Ru Macdonald - Scottish Golf Podcast

Warming up Ryder Cup,The Public Fire-starter On the verge of a golfing and sporting spectacle on a scale that Scotland has never had, the Scottish Golf Podcast looks ahead to the return to Gleneagles over 90 years after the unofficial first Ryder Cup as it is known today and home to the forthcoming 2014 Ryder Cup. Afar cry to the modern alternative awash with corporate importance linked to a global daily viewer-ship of 500 million The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly of great benefit to golf. The entertaining format and atmospheric crowds allow the sport to be seen by many in a sexier format, growing the game's appeal. Ryder Cup 2014 is all about competition and in a deeper way it is that. The stage is set and its Scotland's time to shine. Hopefully propelling Scotland, The Home of Golf to establish itself once again at the top of a visiting golfers itinerary planner. How exactly does Scotland benefit from this long term, after the patrons depart Perthshire next autumn? Episode 4 looks into the staging and implementation of the second biggest sporting event in the world. Alan Grant, Visit Scotland Golf Marketing Manager reveals the work that goes into ensuring that the visitor attending the Ryder Cup 2014 at Gleneagles is left wanting to return to Scotland. Ensuring the local man,women and child have a legacy post 2014. Then finally, the longevity of Scottish golf tourism post Ryder Cup. A very topical subject that our Celtic neighbours can fully appreciate in hindsight. Wales and Ireland both suffered huge slumps in golf tourism after their respective hosting of Ryder Cup due to a lack of governance within their golf tourism industries predominantly due to the pandemic of price increases. Alan and everyone at Visit Scotland continue to work tirelessly and have been for many years now to ensure Scotland does shine next year. Backed by a very supportive Scottish Government and collaboration from private organisations within the Scottish tourism sector it must be noted. As the Scottish Golf Podcast warm up for Ryder Cup one thing is for sure. The frost covered hill and glens of Perthshire are bitterly cold in these winter months but rest assured the heat is firmly on to ensure we in Scotland deliver.

Trump Scotland and building the greatest course in the world with Casper Grauballe.   This week we look at the latest addition to the inbound golfer itinerary, Trump International Scotland with our guest Casper Grauballe, the Dane integral to the Hawtree team which build Donald Trump's controversial course in Aberdeen, Scotland. Only in episode 3 but Casper who has been described by none-other than Mr Donald Trump himself as one of the generations greatest architects was more than happy to answer an array of questions for the Scottish Golf Podcast including Trump Scotland design, working with Donald Trump and the course as a potential Ryder Cup venue in years to come Travel Tips: Golf in Aberdeen is finally being talked about in the golf tourism industry as Trump Scotland brings exposure to the area. Play Trump, Royal Aberdeen, host to The 2014 Scottish Open  but only after visiting Cruden Bay Golf Club. I'd be confident in saying you won't get a more picturesque and fun course on your trip. When traveling consider giving yourself enough time to battle through the notorious Aberdeen traffic as all Championship courses mentioned above are north of the city. An accommodation for any budget can be found here in Aberdeen but as the Oil and Gas Industry prospers in this area you may find yourself amazed at some trade rates so double check with me if your thinking to visit! For dinning I'd strongly recommend the Cock and Bull  just a 7-iron away from Trump Scotland and with excellent Scottish cuisine on offer. Trump Scotland has dinning available but we suggest weaving up the road and stopping by this amazing restaurant, perfect if you return south to Aberdeen.       Any questions please comment or leave a voice message and The Scottish Golf Podcast will answer your question on the next episode.

  Young Industry Person of the Year - In Partnership with HIT Scotland         Accommodation Experience of the Year (21 bedrooms or fewer) - In Partnership with Scottish Tourism Alliance Sandown House, Nairn Accommodation Experience of the Year (22 bedrooms or more) - In Partnership with Scottish Tourism Alliance Macdonald Marine Hotel, North Berwick   Resort Experience of the Year (Accommodation provider with a minimum of 50 rooms and an attached golf course or courses) - In Partnership with Scottish Tourism Alliance And GTS Sustainability Award 2013 - In Partnership with www.golfenvironment.org The Village at Machrihanish Dunes Transport Provider of the Year - Sponsored by CalMac Ferries St Andrews Executive Travel Domestic Golf Tour Operator of the Year - Sponsored by Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Links Golf St Andrews International Golf Tour Operator of the Year - Sponsored by Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Haversham & Baker, USA Course & Club Experience of the Year (Green fee of £75 or less) - In Partnership with VisitScotland Fairmont St Andrews (The Kittocks Course) Course & Club Experience of the Year (Green fee above £75) - In Partnership with VisitScotland Kingsbarns Golf Links Special Achievement Award 2013 , Aberdeen Asset ManagementMartin Gilbert, CEO

Scottish Golf Podcast Sounds From The Home Of Golf In this first episode we dive straight into the heart of Scottish golf travel with our guest interview Allan Minto,  the man behind Scotland's Golf Coast talks through why inbound visitors should consider East Lothian as a golf destination in Scotland you have to visit. Muirfield Key takeaways from a visit to Muirfield and The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers include the importance to plan ahead of your visit as visitor play is limited. Remarked on repeatedly is the championship course described as the finest links among the Open rota however it is the hospitality and the day experience which we discuss. Allan talks through some important points to consider including to remember to look out the shirt, tie, suit jacket combo and descend on the historical links for a game and experience like no other in Scotland. Weekday round £195 Day including lunch £250.  (Based on 2013 rates) North Berwick We talk of the comparisons that this old town has to St Andrews. A course that is described to be as beautiful as it is quirky and with some of the most memorable holes in any golfers Scottish itinerary. Among it's many memorable holes is the thirteenth,  with a green that is protected only by a wall which guards the front right side. The fun aspect isn't missed as Allan mentions the different shots that the old links demands from every golfer that tees it up at North Berwick Golf Club. A warm welcome and historic setting is waiting before and after a game at North Berwick Links. Green Fees: Round weekday £90 Day, Weekday £120 & Round Weekend £95 (Based on 2013 rates). Gullane No.1 Course A tougher challenge awaits you here at The Open Championship qualifying venue round a hill, a volcanic plug making for some premium links. The most well known course of the three here at Gullane. The tee at number seven is branded by many as the best view in golf overlooking Muirfield and Edinburgh City. Gullane No.1 Green Fees Weekday £96, Weekend £131 (Based on 2013 rates) Allan points out r that due to a strong membership and visitor number, availability can be limited so consider playing the No.2 course as a contingency. Noted as underrated and half the cost! An East Lothian Itinerary with Allan's Must Plays Golf is in abundance here on Scotland's Golf Coast and Allan explains how a golfer visiting Scotland can really base him or herself in East Lothian. Dunbar Golf Club - Built in 1856 this Scottish secret has been thrilling golfers time after time. The signature hole the twelfth curves itself round the edges of the North sea reminding everyone that this links isn't to be missed. A notorious well weathered coastline allows for the course to be in great condition in early spring, perfect for an April itinerary.  £65 for a weekday round. (Rates from 2013) Longniddry Golf Club - We discuss our first non pure links course of the episode when the parkland/links hybrid is recommended by Allan. A course open to all level of golfer and perfect for those seeking a relaxed round on the par 68 track. The introduction of forward tees illustrates this and with it being a course with less golfers over the piece, availability will rarely be an issue. Weekday round £50 (Rates from 2013) Glen Golf Club - Stated by Allan as perhaps the most picturesque course in the region which is no mean feat by all accounts! The course in the town of North Berwick has many of the holes within touching distance of East Lothian's iconic image, Bass Rock. A really great links course which should rival the area's championship courses on charm alone. Weekday round £49 (Rates from 2013)   Accommodation At Every Budget  High-end options include Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux and the outstanding Macdonald Marine Hotel, North Berwick pictured.  Situated on the edge of North Berwick Golf Links and a hotel very much geared towards golfers.