Scooter and I have done many trips over the years with varying groups of friends (including Woody) to links-like courses in the US: Sea Scape in the Outer Banks, Pinehurst, Sand Hills, Prairie Dunes, Pine Valley, Shinnecock & NGLA on Long Island, Kiawah Island and the godfather of all US golf destinations, Bandon--as we moved into the 2000s.

But it was not until we hit our sixties, and not only had more time, but became increasingly enamored with Links Golf, that we took dead-aim at where links golf originated and flourished—Scotland and Ireland.

In my mind the Ayrshire Coast, like St. Andrews could be the anchor of any Links Golf Trip. Either Royal Troon or Prestwick and you have a making of life-time memories. Combine them both, back-to-back, and it borders on epic.

A flight over the pond to Glasgow, and a mere one-hour drive or train ride south, and you are right in the thick of it. Only 15 miles and 25 minutes separate the towns of Irvine (North end), Troon, Prestwick and Ayr (farthest South and largest). Within that span are some of the greatest golf in Scotland: Western Gailes, Dundonald, Royal Troon, Prestwick Golf Club and St. Nicholas—another ten miles to the south lies Turnberry.

When you mention the Scottish Highlands, most people immediately think of the Whiskeys. They are indeed my favorites—Macallan, Balvenie, Glenmorangie, and Highland Park. But in recent years, more people head north to “where the polar bears gather firewood’ as Chris McBride, The Last Caddie described it.

Along with the Kintyre Peninsula, it is my favorite golf destination. Why, you ask? Simply put, the village of Dornoch and one of the big four Links courses--Royal Dornoch. Add in Brora to the mix, and maybe Castle Stuart as a chaser, and you have yourself a great links golf trip.