If you have ever dreamed of someday taking a trip back to Scotland, the home of golf, and playing a few of those famous, windblown links courses that have stood here for centuries, you're not alone. There's probably not a golfer around who hasn't imagined themselves walking the hallowed grounds of St. Andrews, or pitting their abilities against tough Carnoustie or perhaps driving Muirfield's fabled fairways.
There's no other sport that provides its amateur devotees, no matter how modest their skills, the privilege of playing the very same arenas that have tested the best ever. Thoughts of following in the footsteps of the greatest names the game has ever known is enough to bring goose bumps to the flesh of even the toughest, but it's the dream of virtually every golfer.
For those who may not yet have savored the experience, you've been missing out on one of, if not the most exhilarating thrills this game can provide - Scottish golf is something very special. This is the way the game was supposed to be and once you have played a few of the traditional, blustery, Scottish links courses, nothing else will ever seem the same -- so why haven't you experienced it yet?
If you have been under the wrong impression that this dream golf trip to Scotland is likely to be a little too rich for your blood, it's time to think again. The cost today is far less than it has been for many years; in fact it's a bargain.
Our US dollar, after too many years of weakness, is now trading in its strongest ranges since 2001. Even a year ago it cost around $2.00 to buy a British pound, today the same British pound costs about $1.50. A 25% stronger dollar simply buys 25% more, but don't think for one minute that this will last forever. Those who specialize in foreign exchange trading seem to agree, the dollar's current strength is unlikely to last much beyond late 2009, when it is more than likely to start weakening again. Better to grab today's 25% benefit while it's there. And this is only one reason for today's travel bargains to Scotland.
The current economic situation has caused most international companies to drastically reduce and in some cases eliminate international business travel entirely. Especially hard hit are trans-Atlantic flights. The airlines now have too many empty seats on these flights and have resorted to the proved solution of lowering air fares for leisure travelers to bargain basement levels, in order to fill them -- it's a "half a loaf is better than none" approach. The low trans-Atlantic air fares now in effect, will not last forever. As soon as those empty seats begin to fill, the air fares will start going back up again, so don't expect this year's low air fares to still be around in 2010.
The third reason for Scotland's bargain status is again created by the economic situation. The British economy is in no better shape than our own and the businesses relying upon tourism for their revenues are suffering. The hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, even golf clubs, are all experiencing a decline in business, not only from overseas, but also from the all important domestic British market.
For the first time I have seen in over 20 years in the golf travel business, Scottish suppliers have taken a page from the airline marketing book, making some very special offers, a never before heard of action by the frugal Scots. These may not take the form of cash discounts, but no matter whether it's a 4 night stay in a hotel for the price of 3 nights, a complimentary upgrade to a better room, a larger car, or two rounds of golf for the price of one, it all comes down to a better deal for the traveler.
Not all Scottish suppliers are taking this step and many are not openly advertising their special offers. Afraid of diminishing the image of their hotel or golf club, they prefer to make these offers to golf travel specialist companies, where the product will be discretely packaged with other elements of a trip, the client receiving the benefit of the better overall price without knowing which elements were discounted and which were not.
But remember, this is an airline approach and these discounted or value added, hotel car rentals and golf clubs, can't operate at a break-even level forever. As soon as they begin to see an improvement in their sales, the discounts are going to stop and prices will jump back to their original levels and probably, very quickly.
The best time to get all the pricing benefits of the strong dollar, cheaper airfares and special deals on hotels, golf clubs and car rentals is now, in 2009 and the price savings can be significant - 30%, perhaps 35% or even more. These are huge reductions on the prices of only 12 months ago and it's extremely unlikely prices will ever return to these low levels again.
Maximizing the cost savings on that dream golf trip to Scotland isn't a do-it-yourself job and needs the expertise and insider knowledge of an experienced, reliable golf travel company that's a true specialist, such as Golf International. They have the connections and know all the deals that are being offered and they have their own local staff in Scotland, to make certain their clients get the very best. If you don't already have a golf travel company, there is none better than Golf International, so give them a call.
Didn't think you could afford this Scottish golf trip? You can if you take advantage of the price benefits that are with us at the moment, but certainly won't last. It's hard to imagine a better motivation than huge cost savings, but there are other reasons why it should be Scotland and this year.
A few years back, the Scottish Parliament designated 2009 as Homecoming Year - a year to celebrate the greatest of Scotland's many contributions to the world. It's a time when all those with even a hint of Scottish ancestry, or even a simple love of Scotland and things Scottish (and there's nothing more Scottish than either golf or whisky) are invited back to the homeland, to participate in some Scottish hospitality and join the party. The festivities are underway and the more than 300 special events planned, keep running until November.
It's already proving to be a very special year to visit the home of golf and the innovative Scots seem to have also succeeded in including one extra Scottish contribution to the world, into the celebrations -- Scots frugality. Check out the bargain price of a 2009 trip to Scotland and you can only agree.
For a few ideas and suggestions on how to join in the fun and experience a little Scottish, bargain basement frugality, click here.
©2009 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
