British Open and Scottish Golfing Tour

Travel to Scotland, the birthplace of Golf, to experience the prestigious British Open in 2012 as well as having to chance to play on some of the best golf courses in the world. With this 9 night tour you will experience some of the best that Scotland has to offer the great game of Golf while also experiencing some of the scottish cultural higlights.

The British Open Golf Championship 2012

Highlight of the golfing Calander – The British Open – in 2012 , held in Royal Lytham St Annes. Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club was founded in 1886 and the present Course was constructed in 1897. The Clubhouse celebrated its Centenary in 1998. It is one of the premier links courses in the world, host to ten previous Open Championships, two Ryder Cups and numerous other major tournaments including the Women’s and Senior’s Open Championships. Northern hospitality has always been famous and Royal Lytham leads the way. You will be made very welcome.

You can be there to share the excitement of Official Open Golf Hospitality at The Open Championship, Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club. Choose from a range of special hospitality packages to enhance your experience.

Trump International Golf Links

Leaving the Open Golf Championship behind, travel north along the coast into the heart of Aberdeenshire. Be one of the first to play the most spectacular new golf course in the world – Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie.

Opening to great acclaim in July 2012, tee time reservations are now being taken for what is being dubbed “The World’s Greatest Golf Course”. The central focus of the development is the golf course designed by Dr. Martin Hawtree, the acknowledged master of links golf course architecture. The championship golf course will be a classical Scottish links. The course will have a Par of 72 and a maximum length of just over 7400 yards. The golf course follows a classical pattern of two out-and-back loops of nine holes. All 18 holes thread their way engagingly through the dunes, rising to find views of the sea and coastline, plunging into secluded valleys, offering a sequence of superlative topography, landscape, alternating spaciousness and enclosure, panoramic views, a rich texture of vegetation and wildlife habitats surrounding the golf holes. Each hole will have 5 separate tees catering for all classes of golfer. Bunkers will be placed to challenge the stronger player and not unduly punish the weaker golfer. Bunkers will be turf-revetted in traditional style to combat wind and erosion and sand-blow. Greens have been sited in natural promontories and valleys and will be featured in relation to their setting.

The Trump course is within travelling distance from both St Andrews and Gleneagles , alternatively fantastic accommodation is also available within the area.

The 5 Star Marcliffe Hotel & Spa

(one night accommodation including dinner B&B)

The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a prestigious five-star luxury hotel set in 11 acres of beautiful wooded grounds on the western fringe of Aberdeen – only 3 miles from the city centre of Europe’s oil capital. With 35 rooms and 7 suites, this privately owned hotel is designed as a restful, elegant refuge for both the businessman and leisure traveller. Antique furniture links with traditional and contemporary styles of fabric to create an atmosphere of comfort and good taste.

St Andrews

Look out from your balcony at the Old Course Hotel & what can you see? The familiar contours of the Old Course, perhaps the most famous square mile of mown grass in the world. The unmistakable profile of the Swilken Bridge that has carried in its time, ever great golfer who ever lived. The mellowed grey stone of the Roya l & Ancien t clubhouse. Looking from the comfort & splendour of one of Scotland’s most complete resort hotels, you are at the every heart of the Home of Golf.

The hotel has 144 rooms in total, including some stunning suites – all rooms are designed to offer a welcoming haven with contemporary fabrics, soft furnishings.

• 3 rounds of golf-one at the Old Course, one on the New, or Jubilee and one on The Dukes
• Full Scottish Breakfast each morning
• Three nights accommodation at the “Old Course Hotel"
• Visit to the British Golf Museum and to the Driving Range
• Lunches served on two days in St Andrews Links Clubhouse and one day in the Duke’s Clubhouse
• Souvenir group photograph taken on the first tee of the Old Course
• Three course dinner in The Road Hole Grill on one evening
• A generous range of official souvenir merchandise
• Presentation brochure, wallet, maps, itinerary and handbook
• Transfers each day to golf courses and return, including full bag transfer service

* Please note that the handicap limit on the Old Course for men is 24 and 36 for ladies

The Road Hole Grill – often described as St Andrew’s most memorable dining 
Experience, l was awarded a coveted third AA rosette in October in 2007. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the elegant grillroom offers panoramic views over the St Andrews links, the surrounding countryside & the sea. With a spectacular setting, the championship Duke’s Course gives magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea.

The Spa is deservedly rated as one of the best in Europe. It is inspired by life-enhancing natural elements from land & ocean, & uses only the finest international products. Indulge your senses, enhance your well-being & restore your inner-balance.

An offsite evening option – perfect for the golfer, Hill of Tatvit Mansion house
Only 12 miles from St Andrews, Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse is home to an outstanding collection of European paintings, furniture and tapestries, and is perhaps the finest Edwardian mansion in Scotland. Built by the Dundee financier Frederick Bower Sharp to house his internationally important collection of paintings and furniture, Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse is the epitome of Edwardian elegance. Harnessing the talents of only the very finest craftsmen, Sharp commissioned Robert Lorimer, the most eminent architect of his day to design the house. With 40 acres of garden and open estate there are also opportunities to use the grounds for outdoor activities. The Kingarrock Golf Course onsite at Hill of Tarvit is a 9 hole course using hickory shafts and softer golf balls. Available for private events from August 2010, Hill of Tarvit is a sensational setting for dinner – a drinks reception on the terrace, perhaps a friendly game on the croquet lawn before entering the house for a spectacular dinner by award winning event caterers.

Golfing Activity Options

Archerfield Links

Archerfield lies between Muirfield and North Berwick, two great and famous courses. It shares the same coastline; the same views; similar terrain. Golf has been played on the estate for centuries, and the 7,000-yard Fidra and 7,000-yard Dirleton courses, laid out by senior tour professional David Russell, opened in 2004 and 2006. The courses are bounded by pine woods and sand dunes, include some fast-running links and open out onto spectacular views of the Forth Estuary and the Bass Rock. There are also state-of-the-art practice facilities.

Gullane Golf Club is home to three links courses, with three hundred years of history. Course Number One– 6466 yards dates back to 1884 & has a long history of hosting international championship events including Open Championship Qualifying & the Scottish Amateur Championship. The course offers fantastic views across the Firth of Forth to Fife plus the East Lothian countryside.

North Berwick Golf Club – WEST LINKS – 6420 yards – Par 71. The 13th oldest Club in the world, founded in 1832. The West Links is another championship course and recently was the final qualifying course for the 121st Open. It is yet another “links” course and offers super views over the Firth of Forth to Fife.

Non Golfing Activities Options

OPTION 1 – Walking tour of St Andrews and visit to Castle & Cathedral St Andrews

The ancient ecclesiastical & academic capital of Scotland & “home of golf” is most easily enjoyed by foot. Departing from the Old Course Hotel, a gentle walk to the hallowed portals of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club – the governing body of the game of golf worldwide – except in the US and Mexico. Continue along the Scores past the Martyr’s Monument to St Andrews Castle. The ruined castle, overlooking the sea was founded in 1200 & rebuilt at several periods. Here Cardinal Beaton was murdered in 1546 & the first round of the Reformation struggle was fought out in the siege that followed. The Cathedral is the next stop. Once the largest church in the country the remains included parts of the east & west gables, the south wall of the nave & portions of the choir & south transept mostly built in the 12th & 13th centuries.

St Andrews boasts the oldest university in Scotland dating back to 1411 – the 15th century Church of St Salvator now the chapel for the united colleges of St Salvator (1450) & St Leonard (1511); St Mary’s College (1537) with its quadrangle; & the 16th century St Leonard’s Chapel. Part of the medieval walls still remain and for the energetic & longer walk can take in the city boundaries. Time permitting a visit can be made to the British Golf Museum where 500 years of golfing history can be traced.

OPTION 2 – Land Yachting on West Sands

A short walk from the Old Course Hotel to the West Sands beach in St Andrews – location for the classic British film – Chariots of Fire. Chariots of Fire, released in 1981 and based on the true story of British athletes preparing for and competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, and won four, including Best Picture. 

The most iconic scenes in the film, set to Academy award winning music by Vangelis took place right here on the West Sands beach in St Andrews. Walk the same steps along the stunning coastline that captured so many hearts when the film was released and remains one of the most memorable scenes in British cinema today.

For the active members of the group, a unique opportunity to try a sport fast becoming a regular feature on West Sands – Land Yachting. So what is Land Yachting? It is a 3 wheeled land based craft with a fixed mast and wind surfing sail where the pilot is sitting or lying down using the hands to control the sail and the feet to control the steering. After an initial briefing and safety chat you will be kitted out with your safety gear and allocated your land yacht for the session. You will learn the basic landsailing techniques and manoeuvres enabling you to progress along the beach, master gybe turns progressing to figure of eights and the dreaded slalom course! Huge amounts of fun for both participants and spectators, there is no better location to try this amazing activity than here at West Sands, St Andrews.

For an exclusive dinner, one of Scotland’s most historic Castles and crowning place of kings and queens : Scone Palace. A gala farewell that is full of pomp & ceremony at the magnificent Scone Palace. Known as the “crowning place of Scottish Kings”, where the legendary Macbeth, Robert the Bruce & Charles II were all crowned. The Palace is one of the most elegant & stately of Scotland’s Royal palaces & it would exclusively yours for the evening. Upon arrival, guests would be welcomed by the haunting sounds of the Castle Piper as they make their way down the elegant, formal drive, magnificently lit with gas flambeaux. Costumed footmen will assist guests with coats & then they are then at leisure to enjoy a champagne reception, whilst strolling through the magnificent State Apartments including the State Drawing Room & Dining Room to background entertainment in the form of a pianist. Following on from reception drinks, guests would be led through into the Long Gallery, a stunning area for dinner. At one end, the magnificent organ dominates the setting.

Additional Extras:

A short journey north of St Andrews, the infamous and romantic Glamis Castle. Departing from St Andrews, crossing the magnificent Tay Bridge across the River Tay.

Through the rural Angus countryside to Glamis Castle – the seat of the Earls of Strathmore & Kinghorne, which has been a Royal Residence since 1372. It was the childhood home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother & birthplace of Princess Margaret Rose. Often considered the most beautiful of the Scottish castles, it is built of red sandstone with turrets, towers & chimneys.

VIP private reception followed by a delicious 4 course dinner serving the finest local produce – some of which comes directly from the estate.

Edinburgh

Considered to be one of the finest hotels in Scotland & with a location to match. Situated at “One Princes Street” in the heart of the city with stunning views of Edinburgh’s most famous landmark – the Castle. The Balmoral offers 188 opulent suites & stylish rooms with views towards Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, or the hotel’s internal courtyard. All bedrooms were fully refurbished in the hotel’s recent £7 million refurbishment programme, which included The Balmoral’s signature conference & banqueting suite, the “Sir Walter Scott Suite”, as well as seven further conference & banqueting suites, Hadrian’s Brasserie, Michelin starred Number One restaurant & the hotel lobby. East Lothian is only a 45-minute transfer from Edinburgh & offers some of the finest golf available.

Dinner option one – Prestonfield House

Built in 1687 as the grand baroque home of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Prestonfield is now Edinburgh’s most luxurious properties. Prestonfield is situated only five minutes from Edinburgh’s finest shopping streets and the historic attractions of the Royal Mile, yet, surrounded by twenty acres of gardens and parkland, it provides the privacy and seclusion of a country estate.

Opulence, theatre and luxury are combined in James Thomson’s quirky and stylish reworking of this A-listed historic century mansion where minimalism is banished and maximalism rules! Described by Time Out as “Edinburgh’s star restaurateur", owner James Thomson recently received the national accolade of “Restaurateur of the Year" to add to his many other awards.

Italian Room

Dramatically panelled with painted scenes as a souvenir of an eighteenth century Grand Tour, the green and gilt Italian Room is one of Prestonfield’s most historic rooms and the most sought-after private dining room in the city. Dine in a room that has played host to Presidents, Prime Ministers, Royalty and stars of every age – from Boswell, Johnson and Benjamin Franklin to Oliver Reed, Lauren Bacall and Elton John. A private whisky tasting featuring some rare malts will round the evening off perfectly! 

Dinner option two – Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a privater members club on Queen Street, is a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh’s city centre, with stunning views, high ceilings and classical details. Its bright and elegant spaces are complemented by modern design and contemporary lighting to bring you some of Edinburgh’s most desirable private dining space. A spectacular sweeping staircase ascends through 3 floors, creating a light and welcoming atmosphere. The North View Room enjoy exceptional views towards the Firth of Forth and Fife. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the world’s leading specialist in single malt, single cask and cask-strength whiskies with over 20,000 members worldwide. To enhance your dinner in this very special venue, why not add a tutored whisky tasting experience – learn to distinguish the different flavours and aromas in the hundreds of Scottish malt whiskies available by one of the society’s knowledgeable experts.

For a traditional twist to the evening, gentlemen can be dressed in full traditional Highland dress. The outfit includes: shirt; tie; jacket; kilt; sporran; socks (or hose); flashes; shoes and replica sgian dhub (the small dagger inserted into the top of the hose). The outfits fitted to exact measurements and delivered to the hotel, the perfect opportunity to feel the pride in wearing Scotland’s national dress. For the ladies, beautiful tartan sashes and celtic brooches to compliment either their own outfit or their partner’s kilt. 

Return to hotel 

Non Golfing Activities Options

Edinburgh City tour & Castle visit

The historic Old Town & at its heart, the Royal Mile, without doubt one of the most famous streets in the world. It links together two of our most popular & noted landmarks – the Castle & Palace of Holyroodhouse. Edinburgh Castle, the “jewel in Scotland’s crown” dates back over 900 years & continues to dominate the city & skyline. The glories of Scotland, Crown Jewels & Stone of Destiny can also be viewed. The Palace of Holyrood – the official residence of HM, The Queen in Scotland. This magnificent baroque palace is closely associated with Scotland’s rich history & is today the country’s only working royal palace. Adjacent to the Palace are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded by King David I in the 12th century. At Greyfriars Kirk, the terrier “Bobby” mourned his master faithfully for 14 years – see the statue of the little dog on George VI Bridge. As a direct contrast to the Old Town, see the New Town, quite possibly the best remaining example of Georgian architecture in the UK. Dating back to 1767, it is characterised by elegant & formal gardens & squares. The buildings, many with columns, high ceilings have a classical, almost palatial feel & façade. 

She is the most famous ship in the world. Home to HM The Queen & Royal Family, the Royal Yacht Britannia, was launched in 1953 & sailed over a million miles in the 43 years spent as the sovereign ship of the Royal Navy. Once of the more recent additions to Scotland, The Scottish Parliament Building, which was opened by HM The Queen, in 2004. A visit to Edinburgh Castle , with stunning views over the city. Enjoy a 2 course lunch in a popular city restaurant and some time at leisure, perhaps for some souvenir shopping or simply taking in the many sights Scotland’s capital city has to offer.

Fly back to Manchester to head home