The best base for a GB&I trip but without playing a big name course. Where?

[Niall C]

When you're going to Elgin let me know so I can tell my former landlady you're coming 
Niall

Can't comment on landladies but I played Elgin many years ago. Very nice too. Great part of the world, infact just about the whole length of the Moray Firth and inland is a terrific part of the world. An area I would very much like to return too. Fly into Dalcross or Dyce. If I'm coming that way I'll let you know. A few courses I need to see again or play for the first time. That wee 9-holer at Covesea intreagues me.

atb

PS - I know Forfar too, never played the course though, but I've seen the 'Athletic' play. From the postings herein I wish I had played the course.

Thomas

I played Elgin quite a few times when I was up there and nearly joined there rather than Moray GC (which is at least as good as Fraserburgh and probably better) it's that good. You'll love Covesea although I suggest that you don't play with brand new Pro V1's but you may wish to wear a hard hat on some holes. Definitely a terrific experience. I'd also recommend Forres which is nearby and then you have Garmouth & Kingston, Strathlene, Buckpool and the list goes on.

Niall

[Niall C]

Niall,

That's assuming you enjoy being in cities, of course.

For instance I would rather spend a week of my non-golf time in Deal than in Liverpool or Glasgow. In fact, that's an understatement. I would not willingly spend more than a day or two in either of those cities (can't say about Dublin as I've never been there) whereas little towns like Deal (or Harlech) I have found to be very quiet and relaxing.

I guess a lot depends on how much one values being able to find drinking establishments open at 3am on weeknights, versus places where the sidewalks are rolled up for the night by 9pm on a Monday.

Brent

That's correct. And you stay in a village or town because you prefer that. However I think you are somewhat blinkered if you think cities are all about clubbing to 3 am. Can't speak for Liverpool but Edinburgh and Glasgow are great cities to visit, especially with a bit of forward planning or simply get a Lonely Planet guide. For instance, in contrast to say your average small town/village, both Glasgow and Edinburgh offer a wider and better choice of restaurants, pubs of all sorts with live music, interesting art galleries/museums, and some great architecture if you go look for it and it's not always in the city centre/commercial district. Personally I love city breaks. Sitting in a cafe watching the world go by. Of course if you do want to go jigging to 3 am there's that too.

Niall 

[Thomas Dai]

Thomas
I played Elgin quite a few times when I was up there and nearly joined there rather than Moray GC (which is at least as good as Fraserburgh and probably better) it's that good. You'll love Covesea although I suggest that you don't play with brand new Pro V1's but you may wish to wear a hard hat on some holes. Definitely a terrific experience. I'd also recommend Forres which is nearby and then you have Garmouth & Kingston, Strathlene, Buckpool and the list goes on.
Niall

Niall,

All the courses we've both mentioned would pretty much fit into the "Interesting golf courses that have NEVER been mentioned on GolfClubAtlas?" thread -
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,59858.0.html

There's just so much really nice golf along the Moray coast, actually so much quality golf all the way along the east coast from the border at the River Tweed until you reach Durness!

As to Covesea, it's somewhere that particularly intreagues me. On post 49 above I mention Alan McPherson's website - http://scottishgolfcourses-allofthem.blogspot.co.uk/ - with a bit of navigating it's possbile to find his very nice write-up of Coverea with some photos too. No new ProV1's seems to be gist of his write-up as well!

atb