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24th January 2025

5 Things To Do Before a Scottish Golf Tour

Saturday 25th January is Robert Burns birthday. Around the world there will be plates of haggis and drams of whisky served at traditional Burns suppers to celebrate Scotland’s national poet. Although there is no reference of Robert Burns being a golfer, I’m sure Rabbie would approve of how our wee ball and stick game also became synonymous to Scotland.

In 2 months we will be welcoming our first international visitors to Scotland as the 2025 Scottish golf season officially begins, moving off astroturf winter fairway mats and welcoming the longer daylight. This will be our 7th season at Golf Concierge Scotland. Here are 5 essential things to do before you travel to Scotland.

1. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

As of 8th January 2025, all visitors to the UK require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The UK's ETA scheme is similar to those already employed by other countries, including the USA and Australia, and aims to allow better screening and risk assessment of travellers before they reach the UK border.

What? ETA is a digital permit that allows individuals to travel to the UK without a visa.

Who? Required for all visitors to the UK who are not British or Irish citizens. (Some exclusions apply e.g., dual citizens and visa holders.)

How? You can apply for an ETA online at GOV.UK or through the UK ETA app and require your passport.

Price? An ETA costs £16 per person.

How long? You usually get a decision within 3 working days, and you will receive an email confirming your ETA. This permits multiple journeys to the UK for up to 6 months at a time and is valid for 2 years or until the holder's passport expires.

Therefore please ensure that you apply for your ETA well ahead of your arrival date.

More information and apply on UK Government Website

St Andrews Walking Tour

2. Book your Caddies and Rental Items

The service of a local caddie is invaluable especially when playing many of the traditional links courses like The Old Course, St Andrews or Prestwick Golf Club with notable blind shots. Ensure you book your caddies well in advance of arrival as its not uncommon for courses to run out of caddies on busy days.

Most courses offer single caddies priced at £75 fee plus gratuity. Caddies must be paid cash at the end of the round in GBP £’s sterling. Therefore ensure you organise your currency prior to arriving in Scotland or visit a Bureau de Change on your arrival day, many of these can be found in our high street Post Offices.

The majority of Scotland’s top links courses have very limited golf cart fleets, typically only available for those with a medical certificate and driven by a caddie. Our natural links land is generally flat and lends itself well to walking. If you’re not taking a caddie many of the professional shops offer electric trolley rental which often have golf GPS systems and can be rented for approx. £20. Again these are limited in number so be sure to request in advance. Standard pull trolleys are always in good supply.

St Andrews caddies

3. What to Pack

Prepare for four seasons in a day by packing:

Layers and waterproofs - Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket. We recommend thin layers to help you keep warm and loose. Pack waterproof trousers and beanie or Gore-Tex bucket hat. The golf umbrella is also a must. Even in a battering of wind and rain, it can act as a sideways shelter.

Proof of Handicap - Many courses require golfers to have any official handicap or affiliation. If you are playing Muirfield it is 24, Royal Troon is 20 and The Old Course, St Andrews is 36. Have your digital record ready if asked by the starter.

Travel adaptors – To charge your phone and other devices you will require a UK type G adaptor which are 3 rectangular pins in triangular pattern.

Jacket & Tie - If you have opted for the Prestwick Experience or Muirfield carvery lunch formal attire is required, jacket & tie. In the evening the majority of restaurants adopt a smart casual dress code.

Prestwick Dining Room

4. Dining and the 19th Hole

Scots dine early with many restaurants not serving hot meals after 8:30/9pm especially during weekdays.

For groups of 4-8 golfers we always recommend making dinner reservations well ahead of your tour date. During the summer months the leading restaurants in towns such as St Andrews or North Berwick fill up fast and walk ins are often not accepted.

Some of the most popular restaurants we reserved for golfers last season were; Rogue (St Andrews), Tailend (St Andrews) Crenshaw’s Brasserie (Dornoch), Devil’s Advocate (Edinburgh) & The Silver Darling (Aberdeen)

Rogue St Andrews