Welcome to Talking Golf Travel: June 2025.
Finally, we’re on the closing stretch to The Open at Royal Portrush.
You can almost taste the excitement on the Emerald Isle.
But, as you’re about to discover, it’s by no means the only major story from your favourite golfing hotspots.
Hit the links for this bumper edition.
Click a headline to get Talking Golf Travel Issue #9 underway:
Readers of Talking Golf Travel already know the Scottish golf course family will soon welcome two more members.
In case you hadn’t heard, the much-anticipated imminent arrivals are Old Petty at Cabot Highlands and the MacLeod Course at Trump International.
Now, we have an independent, on-the-ground account of what to expect.
Chris Bertram of Today’s Golfer recently walked both links and liked what he saw.
From the next generation of Scottish courses right back to the very first.
St Andrews Links is a living monument to the game, the mecca of golf, and the birthplace of legends.
Still, after 600 years, it was probably time for a new look!
On June 12th, the hallowed Home of Golf revealed an updated brand identity, including custom icons for its seven links courses.
Head over for a peek.
Like many so-called second courses, The Valley has long lived in the shadow of its famous sister links.
The Dunluce at Royal Portrush, a soon-to-be three-time Open host, is no easy act to follow.
But The Valley now looks ready for primetime.
Irish Golfer travelled to Royal Portrush to sample Martin Ebert’s upgrades to the course that include an all-new front nine.
Their verdict?
The Valley is a ‘real treat.’
Clearly, Martin Ebert is the go-to golf course guru for premier venues.
On June 18th, Trump Turnberry unveiled his eagerly awaited $1.3m refurbishment of the iconic Ailsa Course.
And this lucky American duo were the first guests to enjoy spellbinding seaside links upon reopening.
Want the more technical details?
Visit Golf Course Industry for a hole-by-hole breakdown of the changes to the four-time Open host on the golden Ayrshire coast.
There’s no such thing as the perfect job, but you can get pretty close.
David Power has served Tralee Golf Links for 26 of its 41 years.
Born to Irish parents, the Londoner is now the PGA Professional at the beloved club in Kerry.
So, what’s it like clocking in every day for great golf and stirring scenery?
Hear all about David’s life on the links in this eye-opening interview.
Technically, Dumbarnie Links is still Scotland’s newest golf course.
Nestled on the stunning southern shores of Fife, the venue only opened in May 2020.
As you’re about to discover, Dumbarnie instantly hit the stratosphere.
To mark its 5th anniversary, General Manager David Scott appeared on the Linked by Golf podcast.
Among other things, David discussed the award-winning course, clubhouse and visitor experience at Dumbarnie (more on that below).
Listen here.
Take notes for your own tailor-made adventure.
Because our June edition of Golfer Journeys showcases the unmatched mix of contemporary and classic golf awaiting you across Scotland.
First, let’s join Brian Matthews and his sons on the majestic shores of Fife.
Ironically, in the Ancient Kingdom, the Matthews boys took on three modern-day marvels.
They got stirring scenery and non-stop excitement from Dumbarnie (with a wee dram), Kingsbarns, and the Castle Course at St Andrews.
Next, it was onto picture-postcard Ayrshire for a thrilling traditional finale at Western Gailes and the iconic Royal Troon.
Start your golfing getaway today.
Newsletters. Podcasts. Videos. Course profiles.
Fried Egg Golf certainly offers you every shot in the content locker.
On top of that, the multitasking crew stages overseas events for members.
In 2026, they’ll visit the most dramatic dunesland on the Emerald Isle.
With such a killer itinerary for the majestic Northwest, you can understand why it sold out quickly.
Explore their lineup of epic links courses:
The No Laying Up Podcast finally put out that second instalment of their five-region travel series on the birthplace of the game. Once again, Scotland’s own Ru Macdonald provided his expertise.
What’s the East Lothian downlow?
It’s great!
You’ve got a remarkable concentration of championship links like Gullane, Dunbar and North Berwick.
Plus, you’re only 30 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.
And, between rounds, the enchanting Scottish capital is your oyster.
As the saying goes, good things come in small packages.
Even golf courses.
Take, for example, the brief, brilliant, beautiful Bann at Castlerock Golf Club.
This little links layout might be the most fun you can have over nine holes.
Usually, on a Northern Ireland golf tour, you visit Castlerock to take on its thrilling championship course, the Mussenden.
But World’s Best Golf Destinations insists you play all 27 holes.
Were you expecting a royal teeing off in gold-hemmed tartan plus fours?
Not exactly.
This is a tale about an ordinary golfer who arrived in southwest Scotland expecting to meet Queen Ailsa but got her younger brother instead.
You’re back in Turnberry.
If not for an unexpected inconvenience, Neil White of National Club Golfer may never have played King Robert the Bruce.
But, boy, did he enjoy this modern marvel.
This week, on 15 courses across Great Britain and Ireland, 1,900 golfers of every stripe set out to achieve the same dream.
By July 1st, only 12 will be left standing.
Their prize?
A spot at The 153rd Open.
As you’d expect, these Championship Qualifiers are intense.
However, next summer, you can enjoy three of these stunning venues on a leisurely group golf getaway.
Specifically, Dundonald, Craigielaw and The Island.
Think of it as six degrees of separation, only for golf.
Now, on paper, these courses have little in common.
Oakmont, the recent U.S. Open host, reduces the world’s greatest golfers to bumbling messes.
Meanwhile, Narin & Portnoo Links in County Donegal is a joyous beachside beauty that leaves you smiling for days.
Yet, ahead of the tournament, The Irish Times found an interesting connection.
Read all about it today.
You probably expected Royal Portrush with The Open this close.
Well, Carnoustie Golf Links has an even more storied history with the world’s oldest Major.
So there is some method to our madness.
At Carnoustie, you face one of the great challenges in world golf, especially when the wind is up.
But even amidst the crucibles of bunkers and burns, you’ll relish every second on this big, beautiful seaside brute.
Author: Tom Rooney
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