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Where do I start?
We encourage you to review our Scotland Suggested Tours section and/or our Scotland Custom Tour section. Alternatively, you are welcome to call Sterling Golf Tours and one of our knowledgeable Travel Coordinators will be happy to speak with you about your plans and provide a recommend package.
When Should I Book?
Demand continues to grow each year for the top courses and hotels in Scotland. Therefore, Sterling Golf Tours recommends booking early to secure the best tee times and accommodations for your trip. We recommend you book your trip 8 to 18 months in advance.
How do I Book?
Once we have agreed on an itinerary and dates to book, we require the following: deposit, all names, handicaps, and home club details. For more information about reservations, see our Terms & Conditions.
When is the best time to travel?
The Scottish golf season starts at the beginning of April and runs through October. April and May are the driest months and offer the best value. June is still and excellent month to travel. July and August are usually warmer demand for tee times on the more popular courses is very high, thus tee times are limited. September is month to visit Scotland. However, the Old Course is essentially unavailable due to annual tournaments and events that close the course to visitors. October offers great value. During the course of the season most clubs have events that limit play during certain weeks. The bottom line is that weather should not dictate your travel dates. Course availability is the most important factor and flexibility is the
secret.
What is included in a package?
Sterling Golf Tours packages generally include the following: accommodations, prepaid green fees and starting times, Scottish breakfast, ground transportation (see below), Airport Meet & Greet by Sterling Golf Tours’ Scottish Office Representative on arrival including assistance with ground transportation. Tour briefing including maps (and associated driving instruction), hotel and golf vouchers, general information; Sterling Golf Tours’ UK Office on call throughout your stay and all local taxes. Other feature may be included depending on tour (i.e. dinners, special event tickets).
What ground transportation options are available?
We offer both self-drive tours and chauffeur drive. For self-drive we include an automatic transmission midsize car (2 passengers per vehicle) and automatic transmission minivan (3/4 passengers per vehicle). Each vehicle comfortably accommodates luggage and golf clubs. For groups of 8 people or more, we strongly recommend chauffeur coach/minicoach. Whether you choose the freedom of self-drive or the convenience of chauffeur drive, Sterling Golf Tours can meet your requirements
What accommodation options are available?
Sterling Golf Tours offers a variety of accommodation options for your tour. Choices range from comfortable, yet inexpensive 2-Star inns to luxurious 5-Star castles, country homes, and resorts. All properties are personally vetted on a regular basis by Sterling Golf Tours staff. Our quotations for accommodation are based on double/twin occupancy – standard room sharing. Upgrades and single occupancy are quoted upon request.
Is airfare included?
Unfortunately we cannot arrange air travel. However, our Travel Coordinators can provide recommendations on air travel arrangements.
Do I need an official Handicap?
Many of the courses in Scotland require visitors to hold an official handicap (USGA handicap card or equivalent). Sterling Golf Tours endorses this viewpoint and recommends that players travel with a valid handicap certificate from their golf club or association, which you may be required to produce. Generally handicap limit for most of the Scottish courses is 24 for men and 36 for ladies.
Are Caddies available?
Caddies are generally available at most courses in Scotland. As a free service, Sterling Golf Tours can request caddies in advance on behalf of each golfer. Caddie charges range from £30 - £55 (inclusive of tip). Payment is made by the golfer directly to the Golf Club or Caddie. (It is not included in the price of a tour). The club’s Caddie Master will inform you of the caddie charge and caddie tipping policy. Availability of caddies varies greatly at different golf clubs. Caddies cannot be guaranteed (particularly at the more popular clubs), but every effort will be made by Sterling Golf Tours to reserve the services of a caddy.
Are Motorized Golf Carts available?
Motorized carts (or “buggies”) are generally not available at most of the popular courses in the Scotland (particularly links courses). However, some courses do have one or two carts available on medical grounds only. These can be requested with a medical certificate from your doctor. NOTE: Motorized CARTS cannot be guaranteed. NOTE: Pull carts are available for hire at all courses for a nominal fee.
Do I need a special drivers license?
A valid US or Canadian driver’s license is required by anyone who shall be driving in Scotland. Minimum age for driving rental cars is 21 (25 on certain categories). The maximum driving age is 75 in Scotland.
What if I have to cancel my trip?
See our Terms & Conditions.
Do you recommend Travel Insurance?
Yes. In the event of any unforeseen emergency Sterling Golf Tours highly recommends travel insurance to protect yourself and your traveling companions. We also recommend that you obtain accident and baggage travel insurance. Sterling Golf Tours is not liable for loss, damage, or theft of luggage or personal belongings, or for personal injury, accident, or illness. We include information on travel insurance at the time of reservation.
What is the Old Course Ballot?
As a tour operator, Sterling Golf Tours has access to guaranteed Old Course starting times through our preferred relationships. However, at certain times of the year, demand exceeds supply. When this is the case, Sterling Golf Tours will offer play on the Old Course via the Ballot. The Ballot is a lottery system. Approximately 50% of Old Course starting times during the course of the year are not allocated for advance starting times but are available via the Ballot. Many visitors (and Sterling Golf Tours clients) take advantage of this method of accessing the Old Course. Ballot success varies according to the time of year, how busy the course is, and the weather. NOTE: The ballot does not offer an absolute guarantee for play on the Old Course. If designed properly - a tour schedule can allow for good odds at receiving a ballot time. How does the ballot Work? Our UK office handles all of the details of entering your names for the ballot. The daily ballot (lottery) is drawn after 2:00 PM for play on the following day (except on a Saturday for Monday play as the Old Course is closed on Sundays). Our office will notify you (by phone or fax) at your hotel of the outcome of the ballot. Please also check the results yourself. They are posted at the Links Clubhouse, starter's boxes, the caddie manager's office, and the tourist information center by 4:00 PM. They can also be seen on the web at www.standrews.org.uk.
What about non-golfers? Non-golf activities?
Non-golfers are welcome. Sterling Golf Tours is happy to suggest non-golf / sightseeing activities. However, we highly recommend that you purchase a travel guide from your local bookstore. A travel book will provide additional information on your destination and highlight tourist attractions. Sterling Golf Tours will be happy to recommend restaurant recommendations as well. |