Spice Up Your Tour
Private Dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia
She is one of the most famous vessels in the world and not to mention one of the most beautiful. The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith and Drumgolf can arrange for you to have the once in a lifetime opportunity of dining where Kings and Queens and Heads of State have been dining for decades.
Prior to dinner there is an opportunity to explore the Yacht
The hive of activity behind the scenes ensures everything flows smoothly. The finest cuisine, lovingly prepared and beautifully presented will be served from the Royal Galley under the supervision of Executive Chef, Mark Alston, whilst you rest at magnificent mahogany tables with gleaming silver cutlery.
You could also try a whisky pairing dinner which is definitely an experience for all the senses. With so many whiskies there is a perfect match for every kind of cuisine. Guests will be guided through their meal matching the smoky, peaty or light characteristics of the spirit with each dish.
So if you think during your trip you would like to dine in style on this historic vessel, please advise as soon as possible as availability is extremely limited.
Play Golf With A Ryder Cup Star
For the real golf enthusiasts, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity which should not be missed. Join European tour professional & former Ryder Cup Player Andrew Coltart who Represented Europe at Brookline in 1999 playing Tiger Woods in the singles for a one-on-one personalised teaching programme at the start of your itinerary to prepare you for your forthcoming golfing schedule. Your programme climaxes with a round of golf on one of the two private links courses with 18 holes of golf, through the professionals' eyes and course management guidance.
With this exclusive experience, you will receive the best in luxury and discretion. It includes a night's accommodation (and catering) at the private members golf club Archerfield Links, and a personalised teaching programme designed around your requirements.
Play a Golf Course you have never heard of before!
Not only is this a way to include a hidden gem but this can also be a good cost saving aspect of your trip!
There is no need to go on any major diversions as there are exceptionally charming links courses in close proximity to the ones on your wish list! Below are some of the hidden gems we would strongly recommend:
Panmure (only 5 minute drive from Carnoustie)
Brimming with character, our clients are always so impressed with the hospitality, history and traditions of this club which make the overall experience truly memorable. An Open Championship qualifying course, it is very close to the more celebrated Carnoustie and many choose to play the two courses on the same day. The initial flat 3 holes give way to some classic contoured terrain which makes for an unforgettable golf course. The par 4 sixth in particular is as testing a golf hole as you will play in Scotland. Ben Hogan secretly practised here before proceeding to win the Open at Carnoustie in 1953.
Brora (approximately 25 minute drive from Royal Dornoch)
A James Braid inspired course which makes excellent use of the natural contours. The backdrop of breaking waves and winding burns make Brora a memorable experience as do the native fairway mowing sheep. The allure of Brora is best summed up by James Finegan in 'Blasted Heath and Blessed greens' - "too short to qualify as great, it is no less superlative, there is no prosaic moment, as we relish every hole'. Brora is as fine and as pure an example of Braid's work as you are likely to find.
Southerness (approximately 1 hour drive from Turnberry)
This is a challenging championship links on the Solway Firth designed by MacKenzie Ross. It could easily be described as Scottish golf's forgotten gem. Those who have played it know the course merits being ranked among the best in the country but there are many who probably won't know about Southerness due to its geographical location. Renowned for its tough par-4s, eight of which measure in excess of 400 yards, it has hosted the Scottish Amateur Championship and Scottish Stroke-play Championship in recent years.
Fraserburgh (approximately 30 minutes from Cruden Bay)
There is no doubting that the coastal area between Fraserburgh and Peterhead was destined for links golf, with its high sand dunes and spectacular views across the sea and to the fishing town beyond. Wildly undulating fairways, sand hills, unpredictable winds, wonderful views and some truly spectacular holes make this hidden gem a stern test from start to finish. Well worth the detour!
Loch Ness Highland Golf Cruise
What better way to add a bit of spice to your vacation than to incorporate a golf cruise into your itinerary, where you can enjoy the exceptionally sheltered conditions in the Inner Inverness Firth, Caledonian Firth and Loch Ness.
Board the Scotia W, a converted traditional fishing boat which is fully crewed with a skipper, cook and 2 crew members, and enjoy the spectacular backdrops in your own private cruise vessel. The boat is beautifully crafted and has 4 twin cabins found over its 3 floors.
Drumgolf has put together a 3 day cruise including some of the finest links in the Highlands and we would be delighted to incorporate this into a larger itinerary (maximum group size of 8). Your itinerary would include a round at Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch and Nairn and would also incorporate some outstanding sightseeing opportunities such as the dolphins at Chanory Point and Urquhart Castle. All meals are included during your cruise, including complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, fruit and soft drinks.
Drop Off The Tourist Trail
Scotland has no shortage of quiet, secluded locations and should you be looking for a few days to get away from the golfing aspect of your trip we would be delighted to incorporate into your itinerary a stay at one of a selection of charming, traditional hotels to be found in our beautiful countryside. Here is a flavour of what is on offer:
Airds Hotel, Port Appin
Situated in the West Coast of Scotland, just north of Oban, this luxury hotel is sited in one of most beautiful locations you could imagine.
This 18th Century, former ferry inn received a full refurbishment at the start of the season, presenting a contemporary-cosy feel in bedrooms and lounges. The hotel prides itself on attentive, unobtrusive service which the staff has mastered down to a fine art!
The 3 AA rosettes restaurant offers a legendary gourmet experience, co-ordinated by Robert MacPherson, a Fellow Master Chef of Great Britain. The emphasis is on all things harvested locally and many ingredients are grown on site! This is definitely one of the best meals you will have in the north!
Torridon Hotel, Wester Ross
Another exceptionally located hotel, this is an impressive former hunting lodge which sits on the loch side and is surrounded by majestic mountains...arguably one of the most spectacular and idyllic locations in the country.
This is a comfortable and cosy baronial house with a very relaxed atmosphere. Here you will encounter an all-round Highland Experience from our traditional, Scottish hospitality to the many outdoor pursuits on offer eg. clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, gorge-scrambling and fishing.
The Torridon also boasts a 3 AA rosettes restaurant run by award winning chef, Bruno Birckbeck, with an excellent wine list and an impressive whisky bar stocking upwards of 350 malt whiskies!
Enjoy Staying in Your Very Own Scottish Castle on an Exclusive Use Basis
For the ultimate indulgence, why not enjoy the freedom of an entire Castle and Estate in one of the world's most iconic locations?
By the shores of the beautiful, romantic and mysterious Loch Ness lies the Aldourie Estate with its magnificent historic castle offering grandeur and comfort combined with beauty and tranquillity in a breathtaking setting.
Drumgolf can arrange for an exclusive stay at Aldourie where you can immerse yourself in a book by a roaring log fire, or savour a drink and good conversation around the table; enjoy some traditional indoor pursuits or perhaps gaze serenely across the lawns to the beauty of Loch Ness and the Highland landscape beyond.
There are 15 wonderfully comfortable bedrooms all individually furnished, some with classic simplicity and others with generous eccentricity. Public rooms include the Red Drawing Room, the magnificent Dining Room, the Library and the Billiards Room. This magical environment is only available on an exclusive basis and is the perfect retreat for a group of golfers looking for the premier experience!