The Highlands of Scotland for Golf – Far more than a One Trick Pony

July 8, 2013October 9, 2014 Gordon Dalgleish

The 2013 Scottish Open at Castle Stuart shall enjoy one enviable footnote; it is the first regular European Tour event to be broadcasted on network television in the USA (on NBC). Doubtless this shall introduce many more golf fans to the wonderfully designed Castle Stuart which was opened in 2009. Castle Stuart is the creation of Mark Parsinen (who created Kingsbarns) and Gil Hanse (of Olympic Golf Course notoriety).

It has added yet another dimension to a region of Scotland that was historically famous for Royal Dornoch, the course where Donald Ross served his apprenticeship as a greens keeper. Ross subsequently emigrated to the USA and built an untold number of courses using the same style he had seen at Dornoch with pushed up greens. Beyond these two fine links courses you will enjoy Nairn (venue for the 1999 Walker Cup Matches) and a myriad of classic, small town links golf that includes Tain, Brora, Nairn Dunbar & Lossiemouth. This is a region of Scotland that is rich and understated, yet thoroughly enjoyable links golf in it’s purest form.

This Google Earth Video Tour below gives some sense of the logistics of the area, with a range of accommodations options including the recently completed Quarryfield House which serves as an ideal base for groups in which to remain in one location and enjoy an exclusive-use facility.

In the last year or two, Trump International, about a 2 hour 15 min drive to the east, has enjoyed much deserved attention. It is a fine, modern style links course and with another course having been announced, it will add yet another arrow in a full quiver of exceptional golf experiences. Aberdeen serves as the host city to the oil & gas industry which works in the deep and challenging waters of the North Sea. It has also been home for many years to three great links courses: Royal Aberdeen (venue for the 2014 Scottish Open), Cruden Bay & Marcar. Each of these courses is a treat to play and another reason to extend your stay in the Highlands of Scotland.

Quality accommodations and restaurants abound in both Inverness & Aberdeen, which despite their northerly location in the British Isles, have become quite chic and sophisticated for visitors to enjoy.

While all of the “name” golf courses in Scotland that are associated with hosting the Open Championship are in the Lowlands, there are plenty of reasons to find the time to enjoy the Highlands. One visit and glimpse of the scenery and you will clearly understand why each region has it’s respective moniker.

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

Fathers, Sons and Golf

June 7, 2013October 9, 2014 Gordon Dalgleish

The final round of the U.S. Open next week shall fall on Father’s Day. One of the great days in sport when there can be no discussion at home about whether your family obligations supersede your television time!

Dan and James Hollmann at Kingsbarns Golf Links

Father’s Day and golf is about as wholesome as it comes. The generations that have passed their love of the game of golf to their offspring and all that it entails and the joy that it brings are encapsulated in one day, next Sunday.

I recently read and strongly encourage any father to read Don Snyder’s book; Walking with Jack. It is a poignant story about a father’s unwavering desire for a son to succeed in the game of golf. Any father who has introduced their child to golf will relate to Don’s great story telling ability.

We recently hosted some clients in Scotland, a number of whom I knew personally and I was delighted to read this article in the Richmond newspaper from the son of one of my friends. Jeff speaks to the deep enjoyment and personal satisfaction from spending quality time with his father. I could not be more delighted that in our own small way, PerryGolf helped to make it possible.

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

Merion Golf Club vs Pine Valley Golf Club

May 31, 2013October 9, 2014 Harrison Gould

Co-founder and President of PerryGolf – Gordon Dalgleish – was asked to write the piece “Which is Better? | Merion or Pine Valley” for the Summer 2013 edition of LINKS Magazine.

An insightful and timely article as The 113th U.S. Open Championship at Merion Golf Club is just around the corner, here’s an inside glance into the article:

“Its incomparable championship history and taut test of shotmaking give this year’s U.S. Open site a decided edge” – Gordon Dalgleish

It takes either a brave or remarkably naive member to think he can mount a successful defense of his golf club in a faceoff with the number-one course in the world. Pine Valley has a storied and, in many respects, mythical history.

But speaking of history, my Merion has hosted four U.S. Open Championships, six U.S. Amateurs, four U.S. Women’s Amateurs, one World Amateur, a Walker Cup, and numerous other significant events. It was the fitting venue for Bobby Jones to begin his illustrious career—in the 1916 U.S. Amateur (as a 14 year old!)—and to conclude it with the completion of the Grand Slam (in the 1930 Amateur, on the 11th hole). And who could forget Ben Hogan’s heroic return to competitive golf when the iconic photo of his 1-iron approach on the 72nd hole of the 1950 U.S. Open hangs in clubhouses around the world?

To finish reading the full article, visit LINKS Magazine’s website here.

About the Author: Harrison Gould is the Social Media Marketing Manager of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

Walking with Jack – an ideal Father’s Day gift for a loved one

April 23, 2013October 9, 2014 Gordon Dalgleish

It is very possibly every father’s dream for his son or daughter to be a better golf than they are and for their offspring to understand and embrace the sport which provides so many lessons in life. It was that simple goal which propelled Don Snyder to pursue his dream for his son, Jack.

Walking with Jack is a story about the relationship between a father and son and how golf brought them together as they both faced their own set of challenges. It will resonate with parents who have children of all ages as the time goes by so quickly. It was only yesterday I noticed a comment that there are only 940 Saturdays between the birth of your child and their departure for college! This book captures some of these fleeting moments beautifully.

Don is a thoughtful, eloquent writer and serves as a role model as a father for his selfless devotion to his family and preparing them for their adult life as well as anyone could hope. At the end of the day, it is a very enjoyable read which will resonate with many readers as it prompts you to recall moments in your life with your father or son. An ideal gift for Father’s Day.

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

Air travel pricing – a new twist

April 19, 2013April 24, 2018 Gordon Dalgleish

[singlepic id=50 w=320 h=240 float=]It has forever seemed that the cost of an airline ticket varies like the wind. While their is generally (some) logic behind most fares, the impending twist described in this BBC article introduces yet another level of confusion.

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