We love combining our clients’ visions with our local expertise to create a dream golf vacation. While every Carr Golf trip is outstanding, some are particularly legendary. Every once in a while, we like to highlight a truly epic itinerary.
Keep reading to learn more about a once-in-a-lifetime journey that’s sure to make you envious.
Day One
Hop on a private red-eye flight to Edinburgh. Sleep on the plane and dream of the extraordinary golf adventure ahead.
Arrive at the Edinburgh Airport greeted by a member of the Carr Golf team who will escort you throughout the trip. Grab your clubs and overnight bag and jump in your helicopter for the quick flight to Castle Stuart Golf Links. (Don’t worry, the rest of your luggage will be transported to your hotel by road.)
Tee off at Castle Stuart to kick of the epic golf vacation. Located in the Scottish Highlands, the championship links course overlooks the Moray Firth, Kessock Bridge and Chanonry Lighthouse. These magnificent views are jaw-dropping.
Enjoy lunch in the distinctive Art Deco clubhouse after your round before taking the helicopter to Skibo Castle in Dornoch. Situated on 8,000 acres of majestic natural beauty, Skibo Castle was once the home of steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and offers brilliantly opulent accommodations.
Relax with a massage at the hotel. Then, unwind with cocktails in the drawing room followed by dinner and entertainment in Mr. Carnegie’s Dining Room. Settle into a wonderfully comfortable room for the first of two nights at Skibo Castle.
Day Two
Take in the beauty of the Highlands during the quick drive to Brora Golf Club for your morning tee time. The seaside course celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and is known as one of James Braid’s finest designs. After a stimulating round, make the short drive down the A9 to Royal Dornoch.
Order lunch in the clubhouse before teeing off on legendary golf architect Donald Ross’ home course. Said Ross of his beloved home layout, “Modesty forbids me saying more than it is the most beautifully situated links in the world, and that no American golfer should omit to go there, where he will find the best golf, a royal welcome and no rabble.”
Return to Skibo Castle for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day Three
Fly by helicopter to Carnoustie Golf Links for your morning round on the Championship Course. This iconic layout has hosted seven Open Championships to date and will welcome The Open again in July 2018.
Appreciate dramatic views of the North Sea during the quick helicopter ride to Kingsbarns Golf Links, situated on 1.8 picturesque miles along the North Sea coast. Although golf has been played on the links land of Kingsbarns since the late 18th century, the course in its present form wasn’t opened until 2000. Kingsbarns, in conjunction with Carnoustie and the Old Course at St Andrews, co-hosts the annual European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship each fall and will host The Ricoh Women’s British Open next month.
After your round, hop in the helicopter for another quick trip, this time to The Gleneagles Hotel. This majestic countryside estate features the only restaurant in Scotland to hold two Michelin stars, Andrew Fairlie. The exquisite menu combines French and Scottish cooking for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Give into your food coma as you fall into the plush pillows in your luxurious room.
Day Four
See more of the Scottish countryside during the morning helicopter ride to Muirfield Golf Club. The Tom Morris course, renovated by Harry Colt in 1923, features two concentric rings comprised of the challenging front and back sides. The front runs clockwise along the outer ring of the ripping topography, while the back nine runs counterclockwise before ending at the stately clubhouse. This unique feature ensures a wide variety of wind conditions.
Next on the docket is Royal Troon Golf Club, host of the 2016 Open Championship. Founded in 1878, Royal Troon has hosted the Open nine times in its storied history. After a quick lunch at the clubhouse, tee off on the Old Course. Deep rough and unpredictable winds make this track as challenging as it is fun.
Depart via car to coastal Turnberry, the world’s first golf resort. Eat dinner at the Duel in the Sun, situated within the recently renovated clubhouse. Then settle for your first of two nights in the decadent hotel.
Day Five
Walk to your morning tee time at the Ailsa Course. Home to four Open Championships – most recently in 2009 – the dramatic course is set alongside the magnificent Turnberry Bay and features a dramatic eight-hole coastal stretch.
Then, it’s on to the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews. Partake in some traditional Scottish fare for lunch in the clubhouse before teeing off on the Old Course, the oldest and most iconic layout in the world.
After an unforgettable round, head to the airport for your private flight to Belfast. Journey east to the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa where you’ll be spending the next two nights. Originally built as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down, the magnificent hotel overlooks Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline.
Day Six
Play Royal County Down, a mighty course situated in the stunning Murlough Nature Reserve. Set against the striking background of the Mountains of Mourne, its zigzag design offers glorious views from virtually every hole. Eat lunch at the clubhouse before making the quick, scenic trek to Ardglass Golf Club.
Featuring unpredictable winds, hard fairways and firm, tiny greens, Ardglass is not for the faint of heart. Its clubhouse, dating back to 1405 AD, is the oldest in the world.
Return to Culloden for dinner at the Mitre Restaurant. One of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland, the Mitre is known for its gourmet Irish cuisine and stunning views across Belfast Lough.
Take advantage of the world-class spa with a rejuvenating post-dinner massage before bed.
Day Seven
Tee it up at Royal Portrush, home of the inaugural Irish Open Amateur Championship in 1892. The championship layout, Dunluce Links, is a “must-play” for lovers of golf course architecture. The Harry Colt design consistently ranks among the world’s greatest courses and is widely noted as one of the game’s sternest tests.
Grab lunch in the clubhouse before journeying down the road to Portstewart Golf Club. Host of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Portstewart’s Strand Course hugs the Causeway Coast and features one of the most stunning opening holes in links golf.
Close out your trip with a night at the K Club, Ireland’s first AA 5 Red Star Hotel. Each bedroom in the luxurious resort – set on 550 immaculately maintained acres – has been individually designed so no two rooms are alike. Enjoy dinner at the Legends Restaurant before retiring to your room for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
Day Eight
Wake up early to depart for the Dublin Airport. Head home to regale your friends with stories from your once-in-a-lifetime golf vacation.
Speaking on the trip, Carr Golf’s Customer Service Manager, Peter Keighery who assisted the group said, “In my 27 years working with Carr Golf and with many spectacular trips, this trip was perhaps the most amazing due to the fact we played all Open Championship courses over the course of 6 days and travelled via helicopter in and out of all courses. We also stayed in the most amazing venues including Skibo Castle, Gleneagles, Turnberry and the wonderful Culloden House just outside Belfast City. A trip I’ll never forget!
*Transatlantic airfare not included in trip.
To replicate this once in a lifetime experience, contact our travel team today using the contact form below, or call +353 1 822 6662 or US Toll Free 1 855 617 5701.
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