For Sara and Pryor Bacon, their trip to Scotland was years in the making. It was a bucket-list golf dream for him and a whimsical exploration of castles and countryside for her. After more than two years of planning, they set off with friends for a ten-day journey full of greens, grandeur, and plenty of Scottish charm.

While the men teed off at seven of Scotland’s most iconic golf courses, including the legendary Old Course at St. Andrews, Sara and the other wives embarked on their own adventure. They explored centuries-old castles, wandered through charming fishing villages, and even crafted their own purses.

Pryor’s favorite course was Cruden Bay, a breathtaking spot where the fairways meet the sea and a castle looms in the distance. Sara was enchanted by the tiny fishing village of Crail, just 25 minutes from St. Andrews. “It looked like it was straight out of a movie,” she recalled, charmed by its colorful cottages and quiet harbor.

One of the most memorable stops was Meldrum House in Aberdeenshire, a 13th-century castle turned inn. The property, dotted with highland cows, felt quintessentially Scottish. Part of the original castle, once a meat cooler, has been transformed into a cave-like bar. They dined in cozy outdoor domes under the stars, enjoying what Sara described as “the best lasagna of my life.”

And while the haggis was politely avoided, the food was still a highlight of the trip. At Meldrum House, the lasagna was such a hit that those who didn’t order it the first night made sure to try it the next.

Of all the memories made, Sara’s favorite was sitting on the patio at Rusacks in St. Andrews at sunset, overlooking the iconic Old Course. “We felt incredibly blessed,” she said. “Watching the sun dip over one of the most famous golf courses in the world while heckling the players below was just perfect.”

The trip left them eager to return, next time with their two children. “Everywhere we went was family- and dog-friendly, and I felt safe and welcome at every turn,” Sara said.

Her advice to others? “Use a travel planner and give yourself plenty of time to secure permission to play the Old Course. It’s worth the wait.”

For the Bacons, Scotland delivered everything they hoped for - history, hospitality, and beauty at every turn.