As golfers go, I’m a really lucky guy. Most of each of the past 10 years I’ve traveled to the Scottish Highlands each summer for a week or more of great golf along with the crisp Scottish weather, Tennents Lager, Chocolate Caramel Shortbread and the camaraderie of one or both of my sons and friends. Last month (July) was no exception. Even after 12 rounds in 8 days, a sore back and some poor play on my part, I always come back happy and can’t wait to return. Tee times for 2026 are already booked and it looks like the whole family might be going, along with some friends and their families.
One thing I’m always intrigued by is the cost of golf in Scotland. While certainly for “visitors” the cost of a round of golf at the top courses can be steep, generally if you (either as a local or an international) seek to join most Scottish clubs, the fare is quite reasonable, typically less than 1,000 pounds sterling (about $1,300) for a full privilege membership with modest, if any entrance fee. Guest fees are also much lower than those in the US, typically under 40 pounds sterling ($50) for even some of the most notable and highly ranked courses, though there are often restrictions on guest frequency.
Golf is truly an “everyman’s” game in Scotland and if one opts to take a caddie, not only is it likely that the caddie will be a club member, but he (or she) will be welcome to join you in the clubhouse for an after-round pint. Imagine that at most American clubs where caddies are restricted to the caddy area. At the club I’m privileged to be a member (Royal Dornoch), each and every employee is a member with full privileges of the club when off-duty. The resulting casual atmosphere is most welcome, quite comfortable and makes for the development of lasting relationships.
Rounds of golf (18 holes) rarely take as much as 4 hours to complete, and combined with the extended daylight hours during the summer allow not only for additional golf (36-hole days are common) but time in between to relax and catch your breath.
I’ve often wondered if some of the private clubs in America would do well to adopt the Scottish operating model. While certainly not as private or exclusive, most offer a great membership experience at a fraction of the cost while welcoming visitors who support a sizable chunk of the operating model. With the cost of golf in the US climbing ever higher, it seems as though clubs encouraging more economic (as well as social) diversity would broaden the appeal of the game and spur either more growth beyond the COVID surge or, at the very least enhance retention of players. To do so would most certainly require changes in attitudes and culture of some clubs, but, believe it or not there are some clubs still struggling, often because they’re not properly positioned in the market.
At the club I grew up at and played until age 55, I often observed that leadership didn’t know what they wanted the club to be “when it grew up”. This is because so many clubs seek an often mythical prestige element that not only costs more money to pursue but is often never obtainable. It seems as though in Scotland, they’ve figured this out and through welcoming visitors the clubs finances thrive while maintaining a most desirable culture and atmosphere.
If only I could convince my bride to spend a month per summer in the Highlands! Can’t wait until my next trip.
