottish Championship links. We look forward to welcoming many more visitors to Nairn in 2015 and beyond.” (Fraser Cromarty – Nairn Golf Club General Manager) Advice from your Hosts Pay Nairn a visit. The new management here will ensure visitors are felt like members for the day. The improvements outlined in the podcast will ensure a visit to Nairn will offer an equally enjoyable golf experience to it’s lauded neighbours Castle Stuart and Royal Dornoch.  (Ru) Visit the Archive room in the clubhouse and see first-hand the incredible history of golf in Nairn.  (Graylyn) The Highland Golf Links provides information on a golfing visit to the Scottish Highlands. Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.

The attention moves to Scottish Open venue Castle Stuart Golf Links this week as we  continue our winter series, profiling links courses to visit during a 2015 golf trip to Scotland. Golf Course Review Opened in the Scottish Highlands in 2009 this Gill Hanse design offers a modern golf facility with a golf course resembling many key characteristics fitting with its older Scottish links counterparts. On the edge of Inverness and skirting the Moray Firth the 18 hole course offers charming playability paired with some of the best views in Scottish golf. Read Castle Stuart Golf Links hole by hole review here. (Sourced by Golf Club Atlas) “The course should elicit anticipation and hopefulness in players of all skill levels; let it test one's perceptual ability, judgement, decision-making, shot-making, and emotional poise; let it not be difficult for the sake of being difficult, rather let it be interesting and engaging.” Ru & Graylyn’s Thoughts Graylyn played the course some 4 years ago during a visit with the St Andrews University Golf Team. His memories of the visit are fond with reference to the simplistic course design and spectacular routing. Ru believes this could be the best example of a modern golf course working to produce golf as it was. Hard, fast and fun. Castle Stuart 2015 Greenfees based on High Season Rates  Per Round £190 36 Holes - £235 (Second round played within 4 days) Number of Visitors The success of the 2013 Scottish Open and Phil Mickelson as a popular Champion has without doubt helped attract more golfers to the facility. The Ryder Cup, at the end of 2014 also provided an exceptional busy period for everyone working at Castle Stuart. Fortunately having the luxury of being a visitor only course the availability throughout the season is very good. Best Time to Play? – Availability is usually very good. Both sunrise and sunsets are specular at Castle Stuart. Success of 2014 The tremendous feedback from golfers who enjoyed their visit noting also on the fantastic course condition. Improvement Area for 2015 Season   Marketing the array of golf and onsite offerings at Castle Stuart Golf Links Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 “Take advantage of our 36 hole rate which allows your second round to be played within four days. On site lodgings have also proved popular. These include 3 x 4 bedroom cabins and 1 x 3 bedroom all equipped with en suite bathrooms, sky television and transportation including airport transfers available on site.” (Stuart McColm – Castle Stuart Golf Links General Manager) Advice from your Hosts Go for the 36 hole rate at £235. Your second 18 has to be taken within 4 days so enough time to explore the other golf offerings in the area before trying your hand at Castle Stuart once more. (Ru) Bring your camera, the views here are some of the best in Scotland. (Graylyn) Until Next Week.. Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.  

In the first of our winter 2015 golf course series we showcase one of Scotland’s most visited and enjoyed links golf courses Royal Dornoch Golf Club. The course attracts golfers from all over the world for its course design, history and setting. Golf Course Review A classic Scottish links course famed for having the strongest collection of par 3s anywhere in the world, Royal Dornoch is perhaps the perfect example of authentic Scottish links golf. With crown greens and deep imposing bunkers prominent throughout, this Tom Morris design requires a variety of shot selection applied across the fast and firm links. Read Graylyn's hole by hole review here. Background History  Golf dates back in Dornoch for almost 400 years with Royal being added to the title in 1906 courtesy of King Edward VII. The course like many in Scotland benefited from the railway industrialisation in the early 20th century with the wealthy from London and the south of England visiting during the summer, many enjoying the golf. Ru & Graylyn's Thoughts Having both played and loved the course the praise of the links at Dornoch was plentiful. The course Ru & Graylyn believes offers both a genuine and authentic Scottish links golf experience with Graylyn admitting it could be one of his favourites anywhere in Scotland. 2015 Greenfees based on High Season Rates  Per Round £120 Per Day £190 Twilight Round (After 6pm) £70 Combination Ticket (Both Courses) £140 Number of Visitors The club is open to visitor play 7 days a week on both the Championship and Struie Course with bookings annually coming from all over the world. The advice from the club is book early with bookings strong once more in 2015. Most surprising perhaps is the 30% increase in booking for the Struie course which suggests that the combination ticket above may be worth considering. Best Time to Play? - Late Afternoon/ Evenings Success of 2014 Listing 6th in Golf Digest's Golf Course Rankings Improvement Area for 2015 Season   Pace of play and the time a round takes on both courses Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 "Book early as tee times can become limited and play consider playing the Struie Course, it might surprise you." (Neil Hampton - Royal Dornoch General Manager) Advice from your Hosts Stay in town and enjoy one of Scotland's great golf towns. (Ru) Stay in town and don't rush a visit to Dornoch. Reading A Season in Dornoch: Golf and Life in the Scottish Highlands is a nice way to prepare for your visit. (Graylyn) Until Next Week.. If left with any questions don't hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com. For Scottish golf course reviews and more check out Graylyn's website.

Golf writer, author and Golf Channel contributor Geoff Shackelford shares with us some of his recent golf experiences in Scotland which includes his love of authentic links golf courses. 2014 Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen Geoff firstly shares his thoughts on Royal Aberdeen where he spent the weekend of the Scottish Open this past July. When asked his thoughts on the course for the tournament it was a bitter sweet visit. 'The course most spoiled by the distance the ball goes' While admitting it was no fault of the course, the setup required countless new tees to be added to the routing as a result of the changes in golf course equipment. (a known bugbear of his for anyone who is an avid reader of Geoff's blog) Flock to Fraserburgh It was after a referral from fellow golf course architect enthusiast Ran Morrisset that Geoff paid a flying visit to Fraserburgh Golf Club. Located 40 minute north of Royal Aberdeen on the road to Inverness the James Braid classic definitely enters the 'hidden gem' category. Amazingly only £45 a green fee with less than 800 visitor rounds a year! The Real Home of Golf - East Lothain The headline of an article Geoff wrote last year after time spent golfing in and around Edinburgh during the Muirfield Open Championship. This region named 'Scotland's Golf Coast' has all the riches of any Scottish golf destination with a mix of golf options, an array of great hotels and within Scotland's beautiful capital city Edinburgh. Geoff touches on the importance of this region in the formation of the game and with that argues that more credit should be at last given to this area of Scotland. Playing Hickory Golf in St Andrews This video shares Geoff's round at Kingarrock, a hickory only golf course on the outskirts of St Andrews. This experience instantly reminds you of how golf once was played and why many of the golf courses in Scotland adopted similar characteristics in their design. For more information on Scottish golf travel subscribe to the weekly podcast.

This episode talks about various subjects in the Scottish golf travel scene including new flights to the Highlands, changes afoot at Cruden Bay and the guys announce some exciting plans for the winter. Murcar Golf Links in Aberdeen will host a new event on the European Tour in 2015. With so much good golf in the area the addition of another Aberdeen course returning to the tour so soon after the successful 2014 Scottish Open surprised many. You can read more about that here.   Cruden Bay is undergoing some exciting changes this winter with considerable and work taking place on the 9th as the hole is moved left. This hole is often noted as the weakest hole on the course and has little or no links feel to it. Ru, a member of the course talks about how the work is progressing amid some rough Scottish winter weather. You can find out more information on the changes here. Getting to the Highlands for a few days golf has never been easier with the news that a host of direct flights to Inverness from North America have been agreed and implemented immediately. Some of Scotland’s best courses are up here and the ability to fly into this area of Scotland is sure to attract many. Our recent blog post explains the announcement in more detail. Finally, Ru and Graylyn announce plans to run a series of podcast episodes on Scottish golf courses you are likely to want to visit in 2015. Each episode will profile a Scottish golf course with information on green fees, tee time availability and lots more. Expect this to role out before Christmas. This will be a collaboration with Graylyn’s website www.graylynloomis.com as he continues to develop the St Andrews Story section of his sight where golfers share their favourite memories of St Andrews.

    To celebrate Haversham and Baker's Perfect 36 hosts Ru Macdonald & Graylyn Loomis share their favorite holes in Scotland you just have to play.  Be sure to also connect with Ru (@scotgolfpodcast) and Graylyn (@grayloomis) on Twitter and post your questions for our next podcast. Find out more about these great Scottish holes and golf courses on Graylyn's website here. Par 3s Old Course 11 Muirfield 13 Cruden Bay 4 Par 4s North Berwick 13 North Berwick 18 Machrihanish Golf Club 1 Elie 13 Turnberry 10 Granton on Spey 9 Prestwick 1 Old Course 17 Renaissance 10 Kingsbarns 6 Royal Aberdeen 9 Par 5s Kingsbarns 12 Loch Lommond 6 PGA Centenary Gleneagles 18 Old Course 14 Has this left you inspired? Check out Haversham and Baker's World Perfect 36 golf holes which includes a nomination from host Ru Macdonald.

Kaia Means the Editor of a fantastic app based publication for people like you, who love golf travel explains what we can expect from this quarterly edition. Find out more about Golf Travel Journal here. Visit the Golf Travel Journal website and subscribe. Recounter with Kaia Means Each week we ask our guests to share their Scottish golf travel experiences in our Recounter. Favourite Golf Course & Accommodation Old Course & The Scores St Andrews Favourite Scottish Shot 3rd at Shishine (Crows nest) 1 Equipment Option Woolly Hat Misconception You have to be a good player, that is false! Parting bit of Advice Give yourself enough time when travelling 

Robert Thompson, founder of canadiangolfer.com and Ian Andrew, one of the most outspoken golf architects in the business talk over their recent golf trip to Scotland. Interestingly the itinerary was packed full of lesser known Scottish golf experiences aligned to some topical golf courses the gents just had to visit. Be ready for a very interesting and resourceful guide from two leading professionals in the golf business. Below is a summary of the trip. Ardgowan Hotel Both agreed an excellent location to walk onto the Old Course and around the Auld Grey Town T: +44 (0)1334 472970   W: www.ardgowanhotel.co.uk Old Course St Andrews & Redesign Ian has never been one for not passing comment on historical course reconstruction which he is so passionate about.This section of the episode (6mins) Ian boldly suggests the work of Winter 2013 should not have been done. Lundin Links Golf Club A good start for a trip near St Andrews to warm you up for a week of golf. T: +44 (0)1333 320 202  W: www.lundingolfclub.co.uk  Elie Golf House Club - The Surprise of the Trip Both noted Elie as the highlight of the trip from a golf experience and architectural point of view. 'If you miss Elie, you miss something special. These places are where you feel links golf.' (Ian Andrew) 'It ranks up there with the best Scottish links I have played. The vistas, playing in and out of town and the golf offered, was as good as any holes we played during the trip.' (Robert Thompson) T: +44 (0)1333 330301 W: www.golfhouseclub.co.uk Crail Golfing Society Golf as it was. A very spectacular run along the coast early on. It is short and quirky. Again a good start for a golf trip in St Andrews. T: +44(0)1333 450686 W: www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk Eden Course - St Andrews - The Old Course Sibling Ian talks at length of his love for this fantastic golf option at The Home of Golf. He notes it like a similar experience as playing the Old Course. 'As an architect it was an educational experience to see the colt greens. if 27 is your limit, play 9 at Eden! Read Co-host Graylyn Loomis' Eden review here. Royal Aberdeen (Scottish Open 2014 Venue) Both agree that the front 9 is an unforgettable set of holes. You get through 9 holes and you can't help but say wow. Ian is really looking forward to watching the world's best tackle the links at Balgownie for the Scottish Open and believes the players will love it. If the wind blows from a mix of directions it could prove a formidable and memorable tournament. T: +44 (0) 1224 702571 W: http://royalaberdeengolf.com/Home.aspx *Murcar Golf Links is also touched upon and will be featured in an upcoming episode ahead of the Scottish Open on the podcast. Trump International Scotland Stay & Play Ian Andrew noted it as the best site he had ever seen. While he missed the ground options for the windy days that aside the routing makes it one of the best courses ever built. Robert echos these sentiments but noted that he'd prefer if Donald Trump was reserved in telling the world this, let the golfing community decide! The accommodation at the onsite MacLeod House was 5 Star luxury and enjoy by both. T: +44 (0) 1358 74 33 00 W: www.trumpgolfscotland.com Fraserburgh Golf Club (Scotland's Biggest Secret?) 'Thirteen as an architect was mind blowing. This will make it into my future work. That to me is when the experience is at it's greatest.' (Ian Andrew) It was the first time on the trip that the holes went in all directions. Both agree this was another highlight of the trip and a must play in Scotland for classic links golf. T: +44 (0) 1346 516616 W: http://fraserburghgolfclub.org/index.html Accommodation - Culloden House Near Inverness this stunning building had the gents drinking Scotch late at night. T: +44 (0) 1463 790461 W: http://cullodenhouse.co.uk/ Castle Stuart Golf Links A great course, the detailing of dunes, concepts and play ability to enjoy the golf course.

We exclusively featured the #PerryGolfGiveaway competition which provided two lucky golf fans an all expenses paid trip from Perry Golf, a leading golf travel provider who help bring thousands of golf travelers to Scotland every year. The #PerryGolfGiveaway gave golf travelers the opportunity to submit a photograph for the chance to follow in the footsteps of the greats and play at The Home of Golf. The winners were John & Darryn O'Donnell picture below who were treated to a fantastic itinerary which included games on the Old Course, New Course and Carnoustie. Tuesday April 15 Arrived into Edinburgh Airport and met by Perry Golf representative Collection of rental vehicle for use throughout the trip Transfer to accommodation - Fairmont St Andrews base for the #PerryGolfGiveaway trip Wednesday April 16 Golf at Carnoustie for a 10:20am tee-time Thursday April 17 Golf at New Course, St Andrews for a 1:12pm tee-time Friday April 18 Guaranteed Old Course tee-time at 1:00pm Exclusive interview with the Scottish Golf Podcast under the St Andrews evening sun #PerryGolfGiveaway Winners' Recounter As customary for every guest of the podcast John and Darryn O'Donnell share their hints and tips for Scotland golf travel as they relive their golf experiences here in Scotland. Favourite Golf Course & Accommodation Old Course St Andrews & Fairmont St Andrews   Equipment Option 4/5 Hybrid / Range Finder   Favourite Shot 8 iron into 17th of Old Course / First of the week! Misconception The bad weather / Unfriendly Scottish hospitality Parting bit of advice Get out and see the sights off the course   Be sure to check out Perry Golf for multiple golf travel options to Scotland and some great insight on their social media sites - Perry Golf Blog, Twitter, Google Plus and Facebook.