<![CDATA[GOLF AWAY TOURS

<![CDATA[GOLF AWAY TOURS - Blog]]>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:16:22 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[A Father-Son Trip to Scotland!]]>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:40:14 GMThttps://www.golfawaytours.com/blog/scotland-with-my-dad

All golfing sons carry around that hope that someday they’ll get to take a trip with their fathers, where the conversations stretch a little longer and the golf means a little more. Last month, I got to cash in that hope. I met my dad in the lobby of the Rusacks, where he walked in with a smile on his face to where you knew it was either his first time or 20th. From there, we were set for a week wandering through Fife and East Lothian.

It was his first time in Scotland, so day one was all about giving him the lay of the land and letting the town tell the story. We strolled through St Andrews, and I offered him my version of a St Andrews handshake, a fudge doughnut at Fisher & Donaldson and into The Dunvegan for a pint. Somewhere between the sugar and the lager the sky cracked open, revealing a rare blue November sky that felt sort of as if Scotland was apologizing for its reputation. Leaving the pub, I told him to pay attention as we rounded the corner. And then there it was, St Andrews revealing itself in front of us like a painting. Golfers tapping in on eighteen, couples in jackets and formal dress strolling into the R&A. The whole scene comes together with a wild combination of history and everyday life, where a sense of formality and welcomeness coexist in balance. We stood there for twenty minutes as the sunset in St Andrews, the first real moment of the trip and first reminder that the ground beneath your feet is the same ground every golfer dreams of walking.

Our turn on the Links came the next morning. We hurried out of bed and down to the New Clubhouse, half expecting nothing, half hoping for a miracle. Instead, we got breakfast overlooking the Old Course and a 10:00 tee time on The New course. With our bags slung over our shoulders, we wandered across the course toward the first tee, ready to shake hands with whoever was joining us. But no—our first round in Scotland would be just the two of us. A father and son 2-ball on a cool, dry morning in St Andrews. We were around in under three hours, and Dad rolled in a casual birdie on eighteen, just like we drew it up. Stopping at The Jigger Inn for the obligatory pint on the way back, we spent the rest of the night doing what golfers do: replaying each hole shot by shot.

Our short time in St Andrews was up, and soon enough we were packing up and heading south toward East Lothian. But before we crossed the River Tay and left Fife behind, there was one stop we just couldn’t miss. Elie isn’t far – a short twenty-five minutes from St Andrews – but it feels like stepping into its own little universe. A small seaside town with character, and home to one of the most joyful and peculiar golf courses I’ve ever played. A par 70 without a single par 5, though you never feel like anything is missing. Somehow the place strings together eighteen unique holes, each one with its own quirk. I walked off the final green already replaying half the round in my mind, and I haven’t stopped since. Elie feels like a club you could play the rest of your life without ever growing tired of it.

From there we hopped a train east, riding along the coast toward what might be the second home of golf in Scotland, North Berwick. The town itself has a true postcard feel, and the depth of golf is undeniable. North Berwick West Links sits right there in the middle of everything and just a short drive away you have Muirfield, Gullane, and Dunbar. It feels like every direction you look in Scotland; another great course is sitting there by the coast. We settled into The Nether Abbey with another Scottish lager and looked forward to what this chapter of the trip had in store.

The next morning, we finally got what Scotland had been threatening all week: a wet morning in Gullane. After days of generous weather, the rain felt almost overdue. As we trudged up the second hole, climbing the famous Gullane Hill with heads down, the clouds thinned and the light slipped through. By the time we reached the 3rd tee, Edinburgh and Fife appeared off in the distance. It was a pleasant surprise, and a reminder of where we’d been in just a few short days. Today, we were happy to relinquish our status as a 2-ball. A friend of mine joined us, a Scottish transplant who’d moved to Edinburgh a couple of years earlier. We spent the day catching up, enjoying a beautiful day on a spectacular course.

When we reached the crest of Gullane Hill again on the 17th tee with the town spread out below us, I felt a great sense of gratitude. From a half-serious conversation more than a year earlier to standing here now, in Scotland, at the end of the journey, having walked some of the finest links golf has to offer. To be there and sharing it with special people is a memory worth holding on to. The thrill of planning a trip in its infancy, watching it become a reality and finally realizing all the things you hoped for is a feeling all golfers should experience, and one I look forward to again soon.

Griffin Rush

]]><![CDATA[Griffin in NW Ireland]]>Fri, 23 May 2025 18:16:23 GMThttps://www.golfawaytours.com/blog/griffin-in-nw-ireland

Just a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to swap Toronto’s grey winter for the windswept links of Ireland—a journey long overdue. For years I’ve heard the tales of courses hidden in giant dunes, creamy pints of Guinness and of course the craic that fills every nook and cranny of the country. It was my first visit, and I arrived eager to find out why so many travelers return from this corner of the world already plotting their next adventure.

My week began with a journey north to Derry—or Londonderry, depending on who’s asking and who’s answering. Locals like to say it’s the only city where “the first six letters are silent”, and if that joke doesn’t tell you everything about the town’s charm and grit, I don’t know what will. I’d been eager to visit as Derry finds itself perfectly located as a gateway to some of the best golf courses in Ireland.

To the east, just an hour down the road, lies the quaint towns of Portrush and Portstewart. This is where you find Portstewart Golf Club’s towering dunes, Castlerock’s subtle charm, and of course, the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush, which will once again take center stage as host of The Open later this year. The best part? They are all within a stone's throw of each other. Turn your compass North-West from Derry instead, and you’ll find yourself in Ballyliffin—home of the Old and Glashedy Links—as well as the wildly underrated Portsalon which hides on the Donegal coast, just to name a few. On either side of town, you are exposed to wildly different landscapes, golf course design and even a change in accents if you listen close enough.

Each evening though, you return to town where fairways will give way to cobbled streets, and post-round analysis is done over pints in lively pubs with music in the air, and next morning's tee time being the only thing that might get you to leave.

We spent our first two nights at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel, a refined boutique hotel tucked into the charm of the “Cityside”—the historic heart of Derry. It’s the kind of place where the doorman knows your tee time and the bar will remember your whiskey.

For the second half of our stay, we crossed the River Foyle to the “Waterside” and checked into the newly minted Ebrington Hotel. Built on the bones of former British military barracks, the hotel stands as a testament to the city’s transformation. Ebrington Square itself, once a place of tension, is now dotted with cafés, restaurants, and, most notably, the Walled City Brewery—our top pick for an evening pint and bite to eat.

With our time in Donegal and Northern Ireland wrapping up, I traded the quiet beauty of the coast for the lively energy of Ireland’s capital, Dublin was calling. Waking in the stillness of North West Golf Club surrounded by sheep, and finding myself only a handful of hours later shoulder to shoulder on Grafton Street made for a contrast as sharp as it was refreshing. The streets are loud with Irish music pouring from open pub doors, and the sidewalks lined with food from around the world. Buses glide by with a purpose I didn’t expect in an Irish city, but Dublin is as much a city as any other I had visited. Between visits to the Guinness Storehouse and walks through the chaos of Temple Bar, Dublin offers plenty to keep you busy off the course. And you might assume that in Ireland’s most developed, urban setting, the golf would take a back seat. You’d be wrong.

Just outside the city, to the north and east, sits what might be the finest collection of city-adjacent links courses anywhere in the world. Portmarnock Golf Club, The Island, Royal Dublin, and Jameson Links—each one a heavyweight in its own right. And if you’re willing to drive a bit further, you’ll hit County Louth in one direction and The European Club in the other. It’s almost hard to believe: one moment you’re in the heart of a capital city, and less than an hour later you’re walking across some of the most storied turf in the country.

I played Jameson Links during my stay, set along Portmarnock Beach, with views out to Ireland’s Eye. The idea that it might be the least preferred of the bunch was hard to wrap my head around. It’s pure links golf, and recent work on the course has opened up even more of the coastline to players. If this is the bottom of the list for some folks, then the list is absolutely stacked.

My trip to Ireland was a perfect blend of everything the country is known for—stunning golf courses, rich history, lively culture, and a welcoming atmosphere that made each day memorable. Whether counting sheep on the hillsides in Donegal, walking through the majestic dunes of Portstewart or sipping a pint in the heart of Dublin, every moment felt innately Irish. From the golf to the people, the landscapes to the pubs, it’s no wonder why so many return to Ireland after just a small taste. As I boarded my flight home I knew this wouldn’t be my last visit, Ireland has a way of getting under your skin.

]]><![CDATA[Portugal and the Azores - New Discoveries!]]>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:14:57 GMThttps://www.golfawaytours.com/blog/portugal-and-the-azores-new-discoveries

I have been lucky enough to get to Portugal several times over the past few years and I love every trip. The golf is great, the food and wine outstanding and the general hospitality and “feel” of the country is second to none. What I have never been able to fit in is a stop in the Azores, those amazing volcanic islands a couple of hours offshore from the mainland. That is, until this trip – finally, my chance to visit a spot I have always wanted to see.

Safe to say, I was not only not disappointed, I was blown away. The scenery, the food, the people – it is just an amazing place, and the golf was good also!

After a short overnight flight (it was only 4 or so hours), I was in the Azores on Sao Miguel Island and on my way to the wonderful hospitality and 2 VERY distinct nines at Batalha Golf. A fun and challenging round of golf, the course is tight and hilly on course C to start (nice way to step off the plane!) and then a bit flatter with a bit more room - but no less challenging - for the back nine on course A (course B was closed for maintenance). Very good conditioning, excellent greens and a challenge for all handicaps - and the black sand traps are eye (and ball) catching. A well spent morning!!!

Afternoon started to show the other reason to come to the Azores - wonderful views at every turn, beautiful small towns, amazing seafood and world class accommodations. I stayed at the Octant Furnas, a 55-room boutique hotel. The Octant Furnas features well appointed rooms, amazing customer service, dining and to top it off, a full spa with naturally sourced thermal pools that ease all your aches and pains.

Nice start to my second day on Sao Miguel with 18 holes at Furnas Golf Club. A top 20 course in Portugal, the course has a great mix of holes that force a lot of decisions. The only bad part? You didn’t know you needed to make a decision unless you’re playing with a member or have played it before. A couple of great shots (by my standard) turned out to be not so great! That aside, a wonderful course, amazing green complexes and bunkering, and a good time to be had by all. Tour operator tip (obviously not a pro tip!!) - keep an eye on the wind direction, it was constantly changing!

Amazing rest of the day also with stops at Ribeira dos Caldeirões and those amazing waterfalls, Caldeira Velha for a thermal soak, Lagoa do Fogo (lagoon of fire) for spectacular views, an Azorean pineapple farm, dinner at A Tasca (so good, thanks to my daughter for the recommendation from her visit last summer!!), a loss at the casino and a late night drink at Whale Bar overlooking the harbor in the Octant Ponta Delgada. A long day but so worth it.

The Octant Ponta Delgada is modern, spacious, has an amazing spa and, of course, the great top floor bar overlooking the harbour. Conveniently located close to all the action, this is the place to stay in Ponta Delgada - and you do want to stay in Ponta Delgada.

My last day on Sao Miguel was supposed to be a whale watching day but waves precluded that so I was able to spend the day wandering and exploring Punta Delgada. It happened to be Carnival Weekend and, on the Friday, all the schools hold the junior version of the parade that I was lucky enough to stumble upon. It was quite the event and everyone was having such a good time. More amazing seafood for lunch, a walk to try and work off some of the calories, and then off to the airport to get over to Lisbon to meet my friends for a golf adventure on the mainland.

Is Sao Miguel worth a stop on the way to or from mainland Portugal – Absolutely!!!

Several airlines will offer “free” stops on the way to or from Lisbon (by free, they mean no extra charge for the flight vs direct – you do, of course, need to pay for your stay on the Island).
Just 2 or 3 nights there and you can explore most of the island.
The food, not only the seafood by also the meat – cows are everywhere on this island, is outstanding. Be sure to try Cozido Furnas when you are in Furnas, basically meats and vegetable cooked in clay pots buried in the ground and cooked with the natural thermal heat – a local treat!
The golf is good, however there is so much more with the scenery, outdoor adventures, hiking and biking, the ocean for sports, swimming, fishing, and the thermal pools.

I see this as a brilliant add on to a Portuguese golf adventure. Often called the Hawaii of the Atlantic, this is a wonderful place to visit.

After a short 2-hour flight to Lisbon, I met my friends for another chance to play the great courses of the Praia D’el Rey area (West Cliffs, Royal Obidos and Praia D’el Rey), Quinta Do Peru, my favourite course in all of Portugal Comporta Dunas and one new course, PGA Aroeira One.

Recently renovated, Aroeira One is sure to become a go to course in the Lisbon area. A short 35min drive from the city center, Aroeira One is a tree lined gem that will challenge everyone however also be very playable for all players. Despite all the trees, they have taken the time to clear all the underbrush so it is very clear under all those branches (they are in the process of putting bark / mulch down) so losing a ball takes as much effort as getting a good score! The course is still growing in after the renovation but you can see the great design, and I look forward to getting back in late May when it has had some time to grow in even more. I’ll update everyone after that visit and I expect it will be nothing but great news.

Other than PGA, all the other courses were repeats for me so no updates other than I want to mention how well Dunas is growing in. Ever since it opened in 2023, it has been a great course; however, the fescue fairways have really grown in well and are tight and fast. The greens are up to speed and the course is ready to take its place as the number 1 course in Portugal – keep an eye on those rankings.

Of note, Dunas will soon be joined by its new sister course, Torre. I will be there in May for a preview round and expect I will have exciting news about that course (and some great pictures) to share with everyone.

Other new finds on this visit:

A great new food tour through the Alfama District (the old town) in Lisbon that really gives a nice little bit of history about the City and a whole lot of great food and wine – a definite must do and out new go to food tour reco for clients.

3 new amazing restaurants that must be tried:

Marisqueira Mirandum – Located in Peniche, this tiny restaurant serves the freshest of seafood and is just 20mins from the Marriott Praia D’el Rey.
Cervejaria Ramiro – located in central Lisbon, this place is famous as an Anthony Bourdain destination but the food and atmosphere make it a must visit and not just a famous stop.
Frade dos Mares – another new find in Lisbon, traditional Portuguese food with a flair is on the menu and this small, hard to find, gem is well worth visiting (and you might even see a marriage proposal like we did when we were there)

Overall, an amazing trip to Portugal and I hope we can get you over there soon to enjoy one of the best golf trips you will ever have.

]]><![CDATA[A Week at Elevate Golf 2024]]>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:57:28 GMThttps://www.golfawaytours.com/blog/a-week-at-elevate-golf-2024

There’s something about that late afternoon shuffle through Pearson that brings a mix of anticipation and nerves. At Golf Away Tours, it signals one thing: a journey across the Atlantic, back to the home of golf. I was Scotland-bound once again, and though the excitement was still there, it was layered with something deeper—a quiet comfortability. This was my second pilgrimage to Scotland, and this time, the worries of the unknown had given way to a feeling of ease, like standing on the first tee of your home course.

I knew what to expect now: the bite of the Scottish wind, the taste of a hot meal after a cold round, and the faces I’d come to recognize from my first trip back in March. My memories of travel are usually tied to landscapes, weather, or places that contrast home. And Scotland has all of that- the scenery, the skies that change faster than your mood, and a seemingly never-ending supply of ancient beauty. But Scotland had something more: a sense of homecoming.

It’s not just the land or the history, though both are incredible. It’s the warmth of the people and their welcome, especially if you’re there for the love of the game. In Scotland, golf isn’t a pastime; it’s woven into the soil, and that shared love for the sport binds people together, visitors and locals alike. On each tee box, and with each greenside chat it felt like stepping into a community I belonged to. When I left Scotland the first time, I felt a fullness I hadn’t expected from a place I’d never been before. And now, boarding that flight again, I was excited to say the least.

After another bleary-eyed and sleepless flight, we headed straight for Ayrshire, aiming to shake off the fog with a round at Dundonald. The host of this year’s Women’s Scottish Open, Dundonald has been rising in the ranks, a name that gets tossed around more and more when people talk about the golf gems tucked away in the Southwest of Scotland. We battled through the full spectrum of Scottish weather- rain that comes in sideways, but just enough sunshine to keep you going. Jet lag clung to us making each swing feel a bit heavier, but by the end of the round the exhaustion felt earned. That night, I drifted off to sleep overlooking the fairways of Royal Troon at the Marine Troon Hotel.

The next morning, we teed it up at Prestwick, the birthplace of the Open Championship. Rain clouds loomed in the distance, but for what felt like the first time in Scotland, the golf gods were looking down on us. The wind was a constant adversary, but the rain held off, as if to let us fully appreciate the quirkiness of Prestwick’s design. By the end, the jet lag still hadn’t fully faded, but I felt like we’d been given a rare gift: a dry day on one of Scotland’s most storied links.

Our journey through Southwest Scotland brought us next to the gates of Trump Turnberry. Say what you will about the politics, but there’s no denying he knows how to build a resort. The place oozes elegance, an opulence that’s simply hard to look past. That night, the first of many receptions for Elevate Golf 2024 filled the ballroom. I found myself in conversations with peers from all corners of the globe, swapping stories about golf, travel, and just about every other topic that could possibly surface. The next morning, we were met again with good weather- mild temperatures and just enough breeze to keep you on your toes. Standing on the first tee at Turnberry, under a blue morning sky, it’s hard not to feel the weight of where you are. A round at Turnberry, with conditions this perfect is the kind of experience that not many get. The course, the ocean views- all of it came together and by the time I walked off the 18th, I’d shot a career-low 77.

Then came the drive across Scotland to St Andrews, and I can’t remember the last time I was so eager to spend three hours in a car. And when we finally arrived, there it was- the sight every golfer dreams of: parking along the 18th at the Old Course and walking into the storied Rusacks Hotel. A walk along the 18th fairway that evening to dinner helped to bring home the gravity of where we were, the Home of Golf. We enjoyed dinner at the beautiful Hotel Du Vin just off the 1st tee at the Old Course, where we shared great food and chatted about the round to come tomorrow.

Jean Van de Velde. 1999. Carnoustie. Just those three phrases are enough to send a chill down the spine of any golf fan with even a passing knowledge of major championship history. It’s the scene of perhaps the greatest collapse in sports. That Sunday in 1999, Carnoustie showed why it’s earned its brutal reputation, why they call it “Car-nasty.” It’s a place that can crush the world’s best, with a big number waiting after one poor swing. What would it do to me? Visions of the ball that nearly took with it a license plate on the first tee at St Andrews flooded my mind. Again, nerves were overcome by excitement and I was able to truly soak in the experience that was my round at Carnoustie. It skyrocketed up my personal rankings.

The next two days were packed with meetings at The Old Course Hotel, where I had the chance to sit down face-to-face with key suppliers from across the industry. Building these relationships matters- it’s the groundwork that allows us to secure top-notch experiences for our clients. Here, drinks are shared but surely connections are strengthened, all to make sure we’re delivering the best in golf travel.

As our last day of meetings wrapped up, we took a walk over to the Old Course Pavilion, just a driver and a 9-iron from the hotel. For the second time, I tossed my name into the singles ballot, more a requirement when in St Andrews than out of hope, assuming lightning wouldn’t strike twice. But then—I received the text. The same number. Chosen again, this time for the first tee time at 8:00 a.m. I’d told myself I wouldn’t make a fuss after the week I just had, and wouldn't let it phase me if I got lucky again. But standing there with my phone in my hand, I couldn’t help it. Excitement crept in, as if it were my first time all over again.

This time, though, I wanted it to be me and the course. First off, no caddie. Just a yardage book and my memory. With perfect weather on my side and the fairways stretching out on a quiet St Andrews morning, I played my own game, soaking in every moment. It was a round that felt personal and unhurried, like I had golf's most hallowed grounds all to myself. A “Cri- Pie” at the long standing St Andrews staple, The Criterion, was the perfect meal to cap it off. A day I’ll never forget.

There’s a thrill in visiting a new place for the first time- finally seeing with your own eyes what you’ve only heard stories about. But there’s something just as meaningful in returning to a place that is special to you and getting to know it in a deeper way each time. Nothing will ever match that first walk through St Andrews or the moment when links golf finally clicks and feels right but yet that’s what makes each return so special. Visiting Scotland in many ways is like layering new memories over the old, giving you the chance to play golf and walk the grounds that many of the most famous in the game have walked for hundreds of years.

]]><![CDATA[Jamaica]]>Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:40:11 GMThttps://www.golfawaytours.com/blog/jamaica

The Golf

Iberostar Rose Hall Golf Club

Designer: Robert von Hagge
Details: An 18-hole, par-71 championship course with a layout that includes beautiful ocean views, strategic bunkers, and challenging greens. Located at the Iberostar Rose Hall Resort.
Features: Scenic views, well-maintained fairways, and a pro shop. Golf packages are often available for resort guests.

2. White Witch Golf Club

Designer: Robert von Hagge
Details: A 18-hole, par-71 course set on the historic Rose Hall estate. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, and challenging layout.
Features: Scenic vistas, challenging holes, and a historic ambiance.

3. Cinnamon Hill Golf Course

Designer: Von Hagge, Smelek, and Baril
Details: An 18-hole, par-71 course located at the Cinnamon Hill Resort. It offers a mix of oceanfront holes, lush fairways, and historical landmarks, including the ruins of an old sugar mill.
Features: Stunning ocean views, historical sites, and challenging golf features.

Where to stay

One of our favourite spots in Jamaica is the Iberostar’s Grand Hotel Rose Hall, which is more luxurious than your typical Caribbean all-inclusive resort with added touches of pure elegance and pampering service that comes along with an adults only golf experience.

Setting: Nestled along the pristine beaches of Rose Hall, the resort offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and lush tropical gardens.

Accommodations

Rooms and Suites:

Types: Elegant suites including Junior Suites, Oceanfront Suites, and Grand Suites.
Amenities: All rooms feature luxurious furnishings, private balconies or terraces, whirlpool tubs, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dining and Bars
Restaurants:

La Isabela: Main buffet restaurant with a wide variety of international dishes.
Germaine’s: Gourmet dining experience offering French cuisine.
The Rose Hall Steakhouse: Specializes in premium steaks and seafood.
Lighthouse: Casual beachfront dining with a focus on fresh seafood and Caribbean specialties.
The Grand Buffet: Offers a range of dishes from around the world in a sophisticated buffet setting.

Bars:

Grand Lobby Bar: Elegant space for cocktails and relaxation.
Swim-Up Bar: Poolside bar offering refreshing drinks and light snacks.
Beach Bar: Casual spot for beachside beverages and light fare.

Activities and Entertainment
Pools:

Infinity Pool: Main pool with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Tranquility Pool: A quieter pool area for relaxation.
Private Cabanas: Available for a more exclusive and serene experience.

Spa and Wellness:

SPA Sensations: Full-service spa offering massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness services.
Fitness Center: State-of-the-art gym with modern equipment and fitness classes.

Sports and Activities:

Golf: Iberostar Rose Hall Golf Club—an 18-hole, par-71 championship course designed by Robert von Hagge.
Water Sports: Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
Land Activities: Beach volleyball, tennis, and organized games.

Exclusive Features

Adults-Only: The resort is exclusively for adults, ensuring a tranquil and sophisticated environment.
Concierge Services: Personalized concierge services for booking excursions, arranging special requests, and planning activities.

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