Best Months to Play Golf in Scotland
As we say here in Scotland “the nights are fair drawing in.” There are not many golfing hours in the day, it’s dark before 4pm and temperatures have dropped this week to below freezing. But if you are fortunate with weather and don’t mind wearing a few extra layers then you could bag one of Scotland’s bucket list links courses for a fraction of the price.
Scottish Golf Seasons and Offers
Low season (Nov-Mar)
Also known as the off season, this period spans the winter months with typically the lowest temperatures, highest chance of snow, ice & frost and statistically most course closures due to weather. You can definitely snag the lowest prices and most tee time availability but there are reasons for that. Many courses adopt winter Astro turf fairway mats as well as winter teeing areas or greens, making play shorter and potentially less satisfying. But it is also not uncommon for full greens to be in play. The 19th Hole still awaits for some famous hospitality!!
Golf Concierge Recommends:
- Muirfield Golf Club can be played for £125 in winter rather than £325 in high season.
- North Berwick West Links costs £110 in low season, which is almost half the price of peak.
Shoulder Season (Apr & Oct)
These magical months are a great opportunity for the savvy golfer to play some top level courses at mid level pricing. Shoulder season rates can be anything from a 20% - 50% discount off the full price peak rates and the weather and course conditions are much more favourable than off season.
Golf Concierge Recommends:
- The Castle Course, St Andrews offers nearly a 40% saving from 1-16 Apr 2023 as well as some enticing groups offers including food & beverage credit in The Rock & Spindle.
- Crail Balcomie Links has a shoulder rate of £86 in April 2023 compared to £135 in the summer.
High Season (May-Sep)
Covers the full typical Scottish golf season. This is when the weather is warmer and daylight can extend to nearly 11pm in June. But as any visitor will know, the weather in Scotland is never a guarantee and that is part of the fun. There is high tee time demand and more standard pricing during these months. Courses are kept in optimum condition by dedicated greenkeeping teams starting at the crack of dawn.
Golf Concierge Recommends:
- Dundonald Links offers a twilight rate from 4pm of £120 in peak season, making for a viable option if you wish to fit in 36 holes.
- Royal Dornoch in The Highlands offers twilight tee times from 6pm May-July (5.30pm Aug) for £150 on their world acclaimed Championship links.
Whatever the weather and whatever your budget, Scotland has tee times which will work for the visiting golfer, just come prepared!!
What to Pack for a GB&I Golf Trip
