Tweddell Golf Travel

Why the new changes to the Old Course Matter — And Why Now Is the Time to Plan Your St Andrews Golf Trip!

Few places in the world evoke the spirit of golf like the Old Course at St Andrews. It’s the most iconic layout on the planet, a living museum of the game’s evolution. Because of its heritage, the custodians of the Old Course have always been exceptionally cautious about course changes. 

Upon the announcement of the 2027 Open Championship, updates to select tee boxes has has been deemed necessary to keep up with the modern times. These enhancements aren’t about modernising for the sake of modernising; they’re about protecting the integrity of the course and ensuring that strategic elements — including some of its legendary bunkers — remain relevant for today’s top players.

Respecting History While Responding to Modern Golf

Planning a memorable golf journey often leads to a choice between Scotland and Ireland, two nations steeped in character, coastline, and sporting legacy. Each has its own rhythm, its own landscape, and its own way of welcoming visitors. Below, we explore in greater detail what makes both destinations exceptional—not only for golf but for culture, scenery, food, and the small, vivid experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

5 Reasons Scotland Is Great for a Golf Trip

1. The Home of Golf

Golf in Scotland is more than a sport; it is a thread woven through the country’s identity. Walking onto the turf of St Andrews or Carnoustie isn’t simply arriving at a golf course—it's stepping into the narrative of the game itself. Fairways here have witnessed centuries of competition, shaping the rules, traditions, and spirit that define golf today. Playing in Scotland allows you to sense this heritage in a very real way: the firmness of the links under your feet, the unpredictable coastal winds, the understated but unmistakable reverence locals hold for the game. Between rounds, the towns surrounding these iconic courses offer their own charm. St Andrews, with its cobbled lanes and medieval architecture, feels almost like an open-air museum. Local pubs buzz with stories from golfers who traveled the world to play here. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or fulfilling a lifelong dream to play the Old Course, Scotland provides the rare experience of connecting directly with the origins of the sport.

2. Iconic Links Courses at Every Turn

The journey begins as you touch down in Edinburgh, clubs in tow and excitement in the air. There’s always something special about that first breath of Scottish air—it carries with it a sense of history, of tradition, and of anticipation for the golf adventure to come. From the capital, the road west beckons, winding its way through rolling countryside before giving way to the dramatic Ayrshire coastline, where the first chapter of your Open Championship story unfolds.

On your very first day, you’ll tee it up at Turnberry’s Ailsa Course. Few settings in golf compare to this majestic links, where the iconic lighthouse stands sentinel over the 9th green and the waters of the Firth of Clyde stretch endlessly into the horizon. It was here in 1977 that Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson played out the legendary “Duel in the Sun,” and as you make your way down those same fairways, you’ll feel the echoes of their battle in every gust of sea breeze. After the round, a return to the comfort of the Trump Turnberry Resort feels like stepping into a grand tradition of hospitality—luxury with a distinctly Scottish soul.

The following morning, it’s time for Royal Troon, another Open Championship colossus. The course may begin with generous opening holes, but by the time you step onto the famed Postage Stamp, you understand why Troon has humbled so many champions. For us at Tweddell Golf Travel, there’s an extra layer of magic here. Our director, Gareth Lord, was on the bag for Henrik Stenson in 2016 when he edged Phil Mickelson in what many consider the greatest head-to-head battle in Open history. With special arrangement, Gareth can join you on these very fairways, sharing first-hand what it felt like to live through that epic contest. Hearing those stories while standing on the same turf will leave memories etched as deeply as the championship itself.

Day three takes you to Prestwick, where the very first Open Championship was played in 1860. The charm of Prestwick is undeniable—quirky holes, blind shots, and a sense that you are walking straight into golf’s past. Every bunker, every dune, seems to whisper stories of champions who came before. After your round, you’ll return to the Marine Troon Hotel, perfectly placed to soak in sea views and reflect on your west coast adventures.

With Ayrshire complete, the journey continues east across Scotland, towards the town that every golfer dreams of visiting: St Andrews. Your home here will be the Rusacks Hotel, where the windows look out directly onto the Old Course, and the buzz of golf fills every corner of town. The first round in Fife comes at Carnoustie, a course both feared and revered. Known as “Car-Nasty” for its unforgiving layout, it has witnessed triumph and heartbreak in equal measure. Walking its fairways, you can’t help but feel the weight of its history.

Last week, I had one of the most incredible experiences of my career – caddying for none other than Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest ice hockey player of all time, at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Partnering with Dustin Johnson, it was an unforgettable introduction to the tournament for Wayne and an absolute thrill for me to be part of it.

Day one at Carnoustie was spectacular. Dustin Johnson was in incredible form, shooting an 8 under par 64 – truly a masterclass in golf. Walking the course alongside Wayne and Dustin, I could see the joy and excitement in Wayne’s eyes as he soaked in the challenge of the course. Unfortunately, day two at Kingsbarns brought the typical Scottish weather we’ve all come to expect – Storm Amy rolled in, and the conditions were testing for everyone. Despite the challenges, Wayne was eager to learn, and I was delighted to share some insights about St Andrews, a place I’ve called home for the past 25 years. From tips about course strategy to snippets of history, it was wonderful to see him engage with the rich golfing heritage that surrounds this legendary town.

The Alfred Dunhill Links is truly one of the standout events on the golfing calendar. The buzz it generates across St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns is like nothing else – the atmosphere, the spectators, and the camaraderie between players and fans make it a tournament to remember. Being part of that energy, especially alongside world-class players like Wayne and Dustin, is something I’ll never forget.

For me, showcasing St Andrews and the surrounding courses to guests of Tweddell Golf Travel is always a privilege. There’s nothing better than seeing someone fall in love with our town and our courses the way I have. And when it comes to experiences like caddying for Wayne Gretzky? Well, it just reinforces why I go the extra mile to ensure every guest has the golf trip of a lifetime.

If you’re dreaming of walking in the footsteps of legends or simply want to experience the magic of St Andrews, I can promise you one thing: with Tweddell Golf Travel, you’re in good hands.

Last week I had the chance to caddie for Jhonnattan Vegas at the Irish Open at The K Club. It was one of those weeks that reminds you why you love golf. Being inside the ropes on Sunday, watching Rory McIlroy roll in that eagle putt on 18, was something I won’t forget in a hurry. The noise was incredible – it felt less like a regular tour event and more like a Ryder Cup. With Bethpage coming up soon, it was a good preview of just how special that atmosphere can be when golf grabs everyone’s attention.

I was staying right in the middle of Dublin during the week, which was a great reminder of what a brilliant city it is. After long days at The K Club, it was nice to get back into the buzz of the city – plenty of good food, plenty of good music, and just a real energy about the place. For anyone planning a golf trip, it makes for the perfect base.

Of course, The K Club is a highlight. Everyone wants to stand over a putt on 18 and imagine replicating what Rory did, but what makes a golf trip to Dublin so good is the choice you have beyond that. Portmarnock, Jameson Links, The Island, County Louth, and The European Club are all close by, and all completely different experiences.

Earlier in the week, Shane Lowry said Portmarnock is his favourite course in Ireland, and I’d have to agree with him. It’s a proper test of links golf, with a great history, and it’s hard to look past it. That said, if I had to choose between the courses in Ireland and Northern Ireland, I’d still go with Royal Portrush – but I’ll admit that’s me being a bit biased, having grown up there.
All in all, it was a brilliant week – great golf, great crowds, and a reminder of how good Dublin is as both a city break and a golf destination. If you’re thinking about a week of golf in Ireland, you won’t be short of world-class options.

There’s something magical about stepping off a plane in England, golf clubs in hand, knowing you’re about to embark on a journey through the history and soul of the game. That’s exactly how this trip begins—straight to Sunningdale on arrival day. Few places capture the spirit of English golf quite like Sunningdale. The heather, the towering pines, the rolling fairways—it’s a welcome that says: you’ve arrived in golfing heaven. It’s the perfect warm-up, though “warm-up” hardly does justice to a course consistently ranked among the best in the world.
The next stop takes us to the rugged southeast coast, where golf meets the elements in their rawest form. Royal St George’s, host to 15 Open Championships, is a true test. Every bump, every gust, every bounce feels unpredictable, but that’s links golf at its finest. Just down the road lies Royal Cinque Ports, which twice hosted The Open and continues to demand precision and imagination. Then there’s Prince’s Golf Club, a 27-hole gem that once crowned Gene Sarazen Open Champion in 1932. Three clubs within a stone’s throw, each offering a different flavour of links golf, each steeped in championship pedigree. It’s like stepping back in time, walking in the footsteps of legends with the sea breeze at your back.

But this trip isn’t only about the famous venues. It’s about discovering hidden treasures. And few are more captivating than Blackwell Golf Club in Worcestershire—a true Golfer’s course and home to our company’s namesake, Dr. William Tweddell. There’s an aura here, knowing Bobby Jones once played an exhibition match on these fairways just after winning The Open at Royal Liverpool. In fact, Blackwell’s par 3 - 13th hole inspired Augusta’s iconic 12th. To play here is to feel a direct link to the very fabric of golfing history. For me, it’s personal. To stand where Dr. Tweddell stood, to feel that same quiet charm—it’s a reminder that golf isn’t just about the big venues, but about stories and traditions that live on in places like Blackwell.

From there, we head north to Liverpool, a city that thrives on culture, music, and sport. The Municipal Hotel makes for the perfect base—stylish, vibrant, and only adding to the buzz of the trip. Of course, the golf here needs no introduction. Royal Liverpool (Hoylake), where Dr. Tweddell lifted the Amateur Championship in 1927 and where Open history has been written again and again. Royal Lytham & St Annes, with its intimidating bunkers and aura of tradition. And finally, Royal Birkdale, often hailed as the fairest test on the Open rota, where the dunes frame each hole with theatrical beauty.

When you step back and take it all in, you realise just how special this journey is. Six Open Championship venues. Sunningdale, one of the world’s most celebrated inland courses. And Blackwell, a hidden jewel with connections to both Augusta National and Dr. Tweddell himself. Add to that the rich culture of Liverpool, the history of the southeast coast, the pubs, the people, and the sheer variety of golf on offer—and you’ve got what I’d argue is the best golf trip you can take in the UK.

It’s not just a trip. It’s a story. A pilgrimage. A chance to walk where champions have walked, to play courses that shaped the game, and to discover places that remind us why we fell in love with golf in the first place.