Question:
My trip to Scotland this summer is in the finalizing stage. We will be in Scotland from June 16th to July 5th. (I’d guess the UK isn’t into Rocket’s Red Glare on July 4th). The plan is to stay 4 days in Fife, 4 days in Lothian and 4 days in the Highlands. we have some mighty good golf set-up. Unfortunately, I could not convince my friends to head down to Machrihanish, a course I really want to play, and play more than once. So I’m thinking of staying over in Scotland for another week or so. Maybe pop in and watch the Scottish Open at Carnoustie July 10th through 13th and then head to England to watch this tournament Shea makes such a fuss over that will be at Royal Lytham & St. Annes from July 18th through 21st. That would give me a little more than 4 weeks in the UK. I’ve never had more than a weeks vacation in my life. I’d like the last two weeks to be casual. No real plan, just rent a car and stay in B&Bs along the way. If anybody in Scotland, or in England on the road between Glasgow and Manchester wants to get together for a round or two, let me know. Now if I can just remain calm until June 16th! Dan King Machrihanish was not a grueling course, but any legitimate scratch golfer who went around in level fours would be extremely delighted. And yet I don’t think a twenty-handicapper would ever struggle to break a hundred there. Machrihanish was fun, yet challenging, a combination that is surprisingly rare. –Michael Bamberger
Response:
My trip to Scotland this summer is in the finalizing stage. We will be in Scotland from June 16th to July 5th. (I’d guess the UK isn’t into Rocket’s Red Glare on July 4th). The plan is to stay 4 days in Fife, 4 days in Lothian and 4 days in the Highlands. we have some mighty good golf set-up.
<Snip I’d like the last two weeks to be casual. No real plan, just rent a car and stay in B&Bs along the way. If anybody in Scotland, or in England on the road between Glasgow and Manchester wants to get together for a round or two, let me know. Now if I can just remain calm until June 16th! Dan King
This sounds like fun. I really want to be there when you have a decision to go for it on the 18th or lay up when needing an eagle or better to win! Even betteri if you were accompanied by Shea who was getting blown all over the course on a windy Scottish day. 
Zinger the amused.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My trip to Scotland this summer is in the finalizing stage. We will be in Scotland from June 16th to July 5th. (I’d guess the UK isn’t into Rocket’s Red Glare on July 4th). The plan is to stay 4 days in Fife, 4 days in Lothian and 4 days in the Highlands. we have some mighty good golf set-up. Unfortunately, I could not convince my friends to head down to Machrihanish, a course I really want to play, and play more than once. So I’m thinking of staying over in Scotland for another week or so. Maybe pop in and watch the Scottish Open at Carnoustie July 10th through 13th and then head to England to watch this tournament Shea makes such a fuss over that will be at Royal Lytham & St. Annes from July 18th through 21st. That would give me a little more than 4 weeks in the UK. I’ve never had more than a weeks vacation in my life. I’d like the last two weeks to be casual. No real plan, just rent a car and stay in B&Bs along the way. If anybody in Scotland, or in England on the road between Glasgow and Manchester wants to get together for a round or two, let me know. Now if I can just remain calm until June 16th!
I hear Gleneagles is not to be missed, especially for the accomodations. I’ve heard good things about Western Gales and Royal Dornoch is one of Watson’s very favorites. Ken
Response:
Unfortunately, I could not convince my friends to head down to Machrihanish<
If you are able to get to Machrihanish and like it, you would probably also enjoy Machrie, on the island of Islay. It is used very sparingly, and I think it must be one of the last-remaining true links courses. It is quite close to Machrihanish as the crow flies, and reachable by air or ferry. You probably have a copy of Donald Steel’s excellent book, ‘ Classic Golf Links of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland’, in which both courses are described. In addition, Harry Vardon had high praise for the Machrie course in ‘The Complete Golfer’. Steel also edited ‘The Golf Course Guide to the British Isles’, a comprehensive listing, useful for travellers.
Response:
(The King Tour heads to Scotland), you write: My trip to Scotland this summer is in the finalizing stage. We will be in Scotland from June 16th to July 5th. (I’d guess the UK isn’t into Rocket’s Red Glare on July 4th). The plan is to stay 4 days in Fife, 4 days in Lothian and 4 days in the Highlands. we have some mighty good golf set-up.
You’ll enjoy yourself, if your itinerary includes the North Berwick / Gullane area of Lothian, give me a shout. Muirfield I am sure will be part of your plans but if not I could show you around the clubhouse etc. if your time permits. Dougie– East Lothian, Scotland UK