Playing classic links on the auld sod of Great Britain and Ireland is an experience to savor, similar to other indigenous classics like London dry gin, single-malt scotch, Irish whiskey, and stout.
A connoisseur of these links and libations will certainly get his fill and satisfy his fancy on whatever sod he chooses, be it England, Northern Ireland, the Republic, Scotland, or Wales. The burning questions, therefore, are where to go, what courses to play, and who will organize the logistics.
Our foursome opted to go for the Glenfiddich—leaving the Tanqueray, Bushmills, Jameson, and Guinness for another sojourn or two. And we opted to play at Royal Troon, Western Gailes, Panmure Golf Club and Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce at Trump Turnberry. Sean Winton, founder of Golf Inspired, a division of his Distincte Travel Group, provided the expert guidance.
Tommy Gorman, publisher of New England dot Golf and my editor, met Sean at January’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. Tommy was impressed by both Sean’s vast knowledge of the golf travel industry based on his 28 years of experience and his outgoing, amiable demeanor. Tommy was also smitten by Sean’s mid-August arrangements for Scotland.
Tommy emailed me the proposal entitled “Sqairz Presents The 2024 Ayrshire Links Invitational” to see if Vicky and I wanted to join Janet and him for the week “to be hosted on Scotland’s picturesque Ayrshire coast at the incomparable Trump Turnberry Resort.” Vicky and I read the itinerary carefully and were as taken with it as Tommy was. We also appreciated that Golf Inspired would assist us with pre- and/or post-tour extensions if we so desired.
We especially liked Sean’s ethos: “Golf Inspired is about the celebration of the game of golf; good living shared by like-minded individuals seeking memorable experiences. Our team specializes in creating relaxed and fun-filled environments in some of the world’s most iconic destinations. Ayrshire is one of those iconic destinations.” More
