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It seems hard to imagine that a country with rich history of golf that Scotland enjoys could lose its way in terms of promoting itself as a great golfing destination. However, during 90s this was certainly case. Countries such as Portugal, Spain and even Ireland worked tirelessly to sell themselves to outside world as ideal destination for a golfing holiday. Scotland was perhaps guilty of arrogance thinking that it could survive on its historical reputation alone.
However, last four years has seen a definite shift in market with large amounts of (particularly English, American and Japanese) golfers once again visiting Scottish shores. Helped by publicity surrounding this years Open at St.Andrews more and more golfers are looking for golfing breaks and have a large number of companies competing for their business.
One such company is short break specialist http://www.superbreak.com whom offer a range of golfing breaks to top Scottish resorts such as Marriott Dalmahoy which is set in 1000 acres of wooded parkland at foot of Pentland Hills and has hosted both Solheim Cup and Scottish PGA Championship. In St.Andrews itself relatively new St.Andrews Bay Golf Resort http://www.standrewsbay.com provides 5 star luxury that rivals best of golfing hotels anywhere in world. Sitting amidst rugged coastal landscape of East Fife hotel is within a short distance of all St.Andrews courses as well as other top local courses such as Lundin Links, Leven Links, Scotscraig and Ladybank.
It seems despite heavy investment in promotion of golfing resorts in other countries Scotland will always command a very special place in global golfing community. Lessons seem to have been learnt and Scottish golfing industry is unlikely to rest on its laurels again. While a rich history and flagship tournament are important, if industry is to continue to flourish then continued and focussed investment most remain a priority.
Robin regularly contributes articles to a variety of travel publications and also has his own website Travel Tips: http://www.travel-tips.co.uk/