There are two things that one could say come naturally to Scotland. Whisky and Links Golf Courses. For those who like both, there is nothing better to do than take a golf and whisky tour in Scotland. And not just one. The abundance and variety in both the whisky and golf courses in Scotland are compelling enough for many more. In fact, the way the distilleries in particular are scattered, logistical complexities are often the reason to come back again. Fitting in two or more regions is not as much an issue of distance as the multiple transportation modes involved. And of course, there is the liver, which can take only so much at one go.
One of the limitations (yes, I say limitation) of golf in Scotland is the Old Course, St. Andrews. It is a limitation, simply because only a small fraction of those who wish to play here can get on. And yet, it has to be part of the first every itinerary for a golf and whisky tour in Scotland. Undeniably, there is nothing that beats the experience of being able to tee it up at the home of golf.
Once the issue of the Old Course, St. Andrews is addressed, you can get on with life. Which essentially means, work out what the rest of the golf and whisky tour in Scotland entails. Just like golf, whisky is a matter of individual preferences – whether you like the highlands malts or those from Islay. Or something else. However, for the best combination of golf courses in Scotland, situated near the distilleries, the Highlands scores above the rest.
St. Andrews considered and accounted for, making your base in Inverness is the right starting point. Inverness may be the capital of the Highlands, but it offers way more than this tag can explain. The region that surrounds it is blessed with abundant natural beauty, not the least of it the Loch Ness. Accommodation options are plentiful although it has to be said, they go full up during the summer months. Advance planning, especially for the celebrated properties surely helps.
But, it’s the golf and whisky that you are ultimately after, when in the Highlands. From a golf point of view, the options available are right up there with the with the best golf courses in Scotland. These include the must play Royal Dornoch, currently ranked no less than no. 5 in the world by Golf Digest. Not far behind are two other superb layouts – the modern links of Castle Stuart Golf links and the mesmerizing Nairn Golf Club.
There is no dearth of distilleries. Many of them found within an hour or two of Inverness. It’s also possible to plan a day combining golf course with a whisky tasting visit. A golf round at Royal Dornoch can easily be followed by visits to Glenmorangie or Balblair on the way back. Or an hour’s drive from Nairn will take you to Macallan and bring you back to Inverness in similar time. This is just to name a few – whether it’s the top whisky brands or the golf courses in Scotland. It is no wonder that the Highlands is the best region for a golf and whisky tour in Scotland. In fact, it’s the first you should ever do.
