Welcome to Talking Golf Travel: No.17.
If you thought February might be light on fresh golfing stories from Ireland and Scotland, think again.
This issue is overflowing with must-see content, from major announcements to exclusive interviews, touching tributes, and behind-the-scenes access to showstopping links courses.
Plus, as usual, you’ve got the latest IGT Golfer Journeys and Course of the Month.
With the Ryder Cup bound for Adare Manor, 2027 was already primed to be a historic year for Irish golf.
Then, unexpectedly, this massive announcement arrived:
Royal Portrush will stage the prestigious Amateur Championship (June 14-18).
Interestingly, the event will showcase your extraordinary 36-hole journey at the legendary venue.
Naturally, you’ll see the hallowed Dunluce links. But you’ll also catch a glimpse of The Valley.
Learn more from The R&A here.
Hidden away in a far-flung corner of County Donegal, at the very edge of the crashing Atlantic, you’ll find a small course that always makes a big impression.
Cruit Island Golf Club is beyond belief.
This spellbinding little links layout takes you along craggy inlets and rugged clifftops on an epic adventure packed with heart-stopping blind shots.
It’s as raw as golf gets.
Join LoughLane for a round to remember.
Well, that didn’t take long.
This August, the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship returns to Trump International, Scotland, for the fourth consecutive season.
However, unlike previous events, the 2026 edition will not be played on the magnificent Old Course.
Instead, almost a year to the day after opening, the absolutely astounding New Course is set to stage its first professional tournament. Talk about perfect timing!
Learn more in The Scotsman here.
Beneath the mighty Mourne Mountains, nestled within the lush Murlough Nature Reserve on the shores of Dundrum Bay, a mystical golfing experience waits for you.
The Championship Links at Royal County Down almost defies description.
Thankfully, nearby, there’s a palatial retreat where you can try to find the words in your post-round euphoria.
The Slieve Donard offers Victorian grandeur, contemporary luxury and glorious cuisine.
Learn more in Golf Monthly here.
Sumptuous Castle Stuart debuted (subsequently hosting four Scottish Opens) and thrust the Highlands into the limelight.
Now, you can also add Old Petty and the brand-new Royal Dornoch clubhouse to your itinerary.
Learn more in LINKS Magazine here.
If you’ve read recent issues, you’ll know The European Club will be reborn in 2027 as The Brittas Bay Club.
Last year, the Conlan family bought the property from its founder and designer, Pat Ruddy.
Kyle Phillips, who created Kingsbarns, is now completely revamping the renowned 20-hole seaside links course.
In a fascinating Golf Pilgrim Top 100 episode, Nicky Conlan and Phillips discussed the ambitious project.
4 golfers | 5 rounds | 7 nights
Surely, you don’t mind returning to the magical links wonderland with Golfer Journeys.
This time, you get an inside look at the bucket-list Northern Ireland golf package we crafted for our West group.
Obviously, it included the unrivalled Royals.
Not to mention this bold, brilliant and breathtaking trio: Ardglass, Castlerock and Portstewart.
Meanwhile, between the enchanting seaside villages of Portrush and Newcastle, our visitors experienced 5-star stays and rustic restaurants.
For many, Ayrshire offers the finest links golf on the planet.
Brimming with golfing heritage and savage beauty, this is where you play Open venues like Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon.
You’ve also got lesser-known gems that deliver unforgettable championship challenges.
For example, there’s the firm, fast and fascinatingly routed Glasgow Gailes Links.
Find out if Sam from Cookie Jar Golf reached his target score on the classic par-71 track.
Few courses on the Emerald Isle can match County Sligo Golf Club for its knockout combination of spellbinding vistas, strategic challenges and sensational undulations.
And yet, the quest for perfection on the Colt Championship Links is never-ending.
To coincide with the launch of April’s West of Ireland Championship at County Sligo, the club officially unveiled the sweeping course enhancements delivered by Mackenzie & Ebert.
Learn more in Irish Golfer here.
From the historic clubhouse to its classic links, Panmure Golf Club offers a pure Scottish experience.
Just outside the quaint village of Barry, Angus, the venue has remained largely unchanged since 1845.
Famously, Ben Hogan practised alone on the Panmure course ahead of his 1953 Open Championship victory at Carnoustie.
Watch Scotland Where the Game Began take on this magical layout shaped by Old Tom Morris and James Braid.
We’re back among the blockbuster landscapes and mind-blowing backdrops of County Donegal.
Though often overlooked by visitors, this natural playground perched atop Ireland’s untamed Northwest coast offers links golf in its purest form.
Just ask The Bogey Men.
The popular podcasters recently released this must-watch film of their unforgettable journey to six of its best courses, including:
Take a look.
Occasionally, among all the reviews, rankings and hot takes, a writer will capture the true essence of a golf course.
It’s unmistakable.
Somehow, the words melt away and, as though by sorcery, you find yourself in a different time and place.
Richard Pennell is that writer.
In his exceptional article, The Chapel in the Wilderness, the majesty of Royal Dornoch has rarely been so vivid.
Learn more in pitchmarks here.
From the secluded setting to the vast lunar dunescape and sweeping ocean vistas, there’s something distinctly otherworldly about Carne Golf Links.
When you first arrive, this intoxicating mix of grandeur and beauty feels surreal.
It’s as if you’ve entered someone’s fantasy of a golf course. That’s because you have.
In his book, Building Carne, Eamon Managan chronicles how it was brought to life.
Learn more in Irish Golf Desk here.
Even in the enchanting and golf-rich East Lothian, North Berwick stands apart.
Ranked No.4 in Scotland, the much-copied West Links is incredibly enjoyable, drop-dead gorgeous, and downright bizarre.
Across raised, rippling turf on the striking Firth of Forth, you navigate an uncommon collection of holes that never cease to amaze.
What about those notorious oddball hazards? Sometimes, all a golfer can do is smile.
Meet your Course of the Month.
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Author: Tom Rooney
