Golf at 5 Amazing Courses in the World's top 100
Our voyage begins in Dublin. From here we sail north to play Ballyliffin in Ireland. We then sail up the west coast of Scotland, passing the picturesque islands of Islay, Mull and Skye and playing golf at the hidden gems of Macrihanish and Askernish. Further north we spend a day in the Orkney Islands before sailing south to Inverness, where we have access to two outstanding courses. At Aberdeen we find ourselves on the doorstep of both Cruden Bay and the Royal Aberdeen, our final courses before the journey ends in Edinburgh.
YOUR DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY
Incredible golf courses, superb landscapes, rich history and ancient culture. Our voyage begins in Dublin. We then sail up the west coast of Scotland, passing the picturesque islands of Islay, Mull and Skye and playing golf at the hidden gems of Macrihanish and Askernish. From here we sail west to play Ballyliffin in Ireland. Further north we spend a day in the Orkney Islands before sailing south to Inverness, where we have access to two outstanding courses. At Aberdeen we find ourselves on the doorstep of both Cruden Bay and the Royal Aberdeen, our final courses before the journey ends in Edinburgh.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 / DUBLIN, IRELAND
(WEDNESDAY, 05 JUNE 2019)
Our epic journey begins this afternoon in Dublin. We gather at our central meeting point then transfer to the pier for embarkation. Once on board and settled in our rooms we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner before casting off and heading north, up the rugged Irish coast. Later we can relax on deck with an Irish whiskey and compare our ‘almost had a hole in one’ golfing stories with fellow travelers.
DAY 2 / Campbeltown, Scotland | Machrihanish
Our first stop in Scotland will be to play either Machrihanish (#61) or adjacent Machrihanish Dunes. These two courses are naturally maintained – so much so, that you may see the odd Hebridean black sheep wandering through the rough. The Dunes is also home to a spa for those who need a little pampering. The peaceful village of nearby Campbeltown was once known as the “whisky capital of the world” as it was home to 34 distilleries. Only three remain today and are all worth a visit.
DAY 3 / Ballyliffin Golf Club
During the night we will have sailed west to Ballyliffin in Ireland. Ballyliffin Golf Club is widely regarded as the finest links complex in Ireland and prides itself on having world-class presentation standards all year round, renowned for its hospitality, spectacular setting and outstanding facilities.
DAY 4 /The Hebridean Islands, Scotland & THE ‘LOST COURSE’ OF ASKERNISH
Today we wake up anchored off the shores of South Uist, the second largest island of the Outer Hebrides. Awaiting the golfers is another course of great historical significance. Built by Old Tom Morris, this course thrived until the First World War. Then for almost 100 years it sat untouched and untended until in 2005 a group of locals, with the help of some of golf’s biggest names, brought it back to life. A true links course providing a challenging test, we play through beautiful rolling dunes alongside the bracing Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 5 / KIRKWALL, ORKNEY ISLANDS, SCOTLAND
Today we anchor at the beautiful seaside town of Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. Wander through town exploring local crafts, art galleries, an unexpected collection of silversmith artists, or perhaps a tour and tasting at the Highland Park Distillery! A visit to St. Magnus Cathedral is an absolute ‘must’. Later in the day we head to Skara Brae, an outstanding Neolithic village and UNESCO World Heritage Site established over 5000 years ago. While there is a golf course in Kirkwall, golfers may want to take the day off to conserve their energy for the next two days of golfing challenges.
DAY 6 / INVERNESS, ROYAL DORNOCH & CASTLE STUART
From our anchorage in Inverness we transfer to play a choice of two courses. Castle Stuart (#53) has dramatic views over the Moray Firth out to the Black Isle. The Royal Dornoch (#2) officially opened in 1616, but the current club was established in 1886 by Old Tom Morris. If you have an interest in local history we’ll head to Culloden Moor, where the Jacobites fought their final battle in 1745. The more curious in the group may want to take a day trip to Loch Ness for a chance viewing of 'Nessie' - the Loch Ness Monster.
DAY 7 / / ABERDEEN, CRUDEN BAY & ROYAL ABERDEEN GOLF CLUB
We anchor today at Aberdeen, where again we have the choice of playing two different courses – Cruden Bay (#56) or the historic Balgownie course at Royal Aberdeen (#71). Those playing Cruden Bay will again find themselves walking in the footsteps of course designer Old Tom Morris. The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780 and is the sixth oldest golf club in the world. The course hosted the Scottish Open in 2014, won by England's Justin Rose. The green is surrounded by no less than 10 bunkers and wayward tee shots will be punished.
DAY 8 / EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
(WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE 2019) DISEMBARK
This morning we arrive at Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and your disembarkation point. After breakfast it is time to bid farewell to your crew and fellow travelers as we disembark RCGS Resolute. A transfer to downtown Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Airport, is provided for all guests, Emerald Tours has a partner in Edinburgh who can help arrange additional days and more golf, plus a historic walk up the Royal Mile to the famous Castle.
(WEDNESDAY, 05 JUNE 2019)
Our epic journey begins this afternoon in Dublin. We gather at our central meeting point then transfer to the pier for embarkation. Once on board and settled in our rooms we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner before casting off and heading north, up the rugged Irish coast. Later we can relax on deck with an Irish whiskey and compare our ‘almost had a hole in one’ golfing stories with fellow travelers.
DAY 2 / Campbeltown, Scotland | Machrihanish
Our first stop in Scotland will be to play either Machrihanish (#61) or adjacent Machrihanish Dunes. These two courses are naturally maintained – so much so, that you may see the odd Hebridean black sheep wandering through the rough. The Dunes is also home to a spa for those who need a little pampering. The peaceful village of nearby Campbeltown was once known as the “whisky capital of the world” as it was home to 34 distilleries. Only three remain today and are all worth a visit.
DAY 3 / Ballyliffin Golf Club
During the night we will have sailed west to Ballyliffin in Ireland. Ballyliffin Golf Club is widely regarded as the finest links complex in Ireland and prides itself on having world-class presentation standards all year round, renowned for its hospitality, spectacular setting and outstanding facilities.
DAY 4 /The Hebridean Islands, Scotland & THE ‘LOST COURSE’ OF ASKERNISH
Today we wake up anchored off the shores of South Uist, the second largest island of the Outer Hebrides. Awaiting the golfers is another course of great historical significance. Built by Old Tom Morris, this course thrived until the First World War. Then for almost 100 years it sat untouched and untended until in 2005 a group of locals, with the help of some of golf’s biggest names, brought it back to life. A true links course providing a challenging test, we play through beautiful rolling dunes alongside the bracing Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 5 / KIRKWALL, ORKNEY ISLANDS, SCOTLAND
Today we anchor at the beautiful seaside town of Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. Wander through town exploring local crafts, art galleries, an unexpected collection of silversmith artists, or perhaps a tour and tasting at the Highland Park Distillery! A visit to St. Magnus Cathedral is an absolute ‘must’. Later in the day we head to Skara Brae, an outstanding Neolithic village and UNESCO World Heritage Site established over 5000 years ago. While there is a golf course in Kirkwall, golfers may want to take the day off to conserve their energy for the next two days of golfing challenges.
DAY 6 / INVERNESS, ROYAL DORNOCH & CASTLE STUART
From our anchorage in Inverness we transfer to play a choice of two courses. Castle Stuart (#53) has dramatic views over the Moray Firth out to the Black Isle. The Royal Dornoch (#2) officially opened in 1616, but the current club was established in 1886 by Old Tom Morris. If you have an interest in local history we’ll head to Culloden Moor, where the Jacobites fought their final battle in 1745. The more curious in the group may want to take a day trip to Loch Ness for a chance viewing of 'Nessie' - the Loch Ness Monster.
DAY 7 / / ABERDEEN, CRUDEN BAY & ROYAL ABERDEEN GOLF CLUB
We anchor today at Aberdeen, where again we have the choice of playing two different courses – Cruden Bay (#56) or the historic Balgownie course at Royal Aberdeen (#71). Those playing Cruden Bay will again find themselves walking in the footsteps of course designer Old Tom Morris. The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780 and is the sixth oldest golf club in the world. The course hosted the Scottish Open in 2014, won by England's Justin Rose. The green is surrounded by no less than 10 bunkers and wayward tee shots will be punished.
DAY 8 / EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
(WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE 2019) DISEMBARK
This morning we arrive at Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and your disembarkation point. After breakfast it is time to bid farewell to your crew and fellow travelers as we disembark RCGS Resolute. A transfer to downtown Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Airport, is provided for all guests, Emerald Tours has a partner in Edinburgh who can help arrange additional days and more golf, plus a historic walk up the Royal Mile to the famous Castle.
BALLYLIFFIN GOLF CLUB (IRELAND)Ballyliffin Golf Club is widely regarded as the finest links complex in Ireland and prides itself on having world class presentationstandards all year round, renowned for its hospitality,
spectacular setting and outstanding facilities. The new Glashedy Links is a Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock masterpiece, fashioned around the incredible dunes, and is rated amongst the best links tracks in the world. |
Askernish - Outer Hebrides, (Sc)The legendary ‘lost course’ at Askernish has a fascinating history. Often refered to as a living ‘museum of golf’- the original Old Tom Morris course was designed in 1891. It fell into disrepair in the 1950s and was lovingly brought back to life in 2006. This gem in the Outer Hebrides offers players the chance to experience golf as originally intended when the game was first played over coastal dune settings.
(Golf Digest Scotland course ranking = 98) |
Castle Stuart - Inverness, (Sc)The opening three holes of each nine run away from the clubhouse along the coastline offering spectacular views over the Moray of Firth. This is an expansive and wild looking location and the club has hosted the Scottish Open. Phil Mickelson won here in 2013 before going on to win The Open. Several tee locations are cut into the side of a cliff with an accurate drive onto the fairways below required.
(Golf Digest global course ranking = 50) |
Royal Aberdeen- Aberdeen, (Sc)The eighth oldest golf club in the world, founded in 1780, this is a traditional out-and back links course running along the North Sea, and regarded by many as having the finest first nine holes in golf. Don’t lose your ball in the rough here - the 5-minute rule was made here at Royal Aberdeen back in 1783!
(Golf Digest global course ranking = 57) |
Cruden Bay - Aberneenshire, (Sc)There are few experiences in golf better than walking from the club house to see the entire course and valley present itself. Cruden Bay is wonderful and varied, quirky and challenging all at once. This is truly a superb layout from the Golden Age of golf course architecture providing one of the greatest rounds you will ever play.
(Golf Digest global course ranking = 71) |
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Trip Route
