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Frequently Asked Questions

We hope the following information is helpful to you. If we have not answered your questions, then please contact us and we will be delighted to be of assistance.

The Golfing Season

Links courses, because of their proximity to the sea and the drier climate found here, can generally be played throughout the year.

The Scottish golfing season generally starts at the beginning of April and runs to mid October.
The best weather is usually found in the months of May and September when clearer skies and more moderate temperatures make it ideal for golf. The countryside is also at its best during these months when the colours are most vibrant.

When to Play

Due to its northern location, Scotland enjoys extensive daylight hours throughout the summer months. From late May until early September it starts to get light at 5 a.m. and does not get dark until 10 p.m. For golfers it is perfectly feasible to go out for a round after an early dinner.
Most golf courses open for business between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Some of the first morning tee times are reserved for members and this might be the same in early afternoon. Weekends are different, however.

What to Wear

With an average summer temperature ranging between 60F and 74F (15°C and 23°C) and an unpredictable climate, a woollen sweater and waterproofs are worth keeping at hand as the weather – especially at the coast and on high ground – can change quickly. Most clubs now have dress codes incorporated in their rulebooks. Jeans, collarless shirts and trainers are frowned upon, although some clubs have a more relaxed dress code. In one or two of the most traditional clubs, there is an insistence that gentlemen wear a jacket, collar in tie in the main lounge.

Handicap certificates

If you have a handicap certificate and a letter of introduction, do not leave home without them.

Arranging your Golf

To avoid disappointment when planning your tour, if is recommended that booking should make as far in advance as possible. This is particularly true of course such as St. Andrews Old or Muirfield where application to play sometimes requires to be made as much as 18 months in advance. While this only applies to the more popular and historic courses, most other courses will find space for casual golfers on most days.

Shop Opening Hours

Opening hours for shops and most relevant facilities are generally 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. in all towns. Convenience stores and petrol stations open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. / midnight, although there are many that now open 24 hrs. Pubs and bars typically are open 11 a.m. to midnight in most towns with 1 a.m. / 3 a.m. the norm at the weekends, particularly in the bigger cities.

Currency/Credit Cards

Main stores, hotels and restaurants in Scotland will accept the majority of credit cards. However, it is always advisable to carry some £ sterling – many smaller accommodation establishments such as B&Bs and Guest Houses may not accept credit cards and this also applies to other small businesses.

Banks usually open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a few opening later on Thursdays and Saturday mornings. Scottish banks issue their bank notes for all denominations, which differ from English notes but are of the same value and are accepted elsewhere in the UK (although it is advisable to exchange one-pound notes for pound coins before leaving the country.
In Scotland, bank usually give the best exchange rate for foreign currency, however, it is possible to change money in airports, larger rail stations, travel agents, the larger hotels, and some tourist information centres. Most towns and cities have cash machines where you can obtain British currency using your credit card.

Caddies, Clubs, Trolleys and Carts

Caddies are available at most of the bigger courses but should be requested in advance. Hand trolleys are available for hire at most courses as are clubs. Carts are more common nowadays but walking is still generally the rule in Scotland. If you require a ride on cart for medical reasons, book it well in advance. Trolleys are allowed on the Old Course, St. Andrews between April and October after midday. Golfers who are registered disabled with a permanent condition of disability and relevant supporting documentation may request a buggy for use on the Old Course between April and October. It will be driven by a qualified caddie driver and the fee is £40. The golfer’s disability documentation should be provided at the time of booking.

Telephoning to and from overseas

If calling from overseas, you should dial 00 44 and drop the first 0 of the area code.
Within the UK you drop the 00 44 and insert a 0, e.g. +44 141 becomes 0141.

In case of Emergency

To summon the police, ambulance or fire brigade, telephone 999 on any phone. There is no charge for this service but it should only be used in real emergencies for any of these services.

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