What to bring to Scotland

Passport, $$$, Reservations documents, (see Travel Essentials part one).

As golf is one of the main objectives of this trip, one would obviously want to bring golf implements. Clubs, a light weight carry bag if you have one (you’ll nea be on a buggy (cart) in Scotland without a letter from your physician stating a medical need), golf shoes, waterproofs, umbrella, golf balls, and a valid handicap card. Why waterproofs? Duh! Why golf balls? Can’t you buy them there? Yes you can, but they’re twice as much as here at home. And the valid handicap card? Don’t leave home without it! You nae get on the Old Course, Royal Dornoch or a variety of other courses without one.
Beyond this, my motto is travel light. You’ve got a jacket already (see waterproofs). The hight temperatures is going to be in the 50’s or 60’s but the lows will be in the upper 40’s or low 50’s, so a jumper (sweater) or sweater vest, and a polar fleece is a good idea. Jeans are not permitted on most of the golf courses or in most clubhouses. One pair, primarily for travel or for the pub at night is all you need. Two or three pairs of trousers, khakis or Dockers, are a good way to go. A pair of shoes other than hiking or trainers (athletic shoes) is necessary if you want to go into the clubhouse after the round. Golf shirts or long sleeve polo shirts are a good idea, and we might get some weather that would allow us to wear one without a fleece. Underwear, socks, under shirts, etc.

How much of this stuff do you need? Depends on how long we stay, but I say keep it to a minimum. The only people that will see us on a regular basis are us, and we don’t care if you wear the same sweater every day. If you run out of clean underwear, socks, or whatever, the Caremore Laundry Service is located on Woodburn Terrace in St Andrews and will happily to do a service wash for you.

Bring necessary toiletries, in small quantities, in a one quart plastic bag (for the security folks). Keep them all together in one place. If you forget something in this area don’t worry, the Tesco or Boots on Market Street in St Andrews has all this stuff. Don’t forget any prescription medications. Something to read in the airports and on the plane is a necessity. Camera!!!

How to transport the gear? You’ll need two pieces of luggage, a travel bag for the golf clubs and a small carry-on bag. Besides golf implements, the travel bag can easily hold any and all of your large bulky items like polar fleece, rain gear, shoes, sweaters, etc. There will be a weight limit. Last time I went over seas it was 50 lbs (22.5 kg). Actually, there isn’t a limit, you just have to start paying extra when you exceed a given weight. I carry necessary items in the carry on bag; medications, socks, underwear, shirts, book, passport.

My experience is that people tend to over pack, bring stuff you don’t really need. Keep it simple boys.

ODL