ireland or scotland?

[Eore]

my dad and i are doing a golf trip next summer, and we arent sure where we want to go. what do you think, and why?

[Jeepthrills]

Scotland. My grandmother was born in Aberdeen, so I am biased.

[extremeld]

no contest

[flap]

I have never been to either but have read that the Irish courses are much nicer.But who wouldnt want to play the old course?

[hawkeye]

I voted for Ireland. But thinking about it - if you can only go to either one in your lifetime - go to Scotland. It is the home of golf. You can catch a Major 6 times in 10 years which is an amazing experience.

Ireland doesn't have many major championship courses (just one in fact) but it does have some of the best links courses in the world. (Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Lahinch, European Club, Portmarnock, Waterville) I would say that the courses here are more spectacular - if that's what you're into. There are also plenty of big inland courses (K-Club, Mount Julliet, Druids Glen, Adare Manor) if you have the money to spend on them!

There are more golf courses per head in Ireland than anywhere else in the world - so there are cheaper alternatives too.

If anyone wants to know more about Ireland i'd be happy to give you more info :)

Somehow I think Scotland will win this poll!

[putterboy]

tough one for me - dad is from ireland and mom is from scotland.

In the end I voted for ireland :D

really you can not go wrong with either. If you want history then its a no contest - scotland. If you want beautiful courses I gave the tip of the hat to ireland, hence my vote

[extremeld]

to offer you a bit more help - how much are you planning to spend on the golf?

if its unlimited for example then you could play - turnburry, gleneagles, loch lomond, st andrews, muirfield, carnoustie, dornoch, gullane number 1

so on an unlimited budget you have to come to scotland - if you give an idea of what you may be willing to spend on golf over how many rounds i am sure i can offer info on good courses - if you are going mad with the cash - do the course above and boast for the rest of your life!!

[Eore]

if we went to scotland, we would only play like twice and blow on the old course and carnasty. i like ireland cause the courses are beautiful and i would get to spend time with my dad for 7 straight days of golf

[hawkeye]

I must say that some of the courses in Ireland as if not AS expensive, than more expensive!

However - I would say Scotland is better value for money as you are playing British Open golf courses. The expensive Irish courses are overpriced.

But your average golf course is cheaper and totally worth it in Ireland.

[Eore]

we are kind of now looking at exactly what you just posted, hawkeye. i'd much rather play decent course in ireland for 7 DAYS IN A ROW than championship courses in scotland only twice in a week. plus i get a kick out of irish accents!

[Craig Mac]

Tough call, but to have the opportunity to play the Old Course is very appealing!

[sabram]

Here is a link to an article by george Peper debating which is better for Golf Scotland vs. Ireland.

http://www.linksmagazine.com/golf_tr...._ireland.aspx

I debated this myself last year and decided to go to Scotland, but either country can provide a golf trip of a lifetime. Both are currently expensive for Americans as the dollar is weak vs the pound and Euro. As Peper indicates, Ireland has some of the best first line courses, but Scotland has more depth on its roster. If you don't want to do much driving you can choose one small area in Scotland and have more great golf than you could play for a month. I stayed in Troon on the Ayrshire coast. There are more than a dozen first rate courses within a very short distance including Turnberry, Prestwick, Royal Troon, Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes, Dundonald, Barassie, Irvine and the Prestwick public courses. There is a very good article in this month's travel & Leisure golf about this part of Scotland. Turnberry, Prestwick and Western Gailes are "must play" courses in Ayrshire. Western Gailes is a great bargain and one of the best surprises I've had anywhere.

Here is a link to an excellent website that has articles, reviews, ratings and photos of all of the best Irish and Scottish golf courses.

http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/

If you are looking for a specialist in planning golf trips to Scotland I highly recommend Joan Montgomerie of Moss tours. She has played just about every copurse you can think of and will help personalize your trip to suit exactly what you want and has lots of helpful tips for making your trip a success and she is a super nice lady. I always plan my own golf trips, but was glad I used her for my trip to Scotland
http://www.mossgolftours.com/

If you decide to go anywhere near Troon you have to stay at the Sandhill House B&B.; It overlooks Royal Troon and the sea. It's the best B&B; I've stayed at anywhere in the world.

Finally, here's a link to photos of my golf trip to Scotland

http://sports.webshots.com/album/558380032gZHwdf

[Shank!]

I can't argue against Scotland since I haven't been there. But, If you end up choosing Ireland I can highly recommend Narin Portnoo golf course for a hidden gem. It may not have a famous name, but it is a fantastic links course in county Donegal on the northwest coast. Priced much more reasonably than the better known courses as well. It was featured on "The Wandering Golfer" on Fine Living channel, but it's remote location keeps the mobs away unlike the famous spots.

http://www.narinportnoogolfclub.ie/

[AGO]

Have you seen the course in ireland called 'The Old Head' ? do a search, madness!!

I am english but living in the Algarve, Portugal have you been there
My new Golf website for the Algarve, Portugal should help www.algarve-golf-online.com come and check it out..spread the word

P

[Big_M]

Scotland has better whisky... although neither are bad.

Ireland has better beer... not real sure about Scotland.

Scotland is the HOME of golf.

Ireland has some great courses as well.

Why not just do a few days at each? Go to Scotland... play golf, drink scotch. Go to Ireland... play golf, drink beer.

[extremeld]

big_m

i like your thinking!

on a practical note - it is easy to travel between scotland and ireland - so why not just do both

kenny

[Callawaytour]

Ireland has some great courses so I would reccomend there but if you are willing to pay a large amount to go on the top Scottish courses it is also a top destinations! have fun :D

[AmenCorner]

Have you seen the course in ireland called 'The Old Head' ? do a search, madness!!

A big group of wealthy folks in my town go there every year. Apparently it is spectacular. The pics I've seen are larger than life.