Reviews
We have just come back from a tour with Heritage Golf in April of 2024 to Troon and Kintyre. Everyone who is interested in golf at some point in their life wants to play links golf on Scotland’s iconic links. Exploring links golf in Scotland is a journey that requires knowledge, planning and above all a good guide.
A thorough guide is key to discovering the best courses, understanding the unique challenges and enjoying the rich history that surrounds this beloved sport. Such a guide provides not only practical tips for navigating the rugged landscape and shifting winds, but also a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of links golf. Our guide’s name is Ingvar Ritzen and he runs Heritage Golf Tours which specializes in taking small groups to the best links golf in Scotland, some of them very unexpected ones. Ingvar is a top links golf guide who gave us access and detailed information on the best courses along the coast, including their history, design and playing strategies. We had all levels of golfers in our group and Ingvar balanced this very well. What was really fun was that Ingvar highlighted the rich history and culture of links golf in Scotland. By understanding the long and proud tradition of links golf, the golfer gains a real sense of connection with the generations of golfers that have come before us. Ingvar really made a difference and our trip was a memorable and enriching experience.
What makes the links golf so special is its anchoring in nature. Links courses are often located along the coasts, where they take advantage of the rugged landscape of sand dunes, heaths and coastal barges. This natural setting creates a range of unique challenges for the golfer, including ondulated fairways where you have to play from sloping lies, deep pot bunkers and you get an unpredictable wind that constantly shifts in strength and direction. It is this uncertainty that makes links golf so exciting and unforgiving, requiring skill and strategy from every stroke. I can guarantee that no matter how good you are at golf, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Scotland offers an abundance of options, all with their own charm and character. Courses such as St Andrews Old Course, Royal Troon and Muirfield are all iconic destinations that attract golfers from around the world. But it’s not just the famous courses that offer a memorable links golf experience in Scotland. Many lesser-known clubs along the coast also offer fantastic courses that combine spectacular views with challenging play. We played fantastic courses on the West Coast of Scotland such as Gailes Links, Western Gailes Golf Club, Dundonalds Links, Shiskine, Dunaverty, Machrihanish Dunes, Machrihanish Champion and hickory golf at Carradale. It was a journey through beautiful fjord landscapes, ferries and often off the beaten tracks so we could have the courses almost to ourselves.
There’s plenty to say about all the great courses we got to play on but I’d just like to add a few extra words about Western Gailes. It’s a gem situated in Troon on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. This magnificent golf course is one of the most scenic and challenging that Scotland has to offer. With a rich history that stretches back to 1897, Western Gailes has an aura of tradition and class that permeates every hole. From the moment you step onto the first tee, you are immediately captivated by the surrounding beauty and rugged landscape so characteristic of links golf. The course winds through natural sand dunes and coastal terrain, creating a challenging playing experience that will test even the most skilled golfers. What really sets Western Gailes apart from other courses is its unique character and atmosphere. The sense of tradition and history that permeates the club is evident in every detail, from the friendly welcome in the clubhouse to the incomparable views of the Ayrshire coast. Western Gailes Golf Club is an absolute must-visit destination for all golf enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable playing experience. Worth noting is that we played golf every single day. Even straight through the storm Kathleen that moved in when we played at Dunaverty – what an experience.
In addition to the courses themselves, Scotland also offers a rich golf culture that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. From the cozy pubs where golfing stories are exchanged over a pint of ale to all the whisky distilleries, it is clear that golf is deeply rooted in Scottish society. We made some memorable visits to Springbank among others. All very well planned by Ingvar.
Ingvar Ritzen is an accurate and knowledgeable guide specializing in true links golf in Scotland and an invaluable resource for golf enthusiasts. Ingvar balances different levels of golfers in the group and provides a deep understanding of links golf’s cultural and historical importance. I can thoroughly recommend Ingvar and Heritage to all golfers. This is something you don’t want to miss!
Mats Hylin who went on a tour 2-9 April 2024