HICKORY GOLF

Hickory Golf

Discover the birthplace of Golf, with a Private Hickory Workshop in the 5-star Rusacks hotel. Learn about the history and refurbishment of these traditional golf clubs circa 1910-1935. Spend 3 nights at the newly renovated Rusacks Hotel, in the heart of St Andrews.  Immerse yourself in the history of the game with entry to the World Golf Museum and a St Andrews Links guided walk of the Old Course. Play St Andrews Links Jubilee course and maybe even the Old Course itself? 

You will have the opportunity to put your Hickory skills to the test with 18 holes on the National Trust for Scotland Kingarrrock golf course, which transports you back almost 100 years in time to an era when golf was a game of skill, strategy and technique rather than one driven by innovation and technology. 

The tour then moves to Gullane, with a 2-night stay at the 5-star Bonnie Badger with award-winning restaurant. Play 9-holes on Musselburgh Old Course - a six time Open venue - with traditional hickory golf clubs. Then return to the modern day with a round on Gullane Number 3 and finish the tour with the world-class North Berwick West Links. 

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL

• St Andrews Links Guided Walk of the Old Course - Join an expert guide on a tour of the world's most famous golf course. Walk in the footsteps of icons of the game and experience a player's eye view of the fabled links.
• Lunch in Tom Morris Bar & Grill - Casual Scottish dining in St Andrews Links Clubhouse.
• Check-in for 3 nights B&B at 5* Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews, staying in a Rusacks King/Twin Room
• Hickory Smoked Golf Workshop - learn how golf clubs used to be made and experience the heritage crafts employed during the restoration process. You can even buy your own personalised Hickory as a souvenir.
• Concierge recommends Dinner at 18 Restaurant, Rusacks Hotel – 18 is a destination rooftop restaurant and bar with unrivalled views across St Andrews’ Old Course and West Sands Beach. Expect plenty of sizzle—open-flame cooking is all over the menu, with locally sourced beef, game and freshly-caught seafood all skillfully prepared on state-of-the-art Robata grill.

DAY 2 

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Visit the R&A World Golf Museum -Home to over 17,000 historic objects including the original rules of golf, Tom Morris Jnr’s Open Medal and Seve Ballesteros’ shoes.
• Concierge recommends: The Niblick - With panoramic views across the Old Course, West Sands and Ancient Clubhouse. The restaurant is conveniently located above the R&A Golf Museum and is a great choice for golfers looking for clubhouse classics and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Play The Old Course - The most famous golf course in the world. Iconic features including the Hell Bunker on 14th, the Road Hole 17th Hole and the famous 18th with the Swilcan Bridge playing back into the Old Grey Toon. (Subject to successful 48-hour ballot entry)

DAY 3

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Play Kingarrock Hickory Golf – Played with a set of authentic hickory clubs, this National Trust for Scotland course at Hill of Tarvit Mansion, will test your game like never before. You will be transported back almost 100 years and after your game enjoy a warm welcome at Golf Cottage, with refreshing ginger beer and Scottish shortbread.
• Play The Jubilee Course – The third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous links and plays the closest to The Eden Estuary.

DAY 4

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Play Musselburgh Old Course - An original Open Championship venue hosting on six occasions between 1874 and 1889.
• Play Gullane No.3 - Designed by two-time Open Champion Willie Park Jr,a modest yardage; this is a course for straight hitting shot-makers and is a gentler golf course than the other 2 Gullane links, but great fun.
• Check-in for 2 nights B&B at 5* Bonnie Badger, Gullane, staying in a Superior Double/Twin Room
• Concierge Recommends: The Old Clubhouse, Gullane – The refurbished Old Clubhouse is an impressive half-timbered building and was originally built to accommodate Gullane Golf Club’s members. It now has a reputation for serving good Scottish food and wine and is popular with golfers and locals.

DAY 5

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Play North Berwick West Links – One of the World’s Top 50 Courses, a classic Scottish links course with unique features including The Pitt and Biarritz green. A Final Qualifying venue for The Open.
• Concierge Recommends: Bonnie Badger Stables Restaurant – Set in the heart of East Lothian’s enchanting coastal village of Gullane, The Bonnie Badger is a modern Scottish restaurant with rooms. Dine in the restaurant, gather in the garden, relax in the bar.

DAY 6

• Full Scottish Breakfast

END OF TOUR

* Transportation Not Included
** Based on 4 golfers sharing Double or Twin Rooms
** Old Course green fee not included and payable directly to starter on date of play if ballot successful

Images courtesy of Torval Mork, and Marine & Lawn.

Concierge recommends a visit to Jack White, Gullane - hickory specailist. Clubs can be tested at Kilspindie Golf Club and you can even book a hickory caddy or coach.