Ship Sticks
We’ve partnered with Ship Sticks so you can start traveling hassle-free with the most convenient and affordable door-to-door shipping service for your golf clubs and luggage. Click on Ship Sticks link below and tell us where you would like your clubs picked up and where you would like them shipped to. Once you’ve placed your order you will receive detailed instructions on how to package up your clubs for shipping, including a link to track your clubs in real-time.
Ship Sticks recommends choosing a delivery date of 1-2 business days prior to your arrival.
Please click here to book your shipment.
The Old Course, St Andrews
The Old Course is immensely popular and sustains around forty two thousand rounds a year. As a result of the high demand special conditions apply to bookings. Around fifty per cent of all starting times over the year are put into the daily ballot (lottery) which is drawn every day for the 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. Two golfers (minimum) can enter. The results are shown by 4pm on the web, in the clubhouse, at the starters’ boxes, at the caddie pavilion, at local golf clubs and in the tourist information centre.
Please click here to view more information about the ballot (lottery) on St Andrews Links Website.
The Golfing Season
The Scottish golf season starts at the beginning of April and runs through to the middle of October. Links courses, because of their proximity to the sea and the generally drier climate found here, can be played throughout the year. The best weather is usually found in the months of May and September when clearer skies and more moderate temperatures make it ideal for golf. The countryside too is at it’s very best during these months when the colours are at their most vibrant.
When to Play
Due to its northern location Scotland enjoys extensive daylight hours throughout the summer months. From mid April until early September it starts to get light at 5am and does not get dark until 10pm. For golfers it is perfectly feasible to go out for a round after an early dinner, weather permitting. In fact in Orkney, there is a midsummer golf tournament which tees off at midnight.
Caddies, Trolleys & Carts
Caddies are available at most of the popular golf courses. As a standard, Bonnie Wee Golf request individual caddies on your behalf request but they cannot always be guaranteed. Hand trolleys are available for hire at most golf clubs. Golf carts are more common nowadays but walking is generally the rule in Scotland. If you require a golf cart, for medical reasons, please let us know well in advance.
Handicap Certificates
Several of the golf courses in Scotland require that visitors belong to a recognised golf club and hold an official and valid handicap card or certificate. We recommend that you travel with a handicap certificate from your club secretary. You may be required to produce this documentation and Bonnie Wee Golf can accept no responsibility for clients who are refused golf for this reason.
What to Wear
With an average summer temperature ranging between 15-23c (60-74f) and an unpredictable climate, a woollen sweater and waterproofs are worth keeping at hand as the weather (especially at the coast and on the higher ground) can change pretty quickly. Most clubs now have a dress code incorporated in their rulebooks. Jeans and collarless shirts are not permitted. If you are playing Muirfield, Prestwick or Luffness New there are stricter rules so please check with your Tour Manager in advance.