How to hire a cart at Scottish golf courses
A guide to which Scottish golf courses provide carts and how much they cost!
Though widespread in the United States, buggies (or carts) aren’t as commonly seen on courses in Scotland. Culturally, the sport has always been one that is predominantly walked on this side of the Atlantic. However, they are available at the vast majority of courses, though usually only in certain circumstances, whether it be for senior golfers or those with certifiable medical disabilities.
The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles is an exception to that rule, however, with carts being available on the 2014 Ryder Cup venue at £50 per round for all players. If you are playing at the Perthshire resort then hiring a cart or buggy would be something to seriously consider (based on your schedule), as there are lengthy (and hilly) walks between a number of the holes.
Many of the leading courses require that the cart is driven by a fully qualified and accredited staff member. That may add to the overall cost, but it is purely a health and safety consideration, as they cannot have clumsy visitors potentially driving into burns or pot bunkers!
10 iconic courses that DO offer carts / buggies
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Old Course at St. Andrews (Only for those with medical conditions. £50 for cost of driver)
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Championship Course at Royal Dornoch (Free to use only by those with a medical condition)
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Castle Stuart (Not advertised but they are available. Contact for further details)
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Prestwick (£30 to hire a single seat buggy plus £45 for cost of a caddie to drive it)
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PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles (£50 for those with or without a medical condition)
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Kingsbarns (Only for those with medical conditions. Contact directly in advance)
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Muirfield (Available at £40 for those otherwise unable to play golf)
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Championship Course at Carnoustie (Buggy available for disabled golfer. Pre-book)
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Trump International (Only for those with medical conditions. £45 for cost of driver)
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Old Course at Royal Troon (Limited availability at £20. Contact in advance)
*Correct on the date of publishing but rates may vary
There are some courses, however, that do not offer buggies for visitors under any circumstances. This is often a result of a particular club hoping to maintain the conditioning of the fairways, or due to the uneven ground the course been laid out on, or there quite simply don’t have any carts on site. That can always change, so be sure to contact a particular course that you are hoping to play in advance or request that you trip organiser does.
10 courses that DO NOT offer carts / buggies
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Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen
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Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry
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King’s Course at Gleneagles
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West Links at North Berwick
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Queen’s Course at Gleneagles
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Mortonhall Golf Club
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Bute Golf Club
Visitors to Scotland will quickly discover that most courses are able to accommodate for all your demands. With only a few exceptions, buggies are available to hire for those with medical disabilities, and caddies are generally an option at most of the iconic layouts.
You now have no excuse but to start planning! Start planning your Scottish vacation today and give Golfbreaks a call TOLL FREE 1-855-699-5853.
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Sales Team Leader
Sales Team Leader, I advise clients on golf courses and accommodation options for our US and overseas trips
