Adam, you have a great list here. I have played most of them. I would add Rye to your RCP/RSG group. Also, The Berkshire is worth considering in your first grouping though those you have listed are probably all better. In your last group, I would advise taking a look at Hayling. I have not made it there yet but it looks stunning.

I just got back from my 10th golf trip to GB&I and it never disappoints. I was fortunate to be joined by two my 30 something sons and middle brother on this one, just so much fun. North Berwick on Day 1 in a 50mph breeze, followed by Gullane #1, The Old Course at St. Andrews (via the 48hr ahead Ballot), 36 holes on Day 4 at Kingsbarns and Elie and we closed it out at the Eden course at St. Andrews. IMO, it's hard to go wrong playing anywhere in GB&I. Even courses you've never heard of are worth playing as they are unique and fun. The only things that have changed since my first trip 18 years ago are the prices (much higher) and the number of traveling golfers (many more). And the food in Scotland this time was great, much improved compared to previous trips. I am hopeful for a couple of more trips there, to Wales and maybe one more time to England but if that does not happen, I have been very blessed to see some special places.

Played it two days ago! Absolutely worth the trip! Coupling it with Enniscrone and County Sligo makes it a no-brainer if you can swing it.

I took a screenshot, but do not think I can put pictures up on the website quite yet. If you go to Gotterups second shot on the 16th hole, it’s a perfect example of what the guys have been talking about on the podcast. He misses so far right that it’s out of the troublesome heather and into a very trampled down area. A miss would’ve made par difficult.

I saw this morning that Shackelford is advocating they put the pin front right one day. It would leave it somewhat blind behind the front mound which he believes would be more difficult for the pros. If the hole is playing downwind I could see it being very difficult to get it close judging hitting just over that mound would be a challenge and could lead to some interesting bounces if players are a bit off

I played Aberdovey last year and loved it. You can take the train there, as the station is closer to the front gate than many places in the parking lot. I stayed in a dormie room right on the 18th green. The people were great. Loved the links course. Wales is very much overlooked as a destination for golf but I highly recommend it.

I have made solo golf trips to Scotland and Wales and fully endorse doing so. Clearly, I don't have anyone I can ask, "Remember the time when we ...?" but I have lots of great memories and I have had trips I fully wanted to make. I love the whole process of planning trips (literally one reason I am reading this page) and as a solo traveller, that's a necessity. So Brian, go to these places and have enjoy them instead of waiting to find somene who wants to join you.

Not off the beaten path by Ireland / Scottland / UK trip standards, but the feel of a Southwest Ireland trip is very low key despite world class golf courses. Couldn't recommend it enough. If comparing a trip to Bandon, Sand Valley, etc. I would absolutely include Ireland for consideration. Ballybunion, Lahinch, Dooks, Waterville and Tralee are all incredible in their own right and that part of the world is the most hospitable I have been.

Yes - great article and glad you covered this. My caddie at Dumbarnie in Scotland a couple of years ago had played in this event, and he had an amazing swing and power with one leg, and was a UK military veteran from the war in Afghanistan after 9/11 - very humbling experience.

Yes - great article and glad you covered this. My caddie at Dumbarnie in Scotland a couple of years ago had played in this event, and he had an amazing swing and power with one arm, and was a UK military veteran from the war in Afghanistan after 9/11 - very humbling experience.