Scotland

The St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Experience: St Andrews is the “Home of Golf”! For golfers, the mention of St Andrews brings images of the Old Course, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), the “Road Hole” and links golf unlike anywhere else in the world. To play courses so steeped in history is to play among the greats of the world of golf. To that end Carolina Custom World Golf Tours has selected courses that will be truly a unique golfing adventure. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of standing on the first tee of a course laid out by architects of yesteryear and played by Scotland’s own Allan Robertson (1815-1858) and Old Tom Morris (1821-1908) and well as more modern and recognizable champions as Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, and Woods. These are the things that make a trip a memorable adventure.

Our adventure is scheduled in August when the predictability for good weather is more abundant. It will begin with an overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. You will be transported to St. Andrews to a hotel of your choice where you will be given a chance to relax, rest, and settle in from your flight. The afternoon is free to rest, or a little sightseeing or a visit to the British Golf Museum that documents the history of the game of golf, from the middle ages to the present day. Situated just across the road from the club house of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, the museum looks at every aspect of the game, from the evolution of its laws and technology to comprehensive biographies of the greatest players, both the early pioneers and today's greats. For those more adventurous, an afternoon round of golf may be arranged. The evening will bring an “Icebreaker” hosted by Carolina Custom World Golf Tours.

The Icebreaker will be our way of finalizing the events of the week to come ensuring everyone’s plans are accommodated; foursomes are aligned, and final scheduling of courses, and tee times. Additionally, the evening is all about getting to know each other and enjoying some of the local food and drink.

Carolina Custom World Golf Tours has selected the most historical and oldest courses within Scotland for this adventure. In coordination with Links with History we have arranged for four days of round robin play with the four courses forming the Links with History. The Scotscraig Golf Club, Crail Golfing Society, Lundin Golf Club and Ladybank Golf Club are four of the oldest golfing associations in the world, the eldest stretching back to 1750. Not only are these clubs known for their antiguity, three of them are open qualifying venues when the Open Championship comes to the Old Course in St. Andrews.

Crail Golfing Society - 1786: One of the world's oldest golf clubs, Crail Golfing Society was founded in February 1786. The club's original home was located at Sauchope just outside the picturesque fishing village of Crail and it was not until 1895, with the help of Old Tom Morris did they relocate to their present home at Balcomie Golf Links. Located 11 miles from St. Andrews, the Balcomie Links at Crail, though not particularly long, is a truly beautiful venue with superb views of the sea from every tee. The course is always in immaculate condition and boasts crisp links turf and greens, which though can become frighteningly fast during the summer months, always remain true. Every golfer will remember Crail as a stunning golfing experience.

The Scotscraig Golf Club - 1817: Located ten miles north of St. Andrews, Scotscraig Golf Club is a course which plays frequent host to final qualifying for the British Open when the event is played at the Old Course. There is little doubt that its fine links turf and smooth, fast greens make it a truly worthy venue. Although very close to the sea and despite being correctly classified as a links course, Scotscraig is somewhat parkland in nature with far more trees in evidence than on most links. With copious numbers of whin bushes and the rolling nature of the fairways, Scotscraig is oft times very demanding but always exceptionally interesting.

Lundin Golf Club - 1868: The Lundin Golf Club was founded in May 1868 in which year the Leven Clubs had extended their links from the Mile Dyke eastwards towards Lundin Links, the extended course occupied the narrow strip of land between the railway line and the Firth of Forth. 'Lundie' as the locals call it, is a superb example of links golf along with a three hole parkland section where the route climbs onto higher ground. Conditions and presentation are always exceptional. That is why this unique course is used for final qualifying for the Open Championship when at St Andrews and the annual East of Scotland Championship. A warm welcome is to be had in the newly refurbished clubhouse looking out over the first and eighteenth fairways and with magnificent views over the Firth of Forth and the distant Lothian hills.

Ladybank Golf Club - 1879: A rare Scottish course that provides the golfer with a worthwhile alternative to the rugged links game, 1978 was a landmark year for Ladybank, when it was chosen as a British Open qualifying venue. Since then, Ladybank Golf Club has hosted final qualifying on numerous occasions and the golfers who have graced its turf include among others Bernard Langer, Jack Nicklaus, Justin Leonard, Darren Clarke and the late Payne Stewart. A beautiful parkland layout set amongst heather, pine trees and silver birch, the Ladybank design comprises two loops of nine holes. With tree-lined fairways, it is an excellent test of golf and rewards the brave and accurate player - accuracy or bravery alone however often has the reverse effect on one's score. Combined with the undeniable quality of the course, the surrounding tranquility and beauty enhance an already exquisite golfing experience.

Championship Course of Carnoustie: Carolina Custom World Golf Tours has also selected the Championship Course of Carnoustie. In July 2007, the greatest golfers in the world will return to Carnoustie for the staging of its seventh Open Championship. Golf has been played on or around the present links for nearly 500 years. The earliest records date from 1527 where the local Panmure register states that the Earl of Panmure, Sir Robert Maule, "Exercisest the Gowf" on the Linksland. In the early 1800's a short 10-hole course, which was the norm in those days was laid out by Alan Robertson from St Andrews and was called the Taymouth Links. In 1842 local golfers founded The Carnoustie & Taymouth Golf Club and in 1867 Old Tom Morris from St Andrews was engaged to extend the course to 18 holes.

St. Andrews – New, Eden & Jubilee Courses: Your selection of the top venues within St Andrews awaits your test of skills and patience. The New Course is over 100 years old and was sculpted out of necessity as the demand in the 1880’s for Old Course tee times was exceeding supply even then. The New Course was born from the same strip of linksland leaving the golfer with a very similar golfing experience. There is one difference, the New Course is a much tougher links test. The greens are small with tight fairways and demand a high degree of accuracy. The Jubilee Course is a narrow strip of land running between the New Course and the sea. It was originally 12 holes created for ladies and beginners. March 1897 John Angus got £180 from the Town Council to create a new layout. The course was ready to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. In 1988 the Jubilee course was redesigned by Donald Steel increasing it to over 6,800 yards. And finally the Eden Course was created in 1913 when the pressure for play on the Old, New and Jubilee courses dictated that a fourth course was needed. Opened in 1914 the designer Harry Colt created a wonderful natural links with Donald Steel improving upon this in 1989 making a very playable test.

The Old Course: There is a general lottery, known as the “Ballot”, available for players to sign up for the Old Course. Around 50% of all starting times over the year are put into the daily ballot which is drawn every day for next day's play except Sunday - the Saturday draw is for Monday play. Success in the ballot is not guaranteed and chances vary according to the time of year, how busy the course is and the weather. A minimum two golfers can enter before 2pm on the day before play. For those desiring to play the Old Course, we will enter those golfers in the daily ballot based on their desired tee times and if they decide to forego scheduled tee times at other venues. Our past experience is when staying in the local establishments we normally, within the week, will have the opportunity to get to play the Old Course. The Old Course is immensely popular and in 2005 sustained over 40,000 rounds. As a result of this high demand, special conditions apply to bookings. There is a handicap requirement of 24 for men and 36 ladies. Please bring a valid certificate or card. The Old Course is closed Sundays. Another way to get on the Old Course is for a single golfer going to the starter as early as possible in the morning. The starter will try to join the golfer with the first available 2 or 3 ball.

After 18 Holes: St Andrews is the Home of Golf and so much more. St Andrews was, before the Reformation, the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. It took builders more than 150 years to complete the construction of the cathedral, the largest ever to be built in Scotland and now, more than 7 centuries later visitors still marvel at its splendor. Close by is the castle which was built as the bishop’s palace. Steep cliffs protected it to the north while rock-cut ditches once defended the landward approaches. An exciting destination for visitors and travelers worldwide, St Andrews is a bustling town full of history, dramatic architecture and unique shops. Stroll along streets lined with cafes and interesting spots to stop along the way. From shops of unique treasures and antiques to boutiques filled with everything from kitsch to couture. Best seen on foot, the University of St Andrews, the oldest in Scotland, is not a campus college in the traditional sense, but has grown and developed with the town. This artful integration creates a superbly picturesque mediaeval setting. Explore the beauty, sounds and smells of the North Sea, cyclists and runners will enjoy the walks and the Fife Coastal Walkway. There is so much to see and do in St Andrews.

Tour Availability: Carolina Custom World Golf Tours will, upon request, arrange for tours throughout the local area. The ancient Kingdom of Fife lies just north of Edinburgh beyond the Firth of Forth. It is a land steeped in tradition with an outstanding heritage. For long before Edinburgh, the Kingdom was the centre of secular and religious power in Scotland. Dunfermline was the stronghold of Celtic Kings and in the grounds of its Abbey – the splendid “Westminster of the North” – lie buried twenty-two kings, queens, princes and princesses. Robert the Bruce himself lies directly beneath the carved oak pulpit. Here you may visit the shrine of St Margaret or the birthplace of the richest man in the world, Andrew Carnegie. Dunfermline is also a town of peaceful parks and gardens. Along the coast the delightful fishing villages of the East Neuk and 17th century Culross are separated by stretches of fine golden sand. There are historic houses all over the Kingdom, including the Royal Palace at Falkland. Tours throughout the area may be made available as well as tours to the capital city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a city filled with the beauty of Scottish royalty and government castles. Spend a day wandering about Edinburgh Castle, which serves as an important landmark. The creation of the castle began around A.D. 1000. This natural fortress was in the midst of some of the bloodiest events throughout Scottish history. Today the crown jewels and the famous stone of Scone call this attraction their home.

Farwell Dinner: Carolina Custom World Golf Tours will host a Farewell to St Andrews, Kingdom of Fife dinner the evening prior to our departure. A time to recall the wonderful and not so wonderful shots, settle up the wagering, and a chance to bid farewell to an unforgettable experience in the Home of Golf!

Recommended The St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Experience Schedule:

Friday	Departure early evening from airport of close proximity for the group – currently Atlanta, GA
Saturday	Arrive Edinburgh, Scotland 0930
	Depart Edinburgh by hired van to St Andrews, Scotland – 1100 hours
	Arrive Your hotel selection, St Andrews, Scotland – 1230 hours
	1900 hrs until?? At local Pub to be determined: Carolina Custom World Golf Tours Ice Breaker. Quick meeting going over events of the week, pairs, etc, etc, and any tour information. Then be culturally enriched by the local food and brews.
Sunday	Play Carnoustie, Carnoustie.
Monday	Play the Links to History courses
Tuesday	Play the Links to History courses
Wednesday	Play the Links to History courses
Thursday	Play the Links to History courses
Friday	Play St. Andrews – New, Eden & Jubilee Courses
	1900 hours: Carolina Custom World Golf Tours “Farwell to Scotland” dinner, award presentation and last minute information for flights.
Saturday	Early departure for Edinburgh and return to the United States arriving early evening depending on location.

The following is offered as strictly a price guide based on 2006 airfares and currency exchange and includes:
Airfare from Atlanta, GA to Edinburgh Scotland; all inland travel between airport, lodging, golf courses and return to airport; accommodations in hotels of your choice (based on double occupancy); full Scottish breakfast each morning; green fees for golf as recommended in the itinerary, Welcoming icebreaker and farewell dinner, fully escorted tour, travel kit and inclusive of all local taxes and service charges.

The St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Experience
8 days / 7 nights / 6 rounds of Golf