The Ultimate In Golfing Getaways St Andrews

The Ultimate in Golfing Getaways â€" St. Andrews

So you love golf. You live golf, breath golf, and every vacation you book is somehow tied into golfing. You do not book a hotel if there is no golf course readily accessible, and you do not bother going on vacation unless there are 18 holes of lush greens nearby. Why not book the ultimate in golfing getaways â€" St. Andrews, Scotland?

Accommodations are plentiful for this once in a lifetime trip. Take for example the famous Strathtyrum house which is right across the street from the most famous golf course in the entire world: the Old Course. Sure, the other St. Andrews courses are nearby, but the Old Course is where true connoisseurs of the game want to play. Beginners will enjoy Balgove, while other may wish to try their luck on the New Course, Jubilee, Strathtyrum or Eden.

Another outstanding location is the Old Course Hotel and Resort, which actually overlooks the 17th hole of the Old Course. It has been voted the world's leading golf resort, and you will have to pay for this distinction. In return, you may be assured to have the golf vacation of a lifetime.

If this is a bit too rich for your blood, why not try the Old Station Country House, which is located a few miles outside of St. Andrews and is actually a restored railway station. A wonderful little Bed and Breakfast that is somewhat off the beaten path, the accommodations are unique and comfortable. Another Bed and Breakfast, the Ducks Crossing, is located about ten minutes away from the first hole of the Old Course and its Victorian charm as well as its museum like quality of artifacts makes for a great conversation starter.

The Inn on North street has rooms for weary travelers as well as a happening bar and restaurant. Located only four minutes away from the first hole of the Old Course, this location is a coveted spot for travelers and diners alike.

St. Andrews Bay is quite possibly another of the most luxurious accommodations available for golf enthusiasts. Opened in 2001, this resort caters to the family. For those parents who cannot wait to hit the course but don't have a sitter, the hotel operates the Bay Gulls program which seeks to safely occupy the children while the parents go about playing golf. The children will play parachute games, go on outings to the historic sites surrounding the resort, and will also have meals and other activities to keep them happily entertained.

Various other local bed and breakfast outfits vie for the business of avid golfers, so it does pay to shop around. Be sure to ask for hidden fees and extras. Travel in the United States varies greatly from travel in Scotland, and what Americans may sometimes take for granted by way of accommodation is a novelty or an extra in a foreign country. You may also wish to ask for other sightseeing tours that are available, after all, Scotland is a land of history and beauty and you will miss out significantly if you do not take advantage of the sights and sounds this great country has to offer.

When wishing to play the Old Course, you will need to keep in mind that reserving a tee time there is a lot different than setting up a time at the local country club. Rather than arriving and then attempting to set up a time, do so before you even leave home! You may contact the course via e-mail or regular mail and offer three available dates. In addition, you must provide the course with a valid handicap certificate.

Another way of getting a tee time at the Old Course may be by booking through a specialized travel agency. Some agents have been given guaranteed tee times to the course, and if you book through them, you will be able to get onto the golf course without the hassle of having to book the time yourself. Of course, do expect to pay a little extra for this convenience!

As you can see, a golfing getaway to St. Andrews is a wonderful experience, and with so many choices of available resorts and bed and breakfast inns, you will be ensured to create the tip of a lifetime!