Scottish Golf trail launched

Old Tom Morris was such a huge figure in golf. What better way to pay tribute to the legend than to create a unique trail in his honour?

It was something we felt inspired to do during the pandemic to mark the 200th anniversary of Old Tom’s birth. We carefully selected some of the finest courses – some iconic and others hidden gems – that have all been designed or enhanced by Old Tom.

The nature of our repeat business shows the allure Scotland continues to have for golfers who want to play some of the world’s best courses. Everyone’s travel plans were sadly put on hold for the last two years. Through the worst of the pandemic, we were repeatedly forced to postpone our clients’ trips, but now Scotland is well and truly open for business, we know that the appetite for golf here is greater than ever.

We are delighted and very excited to launch the Old Tom Morris Trail, allowing golfers to follow in his footsteps, and to demonstrate that Scotland really is worth waiting for.

Golf is such an integral part of Scotland, with no other country able to match our history or heritage in the game. The Old Tom Morris Trail provides an excellent focus for golf visitors – from home and overseas – to sample some of our most iconic golf courses, as well as those more off the beaten track.

By featuring some hidden gems as well as traditionally well-known courses, the trail supports our commitment to responsible tourism, to spread the benefits of golf tourism across our regions.

Tourism is a force for good, with both economic and social benefits. Golf tourism accounts for approximately £286 million annually, supporting around 4,400 jobs. Playing golf in the great outdoors, relaxing and unwinding with friends, and enjoying the magnificent scenery and hospitality that our country offers, is an unbeatable proposition for tourists the world over.

The trail is a brilliant idea and I’m sure it will be a smash hit for Scotland. Old Tom Morris was a font of wisdom; he truly was a colossus of golf.

Back when golf was coming of age, he was the one you contacted if you wanted to build a new golf course or discuss a design. He was an honourable man and would charge £1 per day, plus expenses, to design a course. He was instrumental in spreading the Scottish game around the world, and it was his character that helped shape the reputation of golf as a game of honour.

It is so wonderfully fitting that golfers from all over the world will now be able to retrace his steps. I can’t wait to visit.