International Golf School Vacations » Scotland, August 2010

Tuesday, August 10

Depart JFK Airport, New York @ 6.00 pm for Edinburgh, Scotland. Arrive approximately 8.00am. (UK time is 5 hours ahead of US time).

Wednesday, August 11

Upon your arrival in Scotland you will be met by your SGH Golf tour manager/driver, who will assist you with your luggage and show you to your waiting motor coach. This Mercedes Esker Riadda has 12 leather Americana VIP seats and 3 tables, 2 TVs/DVD, Air-conditioning, fridges, and hot drinks. You will then transfer to St. Andrews and the Scores Hotel.

Overlooking beautiful St. Andrews Bay and only a few hundred yards from the famous St. Andrews Links the Scores Hotel provides the perfect base for anyone visiting this historic town. The first tee of the famous Old Course is only a 7 iron away and a brief, leisurely stroll takes you to the heart of St. Andrews. A traditionally built 3 story hotel, it features 2 dining areas and a lounge bar which is popular with locals and residents alike. Care has been taken to preserve the character of the building during refurbishment; the public areas feature an extensive collection of period antiques lending the hotel a feeling of genuine warmth and friendliness that’s often missing in many of today’s hotels.

The rest of the day is free to relax and unpack.

Overnight at the Scores Hotel.

Thursday, August 12

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged on the St. Andrews New Course.

Opened in April 1895, the course was built in response to increasing demand for golf at St Andrews. The New Course is a classic links course which uses the natural features of the land to create a first class golfing challenge. The course has the traditional out and back layout, with the 18th green just to the right of the first tee. It also has, in the great St Andrews tradition, shared fairways and even a double green at the 3rd and 15th holes. It has frequently been said that if the New Course were not situated next to the Old, then its star would have shown with a far greater degree of brilliance.

After golf you may like to tour St. Andrews. Known as the home of golf, and home of Scotland’s oldest university, St Andrews is a small town with a sizeable reputation that attracts visitors from all over the world. St Andrews University, founded in 1410, dominates the centre of town. The elegant, ivy-clad buildings and delightful quadrangles and gardens have seen a procession of famous graduates, recently including Prince William. The future king may have graduated, but it is still one of the top universities in Britain, often compared to Oxford and Cambridge for its defining presence and the collegiate feel it gives to the town. The Medieval centre of St Andrews, with its narrow alleys and cobbled streets, leads to the now ruined cathedral (once the largest in Scotland) and the adjacent church of St Regulus, where you can climb the spiral staircase to the top of an 108-foot tower for magnificent views of the town and its surroundings. The castle, perched on a promontory overlooking the sea, was the dramatic stage for several of the most notorious episodes of the Reformation. St Andrews has two great beaches, one being the West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of Chariots of Fire was shot. There are also the Botanic Gardens for relaxation.

Overnight at the Scores Hotel.

Friday, August 13

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged at Carnoustie Golf Links.

Regarded by many including Walter Hagen and Gary Player as one of the best links in the world, Carnoustie, though certainly long, is not a course for the unthinking big-hitter. With judgment of wind and distance critical, every tee shot needs careful placement to set up an approach to the green. Whilst there may be little dramatic background scenery, the beauty of Carnoustie is to be found in the golf course itself. The layout is such that no two consecutive holes face the same direction, a factor that does nothing for the golfer in finding their rhythm in the face of often-stiff winds. Carnoustie’s famous burns that snake their way around the course – Jockie’s Burn and the Barry Burn represent two more obstacles to posting a respectable tally.

After golf you may like to visit Glamis Castle. Five miles from Forfar, in the fertile valley of Strathmore, is the quaint village of Glamis. Glamis is set in the rolling hills of Angus, approximately 20km from the North Sea, in an area of considerable ancient history. Whilst the village is home to a curious old stone, said to be a monument to King Malcolm II, and some attractive eighteenth-century cottages, its most notable attribute is the grandeur of Glamis Castle. The modern visitor approaching the Highland Castle for the first time cannot but draw breath in admiration as he journeys down the mile-long avenue rich in color, flanked in spring by swathes of yellow and cream daffodils, or the colors in the rows of autumn trees. Spires, turrets, towers and statues will seize your attention initially, but there is so much more to explore in this legendary Castle. With its strong links with history, royalty and fiction, Glamis Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive visitor attractions. Whether you choose to visit Glamis to admire its stunning architecture, to explore
its history, legends and myths or to enjoy the surrounding beauty of the and grounds and gardens, you will not fail to be touched by the magic of Glamis.

Overnight at the Scores Hotel.

Saturday, August 14

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged on the St. Andrews Castle Course.

St Andrews Links Trust is creating a seventh eighteen hole course to join its portfolio of six courses. The Castle Course opened in the summer of 2008. Following the coastline east of St Andrews, The Castle Course is two miles from the town centre. The designer, David McLay Kidd, creator of Bandon Dunes on the West Coast of America, has created a typical Scottish golf experience. Each hole has a choice of five tees and the course will be playable between about 5300-7200 yards.

After golf you may like to visit the village of Crail. Out of all Fife’s East Neuk villages, the village of Crail has the most picturesque harbour.  From Crail’s wide main street, steep cobble-stoned wynds run down to it, this being the older part of the village. Painters and landscape photographers spend hours here. The small anchorage caters mainly for lobster and crab fishing boats and lobster creel-markers are seen in the water all along the coast.  The upper streets of the village are more spacious with the Tolbooth at its centre behind which is the small Crail Museum and Heritage Centre giving an insight into the burgh’s history.

Overnight at the Scores Hotel.

Sunday, August 15

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged at Kingsbarns Golf Club.

Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking links courses ever developed. Kingsbarns Golf Links is a real one of a kind and a contrast with Scotland’s other famous links courses in that it is a new, man-made development.  The sea figures prominently on every hole and one’s senses are continually pricked with the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean spray. The links boasts spacious fairways, which roll and twist through majestic dune ridges and hollows, while its large inviting greens present the golfer with subtle challenges.

After golf you may like to visit Falkland Palace. Falkland has been a royal place since the days of the Stewarts. King James II adopted it as a royal home (it had earlier been a castle of the MacDuff family) and it was used as a hunting lodge in the 12th century. In those days the Forest of Falkland had stags and wild boar and falconry was a popular sport. The massive gatehouse, through which visitors access the Palace today, was completed by James V although most of the adjoining facade of the building was completed by James IV. This is the part of the Palace which was restored in the 19th century by the Hereditary Keeper of the Palace, the 3rd Marquess of Bute. He refurbished the interior of the South Range, creating a comfortable home for himself. His son continued the good work by recreating a beautiful chapel which had originally been built by James V. Only the external walls of the East Range are still standing and there is no trace left of the North Range. In addition to the Palace, a large and lovely garden has been created, full of well manicured lawns, mature trees and colorful flowers. Even without the Palace, this would be worth a visit on its own.

Overnight at the Scores Hotel.

Monday, August 16

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged on the St. Andrews Old course.

Handicap Limit – Men: 24, Ladies: 36.

The oldest golf course in the world has many remarkable features which help make it so special to golfers around the world. It is the Home of Golf where golf was first played 600 years ago and yet it remains a real test of golf for today’s champions. Despite its reputation and status, it is a public course. The course is known for its particular physical features including 112 bunkers, some of which are especially famous e.g. ‘Hell’ on the long 14th, ‘Strath’ on the short 11th and the Road Bunker at what is probably the most famous golf hole in the world, the 17th or Road Hole (so called because a road – which is in play – runs hard against the back edge of the green). The Old Course’s truly remarkable feature is that in today’s modern golfing world, a course which has evolved over six centuries remains a true test of championship golf.

After golf you may like to continue touring St. Andrews.

Overnight at the Scores Hotel.

Tuesday, August 17

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged on the Crail Balcomie Course.

Crail Golfing Society celebrated their bi-centenary in 1986 hosts two courses. The Balcomie, the shorter of the two, is an unusual course in that the holes have been laid out with the front nine containing six par fours and the back nine only three. There have also been some interesting names given to the holes, such like Fluke Dub (4th), Hell’s Hole (5th) and Lang Whang all good Scots names. The 5th Hell’s Hole does live up to its name, with the decision to be brave and chance the ball over the rocks and beach or just to play safe. Onto the last few holes you will find their challenge are only made more daunting with knowing that the onlookers from the clubhouse will be watching your every stroke

After golf you will transfer to North Berwick and the Marine Hotel.

Picturesquely located at the heart of the East Lothian golfing-coast, The Marine Hotel overlooks the 16th hole of North Berwick’s championship links.  Standing in landscaped grounds in the harbour town and encompassing superb views of the breathtaking Firth of Forth, the Marine Hotel’s Victorian façade conceals a wealth of creature comforts and delights to be discovered.

The Marine Hotel offers guests 83 well-appointed, individually decorated en-suite guestrooms, including six four-posters, five suites and four mini-suites. Each provides guests with a range of facilities and golf aficionados should opt for one of the rooms offering views over the sea and golf course. The Craigleith Restaurant is renowned for its superb Scottish and international menu, while the 19th Hole Bar is a favorite haunt of visitors and locals alike.

Overnight at the Marine Hotel.

Wednesday, August 18

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged at Dunbar Golf Club.

Designed by Old Tom Morris around 1850, Dunbar East links situated on the estuary of the Firth of Forth, is a breathtaking layout of a Championship links course that stretches across 6404 yards of coastal terrain. All of the major Scottish Championships have been played here, The Scottish Amateur, Professional Championship and Scottish Boys’ Championship. It has been used as an Open qualifier on several occasions in the past. Situated on a narrow strip of land which follow the contours of a rocky exposed beach, bordered on the other side by the Old Deer Park wall making it a challenging course for all levels of players.

After golf you may like to tour Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a city where there is almost always a view with the New Town and the Old Town providing a backdrop to a city rich in history and positively teeming with culture. The city is a feast for the eye, a series of dramatic contrasts, with its famous castle, stunning skylines and magnificent architecture. The city is compact, one that you can stroll around in comfort – yet large enough to entertain people of all ages, with all kinds of interests. The Old Town revolves around the Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle, guarding centuries of history, standing dominant and proud at one end-looming over Princes Street Gardens, while at the other end is the Palace of Holyroodhouse which has for centuries been a residence for the British Royal Family. There is an abundance of choice of the discerning shopper. Modern airy shopping malls such as the St. James Centre or Waverley Shopping Centre
reflect more modern times. All the main high street chain stores are featured and the new out of town development at the Gyle offers Marks and Spencer and Saveway stores as well as a collection of small boutiques.

Overnight at the Marine Hotel.

Thursday, August 19

Today after breakfast golf will be arranged at North Berwick Golf Club.

Measuring 6317 yards, it’s no monster in length, but such is its trickery that it demands a full repertoire of shot making. Founded in 1832, the club is one of the oldest in the world. Former Prime Minister, Lord Balfour, was captain here in 1891-92. Every hole is memorable – there are blind shots across the bay, and bunkers in which you can disappear from sight. It is great fun and a real test of skill

After golf you may like to visit Tantallon Castle. The Tantallon Castle with its high curtain walls stands precariously at the edge of an abrupt cliff-face. It was the Red Douglases who dwelt within its walls, actually renting it from the Earls of Fife and keeping a well-trained army to maintain their independence. From the car park it is a pleasant walk to the castle frontage revealing more of the castle’s defenses in the form of as a series of earthworks and ditches designed to protect against James V’s cannon when he laid siege here in 1529. The dramatic landscapes will not disappoint.

Overnight at the Marine Hotel.

Friday, August 20

Today after breakfast you will transfer to Gullane and the Greywalls Hotel.

The Greywalls Hotel is one of the most revered golf hotels of all times whose hospitality has been enjoyed by the most famous names in the world of golf.   Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the original house in 1901 and since that time additions have taken place but always in keeping with the original style and proportions. It is a most beautiful hotel, with its features of refined surroundings, charming and elegant furnishings, bedrooms furnished in period style, superb cuisine and service of the highest order.

Today golf will be arranged at Muirfield Golf Club.

Handicap Limit – Men: 18, Ladies: 20.

Muirfield is the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and is the most exclusive golf club in the U.K. Founded in 1744, the existing course is designed in two loops of nine holes. Players have a constantly changing battle with the wind, and the beautifully constructed bunkers (over 150 in total), which never allow a bad shot to escape, are a great feature of the course.

Overnight at the Greywalls Hotel.

Saturday, August 21

Today after breakfast you will depart Scotland for home.

COST:

* Golfers : $6795 pp (double occupancy)
* Non Golfers : $6630
* Single Supplement $1100 additional

COST INCLUDES:

10 nights’ accommodation, double occupancy, at hotels indicated.

Full breakfast each day.
All transportation by motor coach.
All local taxes on hotel accommodation and golf.
All bag handling at Scotland airports and hotels.
Services of a SGH Golf Tour Manager/Driver throughout.
Starting times and green fees for one round at each of the following courses:
St. Andrews New, Carnoustie, St. Andrews Castle, Kingsbarns, St. Andrews Old, Crail Balcomie, Dunbar, North Berwick, Muirfield.

Deposits of $2000 are due immediately, with the balance due 70 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy: Written notice of your cancellation should be mailed to P.O. Box 2580, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 or faxed to 843-237-8397 as soon as possible. Cancellation fees are as follows:

* $2000 is non-refundable
* No refund will be given within 7 days of departure.

In no case will refunds be made for unused portions of the booked itinerary. Total Golf Inc. reserves the right to cancel, change or substitute any service and to decline to accept or retain any tour member at any time for any reason.

Golf Carts: Pull carts are available at most golf courses. Motorized carts are only available on a limited basis at very few courses and must be requested in advance; however, they cannot be guaranteed. All cart fees must be paid by the golfer directly to the Golf Club. (not included in the price of a tour.)

Caddies: Approximate cost is 40 pounds ($63) plus tip and can be requested in advance at most golf clubs. Payment is made by the golfer directly to the Golf Club or caddie. (not included in the price of a tour).

Changes: Once a program has been booked and confirmed, an administrative fee of $30.00 will be charged for each subsequent change in the tour.

Course Selection: All golf is subject to course availability. In the event a particular course is unavailable, a course of equal value will be substituted. The actual sequence of the courses listed In our scheduled tours may also change due to course availability.

Documents: Upon receipt of full payment, traveler will receive a detailed itinerary and all necessary, travel documents within ten days of departure.

Handicaps: It is suggested that all golfers carry a current handicap certificate as an increasing number of courses require visiting players to be a member of a golf club.

Insurance: Travel insurance for accident, baggage and trip cancellation protection is recommended. Details and applications are provided to all passengers with confirmed reservations or upon request. The policy cannot be purchased after final payment is received.

Passports: U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport. No exceptions will be made.

Prices: All tour costs are provided in U.S. Dollars and are subject to change due to currency fluctuation.

Responsibilities: Total Golf Inc. has contracted with independent contractors in securing and booking the services provided in their tours and is not responsible for any negligent act and/or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. Total Golf Inc.gives notice that in issuing coupons, vouchers or tickets for travel conveyance or transport by any means, and in making arrangements for golf, hotels or other accommodations, they are acting not as principals but as agents only for the companies, corporations or persons providing or offering their service. Total Golf Inc. is not responsible or liable, with respect to person or property, for any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or irregularity however sustained or suffered during any trip or tour arranged by them. The responsibility and liability of international air carriers are subject to international conventions limiting their liability, which limitations of liability are contained on the reverse side of your airline ticket and form part of the terms end conditions hereof.

To make your reservations, or to find out more, please call us toll-free at 1-800-624-4653, or send us an email.