DESTINATION · SCOTLAND

Scotland — Pilgrimage to St Andrews.

St Andrews is the cradle of golf — and belongs on every senior golfer's bucket list. What makes a trip to Scotland special, how to truly play St Andrews, and which additional courses complete the pilgrimage.

II first played St. Andrews at 67—and today I understand why every senior golfer should experience it at least once. It's not the most spectacular course in the world. But it is the most historic. And you feel that with every shot. Anyone who has ever looked from Granny Clark's Wynd onto the 18th green will never forget it.

Scotland is the home of golf, and St Andrews is its heart. A senior golf trip there has a different character than any Mediterranean trip: cooler, rougher climate (10-18 °C), links courses with wind and dunes, premium prices (Old Course green fee €320), but an unbeatable historic atmosphere.

Three steps to a St Andrews tee time

Step 1 — Use the Ballot System

✓ OVER 1 YEAR LEAD TIME.

The St. Andrews Old Course allocates 50 tee times via a ballot system (lottery). Registration is possible 7 days in advance. Pre-registration is available through the St. Andrews Links Trust app. The odds of winning are approximately 40%.

Step 2 — Old Course Experience Packages

✓ GUARANTEED TEE TIME.

St Andrews Links Trust offers „Old Course Experience” packages with guaranteed tee times, hotel, and transport. Prices range from €1,500-€3,000 – but the tee time is secured. For senior golfers with only one chance to play Scotland, this is often the right choice.

Step 3 — Book Organizer (PGA Travel)

✓ COMPLETE PACKAGE.

PGA Travel Scotland offers complete packages: flights, hotel (often the Old Course Hotel), guaranteed tee times on 4-5 Scottish courses including the Old Course. €3,500-€5,500. Premium solution for a once-in-a-lifetime senior trip.

320 £

Green fee for a round on the Old Course during peak season (May-October)

St Andrews Links Trust 2024

Plus 1-year lead time for realistic tee time chances. Pilgrimage with clear investment.

Four more must-see spots in Scotland

1st Place — St Andrews New Course

✓ DIRECTLY NEXT TO OLD COURSE.

St Andrews New Course (1895): right next to the Old Course. Green fee £110-180, significantly easier to book than the Old Course. If the Old Course doesn't work out, the New Course is a strong alternative.

2nd Place — Carnoustie Championship

✓ THE VENUE.

Carnoustie (Open Championship 2018, 2007): one of the toughest links courses in the world. Green fee £200-£280. One hour north of St Andrews. Suitable for seniors but challenging.

3rd Place — Kingsbarns

✓ MODERN + DRAMATIC.

Kingsbarns (2000): modern links course on the cliffs. One of the most beautiful locations in the world. Green fee £280-380. 15 minutes from St Andrews. Very senior-friendly (relatively flat).

4th Place — North Berwick

✓ HISTORICAL (1832), AFFORDABLE.

North Berwick (West Links, 1832): Historic classic, approx. 1 hour from Edinburgh. Green fee £130-£200. Rather senior-friendly, fair distances, dramatic coastal location.

Every senior golfer should visit St Andrews once. Not for the score—for the goosebumps. The Old Course is golf’s Mecca, and walking it with your own clubs is a different kind of pilgrimage.

Sir Nick Faldo, 6-time Major Champion

Three Scotland Tips for Senior Golfers.

May-September as travel time

Scotland Season: May to September. Outside of this time it is too cold and wet. July/August has the best probability of good weather, but the most expensive green fees.

Pack away wind equipment

Scotland is a left-hand land with wind. A rain jacket (Galvin Green), windproof hat, and gloves are mandatory. Temperature changes from 12 to 22°C are possible, even in summer.

Use Caddy Service

On big links courses, a caddie is almost a must—local knowledge, distances, reading the wind. Cost €70-100 + tip. For senior golfers, the local coach.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three steps to a St Andrews tee time

02 Four more qualifying spots

03 What Scotland is not

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

320 £

Green fee Old Course main season.

REFERENCE

DGV Member Statistics 2024. Golf Tourism Reports (KPMG 2024). PGA Travel Partner Overview. IAGTO Golf Tourism Report 2024. World Golf Awards 2024.

What Scotland is not

Scotland is every senior golfer's pilgrimage — but it's not a relaxing beach vacation. Those seeking warmth, swimming, and spas don't go to Scotland. This is about golf history, rugged nature, and links character. Once you've experienced it, you'll understand the mystique.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to plan your Scotland pilgrimage in 60 minutes

Check PGA Travel Scotland Package

PGA Reisen offers complete Scotland packages with guaranteed Old Course tee times. €3,500-€5,500. Usually the right choice for a once-in-a-lifetime senior pilgrimage.

Travel time May/June/September

Avoid Scotland's peak season (July/August are too touristy and expensive). May/June/September offer a good chance of good weather and reasonable prices.

Prepare links equipment

Rain jacket, windproof hat, gloves, pre-book caddy service. Scotland Golf has its own equipment requirements.