Lunch at the Jigger Inn

PerryGolf Staff

Is there a better pub anywhere in Scotland than the Jigger Inn?

The Jigger Inn, St. Andrews
The Jigger Inn, St. Andrews

In terms of location, I doubt it, as it stands to the right of the 17th hole on the Old Course; arguably the most dramatic hole in major championship golf.  With a decent sized outdoor seating area from where you can watch golfers hit their approach shots to the ‘Road Hole’, it makes the perfect spot for lunch at the height of the summer.  Traditional fish and chips with mushy peas is the speciality, but with a wide range of great pub grub to choose from, and with everything made to a very high standard, it’s a meal you’ll enjoy for more than just for the great view.  Even on a cold and rainy day, the log fires inside make it the ideal spot to warm up, and with a wide range of local beers and malt whiskeys, there’s something for everyone.  If you’re in St. Andrews and you’re looking for a casual but enjoyable lunch, you needn’t look any further.

By Keith Baird.  Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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Dubai World Championship

PerryGolf Staff

After 48 events on the long European Tour season, it has come down to a 2-horse race for the crown of European number 1.  It is quite fitting that the 2 guys in the race are both European current major champions, both of whom won their maiden majors this season, and are also both members of the victorious European Ryder Cup Team at Celtic Manor in October.  They are also both ranked in the top 10 of the world rankings.

Having claimed 4 victories throughout the season, Martin Kaymer is currently leading the race but hot on his heels and only €290,910 behind on the money list is Graeme McDowell.  Having won 3 times this season, McDowell – who is in sparkling form – will feel confident going into the last tournament of the season.  With so much money up for grabs in the season finale it will be exciting to see who comes out on top.  I plan on watching as much of the tournament as possible in anticipation…I’m tipping McDowell to finish in the top 3 and overturn the deficit.

By Gary Sheppard.  Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 4 years and is a one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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Castle Stuart ~ Best Overseas New Destination

PerryGolf Staff

Castle Stuart, which runs along the banks of the Moray Firth in the Scottish Highlands, was recently voted the best new overseas destination by Golf Digest.  The course, which was co-designed by Mark Parsinen (Kingsbarns) and American architect Gil Hanse (Craighead Links at Crail), opened in 2009 and it has already taken its place amongst Scotland’s greats.  Not only has it made the Highlands a much more appealing destination, but Scotland as a whole.  With Royal Dornoch (Scotland’s #3 course) and Nairn (#14) its best and closest neighbours, 3 or 4 nights in the Inverness area make for a great addition to any Scotland tour.

Castle Stuart Golf Links
Castle Stuart Golf Links

I recently had the opportunity to play it for the first time and loved every minute of it.  Other than the fact that the rough needs some time to mature – to make it more of a challenge – you wouldn’t know it was only a new course.  With reasonably wide fairways, you might be forgiven for standing on the tee and thinking it looks relatively straight forward, but with the impetus put on getting the right angles from where to approach very tricky greens, it’s definitely a thinker’s course.   If you’ve been to Scotland before and you’ve played the more famous British Open rota courses, but you’ve never made it up to the Highlands, now is the time…and Castle Stuart should definitely be on your list as one of the ‘must plays’.

By Keith Baird.  Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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Castle Cottage Harlech

PerryGolf Staff

Following the Ryder Cup this year, Welsh golf is now firmly on the map.  At PerryGolf we have been putting together trips to this area for many years and feel that it has a lot to offer our clients.

When considering a stay in Wales I would advise looking at the Castle Cottages in Harlech as a great option of accommodation.  The welcome you will receive in the Cottages is the same as you are likely to receive all over Wales…warm and friendly.

Castle Cottages Harlech
Castle Cottages Harlech

The 5 star accommodations, in two 400 year old buildings, are thought to have been old farmhouses dating back to 1585.  The Hotel is actually built around the restaurant which offers superb dining with local Welsh produce used wherever possible.  The dining area has a log fire to sit by and enjoy a meal, whilst the view outside is of Mount Snowden (the highest Mountain in Wales).

The cottage consists of 7 rooms – all en-suite – with super king size beds.  All of the rooms come with TV, DVD, iPod dock and Tea/Coffee-making facilities.  A nice touch to note is that each room is individually named in Welsh.

For golf in the area, courses nearby include Royal St David’s, Aberdovey and Nefyn.  Within a reasonable driving distance you can also play Conwy.

Castle Cottage in Harlech is a great option for your trip to Wales and will allow you to discover some fantastic golf and scenery with beautiful food and a warm atmosphere thrown in!

By Alan Bowman.  Alan joined the PerryGolf team earlier this season.

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Fairmont, St Andrews Wins Prestigious Award

Mhairi
Fairmont, St. Andrews
Fairmont, St. Andrews

As a fantastic 5 star resort that we frequently recommend to clients when travelling to St. Andrews, we were delighted to hear that the Fairmont has very recently been awarded the title of “Best Golf Resort and Spa” by the World Travel Awards.

For further reading on the hotel and the background of the award, please click here.

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