Expert Tips

Traditionally the golfing season starts in mid-April and runs through to mid-October. Most links courses open year-round but may have restrictions on play during the winter season.

Rain should be expected at some stage of your visit. If you choose not to golf due to rain, no refunds or alternatives will be offered by the golf courses. On the very rare occasion that the golf course is closed by the course management due to inclement weather, you will generally be offered golf on an alternative day or a voucher towards future golf by the course.

• 2 pairs of golf shoes as it likely one pair will get wet
• A rain suit
• A warm hat, a waterproof hat and a baseball-style cap
• Dry, warm and wet weather gloves
• Warm layers of clothing – sweaters etc.
• Plenty of golf balls as most likely you will lose some in the challenging links rough
• All the golf courses have golf shops attached where you can buy clothing, equipment and souvenirs
• Knee-length shorts are allowed with socks at most clubs

As the weather is very hard to predict hour to hour, we recommend that your clothing is adaptable, wearing a number of light layers of warm clothing. These can easily be taken off or put on depending on the weather conditions you are experiencing. A hat is also suggested as you may be battling winds as many of the courses are in coastal locations.

Bring a sweater, even in summer, waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t need sunscreen in the summer months – when the sun shines it’s quite strong, so wear a high factor and bring a sun hat.

Proof of your golf handicap will be required at several courses. In Scotland, notably St. Andrews and Muirfield. We suggest all golfers travelling to Ireland, Scotland & England bring evidence of their handicap from their home club.

Early planning is essential to guarantee tee times on the world’s most sought-after courses. Generally, most courses will open their tee-sheets from July the year prior to play. As an Authorized Provider of coveted tee times at the Old Course St. Andrews, our team submits all client requests in February the year prior to play, so we advise that you submit your desired tee time early.

There are two main ways to book a tee time on the Old Course:

• Guaranteed Tee Time – this is booked as part of a minimum three-night stay package, with three nights’ accommodation in a 4 or 5 star hotel in St. Andrews, along with a guaranteed Old Course tee time, one round at either Carnoustie or Kingsbarns and a third-round at either the New or Jubilee Course, St. Andrews. These packages are bookable from April and are for a minimum of two golfers.
• The ballot is a daily draw for a small number of tee times at the Old Course. Carr Golf are happy to submit an application on our client’s behalf but there is no guarantees of success. Successful applications are notified 48 hours in advance of the date of play.

Carr Golf will assist in requesting caddies if required during your trip. Typically, caddies in Ireland will carry two bags. In Scotland, Northern Ireland & England, caddies will generally carry 1 bag each. Caddie costs differ per course but are generally around €/£ 50-75 per golfer per round, plus gratuity. Please check with your Fulfilment Executive on specifics relating to courses for your itinerary.

It is most common for golfers to walk courses in Ireland and Scotland with the assistance of a caddie, if desired. Buggies are generally reserved for golfers who require them on medical grounds, on production of a letter from their medical practitioner. They should be pre-requested in advance of play, which we are happy to do on your behalf if required.

We strongly recommend you purchase travel and medical insurance for your trip. Our partner, Mr. Warren Peterson of TravelersMed.com will be happy to assist you.  You can reach Warren on the toll-free number 1800584-3512.

Rental of clubs can be pre-arranged if required. The average cost is €50 per round in Ireland or £50 in Northern Ireland, Scotland & England. If required, please request rental clubs from your travel executive prior to arrival, as they must be pre booked.

If you would like to ship your clubs ahead of your arrival, we recommend arranging this through SHIP STICKS. They will collect your clubs from you and ship them directly to your hotel or first course ahead of your arrival.

We would recommend you allow 5 hours for your round of golf.

Most clubs have a putting green and the newer courses also provide a full driving range. Practice facilities may be limited at some golf clubs due to the age of the courses. Please check with your Travel Executive for more details.

Golfers must adhere to the following dress code: Shirts must have collars, sleeves, be clean and tucked in at all times. 

Vests, tee shirts (without collar/sleeves), training shoes, jeans and denim wear, camouflage style trousers, track suits and cut-offs are not permitted.

Trousers and shorts must be tailored. Tailored shorts should be approximately knee – length, but not below the knee.

Any type of footwear, shorts or headwear worn on the Links are generally not allowed in the Clubhouse, except for the Locker Rooms.

All clubhouses will have catering and bar facilities on site. Most clubs have pro shops that stock club memorabilia, branded clothing and a range of golf equipment. If teeing off after 1pm, we suggest you purchase your memorabilia before your round as the shop may close before you return from you round.

The best way to describe the weather in Ireland, Scotland & England is changeable, even in the middle of summer. We advise that you plan for all types of weather during your stay.

In the Republic of Ireland the local currency is Euro. For Northern Ireland, Scotland and England the currency is British Pounds Sterling.

Carr Golf offer a variety of transport options including private executive travel. We have a range of vehicles available to cater for groups of all sizes. Helicopter transfers are also available for up to eight golfers. For more information visit our TRANSPORT page.

• Unlike the US, in Ireland, Scotland & England we do not tip for every drink in a bar (although it is allowed and will be appreciated).
• 10% – 15% of the bill is the normal tip in restaurants.
• Caddie’s tipping recommendation is 25 Euro/Sterling per bag –  more if he or she has been exceptional.

Ireland/UK Time is GMT which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, 8 hours ahead of Pacific Time. 

Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely used while Diners cards may not always be accepted. Credit cards can be used for purchases and also to access money from ATMs. The individual ATM will have a list of card symbols that can be used there (bank charges may apply).

Traveller’s Cheques are no longer accepted in Ireland, Scotland & England. 

Banks in Ireland, Scotland & England generally open at 10.00am and close at approximately 4.30pm Monday to Friday. ATM (Cash) machines are located at most bank branches in cities, towns, villages and accept most credit and debit cards.

When calling the US and Canada from Ireland, Scotland & England, dial 001, the area code and then the number.

If you intend to use your mobile or cell phone — be warned you could face a big bill when you return home. American carriers like AT&T don’t have a local presence in Europe, so you have to pay large roaming fees while you are in Europe. Our recommendation is to speak to your operator before travelling.  

Alternatively, you can pick-up a pay-as-you-go cell phone for around £40.00 or €50.00.  You can top up the phone with additional credit as required. When using your smartphone in Wi-Fi free zones, no charges will apply when using data via apps.

If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, please contact your dedicated travel executive.

Plugs for all your gadgets are three-pronged and the electricity supply is 230 volt AC (frequency 50hz). It is a good idea to bring some adaptors as not all hotels will have US style sockets.

Dial 999 or 112 in case of emergencies. A local doctor will be accessible if required throughout your trip. Prescribed medications are widely available through chemist stores. If on prescribed medication it is important to bring an adequate supply for your journey and ensure this is packed in your hand-luggage whilst travelling.

Since 2004 smoking in Ireland, Scotland & England is banned fully in enclosed public places, restaurants, bars and public transport. However, it is permitted by some hotels in designated hotel rooms. Please remember that this will mean there is no smoking on board the coaches.

The legal drinking age in Ireland, Scotland and England is 18.