Steve is one of our experts at Groupia Golf.
When he got a whiff of the chance to play in the home of golf, he organised his clubs, got his mates together and started practising.
Read below to find out everything Steve discovered on his trip to Scotland.
Getting to Scotland? 🛫
“We flew up from Bristol on the early flight with EasyJet which only took 50 minutes to get to Edinburgh Airport.”
“Once we got there, we hopped in an Uber to Archerfield Links which took about 45 minutes.”
“If you don’t have transfers, Groupia Golf can provide them from the airport to take you to your destination.”
What Were Your First Thoughts?
“The trip was booked when the weather at home was horrible, with the local course being closed.”
“When we got to Scotland, we were pleasantly surprised.”
“It was glorious sunshine both days and the ground was bone dry being a links course with natural sand drainage.”
What Course Did You Play? ⛳
“We played both courses at Archerfield Links. Fidra on day 1 and Dirleton on day 2.”
“Both courses were in amazing condition for February, and both provided their own tests.”
“Luckily the wind was light, so it wasn’t as tough as it could’ve been.”
“We played double Matchplay, losing 2 and 1 on day 1, but getting revenge on day 2 winning 3 and 2.”
What Were the Facilities Like?
“The facilities are some of the best in the world, with a double-ended driving range, one housing the Callaway performance centre.”
“The bar and restaurant were superb, with a range of amazing food and drink options.”
How Difficult Are Links Compared to Parkland Courses? 🌿
“Archerfield is a Links course, but not many of the holes actually run along the seafront on Fidra, and none on the Dirleton.”
“It’s almost a hybrid set-up between a Links and a Parkland.”
What Advice Would You Give To Somebody Playing Links for the First Time?
“The combination of Links and Parkland at Archerfield means your ball is going to move in the wind and get stuck under the tree line at some point.”
“Because of this, you really need to have a knockdown/punch shot in your arsenal, just to get back in play, if nothing else.
Did You Hire A Buggy or Walk the Course?
“We wanted to take in all the views, so we walked and carried both days.”
“You could only hire a buggy on one course anyway because of the previous bad weather.”
Let’s Talk Accommodation 🏨
“We stayed on-site in one of the Archerfield lodges, located a 2-minute drive from the club.”
“The lodges were incredible, and they had everything you could wish for, a large lounge area with an open fire, balconies, a huge kitchen area, and every room was a double ensuite.”
“Our particular lodge overlooked the 1st green on the Dirleton course.”
How Was the Travel Between the Course and the Accommodation?
“The travel was 2 minutes by car.”
“As part of the Archerfield experience, they put on an executive minivan service, so when you are ready, one of the friendly porters will make the call, and your driver will arrive in 5 minutes.”
“It was first-class service throughout.”
When is the Best Time to Go? 🌞
“Scottish courses can be played year-round.”
“When we went in February, the weather was fantastic, and the course was not that busy.”
“It’s certainly an exclusive venue, and they don’t allow that many visitors, except from the odd 4-ball.”
Did You Take Your Clubs or Hire at the Course?
“We took our own clubs.”
“While hiring clubs can be useful, there’s nothing quite like playing a top course with your own set.”
Any Non-Golf Activities?
“We only stayed for 1 night, so we didn’t have a lot of time.”
“If we stayed for longer, we would’ve headed down to North Berwick, where there are some amazing traditional pubs and restaurants.”
“We spoke to several members during our time at Archerfield, and nearly all of them recommended a night out in North Berwick.”
Where Did You Eat and Drink? 🍷
“We ate on-site at the club, where they had some amazing food options.”
“The fillet steak was fantastic, and their wine selection wasn’t bad either.”
What Package Would You Recommend?
“I would certainly recommend Craigielaw Golf Club for anybody heading to Scotland, which is a 5-minute drive from Archerfield.”
“I would also encourage people to head up the coast towards St. Andrews, the home of golf. While you might not be able to get on The Old Course, there are some brilliant options.”
