We know that organising a golf holiday can be time-consuming, awkward, and complicated. The choice of golf courses, when to play them, in what order, which accommodation, when are the deposits due, how do we get to the golf course, the list is endless. This is the second of three articles featuring our three Member accommodation providers who have taken away the hassle and saved you time by creating a selection of fantastic golf itineraries.
Who is coming to Scotland’s Golf Coast?
A North American couple and their ’20 something’ daughters are heading to Scotland for the first time and want to finish their 14-night trip with golf, sightseeing and relaxation in a spa. Dad and daughter #1 play golf, but mum and daughter #2 are keen to visit Edinburgh for some shopping, to see the sights and to be pampered. They love excellent food and fine wine, would like to explore Scotch malt whisky and want 5* comfort but with a personal touch.
Owners Angela and David on-hand to provide that personal touch
Day 1
Having been in Scotland for 10 days, head to East Lothian to enjoy your final five days playing golf, visiting the capital and strolling in the countryside.
Garleton Lodge is perched beautifully overlooking Scotland’s Golf Coast offering spectacular 360 degree views across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and beyond to Fife.
The sun will rise to the east across the North Sea and it will remain on Garleton Lodge until it disappears over Edinburgh in the west.
After a day travelling from the north, it’s time to put your feet up, enjoy a spa treatment and relax in the hot tub before sampling the finest Scottish delights prepared lovingly by owner, Angela. The restaurant has been given the Visit Scotland Taste Our Best Award since opening.
Post-dinner, retire to the lounge for a well-deserved whisky. You will be expertly guided through the regions by David, a Keeper of the Quaich.
Day 2
It’s going to be hard getting out of those comfortable Superkingsize beds, but after a breakfast of East Lothian’s finest local produce, it’s time to go your separate ways.
Taking advantage of the hire car, Mum and daughter #2 want to visit the Seabird Centre and jump on a boat trip to see the gannets on Bass Rock. Dad and daughter #1 will chase birdies at the Glen Golf Club, North Berwick.
Conveniently, you can all meet up post-activity for a stroll around the picturesque harbour town of North Berwick and sample the local fish ‘n’ chips, or one of the many restaurants and pubs in the town.
It’s back to Garleton Lodge for another sumptuous meal in the evening and to try one of the recommended Talisker malt whiskies from Skye.
Day 3
It’s a day together. Angela and David have organised a transfer to the centre of Edinburgh for a full day visiting Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Mile.
‘Downtown’ is only 30 minutes from Garleton Lodge and to avoid the traffic, the transfer will be extremely convenient.
A day is never enough, but a full day, with dinner in one of Edinburgh’s amazing restaurants, is a terrific way to explore the city in a short space of time and leave you wanting more.
With weary legs and one day left, those comfortable beds await, as the transfer whisks you back home.
Day 4
The final full day in Scotland.
Dad and daughter #1 have saved themselves to play the 2015 and 2018 Scottish Open venue, Gullane 1. A 10-minute drive, they are dropped off early so they can benefit from the brilliant practice facilities.
As with the majority of golf courses and sightseeing in East Lothian, history abounds. Willie Park Junior laid out Gullane 1, whilst William, 1st Earl of Douglas was responsible for the castle.
With 18 holes completed on Gullane’s tremendous links’ turf and a few goodies taken home from the distillery, Gullane’s Visitors’ Clubhouse offers the ideal setting to reflect on a great final day.
It’s an early start in the morning, so it’s back to Garleton Lodge to pack, the main course you’d not managed to sample the previous nights and a bottle of one of the finest Italian reds from David’s extensive wine list!
Day 5
It’s only a 30-minute drive to Edinburgh airport, so returning the car and checking-in can’t be easier.
With 21 courses to play, the golfers are keen to return to Scotland’s Golf Coast. The non-golfers agree, as there is so much to do in such a small area and Edinburgh is just down the road.
Garleton Lodge has a range of fantastic golf packages and golf itineraries on offer, or contact them directly for a bespoke quote.
