Worthwhile course near Glasgow Airport?

« **on:** May 15, 2003, 09:15:42 AM »

I'm going to Scotland in July, with an overnight flight from SF that arrives in Glasgow at 2:30pm on a Friday afternoon. The other members of my party arrive later that evening... we head out on a massive trip early the next morning.

My query for the day is: do I sit around the airport and wait for them, or is there a course near the airport worth the trouble of me catching a cab, storing my luggage, etc.?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

TH

« **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2003, 09:43:21 AM »

Huck, Glasgow Gailes, Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes are all within 30 miles. I just did that trip and finished my round at Troon and was in Glasgow within 35 minutes. Rent a car for one day and be ballsy.

« **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2003, 09:46:43 AM »

Thanks, Naffer!

I'm gonna be heading to Turnberry the next morning, and Troon is already on the itin as is Prestwick...

30 miles seems like a heck of a cab fare... this trip is costing an arm and a leg as it is... I've played Western Gailes - that would be worth it... just how far from the airport is that? I'd need to allow time to get luggage, go through customs, etc... Damning the cost, logistically could I get down there in time to get in a feasible round?

Is there any closer course that's worthwhile?

TH

« **Reply #3 on:** May 15, 2003, 09:57:02 AM »

Congratulations for learning the secret to avoiding jet lag - play golf as soon as possible after arriving. If it's raining and cold, so much the better. It's a lot easier than sitting around trying to stay awake. After a brisk round of golf in the rain and wind and chill, you'll be right on local time! (I know, did this several times 10 years ago when I was doing work in London). Have a great trip, wish I were joining you.

« **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2003, 10:26:03 AM »

Tom they have good rental car facilities in the glasgow airport and Western Gailles is within 40 minutes. It is not much of a airport at all to hang out in. Of course you could train or cab in and see the city.

« **Reply #5 on:** May 15, 2003, 10:37:44 AM »

Tom

Renfrew Golf Club is very near the airport and supposed to be good, if you don't mind the fact that it is situated in an urban wasteland. They hold the Scotish Amateur there from time to time.

« **Reply #6 on:** May 15, 2003, 11:08:30 AM »

This is all great stuff, guys - thanks!

I shall look into car rentals, as well as Renfrew....

On the whole this is just a wild idea - it just turned out I'm gonna have 4-5 hours to kill, and what takes 4-5 hours (at least in America)?

TH

« **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2003, 11:19:24 AM »

Tom -

If you are attempting to avoid crowds and maybe keep the cost down, Bogside in Irvine and Kilmarnock (Barassie) would be good bets. I haven't played Bogside (although I have heard good things) but Barassie isn't too bad and was completely uncrowded when I played two summers ago.

« **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2003, 11:21:30 AM »

DG - you are reading my mind - thanks, my friend. I've even heard of Kilmarnock, for whatever reason... but yes, the whole idea here is a quick in and out, acceptable golf at an acceptable price, just a warmup timekilling round before we start the big-name tour the next day... I shall look into this for sure.

TH

« **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2003, 11:26:19 AM »

Bogside actually called the Irvine Golf Club, although the locals call it Bogside. I believe it is an Open qualifying venue. Everyone thought it was pretty good when we were there. I might check it out before Barassie, only because the new holes at Barassie are terrible and it would likely be cheaper.

« **Reply #10 on:** May 15, 2003, 11:31:10 AM »

Aha! Irvine GC - I've heard of that too... maybe from a previous time trying to find a course near Glasgow outside the bigger names... this is perfect - thanks!

TH

« **Reply #11 on:** May 15, 2003, 01:01:45 PM »

Tom,

Perhaps a visit to Glasgow and witness the fine Rene Mackintosh works there. Store your kit in the airport (or the hotel you plan to stay at that night before heading out in the morning) and have a fine afternoon-early evening walking the streets of this dynamic city.

« **Reply #12 on:** May 15, 2003, 01:04:25 PM »

RT:

That is a definite alternative without a doubt - thanks. Of course when I'm set free from family duties as I am to be for this trip, my mind tends to work golf first, everything else second... but given the golf may or may not work anyway, well...

TH

« **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2003, 02:15:00 PM »

Tom
Check out Kilmacolm. Check out ukgolf there are some reviews. It looks very pleasant. I am planning on playing in there on a transition day.

« **Reply #14 on:** May 15, 2003, 03:18:42 PM »

I have played Renfrew. Nice parkland track and only 2 miles from the airport. I had the same situation. Needed a round to kill the jet lag before heading to Gleneagles. Friendly membership. I think they get a lot of US travelers that do the same thing.

« **Reply #15 on:** May 16, 2003, 01:12:53 AM »

Tom

I agree with whitey that you should try and see Kilmacolm, a great moorland course. Lots of variety and quite short. It would be a welcome change from all the championship links on the coast that you will be playing later on in your holiday.

I would also suggest Paisley Golf Club, you will fly over it as you arrive at Glasgow Airport. Known as "The Bushes" it has some fantastic views over the whole of Glasgow. It would be good for you to see a normal members course where us ordinary Scots play the game. The other advantage of Paisley is that it is literally 10 mins from the airport.

Enjoy your golfing

cheers

jamie

« **Reply #16 on:** May 16, 2003, 06:11:41 AM »

This is fantastic - thank you very much, Jamie.

OK, now I have a lot of choices... I knew presenting it here would get me great info... thanks again to one and all.

TH

« **Reply #17 on:** May 16, 2003, 06:35:34 AM »

TH:

There is a restaurant called Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow; website = <www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk>; curious for obvious reasons; golf comes first but, if it's raining...........

4-5 hours not enough time for Machrihanish, I guess.

« **Reply #18 on:** May 16, 2003, 06:38:38 AM »

Believe me Chip, all possible ways to get to Machrihanish have been explored and it just ain't gonna work this time. Oh well... I'm taking the tack it gives me great reason to go back... "but honey, I haven't played the one course over there I really, really want to"...

Thanks for the restaurant link in any case.. I couldn't make it work yet but I'll find it....

TH

« **Reply #19 on:** May 16, 2003, 06:49:14 AM »

chipoat

good call, the "chip" as it is known is one of Glasgow's best restaurants. It is also particularly handy for a number of the best pubs in Glasgow. Hey if it's raining why not?!

It will be tough to get on but try Glasgow Golf Club. The club is better known for it's other course "Glasgow Gailes" however "Glasgow Killermont" is a nice James Braid parkland layout located close to the city. Very enjoyable

cheers

jamie

« **Reply #20 on:** May 16, 2003, 10:26:40 AM »

Hucks,

I know that British Airways are offering a flight to and from Campbell Town near Machrihanish and greenfee for about £100 from Prestwick or Glasgow airport.

Imagine telling the guys the next day when they arrive 'hi, I've just got back from the Mac and I don't mean burgers!'

You could always jump on a train to Edinburgh, and come and play North Berwick or Braids Hill in the late afternoon with me and then stay over have a ball on the town and then take an early train back to Glasgow in the morning.

If interested let me know which date you are coming over. It is only 45 mins. on the train to Edinburgh.

John K will tell what some of our nights in Edinburgh are like!!

Brian.

« **Reply #21 on:** May 16, 2003, 10:36:44 AM »

Brian, believe me I am PAINFULLY aware of the Loganair flights over to Campbeltown. None of them work time-wise to get me back to Glasgow late Fri night or early Sat am, as is required. I also can't change my British Airways flight to move it up a day - and join two friends who ARE playing Mac - without an additional $700 cost! Given my ticket is only $625 as it is, well... hopefully you can understand my reluctantly leaving Mac for next time.

As for getting to Edinburgh that day.. well... that is one heck of a nice offer - thanks! But I will need to hook up with the other boys on the trip either late Fri or VERY early Sat (we're talking 5am) as I am the trip "organizer" and will have all vouchers, etc.

Such are my painful realities...

Note we will be playing NB on Wed 7/23 in the pm. Look for 12 hammerhead Americans, we ought to be easy to spot.

TH

« **Reply #22 on:** May 16, 2003, 02:04:17 PM »

Kirkintilloch. You may even run into geologist/author Robert Price.

« **Reply #23 on:** May 16, 2003, 08:16:58 PM »

hey bongo shouldn't the thread of this post read does any member of a real swanky private club near glasgow want to grant me access for a round of golf that i can add to my list of courses played?

« **Reply #24 on:** May 17, 2003, 05:42:41 AM »

Frankie-
Have you played golf in Scotland before? If you have, you would know that:
a) there are no real swanky golf clubs in Glasgow
b) the overwhelming majority of golf clubs in Scotland are very welcoming regarding visitor play. In fact, many, many of the golf clubs in Scotland rely on visitor green fees to keep their clubs financially viable.
Our friend Mr. Huckaby is not trolling for an invite. You are barking up the wrong tree.
Ring-a-ding-ding to you!
DT

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