Some who are thinking about a golf holiday in the birthplace of golf ask where they can find accommodations and where they can uncover a great golf challenge. The better question might be, "Where can't you find a good place to stay and play in Scotland?"

While nearly everyone who plays golf, even on a limited basis, knows of the St. Andrews and its historical significance, tour planners and travel advisors are quick to point out that there are dozens of challenging golf courses in Scotland. Obviously, the Old Course at St. Andrews is drawing card for golfers, since it is the recognized home of golf. However, there are some strong restrictions attached to getting onto the first tee there. The management holds a daily lottery to determine who gets a tee time. The odds of getting a tee time vary depending on weather and the number of players who want to use the course.

For these reasons, golfers may want to consider taking their game to one of the many excellent golf courses in Scotland that are not St. Andrews. A visit to the fine old city of Glasgow could include a round at Loch Lomond, home to the Scottish Open hosted by Barclays (the course was designed by Tom Weiskopf). Among the many other fine courses close to the city are Windyhill (a great golf name for a great course) and Glenbervie. Some consider Glasgow and the surrounding area to be a spectacular golf destination, with excellent scenery and the attractions of the city included for good measure.

Without doubt, the heartlands of this country are the preferred golf destination for many who love the game and its history. The first golfers lived near the sea, using open spaces connected to the shore as their courses. This gave rise to the common, seaside style of course called "links" golf and the name of the game (it was first called "gowf").

Over the centuries, dozens of fine courses have been opened to the public in this famous region. There are now more than 100 courses in this area, including those at Dundee and Angus. Carnoustie is a well-known course that is included in The Open Championship circuit. This great course is one of the real challenges of golfing skill found anywhere in the world.

But that is only the beginning. Many travelling golfers choose one of the dozens of courses in the Scottish Highlands, away from the "traditional" links courses that gave birth to the game. The scenery alone may be enough to draw the traveller to this region, but the golf courses will keep them there. One famous site is Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, while Nairn also attracts golfers by the dozen. Other players may want to challenge a great course in the northeast of Scotland, whether it is one of the links courses or an inland course. Royal Aberdeen is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Excellent golf holidays are also common in the southeast (Muirfield also hosts The Open Championship.).

Golfing accommodations are not a major challenge in Scotland, because of the local's love of the game. Many smaller cities and towns cater to the travelling golfer. Travel agents and trip planners should be able to assist in securing a good package trip that can include mid-price range to upper-price range hotel or bed-and- breakfast. Many of these packages include complete breakfast, in addition to greens fees and transportation. Travelling golfers who prepare for some unpredictable weather find themselves wanting to return to the great Golf Courses in Scotland.