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Golf and whisky tours Scotland
Many things have been provided to the world by Scotland, golf and whisky are 2 of the most well known and loved Scottish creations.
It can be an unparalleled joy to toast a game of golf with a matured single malt. Golf is a 500-year-old game, and arguably a golf tour is one of the best ways to see Scotland.
Millions of tourists from all over the world visit Scotland every year because of its rich heritage of golf and whisky. When it comes to Scotland, both the game and the drink are likely to be significant features of any tour.
Whisky and golf
The history of whiskey in Scotland dates back to when monks in Europe spread word on how to make wine using grapes. Grapes being unavailable in Scotland, the monks here used a grain mash that became an early type of whiskey. The monks called this early whiskey “uisge beatha”, which translates to “water of life”.
Golf was created in Scotland and was developed from a pastime played near Edinburgh. In the early days, competitors would attempt to knock a stone over sand dunes and tracks with a bent stick or club. An interesting fact is that golf and football were banned in 1457 as it was seen as a distraction to soldiers. James II is quoted as decreeing that “futeball and golfe be utterly cried down.”
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What is the best time of the year to visit Scotland for a golf and whisky tour ?
The ideal time to visit Scotland for a golf and whiskey tour is during the summer (typically between April and September). At this time, most distilleries and golf courses are open every day. They normally have less availability during the winter months. Please be aware if you have never been to Scotland before that the Scottish weather can be very unpredictable. It is advised to bring clothing for all weather conditions, even if visiting in the summer.
Scottish Golf and Whisky Tours by area
Scotland is split up into different regions, from the Highlands in the north to Dumfries and Galloway in the south. Each of these regions has its own unique and stunning scenery. Interesting to us is that each region also has its own golf courses and whiskey distilleries. We have split our list into areas of Scotland and mentioned some of the best golf courses and whiskey distilleries in the area to include in your tour. If you are interested in seeing a Scotland Distilleries map then our sister site tour-scotland.co.uk has a new blog post that includes a map of over 30 whisky distilleries in Scotland!.
Golf and whisky tour Scotland – Highlands
The Highlands are a beautiful mix of mountains, lochs and waterways. A notoriously difficult terrain to cross. The geography encouraged seclusion and independence. This seclusion led to the birth of fierce fighting tribal groups we know as “clans”.
Golf courses in the Highlands
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
The famed Royal Dornoch Golf Club’s links are one of the major outposts of international golf and one of the best golf courses in the world. The only reason that this course stays outside of the of major championships is because of its remoteness.
View on mapCastle Stuart Golf Links
The Scottish Open golf competition has been held at Castle Stuart Golf Club near Inverness. Castle Stuart, while being new in construction, looks and feels at least a century old. This makes it a must-see course on every Scottish Highland golf trip.
Whisky distilleries in the Highlands
Nc’nean, Morvern
Ncn’ean is a fledgling independent whisky distillery on the Morvern peninsula. It is mainly focusing on generating new flavors and sustainable manufacturing. The distillery opened in July 2017 and is said to be Scotland’s first organic distillery.
Clynelish, Sutherland
Clynelish is delighted to be one of Johnnie Walker’s Four Corners distilleries. They produce a rich Highland Malt that is loved all over the world on its own and as a key ingredient in Johnnie Walker whiskies.
Golf and whisky tour Scotland – Perthshire
Perthshire is regarded as the “huge county” because of its size and position as Scotland’s fourth-biggest historic county. From the lush agricultural straths in the east to the high mountains of the southern Highlands, it boasts a really diverse scenery.
Golf courses in Perthshire
Aberfeldy Golf Club
Aberfeldy Golf Club was established in 1895 when the Marquis of Breadalbane donated property to the Burgh of Aberfeldy. The original 9-hole golf course ran along the south bank of the River Tay. It was built on what was then known as The Cour, a cow pasture area.
Auchterarder Golf Club
The championship golf courses of Auchterarder Golf Club are recognized as among the greatest in the world. They offer a winning combination of natural beauty and golfing experience. Golf is at the very core of the estate’s long history as a sports estate, which dates back almost a century.
Whisky distilleries in Perthshire
Dewar’s
Discover the Dewar family’s quest for perfection in whisky at the distillery they established in 1898. Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is the spiritual birthplace of America’s best-selling Scotch. They produce the wonderfully balanced single malt which is at the core of the Dewar’s mix.
Deanston
Deanston, which had been a cotton mill for 180 years, was converted into a distillery in the 1960s. Since then, it has been producing whisky using traditional techniques. Visit them to experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of a real operating distillery. They can also show you how they make the fantastic whisky, which is sweet, fruity, and spicy on the palate with a malty honeyed spiciness.
Golf and whisky tour Scotland – Argyll and Bute
The history of Argyll and Bute is one of a kind, and it captivates visitors. Archaeological relics, as well as indications of more recent settlement, are left behind. The area its self contains some of Scotland’s finest scenery, from the Arrochar alps to breathtaking sea lochs and mountains.
Golf courses in Argyll and Bute
Machrihanish Golf Club
Old Tom Morrish, known as “The Grand Father of Golf” laid out the course in 1879 after a long and exhausting journey from St Andrews. His work has easily stood the test of time since then. Standing on the first tee at Machrihanish and looking out over the magnificent bay is a wonderful experience.
Dunaverty Golf Club
This hidden jewel of golf course, with beautiful vistas of Ayrshire, and the Mull of Kintyre, is ready to challenge you. The 18-hole natural links course measures 4,799 yards and has a par of 66. High and low handicappers will love the course’s challenging layout. They will also enjoy the springy grass on the undulating fairways, and possibly one of Scotland’s best greens.
Whisky distilleries in Argyll and Bute
Ardbeg, Argyll and Bute
You’ll find the most welcome distillery on the isle of Islay if you follow your nose down the famed route from Port Ellen. On Islay’s southern coast, the white-washed walls of Ardbeg may be found nestled in a rocky bay.
Oban, Argyll and Bute
Oban Distillery is named for the village that sits beneath the sheer cliff that overlooks Oban, where the Highlands meet the Islands. The taste of the Oban 14 year old single malt whisky appropriately reflects its seaside region.
Springbank, Argyll and Bute
Springbank Distillery, located on the southern Kintyre peninsula, is Scotland’s oldest independent distillery. It also has the distinction of being Scotland’s only distillery to complete the whole whisky manufacturing process on site. This includes the traditional floor malting, ageing, and bottling.
Golf and whisky tour Scotland – Fife
The existence of Fife as a separate entity may be traced back to the Pictish Kingdom of Fib in the years following the Romans’ departure. The character of the western part of Fife is shaped by three distinct influences: industry, history, and the sea.
Golf courses in Fife
St Andrews Old Course
The Old Course at St Andrews is by far the most famous golf course in the world. It is also the place to which every golfer desires to travel at least once in their lives. It’s absolutely amazing and definitely a place you should visit if you are a golfer.
Kingsbarns
Kingsbarns Links has risen to prominence as one of the world’s best courses since its inception in 2000. The water lies immediately in the players’ active frame of play for more than half of the course. The remaining holes provide spectacular vistas of the sea crashing against the coastline.
Whisky distilleries in Fife
Kingsbarns Distillery, Fife
The Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre is conveniently located near the home of golf, St Andrews & its name sake coure Kingsbarns. It is in a picturesque 18th century farm steading and offers various exhibitions. Whisky and gin distillery tours, tastings, a store, and a café with outdoor dining area which are all available at the property.
Golf and whisky tour Scotland – Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is thought to have been the place where alcohol was first distilled in Scotland, after a recent archaeological discovery. Golf has played in the region for centuries with over 50 classic style golf clubs in this one area of Scotland.
Golf courses in Aberdeenshire
Cruden Bay Golf Club
Cruden Bay Golf Club is a club with a lengthy history and is woven into the fabric of Scotland’s golfing tradition. It was established in 1791 in Port Errol and stayed there for over a century until moving to its current position among the dunes in 1899.
Aboyne Golf Club
Aboyne Golf Club is in the heart of Royal Deeside on the eastern fringe of the ancient Cairngorms National Park. It is an engaging site for players looking for a memorable challenge. On Royal Deeside, this is the oldest club. A golfer’s paradise with 6,000 yards of immaculate fairways and flawless greens. Aboyne is the unassuming crown jewel of Aberdeenshire golf.
Whisky distilleries in Aberdeenshire
GlenDronach, Aberdeenshire
For over 200 years, The GlenDronach Distillery has been producing the best rich malts from its Highland home. A genuinely remarkable experience awaits visitors to the distillery, as does the warmth of a genuine Aberdeenshire welcome.
Golf and whisky tour Scotland – Moray
Interestingly, Moray was actually considered to be an independent kingdom or an autonomous region of Alba. In the 12th century, David I of Scotland defeated the ruler of Moray and passed over control of the area to Scotland.
Golf courses in Moray
Cullen Links Golf Club
Cullen Links Golf Club is a fantastic, if not odd, course that must be seen first-hand. This place is great for trips and is located on Scotland’s north-east coast, overlooking the Moray Firth. Cullen Links Golf Club was initially constructed none other than Old Tom Morris as a 9-hole course.
Moray Golf Club
The most well-known golf course in Moray is Moray Golf Club, which dates back to 1889 and was another golf course built by Old Tom Morris. The minimal rainfall, moderate sunlight, and gentle coastal breezes of Moray make the courses playable almost all year.
Whisky distilleries in Moray
Strathisla, Moray
Feel closer to the actual spirit of the rich, silky Chivas Regal blends in this distillery. They also have the original Speyside malt at their core at the Strathisla Distillery. During your journey to The Home of Chivas Regal, you will learn about the world’s first premium whisky that has always been innovative and generous.
Book your golf and whisky tour in Scotland today!
The best way to book your gold and whisky tour of Scotland is by contacting us and letting us know what areas you want to visit. The best way to travel from one place to the other, whilst enjoying the “water of life” is by hiring a professional chauffeur service. Hiring a service like this will allow you maximal enjoyment in your activities. You won’t have to worry about the road or .how you get there. Simply sit back and relax and enjoy the sights and tastes of Scotland. Feel free to contact us and get a quote for your travels.
