Eastern Bloc golf: Ready for the Iron Curtain Golf Trail?

Golf may not be the main sport in the former Eastern Bloc, but the seedlings that sprouted out of the Berlin Wall's ruins are beginning to bloom and golfers are finding more and more intriguing places to play their favorite game in nations like the Czech Republic, Russia, Poland and Slovakia. And while emany citizens of these nations still have a lot of learning to do when it comes to golf, the game is a barometer for capitalism in Eastern Europe and the future certainly holds plenty of green.

• Upscale Myrtle Beach golf • Hear the latest TG podcast • A chat with Hank Haney • Puakea G.C. on Kauai

Also: A Czech golf and beer tour

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The best major in golf: Masters, U.S. or British?
Best major? For me, it's unquestionably the British Open.

• • Golf won't be a sport at 2012 Olympic Games in London
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• • Podcast: Wales emerges as a golf destination
• • St. Brides in Saudersfoot proves Wales is catching on with hospitality

Golf In Scotland with “The Fun Bus” – No Single Supplements

Dates: September 1, 2007 - October 31, 2008

The Fun Bus is back and will be visiting The Highlands and Edinburgh! Aimed at Singles, Couples and Small Groups this is a Tour for Golfers who wish to visit Scotland and experience some of the Superb Links Courses - Royal Dornoch, Fortrose Links, Brora Links, Nairn West and Gullane Links.

Price Range: $2800

For more information, please call 1-800-348-4902 or click here.

St. Andrews to the Highlands: Picking the perfect region for your Scotland golf vacation

Scotland appears small enough on a map to tempt golf groups into assuming any course is fair game to book during their golf vacation. True, it's possible to squeeze in all the British Open courses and a few others favorites, from Turnberry to Royal Dornoch, in one trip. But that means lots of miles - and money spent on petrol. Instead, try to isolate your golf trip to one region to maximize your golf experience and save money.

Packing tips for your links golf trip to the British Isles or Ireland

Packing for a golf trip to play legendary links golf courses like Carnoustie or Prestwick Golf Club can be tricky, as the weather over the pond pretty much does as it pleases and can go from good to bad in the blink of an eye. GolfEurope.com's Brandon Tucker has packed for more than 40 days of links golf, so he knows what to bring and leave behind on an Ireland or British Isle golf vacation, here he gives travelers some advice on how best to pack for a memorable golf trip.

On the Spot

The great Green Golf swindle

Golf is trying to take a page from the Whole Foods playbook and convince us golfers that "earth-friendly courses" with worse conditions and higher green fees are the noble, righteous play.

Popular myths and misconceptions of links golf revealed in Scotland

Think you've got an idea what Scottish links golf is all about because you've seen the British Open on TV? Hardly. Brandon Tucker recently returned from a tour of Scotland's finest golf courses and got a first hand understanding why they're so special. To give you, Mr. American Parkland Golfer, an idea what Scottish links is all about, Tucker demystifies many of the myths and misconceptions of playing in the cradle of golf.

Letter: A reader ranks the 10 best golf courses in Scotland

Relax (or not) at the Radisson Roe Park Hotel and Golf Resort in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is littered with stunning links courses, the standouts being Royal Portrush and Royal Country Down. Located in Limavady, the Radisson Roe Park Hotel and Golf Resort isn't out to compete against these 100-year-old links. Instead, it serves a niche, offering Northern Ireland's only four-star golf resort and a facility that includes an 18-hole parkland golf course. And to sweeten the deal, it's all within an easy drive of most top courses.

Clifftop views, strong finish highlight Cardigan Golf Club in southwest Wales

There are some links in Wales where the history of the club is a big attraction, that have seen the greatest names in golf grace their links. Then there are other clubs that are simply a joy to play You may not hear infamous legends of the great ones playing here, or see many plaques or famous faces in black-and-white photographs, but when you leave Cardigan, it may be your most enjoyable round during your Wales golf trip.

Wales' Pennard Golf Club: Old school links golf in the sky

Experiencing the one-of-a-kind links of Pennard Golf Club near Swansea, Wales toes the line between driving you mad and blowing you away. On one hand, you've got a century-old links golf course with rugged, uneven fairways that generate plenty of bad bounces, lost balls and miffed golfers. On the bright side, you'll suffer whiplash from all the spectacular views. Dubbed the "Links in the sky," Pennard has a stunning theater on the clifftops of the Gower Peninsula.

Ashburnham Golf Club re-emerges as a can't-miss links in southwest Wales

Ever since H.S. Colt upgraded Wales' Ashburnham Golf Club in 1910, it has been one of the British Isles' little-known sleepers with a sterling history. Golf legend Harry Vardon went as far as saying, "The course I like best in Wales is Ashburnham." But over the years, Ashburnham lost its way. Now it's back on track, having woken up to the realities of the 21st century golf industry, and is a 'must play' round on the British Isles.

Golf trip to Wales: Frequently Asked Questions

Considering a golf tour to the United Kingdom? Wales is a lesser-known destination compared to Scotland and Ireland but features plenty of historic links and will host the 2010 Ryder Cup. As a way to help you get your trip planning started, GolfEurope.com offers answers to frequently asked questions, including how do you get there, do you need to bring a Welsh phrase book, and why to stick to the south and north coasts for golf.

Ryder Cup host Celtic Manor highlights Wales' emergence as a golf vacation hotspot

The Ryder Cup may go down as the fuse that lit Wales' emergence into a golf hotspot, but the southern coast of this tiny country has been host to some of the Isles' most treasured links since the 19th century. Wales is small enough to experience golf in each corner in a week, but those not willing to travel so much will find their best option for a jam-packed itinerary on the south coast.

N. Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route: There's more to see than Royal County Down, Portrush

The scenic A2 Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is home to 30 golf courses, not to mention scenic glens, natural wonders, ruins of castles and charming villages. Mixed with fantastic courses from Royal County Down to Royal Portrush, this is a blend of golf and off-course sights that cannot be missed. The best way to take it all in is to start in Newcastle and then drive along the coastline at a leisurely pace to Portrush.

Also: Tradition alive at Renaissance Club in Scotland

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