Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, and is played by millions of people in a variety of different worldwide locations.  Many amateur golfers enjoy combining their favourite game with their holiday time, and go on dedicated golf vacations.  Many holiday providers recognise this market and offer specialised golfing breaks, complete with flights, hotel or resort accommodation, and golf course passes.  There are golf vacations available all over the world, however, Scotland is one place that endures a special place in the history of Golf, and provides many fine Scottish golf breaks to choose from.

The game of golf was first recorded in Scotland in the 15th century, making it the birth place of golf and one of the most important games in the collective Scottish psyche.  The word ‘golf’ was first officially recorded in the Scottish parliament on the 6th of March 1457, where it is mentioned and condemned along with Football.  The exact origins of the game are not clear, however, most people think that it originated at some time in the high middle ages.  There is much of golfing history that is associated with the nation of Scotland, including the game’s origin, the first golf course and club, the first written rules, and the first 18 hole golf course.  All of this history brings many golfing fanatics to Scotland every year for dedicated golf vacations.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Scotland is the world governing body for the game of golf, and its ancient course is considered by many golfers as a site of pilgrimage.  As far as golfing holidays go, this course is one of the most important in the entire world, and is a course that most golfers want to play at some time of their lives.  St Andrews is not the only desirable Scottish golf destination however, and there are many other fabulous golf courses to choose from.  Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Muirfield, Royal Troon, and Prestwick are some of the most well known courses – the later being the location of the world’s first Open Championship in 1860.

Golf is often recognised as an elitist sport that is played by the upper classes of society, however in Scotland this is much less the case.  The egalitarian nature of Scottish culture and politics means that low cost public courses are readily available throughout the country.  This does not mean that an indulgent golf holiday is out of the question however, as there are certainly lots of ways to indulge at some of the hotels and resorts associated with many of these golf courses.  The accommodation provided during golf holidays is normally of a very high standard in order to meet the expectations of guests and players, with fine dining, health spas, and local tours often included in the holiday package.