JOE MCDONALD FAMILY SCOTLAND GOLF TRIP

8 Day Luxury Itinerary

EGT LOGO HORIZONTAL Aug 22
EGT LOGO HORIZONTAL Aug 22

Hi Joe,

Many thanks for your inquiry! We would love to be the resource for all your golf travel needs and look forward to making this trip as memorable as possible for you.

Epic Golf Travel was founded over 25 years ago and our company partners have well over 100 years of golf industry and travel experience. We are members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the leading international golf tourism organization, as well as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and numerous other travel industry associations.


At Epic Golf Travel, our motto, “The Best Golf Vacations on the Planet”, is our sincere promise to you to deliver an exceptional golf travel experience... every trip you take and every time you take one.


To this end, we spend more hours planning and executing your trip than any other golf tour company in the industry. For those who seek genuine interest in their golf experience and fanatical attention to detail, we believe you’ll appreciate our absolute commitment to you and your golf travel plans.


Our prices INCLUDE ALL TAXES, VAT AND RESORT & LODGING FEES, there are no hidden costs of any kind!


When you're ready to book, please reach out and I will forward a deposit invoice to the group. I look forward to your thoughts and please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Kind regards,

SHARE YOUR PROPOSAL!

SHARE YOUR PROPOSAL!

Experience the Ultimate Luxury Golf Getaway in Scotland

Your trip combines the historic golf links in and around St Andrews with the stunning scenery, great whiskey and amazing links courses of The Scottish Highlands.

St Andrews and the county of Fife are the centerpieces of any golfers first journey to Scotland. There is much more here than just The Old Course, the region overflows with classic links courses... Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie, Gleneagles, Crail, The New and The Jubilee to name just a few.

The Highlands is home to Royal Dornoch Golf Club, which by itself is worth the trek north. But the Highlands offers so much more, with Castle Stuart, Nairn, Brora, Fortrose, Golspie and Moray being among the very best links in all of Scotland. Complete your Highlands trip with a distillery visit and whiskey tasting... Glenmorangie, Glenlivet and Macallan are among the very best.

Trip Pricing

TBD

Based on 1 King Guest Room & 2 Double Guest Rooms at Dornoch Station & The Rusacks Hotel

Trip Summary & Inclusions
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 Rounds / 7 Golfers
  • Monday June 8, 2026 - Monday June 15, 2026
  • 3 nights lodging at the 5 Star Dornoch Station in Dornoch & 4 nights lodging at the 5 Star Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews
  • 6 rounds of golf at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Brora Golf Club, Castle Stuart Golf Links, Kingsbarns Golf Links, Carnoustie Championship Course & Dumbarnie Golf Links
  • Private luxury Coach & Driver for the entirety of your trip
  • Breakfast each morning at your hotel
  • Destination Travel Pack w/ information on traveling to the UK & Ireland
  • All lodging and golf course surcharges, resort fees & taxes
The Old Course

Although not included in your trip, we will enter you into the September Ballot for The Old Course, along with the Daily Ballot for play once you are in St Andrews. If drawn, we will rearrange your existing course and tee time to another day or time, if available.

Not Included

Airfare, Caddie Fees, Gratuities, Travel Insurance, Food & Beverage not listed above, Golf and/or Lodging not listed above & Trip Incidentals.

Non-golf activities listed in your itinerary are suggestions and are not included in your trip pricing.

Deposits

A 25% deposit per person is due in order to begin your trip reservations and confirmations.

Quote Notes

All quotations are subject to availability, we are not holding any tee times or lodging at this time. A 25% deposit per person is due now to confirm your trip. Final balance is due 120 days prior to arrival.

Transportation

Private luxury Coach & Driver for the entirety of your trip is included.

Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is available to you through 3rd party travel insurance companies. To protect your financial interests, you are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to make use of this service.

Castle Stuart 1000 1200 for web
EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR ITINERARY

EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR ITINERARY

  • Arrive Edinburgh International Airport or Inverness International Airport/ Meet your private coach driver and travel to Dornoch
  • Check-in to Dornoch Station for 3 nights
  • Visit the pro shop at Royal Dornoch and have a family putting contest on the putting green at Dornoch Station
  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
  • Play Brora Golf Club at 10am & 10.10am
  • Check out the sheep roaming the golf course!
  • Later that day enjoy a local favorite... the Castle Whiskey Bar & Bistro for a late lunch or early dinner
  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
  • Visit the historic Dunrobin Castle & Gardens before your round today
  • Play Royal Dornoch Golf Club at 1.30pm & 1.40pm
  • Dinner at The Golden Gorse at Dornoch Station tonight. The restaurant features local meats and seafood in an amazing atmosphere
  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
  • Check-out of Dornoch Station
  • Play Castle Stuart Golf Links at 10.00am & 10.10am
  • After golf, travel to St Andrews (3 hrs 15 min)
  • Travel through Cairngorms National Park for amazing sights and vistas
  • Check-in to The Rusacks Hotel for 4 nights
  • Grab a bite to eat at the One Under Bar & Grill at the hotel
  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
  • Play Carnoustie Championship Course at 11.00am & 11.30am
  • After golf, visit the R&A World Golf Museum in St Andrews
  • For dinner, it's The Seafood Restaurant overlooking St Andrews harbour
  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
  • Play Kingsbarns Golf Links at 1.10pm & 1.20pm
  • Before or after golf, tour the nearby Kingsbarns Distillery
  • Take a stroll around St Andrews and enjoy the sights and sounds of this historic town
  • Have ice cream at the famous Jannetta's Gelateria 
  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
  • Play Dumbarnie Golf Links at 11.30am & 11.40am
  • After golf, play the Himalaya's Putting Course next to the first green of The Old Course
  • Have a wonderful dinner at the 18 Rooftop Restaurant at The Rusacks Hotel
  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
  • Check-out of The Rusacks Hotel and travel to the Edinburgh Airport for your flight home
EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR GOLF COURSES

EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR GOLF COURSES

THE OLD COURSE

BY BALLOT & NOT GUARANTEED OR INCLUDED

Ranked #5 in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

Simply put, the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are recognizable names across the globe, yet the greatest feature of the Old Course is that despite its grand status, it remains a public golf course, open to all.

Rarely is the Old course ranked outside the top ten in the world, it’s a very special links, designed by Mother Nature. It is probable that golf was played here back in the 12th century, what is certain is that the Old Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the world.

It's unlikely that the Old Course will feel familiar when you play it for the first time (except perhaps the 1st, 17th and 18th). Television tend to make the ground look very flat, but the humps, hollows and ripples in the fairways are much deeper when you get out onto the course, as indeed are the pot bunkers.

ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB

Ranked #12 in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

Formed in 1877, Royal Dornoch is spellbinding and golfers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this natural links at some point in their lives. It is a must play and is currently ranked number 2 in the world by both Golf and Golf Digest Magazines.

It's the timeless setting that makes Royal Dornoch such a pleasing place to play golf. It's wild, isolated and, at the same time, absolutely beautiful; there's the blaze of color in early summer when the gorse is in bloom. The white sandy beach divides the links from the Dornoch Firth and it all feels very humbling.

You can expect the experience at Royal Dornoch to be relaxed and informal, with an emphasis on traditional highland hospitality.

CASTLE STUART GOLF LINKS

Ranked #53 in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

Castle Stuart Golf Links is a championship links course overlooking the Moray Firth and well-known landmarks that are synonymous with Inverness and the Black Isle – Kessock Bridge and Chanonry Lighthouse being the most notable.

Surrounding the golfer is a rugged and natural landscape with vast expanses of gorse, broom, heather, and sea marram. The bunkering is characterized more by open sandy areas with pockets of light vegetation than by formally revetted (stacked sod or turf) manicured bunkers. And from some tees and greens, the 1930s style white ‘Art Deco’  clubhouse can be seen sitting prominently atop its viewing perch.

All in all Castle Stuart can be described as a throwback to golf as it once was – a simple walk through pleasing natural surroundings with both friends and amazing views to accompany you.

BRORA GOLF CLUB

Ranked #29 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland

Brora Golf Club lies 20 miles north of Dornoch and it's one of the most delightful short road journeys imaginable. Brora is probably the least well known links course in Scotland but really does deserve to be discovered. Brora Golf Club was founded in 1891 and in 1923, James Braid was commissioned to work several redesigns of the course, and little has changed since.

It's a traditional out and back layout with the opening nine holes hugging the North Sea coastline. We can think of no other course in Scotland which has so many holes playing so close to the sea, especially ones with no dunescapes to hide the view. The ground undulates gently and you can expect to encounter the occasional burn and a series of electric fences, which do a fine job of keeping the sheep off the fast Brora greens.

Measuring 6,211 yards from the back tees, Brora is not of championship length, but the great late Peter Thomson, winner of Five Open Championships, proclaimed Brora to be his favorite golf course in the world.

CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE

Ranked #26 in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

The Championship Course at Carnoustie has hosted The Open Championship no less than six times and is a superb example of traditional links golf. It is widely recognized as one of the best seaside links golf courses in the world and many professionals have declared it as one of the toughest.

The original 18 hole course was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1857, but was revisited by James Braid in 1926 and has been hardly altered since.

With sloping fairways, fast greens and a selection of the most formidable bunkers in links golf, the Championship Course at Carnoustie certainly guarantees visitors an enjoyable but testing round on a memorable golf course.

KINGSBARNS GOLF LINKS

Ranked #42 in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking links courses ever developed. Though it only opened for general play in July 2000, it's fair to say that the links appears to have been in place for the past century.

Kingsbarn is a real one of a kind and contrasts with Scotland's other famous links courses in that it is a new, man-made development. The significance of the development was highlighted by Sir Michael Bonallack, winner of 5 British Amateur Titles and present captain of the R & A when he indicated that "Kingsbarns might well be one of the last true seaside links sites capable of development in Scotland".

DUMBARNIE LINKS

Ranked #17 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland

Other than Pebble Beach, there are few world-class courses able to offer such an expanse of beach and water frontage as that we have been blessed with at Dumbarnie Links. This rare piece of land has a mile and a half of sea frontage with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth.

At first glance Dumbarnie Links may have the appearance of the classic links courses where The Open Championship has been played since 1860.  However, the 345 acre site is particularly special.  Its dual elevations have provided the opportunity to create a number of elevated tees where holes play directly towards panoramic views of the Firth of Forth. Fourteen of the holes have views of the Bay and the Firth of Forth.

The clubhouse is situated 100-feet above sea level with spectacular sweeping views across the golf course and the Bay.

EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR LODGING

EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR LODGING

DORNOCH STATION

Pulling into the 5 Star Dornoch Station, you’re immediately immersed in the essentials of the Scottish highlands: sandy coastlines, windswept heaths, here and there a castle, and — of particular relevance here — the Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

Dornoch Station is just steps from the first hole of Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course. The newly renovated guest rooms, lobby spaces, restaurant and bar all channel Dornoch’s rich history with thoughtful, imaginative design touches.

Immerse yourself in the Highland’s beauty, with stunning golf course and sea views. The hotel amenities include a restaurant and pub, a private putting green, golf club storage, free bike rentals, Wi-Fi and a fitness room.

THE RUSACKS HOTEL

The Rusacks hotel is a 5 Star hotel siting squarely in the center of St Andrews and right next to the 18th fairway of The Old Course.

Almost every golfing great of the last 50 years has stayed here while competing in The Open Championship at The Old Course. It was Arnold Palmers favorite hotel in the world, and he stayed here along with Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Johnny Miller, Gary Player and so many other greats of the 20th century.

All the rooms have been recently renovated, as has the entire hotel complex, styled to celebrate the greats of golf throughout time, so your experience doesn't stop when you leave the course. The guest rooms feature large beds, tea and coffee making facilities, TVs, luxury toiletries and free Wi-Fi.

A new rooftop deck and bar offers unlimited views out over The Old Course, St Andrews and the sea. For the ultimate St Andrews experience, there is no other place to stay than the Rusacks.

EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR TRANSPORTATION

EGT lion logo clipart 3

YOUR TRANSPORT

LUXURY COACH & DRIVER SERVICE

Our coach vehicles are ideal for larger group’s seeking comfortable and safe transfers. There are ample leather seats with plenty of leg room. The luxurious interiors provides the perfect setting to travel in comfort and style.

The coach can serve up to 16 passengers and features 16 large full leather reclining seats, air conditioning, a cooler and DVD player.

Vehicle appearance and amenities may be different than the information provided herein. Vehicle size, amenities and style will depend on the time of year the trip is confirmed and deposits are paid and availability of vehicles with transportation companies.

EGT lion logo clipart 3

THINGS TO SEE & DO

EGT lion logo clipart 3

THINGS TO DO

EDINBURGH CASTLE

Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence and as a military stronghold. The castle last saw military action in 1745 and from then until the 1920s it served as the British army's main base in Scotland. Today it is one of Scotland's most atmospheric and popular tourist attractions.

The brooding, black crags of Castle Rock, rising above the western end of Princes St, are the very reason for Edinburgh's existence. This rocky hill was the most easily defended hilltop on the invasion route between England and central Scotland, a route followed by countless armies from the Roman legions of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD to the Jacobite troops of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.

The Entrance Gateway, flanked by statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, opens to a cobbled lane that leads up beneath the 16th-century Portcullis Gate to the cannons ranged along the Argyle and Mills Mount Batteries. The battlements here have great views over the New Town to the Firth of Forth.

HALF DAY & FULL DAY EXCURSIONS FROM ST ANDREWS

There are any number of fascinating and historic tours of Scotland, Fife, Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside that depart from St Andrews. Tours lasting from just a few hours to full day tours are available.

Some of the options are listed below:

  • Historic St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of East Neuk
  • Royal Palaces and Ancient Burghs
  • Scotland's Historic Castles
  • The Capital City of Edinburgh, including the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Balmoral Castle, the summer home of The Queen
  • The Lochs and Mountains of Scotland
  • Lunch and Falconry at Gleneagles Resort

THE HIMALAYA'S PUTTING COURSE

A private club founded in 1867, the St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club course is open to the public daily from April to September (and in March and October, weather permitting).

Before 1860 the caddies of St Andrews had laid out a small putting area near where Rusacks Hotel now stands. They would play to pass the time while waiting for a bag. When the course was quiet a few young ladies would play.

There was some tension between the caddies and the ladies, so much so that it was decided a piece of ground be found where the ladies could play away from the caddies. There was an unused piece of ground to the north of the Swilcan Burn. The ground was rough with whins which were used by local washerwomen to dry clothes, and pitted with rabbit holes. A nine hole course was laid out by Old Tom Morris, requiring a cleek and a putter, and so the St Andrews Ladies’ Golf Club was formed in 1867.

The Himalayas lie between the famous Old Course and the spectacular West Sands, only a ten minute walk from the center of  St Andrews.

BALMORAL CASTLE, HOME TO THE QUEEN

The royal family is nothing if not consistent. At the end of every summer, Queen Elizabeth II makes her annual pilgrimage north to Scotland for a multiple week-long holiday at Balmoral Castle.

The first home at Balmoral was reportedly built in 1390, but the property didn't enter into the British royal family until 1852, when Prince Albert purchased the estate as a gift for his wife, Queen Victoria, who loved the Scottish countryside. However, when the residence was deemed too small, the royal couple built an additional castle—the one that still exists today—to fit their growing family. The new structure was completed in 1856, and the other building was torn down. Now, the 50,000-acre estate features 150 buildings in total.

In more modern royal history, Balmoral served as the destination for Prince Charles and Princess Diana's less-than-romantic honeymoon. It's also where Prince Harry and Prince William learned of their mother's tragic death in 1997.

 

KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY TOUR, ST ANDREWS

Realizing there was no nearby whisky distillery to satisfy those visiting St Andrews, and having come across a derelict 18th century farm situated just a short distance from Kingsbarns, former Old Course caddie Douglas Clement decided to build his own.

Kingsbarns Distillery was opened in 2014 and began producing a limited run of single malt scotch whisky each year.

The distillery tour is led by one of their senior guides and is suitable for smaller groups who have time to enjoy a more leisurely visit and a longer tutored whisky tasting.

Start your visit by being shown into the exhibition space which explores the history behind the name 'Kingsbarns’.

Your guide will explain how the spirits inside the distillery are made and then take you into a tasting room for an in-depth tutored tasting of their award-winning single malt 'Dream to Dram' and a selection of Kingsbarns single malt whiskies.

THE R&A WORLD GOLF MUSEUM

From the 16th century to the present day, the whole history of the great game is explored at The British Golf Museum. Discover the equipment, personalities and prizes of our much loved sport. Brought to life with hands on activities, interactives and modern interpretation, this is a must see attraction.

Visit their new flagship exhibition space, 'The Open Gallery', exploring the rich history of golf's oldest Major. Also in the Museum there are two exciting temporary exhibitions on golfing greats Sir Henry Cotton and Freddie Tait. Please visit throughout the year for their program of weekly events and lecture series.

The museum is a 5 minute walk from the town centre and is situated directly opposite The Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. There is a large car park behind the museum, operated by Fife Council and a coach drop off point.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

By far the largest region in Scotland, the Highlands covers nearly 10,000 sq miles in northern Scotland. The region is home to stunning scenery, including the legendary Loch Ness.

Sporting some the world’s most stunning scenery, the region has one of the oldest and most fascinating histories on earth. The Cairngorms National Park lies at the heart of this region, offering everything from stunning hiking routes to ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding and much more.

To the west you will find the magical Isle of Skye, teeming with incredible outdoor spots to explore, including the famous ‘fairy pools’, the Cuillin mountain range and the ‘Old Man of Storr’. The vast landscape has an undulating coastline, wild expanses, rugged mountains and islands, rushing rivers, and conifer-rich woodlands – what more do you need.

The Highlands also feature legendary battlefields, museums packed with rich local history and breath-taking geological wonders, not to mention many famous distilleries and breweries.

 

FORT GEORGE - THE HIGHLANDS

Fort George was completed in 1769 and is perhaps the strongest fortification ever built in the UK.

Conceived in the immediate aftermath of the 1745 uprising and the Battle of Culloden that concluded it, Fort George was intended to be a once and for all solution to the threat posed by the Highlands to the Crown.

But although the need for it may have gone by the time it was finished, Fort George continues in use and is still operational as an army barracks today, though the Ministry of Defence has announced plans to close it by 2032.

The huge fort covers 42 acres, and was designed to provide all the facilities of a small town. There was a bake house, brew house and chapel, a provisions store, powder magazine and ordnance store.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Fort George is just how little it has changed since its completion in 1769. What remains today is exactly what was existing over 200 years ago.

 

GLENFIDDICH DISTILLERY

On this tour, you’ll go on a journey through every part of the Glenfiddich tradition, to find out how the world’s most awarded whiskies are created.

Your visit will begin with a short film recounting their five generations of family ownership. It’ll then be followed by an on-foot tour of the distillery with the chance to see how whiskies are created by craftsmen with generations of understanding. The tour includes a visit to the still house where you can see how  stillmen capture the sweetest part of the distillate from the unusually sized copper stills.

Time matters when whisky making. So, as well as touring the distillery, you’ll visit their original warehouse where you will explore the generations of gently maturing casks. You’ll also learn how they achieve depth and consistency of flavour throughout the range of exceptional whiskies.

The special conclusion to this visit is a tutored nosing and tasting of three world-renowned single malts.

DUNROBIN CASTLE

Just an hour north of Inverness and on your way to Royal Dornoch stands the imposing Dunrobin Castle. The castle was the seat of the influential counts and dukes of Sutherland who, by the end of the 19th century, owned more land than any other landowner in Europe.

The castle, which resembles a French château and was begun in 1275, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer. The castle was used as a naval hospital during the First World War and as a boys’ boarding school from 1965 to 1972.

The extensive Italian-style gardens are ideal for a stroll and also offer fine views over the Dornoch Firth. If there's time, you should stay for one of the castle's regular falconry shows. There's also a first-rate tea shop on-site serving traditional high tea.

LOCH NESS & URQHUART CASTLE

Located an easy (and scenic) 30-minute drive southeast of Inverness city center, Loch Ness is must-visit when exploring the Scottish Highlands. Famous the world over as the home of the Loch Ness Monster, this picture-perfect freshwater lake is also home to one of the country's most iconic fortresses: Urquhart Castle. Although now just ruins, it's easy to picture just how magnificent this castle once was.

In addition to superb exhibits dealing with the castle's rich history, the site also boasts a great café with stunning views over Loch Ness. For more on the mythical beast that inhabits the lake, visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, with its fascinating displays relating to the monster and the surrounding area.

 

DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, ABERDEEN

If you had to pick just one castle in all of Scotland to trust with your life in a time of great danger then it would without any doubt be Dunnottar Castle. No other Scottish castle comes close in terms of a sense of sheer brooding impregnability. This is a castle which looks across to the nearby coastal cliffs and sea and whose presence, even today, conveys a very simply message: "You are not welcome."

The outcrop of rock on which Dunnottar Castle stands might have been designed specifically to permit the building of the most impregnable fortress in Scotland. Sheer cliffs 160ft high almost completely surround a flat area over three acres in size. The rock was once joined by a narrow fin to the mainland, but even this was carved away to ensure access along it was not possible.

EGT LOGO VERTICAL OCTOBER 2020