Planning for Golf
Many of you will want to play golf on the trip. Most of the courses everyone has heard of lie 2.5 to 4 hours from Aviemore. If you are traveling to other parts of Scotland on your trip then you may be able to add St Andrews, Troon, Carnoustie or others to your trip.
Above is a list of Golf Courses within two hours of the Hilton Resort. The courses vary in length, difficulty, age and style. I have played 7 of the 13 listed and enjoyed them all. They vary in price from inexpensive to “maybe I’ll do this just once”. Costs are based on 2019 green fees and a $1.35 per pound exchange rate.
Some have Buggys (carts) and most all have trolleys or electric trolleys (push/pull carts). All can be booked online through their websites.
Some notes:
All of the courses, except two (Moray old, 1908, Spey Valley, late 1990’s), were initially built prior to 1900 with Cullen, Fortrose and Royal Dornoch being some of the oldest links courses in Scotland.
Royal Dornoch is ranked as the #5 course in the world. It is expensive but well worth the visit, especially if this will be your only trip to Scotland.
Nairn has been the host to both the Walker Cup and the Curtis Cup. They also have a deal with Nairn Dunbar in which you can play both courses within 4 days for $243, about a $90 savings.
Castle Stuart has been the host of the Scottish Open twice and will host again in the future. If Buddy’s UK PGA pro friend joins us we may be able to get a greatly reduced fee.
Spey Valley hosts a European Challenge Tour event every year.