Short Stay Golf Trips to Scotland and Ireland

Short Stay Golf Trips Across the Pond – Your Complete Guide

Golf and the Good Life Jaunts to Scotland, Ireland, and England

Mike Walters

January 6, 2025

4 Minute Read

If there’s one thing we’re always watching at H&B, it’s emerging trends and shifting preferences in golf travel. One of the key things we’re seeing is a steady rise in demand for short-stay golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England. We’re talking 4-5 nights, 3-5 rounds of phenomenal golf, and just enough time to experience the Good Life without being away from work or family for too long.

These trips are perfect for busy professionals who can’t spare a full week but still want a taste of the incredible golf and culture overseas. With destinations where you can settle into one spot, soak in some world-class golf, and keep the travel hassle to a minimum, there’s no reason to hold back just because you're a little short on time.

5 Keys to Planning Short Duration Golf Trips

Short-stay golf trips are all about maximizing your time on and off the course. Here are five essential ingredients to ensure your quick getaway delivers a world-class experience:

1. Convenient Flights

The best destinations for short-stay golf trips are close to major airports, cutting down travel time once you land. Many have multiple non-stop flights daily from the U.S., which can eliminate layovers and save precious hours. The easier it is to get there, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the trip.

2. World-Class Golf

A short itinerary doesn’t mean compromising on quality. The ideal regions offer at least 3 or 4 top-tier courses that make up the heart of your trip. Whether it’s Open rota landmarks or lesser-known classics, these areas allow you to pack some unforgettable golf into a short period of time.

3. Plenty of Good Life

Just because the trip is short doesn’t mean you skip out on the Good Life. The best destinations for a quick jaunt have excellent dining, vibrant nightlife, and cultural experiences within easy reach—preferably right outside your hotel!

4. Unpack Once

When time is limited, switching hotels is a hassle you don’t need. The top spots for these short itineraries allow you to settle into one accommodation for the duration, making logistics simpler and maximizing your time.

5. Easy Logistics

Once you arrive, the last thing you want is to spend hours in commuting to the courses. For short-stays, keep travel times between the airport, courses, and accommodations to a minimum, so you can spend more time enjoying the destination and less time on the road.

Best Destinations for Short-Stay Golf Trips

Given the parameters above, here are some of the best areas to consider for your quick jaunt across the pond.

Dublin

Dublin is a dream destination for a short stay, with easy flights, legendary golf, and a city buzzing with energy.

The Golf

Portmarnock Golf Club – 19-time host of the Irish Open and the R&A may soon tap it for something bigger.
The Island Golf Club – Outstanding and wildly underrated links course just north of town.
Royal Dublin Golf Club – Classic Harry Colt design that's the closest of this bunch to the city center.
The European Club – A rugged and challenging test that's a touch further away, but worth the journey for a great seaside links.

The Good Life

In Dublin, your time off the course is just as valuable as your time on it. Dive into the famous pub scene, treat yourself to a Michelin-starred dinner, or soak up the history at Trinity College. And of course, whether you visit the famous Storehouse or just pop in one of the countless pubs, don’t forget to raise a pint of Guinness—it just tastes better here!

The members of Mission Hills Country Club enjoy a memorable day at The European Club.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city is a fantastic hub for short-stay golf, combining historic charm with world-class links just a short drive away.

The Golf

Gullane Golf Club – Two-time host of the Scottish Open and a roller coaster of links golf.
North Berwick Golf Club – Quirky, fun, and downright unforgettable. Not to mention a Top 100 course in the world.
Muirfield – Historic host of The Open and home to the finest single day experience in golf across the pond.
Dunbar Golf Club – Classic seaside links and perhaps the best stroll in Scotland.

The Good Life

Edinburgh has it all—historic castles, great pubs, and top-notch dining. Explore the Royal Mile, raise a glass of whisky at a tasting, and savor a meal at The Witchery or Kyloe. Your short golf trip to Edinburgh will check the Golf and Good Life boxes in equal measure.

The members of Fort Wayne Country Club at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.

St. Andrews

Thanks to its relative proximity to the Edinburgh airport, The Home of Golf is perfect for a quick trip. Plus, by basing yourself in St. Andrews for several days you increase your chances of securing a tee time on The Old Course through the Ballot or Singles Daily Draw. Even if The Old Course isn’t in the cards, the surrounding courses make for an unforgettable trip.

The Golf

Kingsbarns Golf Links – The benchmark of modern links design. Top 100 course paired with incredible views.
Carnoustie Golf Links – The Open's most difficult test.
Crail Golfing Society – Charming links course designed by Old Tom Morris and the 7th oldest golf club in the world.
Dumbarnie Golf Links – A stunning new addition to the Scottish golf scene.

The Good Life

Along with its famous links, St. Andrews is one of the best destinations in Scotland for the Good Life. As noted in our list of things to see in St. Andrews, you can wander the cobblestone streets, grab dinner overlooking The Old Course, enjoy a pint at The Jigger Inn or The Dunvegan, and finish it all off with a scoop of gelato from Jannetta's. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this town.

The members of Wichita Country Club at The Home of Golf.

England's Golf Coast

With three Open rota courses, England’s Golf Coast packs a bunch of major championship pedigree into a short trip, but there's numerous other courses that are worthy of a spot on the compact itinerary. Plus, it can all be accessed pretty easily from the U.S. thanks to the region's proximity to Manchester.

The Golf

Royal Birkdale Golf Club – 10-time host of The Open Championship with another one on the calendar for 2026.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club – Arguably England's most historic club. Bobby, Walter, Tiger, and Rory all won The Open here.
Royal Lytham & St. Annes – 11-time host of The Open and one of its most difficult test thanks to an abundance of pot bunkers.
Hillside, Formby, and Southport & Ainsdale – Take your pick. When it comes to rounding out your short itinerary, you're spoiled for choice on England's Golf Coast.

The Good Life

This region is a little light on the Good Life options compared to the others on this list, but there's still plenty of it to enjoy. Top of the list has to be an evening in Liverpool soaking up the sounds and history of The Cavern Club.

The members of Old Sandwich Golf Club at Royal Liverpool.

London

The heathland courses near London deliver a unique and unforgettable golf experience and features four courses in the world Top 100. Add the city’s endless attractions, plus unmatched access from the U.S., and you’ve got the perfect short-stay destination.

The Golf

Sunningdale Golf Club – The jewel of the London heathland –– Home to a pair of Top 100 courses.
Swinley Forest Golf Club – Storied yet understated club that boasts a Top 100 course designed by the great Harry Colt.
St. George's Hill Golf Club – Yet another Top 100 course designed by Harry Colt.
The Berkshire Golf Club – Two great courses. Play one or play them both. Either will round off your itinerary nicely.

The Good Life

Whether you're sightseeing in the heart of the city or staying closer to the golf, the Good Life in and around London is unmatched. From Westminster Abbey to Windsor Castle, the options for exploration are endless. Another popular choice for short-trip groups: pairing a Premier League football game with your golf.

Short-stay golf trips are the perfect solution for those who want to experience the thrill of world-class golf overseas but can’t commit to a full week away. These compact itineraries combine everything that makes a golf trip special: incredible courses, seamless logistics, and opportunities to enjoy the Good Life.

By focusing on destinations with easy access, one central base, and an exceptional lineup of both golf and off-course experiences, you can create a trip that feels like a true escape—even in just a few days. Whether you’re strolling the historic streets of St. Andrews, savoring a Guinness in Dublin, or teeing off on England’s Open rota courses, these trips prove that quality beats quantity every time.