Welcome to Talking Golf Travel: No.16.
Unbelievably, throughout January, there’s been a peak-season amount of must-see golfing content from Ireland and Scotland.
So don’t be surprised if this jam-packed issue sparks your next great links adventure.
Now, let’s tee off.
In case you missed it, last December, The Home of Golf announced a historic eighth addition to its renowned portfolio.
This month, St Andrews Links officially assumed long-term management of what was The Duke’s Course.
It’s official…
Curracloe Links, the much-anticipated new course in the stunning southeast, opens on April 1, 2027.
So, what do you need to know about Curracloe?
Located in County Wexford, at Ravenport Resort, the course rests on a rugged, rolling landscape adjacent to a breathtaking Oscar-winning beach.
Just 90 minutes from Dublin, the Fry/Straka team has designed a fascinating, picturesque golfing gem that combines tradition and innovation.
Learn more here.
December’s Talking Golf Travel featured huge news about The European Club.
The mercurial links on Ireland’s east coast, where Tiger Woods set a course record, had closed for renovations until 2027.
Well, its new owners just unveiled their ambitious masterplan for the rechristened Brittas Bay Club.
The Conlan family have hired Kyle Phillips, who designed Dundonald and Kingsbarns, to transform the seaside course.
Learn more from Irish Golf Desk here.
Planning a golfing adventure?
You could create the ultimate itinerary from any combination of courses from the latest ranking list.
For example, you’ll love the top Scottish risers.
From the James Braid classic collection, Murcar Links and Lundin Links both climbed 11 places.
Now for your complementary 21st-century creations.
Dumbarnie, Dundonald and Trump International (Old) soared by 6, 7 and 8 spots, respectively.
Learn more in National Club Golfer here.
Welcome to Scotland’s Golf Coast.
Nestled on a sumptuous stretch of linksland, with stirring panoramic views across East Lothian, Gullane Golf Club offers an extraordinary 54-hole experience.
Impressively, its three outstanding courses all feature in the National Club Golfer rankings.
So Gullane was an obvious destination for the latest episode of the NCG Top 100s ‘48 hours in’ series.
Join Mike Robertson on the first tee of the renowned No.1.
Although among the world’s finest links courses, Tralee Golf Club has hosted few major championships.
Finally, this summer, Tralee will grace the global stage.
You couldn’t pick a more fitting event than the 30th Arnold Palmer Cup (July 3-5).
After all, ‘The King’ designed the enchanting links in Kerry.
His namesake Ryder Cup-style collegiate tournament marks the next chapter in an incredible 46-year story.
Learn more in Irish Golfer here.
Tip: Whether in Ireland or Scotland, choose a balanced blend of old-world and new-school venues for your next golf trip.
That way, you enjoy the complete links adventure.
Need inspiration?
Golfweek just compiled top-50 lists for both categories.
Among the Classic courses, you’ll find North Berwick, Ballybunion, Carnoustie, and Royal County Down.
Learn more here.
Meanwhile, the must-play Modern courses include Carne, Castle Stuart, Rosapenna, and Kingsbarns.
Learn more here.
For 149 years, golfers have ventured to the wild, windswept Scottish Highlands for Royal Dornoch.
And just so you know, the spellbinding Championship Course always rewards your journey.
You may even share the links with a living legend…
In the recent edition of its Monday Memories series, Head Professional David Skinner recalls pinch-yourself encounters with two such guests.
Hear what happened when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus arrived in Dornoch.
16 golfers | 3 rounds | 3 nights
How should an avid golfer celebrate turning 30?
By playing through the breathtaking landscapes of Kerry and Cork with 15 of his fellow links lovers.
Just like Harry Hill from our Boughton Group.
Their Golfer Journeys got underway on the wondrous Waterville before a heavenly second round at Dooks.
Next, Old Head served a blockbuster finale.
In between, luxury stays in Killarney and Kinsale revealed the rest of the Southwest.
Fact: The Island Golf Club in Dublin isn’t actually on an island.
Rather, the course sits on a peninsula-like strip of lunar linksland, bordered by the Irish Sea, Donabate Beach and Broadmeadow Estuary.
Enough geography. What about your visitor experience?
Recently, Neil and Ian from The Golf Pilgrim Top 100 podcast sampled The Island – on and off the fairways – and it made quite an impression.
Cabot Highlands is a special place.
Just outside Inverness, on the southern shores of the Moray Firth, the enchanting estate embodies Scotland’s savage beauty, storied history and unrivalled golf.
It’s the vast, rugged landscape. It’s the striking 400-year-old castle. And it’s the eponymous championship course.
This Spring, when Old Petty officially opens alongside Castle Stuart, Cabot will become an essential 36-hole destination.
Discover the intriguing backstory with Cookie Jar Golf.
You already have 5 great reasons to visit Northern Ireland:
But there’s more to explore than world-class links courses with jaw-dropping scenery….
In fact, when reading about Northern Ireland in the 2026 Good to Go List, you won’t see a single word about golf!
Still, Castle Ward, Giant’s Causeway and Belfast City will provide thrilling post-round adventures.
Learn more in Wanderlust here.
It’s always nice to see our partner golf clubs recognised for their consistent excellence.
Unsurprisingly, many are finalists for March’s prestigious Scottish Golf Tourism Awards.
The nominated courses include Cruden Bay, Murcar Links, and Trump International (New).
Elsewhere, the clubhouses at Cabot Highlands, Panmure Golf Club, and Dundonald Links were shortlisted.
Lastly, Nairn Golf Club is up for the best pro shop and off-course experience.
Learn more in bunkered here.
Let’s kickstart 2026 with the next Irish Open venue.
Trump International Golf Links, or Doonbeg, is a majestic modern layout on the epic Atlantic coast of County Clare (next stop: Lahinch).
Designed by Greg Norman and refined by Martin Hawtree, the stunning and delightful Doonbeg arches along the white sands of Doughmore Bay.
Expect lush, quilted turf, dramatic ocean vistas and some unforgettable holes from your Course of the Month.
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Author: Tom Rooney
