Golf in the morning and distillery in the afternoon? or a breakout day dedicated to the whisky instead? There’s probably no right or wrong answer as to which works best as it likely depends on just whereabouts you’re staying or travelling through. Some of Scotland’s whisky producing regions combine better with her golf courses than others. Some you’ll be spoilt for choice, (like Speyside) whereas in others the decision is much more forced and likely restricted to a single focus
Glenkinchie is the most noteworthy distillery to visit around Edinburgh (about 40 mins away), but otherwise it’s notable for its exception. The capital is perhaps better equipped to sate your thirst for scotch by using one of its ‘whisky experiences’ for it hosts numerous bottle collections, organised tastings, and teaching classes, including the ‘scotch whisky experience’
The Kingsbarns distillery needn't be a 'famous name' but its the closest distillery to St Andrews (and of course, Kingsbarns) and won't let a golfer with a more casual interest in scotch down
Glenmorangie is home to the tallest stills in Scotland and only 10 mins from Royal Dornoch and practically next door to Tain Golf Club. It can easily be used to reinforce a highland golf tour
In order to reach the highlands to play golf you're most likely to use the A9 highway. This means driving past the Blair Athol distillery, home of 'Bells'. You might as well ... I mean, it'd be rude not to!
Speyside has the greatest depth of ‘famous names’ and can easily justify a dedicated day or two exploring the distilleries of river Spey valley. Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Macallan are all headline acts whereas Aberlour, Glen Grant, Strathisla (Chivas), Balvenie, Cardhu, and Glenfarcas rank amongst scotch royalty.
You might choose to stay in Carigellachie to immerse yourself in it, whilst routing between the Highlands and Aberdeenshire (Cruden Bay or Aberdeen), or you could ‘nip over’ to Speyside on an afternoon after playing golf at the likes of Castle Stuart, Nairn, the Boat of Garten or on the Moray Old Course.
The Ayrshire coast (Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry) needn’t be a stronghold for scotch. If we want to add some whisky interest then one of the most fun ways of doing so is to take a ferry onto the Isle of Arran and combine golf at Shiskine and Corrie, with scotch at the islands distillery at Lochranza. You could stretch further to Campbeltown, a one time centre of the export industry but most famous today for the Springbank distillery. Campbeltown combines with the world top-100 ranked links at Machrihanish. To complete this in a day will likely involve a hopper flight from Glasgow
Pure water sources and plenty of peat ensure that the distilleries of Islay are held in the highest regard the world over. Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Caol Ila, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Bruichladdich require little introduction. The problem is getting there and back in a single day. We probably need ‘an overnight’ to do it properly, and that means a ferry from Kennacraig, or a hopper flight from Glasgow. We prefer the former as it means our vehicle comes with us.
The golf is restricted to the Machrie links, or course which probably qualifies as ‘hidden gem’ and typically ranks in Scotland’s top-20 list
If your interest is more casual (just wanting to ‘do’ a distillery) then the Tullibardine Distillery is only a couple of miles away from Gleneagles in the village of Blackford.
Alternatively the Glenturret Distillery is easy to tag onto a stay at Gleneagles in the small town of Crieff (20 mins). Glenturret is a unique whisky experience offering tours of Scotland’s oldest working distillery, and home of the ‘Famous Grouse’
The best combination for golf and whisky involves Speyside and the Highland with Aberdeenshire. See how the two can be made to work for you
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For anyone planning to use Faraway Fairways, I would highly recommend them. You will get a lot of e-mails, and more information and detail than you probably need, but you can be assured that the details have been worked out, and your trip will go as planned.
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Alun's focus on the details was extraordinary from the choice of courses and the timing of the tee times, the amazingly beautiful accommodations along with some excellent meal selections, and the transportation options he provided to get us from place to place. It was truly a wonderful experience and even though I initially viewed the trip as a bucket list “once in a lifetime” experience”
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Alun Davies is a master travel caddie. His attention to detail, and ability to give wise counsel is exceptional. Every step of my trip was expertly planned. The circumstances of my trip required at least a dozen major changes prior to departure. Alun not only stuck with me, he negotiated every request and concern professionally and enthusiastically.
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Faraway Fairways, provided my wife and I with an amazing travel experience to Scotland, featuring the best British Open courses possible. I told Alun the courses I was interested in playing and he prepared a stay and play package with 14 days of outstanding golf, but also tremendous site seeing opportunities for my wife.
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They were thousands of dollars below other quotes that I received, in fact the prices were very similar to what I would have paid if I would have booked everything on my own. Using Faraway Fairways ended up being the best decision I made regarding the trip.
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Alun was able to get us booked at every course we requested and he scheduled our tee times and caddies for times that allowed us the freedom to do some sightseeing on the side. In addition, he stayed in touch with the tide tables and was successful in altering a time to ensure the best views for us while we played!
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You cannot go wrong with the support Faraway Fairways offered. I did this trip solo and all last minute but I have already begun to plan the next trip which will include my best golfing buddies. Thanks Alun
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The trip had to be postponed Three times, Alun came repeatedly to the rescue. An absolute credit to his business! The four of us are eternally grateful for the most brilliant trip. We honestly couldn't have done it without Faraway Fairways. Will 100 percent use again.
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The logistics were spotless…100% of the transports were on time and excellent, the lodging choices spectacular and the golf was off the charts in terms of quality and arrangements made
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I wanted to reach out and extend a gigantic Thank You for putting together a fantastic trip for J.C. and me... I would and will highly recommend your company to anyone looking to plan an unforgettable golf trip.
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