There’s a moment every golfer has.

You’re watching The Open, the wind’s up, the ball’s bouncing in directions you didn’t expect, and you think, I want to play that.

Scotland is one of the few places where that’s actually possible.

Not just one course either. Several Open Championship venues are open to visitors, and when you get it right, you can build a trip around them that feels every bit as special as it looks on TV.

The mistake most groups make is thinking it’s just a case of booking a tee time and turning up.

It’s not.

What “Playing Open Courses” Really Means

When people talk about playing Open venues, they usually mean ticking off names.

St Andrews. Troon. Turnberry. Carnoustie.

But the reality is slightly different.

Each of these courses operates on its own terms. Availability varies, booking windows differ, and access isn’t always straightforward. Some require planning well in advance. Others depend on timing and flexibility.

That’s why the experience of playing them isn’t just about the course itself. It’s about how you build the trip around them.

As PGA Professional John Scott often says, “Anyone can list the courses. The key is knowing how to link them together so the trip actually works.”

The Courses That Define the Experience

There’s no shortage of options, but a handful of venues consistently shape the best trips.

St Andrews sits at the centre of it all. Whether you play the Old Course or not, being there is part of the experience. The town, the history, the atmosphere, it carries weight.

Further down the east coast, Carnoustie brings a completely different test. It’s tougher, more demanding, and for many golfers, one of the most honest rounds they’ll play.

Move west and the feel changes again. Royal Troon is precise, structured, and quietly relentless. Turnberry, by contrast, is dramatic from the first hole, with the coastline and lighthouse shaping almost every shot.

Each one offers something different. That’s the point.

Why Trying to Play Them All Rarely Works

This is where a lot of itineraries fall apart.

Groups arrive with a plan that looks impressive. Four or five Open venues, spread across Scotland, packed into a week.

On paper, it’s a dream.

In reality, it turns into long drives, early starts, and rounds that blur into one another.

Scotland isn’t a place you rush through. The courses demand more attention than that.

John often puts it plainly: “If you’re spending more time travelling than playing, you’ve built the trip wrong.”

A Better Way to Build Around Open Venues

The strongest trips don’t try to do everything. They focus on one or two regions and build properly around them.

You might centre the trip around St Andrews and add Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Or head west and build around Troon, Turnberry, and Prestwick.

Either way, the key is proximity.

Shorter travel days mean:

• better energy across the group
• more time to enjoy each course
• and a trip that feels balanced rather than rushed

That’s what separates a good itinerary from a great one.

The Part Most Golfers Don’t Expect

Playing an Open venue isn’t just about difficulty.

It’s about conditions.

Wind changes everything. Fairways run faster than you’re used to. Shots you’d never normally play suddenly become the right option.

You start thinking differently.

That’s where having someone like John involved adds another layer. Not just from a planning perspective, but on the course itself.

After 40 years playing links golf in Scotland, his advice is usually simple and to the point.

“Keep it low. Let it run. And don’t fight the wind, work with it.”

Timing Matters More Than You Think

These courses aren’t sitting open waiting for bookings.

Peak season fills quickly, especially for the better tee times. Accommodation nearby follows the same pattern.

The earlier you start, the more control you have over:

• when you play
• where you stay
• and how the trip is structured

Leave it late, and you’re building around what’s left.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play all Open Championship courses in one trip?

You can, but it’s rarely the best approach. Focusing on one or two regions leads to a much better experience.

Is the Old Course guaranteed?

No. Access is limited, and planning needs to account for that.

Which Open course is the most enjoyable?

It depends on the group. Turnberry is often the most visually memorable, while Carnoustie is one of the toughest tests.

How far in advance should we plan?

Ideally 12–18 months, especially if Open venues are a priority.

Play Them Properly, Not Just Quickly

There’s a difference between saying you’ve played an Open course and actually experiencing it.

The setting, the conditions, the way the round unfolds. That only comes through when the trip is built properly around it.

If you’re planning a Scotland golf trip and want to include Open Championship venues without turning it into a rushed schedule, ProScot Golf can help you shape it the right way, so each course feels exactly as it should.