Breaking Par in the Home of Golf: A Woman Golfer's Dream Trip

This past spring, I had the chance to experience a golfer’s dream: a trip to Scotland with Golfbreaks. From legendary courses to cozy pubs and stunning Highland landscapes, every moment was unforgettable.

This past spring, I had the chance to experience every golfer’s dream destination – Scotland – with my coworkers at Golfbreaks, the golf travel experts. There’s something thrilling about landing in the Home of Golf with your clubs in tow, ready to play links golf where the game began. After an easy flight into Edinburgh and a quick trip through customs, we piled our five suitcases and three travel bags into a rental car (with some creative maneuvering!) and set off toward North Berwick.

After making a few stops to check out nearby courses, we arrived at Craigielaw Golf Club for the first round of the trip. The weather could not have been better – clear skies, sunshine, and just enough breeze to remind us we were on a links course.

Standing on that first tee, I definitely felt the nerves. Playing links golf in Scotland with a group that included some very experienced golfers can be intimidating. But the moment I hit that first tee shot, the tension melted away. My confidence came back, and I found myself smiling more than worrying about my score. Craigielaw was the perfect warm-up course – fun, approachable, and scenic – and the ideal way to kick off a Scotland golf vacation.

We wrapped up the day with a pint of Guinness and fish & chips at a cozy pub in Gullane – exactly how a golf trip to Scotland should end.

The next day, we were off to St Andrews, stopping along the way at several hotels and golf courses before checking into Fairmont St Andrews, just outside of town. The guys headed out for their round, while us girls had the ultimate St Andrews afternoon: Afternoon Tea in The Atrium Lounge (with delicate finger sandwiches and desserts almost too pretty to eat), a quick rest, and then a shuttle into the heart of St Andrews.

We wandered the historic streets, popped into the University, shopped for golf-themed souvenirs, and stopped for cocktails and oysters along the way. Being in St Andrews felt magical – you could sense the history and reverence for the game everywhere you turned.

The next morning, we toured The Kittocks and Torrance courses at Fairmont before heading back into town to explore St Andrews in the daylight. Even if you don’t golf, there’s plenty to do here – visit St Andrews Castle and St Andrews Cathedral, stroll along the beach, or enjoy the many shops and cafés.

Leaving St Andrews, we headed to Dumbarnie Links- one of Golfbreaks’ most popular destinations and a course I had been looking forward to. The round starts with a traditional Scottish whisky shot – a great way to settle any nerves! Dumbarnie felt a bit more challenging than Craigielaw, with its rolling hills and sweeping loops, but it was where I made my first-ever birdie – with a little coaching from my group. Celebrating that milestone with a drink at the clubhouse, overlooking the course and the sea, was unforgettable.

That night we stayed at Carnoustie Hotel & Spa, conveniently located right next to Carnoustie Golf Links. The hotel’s spa and restaurant make it a great base for both golfers and non-golfers.

From there, we drove north to Aberdeen. The weather finally turned a bit rainy, so we spent the day enjoying a cozy stay at The Chester Hotel, complete with a traditional Sunday Roast – a bucket list moment for me – and watching Rory McIlroy win the Masters for the first time on TV.

Next up was Nairn Golf Club, my third and final round of the trip. Nairn is a classic out-and-back links course, and definitely the most tactical of the trip – tricky greens and precise shots required! Even though it was challenging, I loved putting my new links golf skills to the test.

We stayed at Castle Stuart, in a charming cottage right next to the old castle with views of the course and the surrounding Highlands. From there, we visited Brora Golf Club, a course that’s been mostly unchanged since 1941, and continued north to Dornoch.

Dornoch Station Hotel was my favorite hotel of the trip – beautifully designed, cozy, and just a short walk to Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the town itself. This was the perfect spot to relax, with excellent restaurants and bars right on site.

On the way back south, we checked into Gailes Hotel & Spa near Troon. The rainy weather caught up with us again, so we happily traded golf clubs for a spa pass and enjoyed a relaxing day.

On the last day, we dropped the guys off for their round at Prestwick Golf Club – where the first Open Championship was played in 1860 – and took the train to Edinburgh for shopping, dining, and exploring. This city is a dream for non-golfers or anyone looking to extend their golf trip to Scotland with a few extra days of sightseeing.

Our final night was spent at The Leddie Hotel just outside Edinburgh, a cozy spot that felt like a bed & breakfast – the perfect place to unwind before an easy drive to the airport the next morning.

Traveling to the Home of Golf as a relatively new golfer can feel intimidating, but Scotland made me feel welcome from the first tee shot to the last Guinness. The landscapes, the legendary golf courses, the cozy hotels, and the incredible food made this golf trip to Scotland unforgettable.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a Scotland golf package with Golfbreaks but worried about not being “good enough,” let me assure you – it’s not about the scorecard. It’s about the confidence you build, the friendships you strengthen, and the memories you create along the way. Scotland has a way of reminding you why you fell in love with this game in the first place.