The Epic Golf Program in Scotland: Week 1 Breakdown

Hi everyone! My name is Gill, I’m 22 years old and originally from Atlanta, Georgia. I’m spending a whole month interning with the Adelante Abroad Golf Program in Scotland, and I’m excited to share what’s been an unforgettable first week with our group.

Scotland is known as the birthplace of golf, and Adelante Abroad has built an amazing opportunity here that combines cultural immersion, travel, and sports internship experience. Whether you’re a golfer, sports management major, or just someone who wants to experience something different abroad, the golf program in scotland is something special.

Our group this year includes seven students from all over the U.S.:

• Michael G. – North Carolina
• Francesco V. – Connecticut
• Gavin S. – Oregon
• Mackenzie C. – North Carolina
• Matthew R. – Georgia
• Aspen A. – Arkansas
• Jack G. – North Carolina

It’s been a blast getting to know everyone and seeing how this unique Golf Program in Scotland experience brings us all together.

We kicked off our Scotland adventure staying at The Hub at the University of Dundee. It was a perfect introduction to the country, urban, student-friendly, and centrally located for exploring the eastern part of Scotland. On Saturday, we packed up and made our way to our new home for the rest of the month: the David Russell Apartments at the University of St. Andrews. Yes, that St. Andrews, the home of golf!

Living in St. Andrews is honestly a dream for any golf lover. The history here is palpable, and you can feel the legacy in the air. Being able to intern and play in this historic setting is something I’ll never forget. This is one thing that makes the Golf Program in Scotland with Adelante Abroad better than any other study abroad program out there.

Our first week during the golf program in Scotland was packed with unforgettable rounds at some of Scotland’s most iconic and interesting golf courses. Here’s a breakdown of where we played:

We started the week with a real throwback, playing with hickory golf clubs at Kingarrock. This course recreates golf from the early 20th century, and playing with vintage equipment really made us appreciate the history and evolution of the game. It was challenging but incredibly fun, and gave us a deeper appreciation for the traditions of Scottish golf.

While everyone knows the Old Course, the New Course (built in 1895!) is just as stunning. This was a big highlight for the whole group. It’s beautifully maintained and more than lives up to the St. Andrews name. Walking those fairways felt surreal, it’s not every day you play one of the world’s most historic golf courses as part of an internship.

Elmwood offered a different vibe, more of a modern parkland course, and was a solid challenge. It’s also used for training future greenkeepers and course managers, which ties in with the sports intern experience. It helped us see the behind-the-scenes side of golf operations and course management.

This hidden gem of a course was probably one of the most scenic we’ve played. Nestled in the Highlands, Abernethy had more of a community feel. It reminded us of how deeply rooted golf is in Scottish culture—not just as a sport, but as a part of everyday life.

One of the oldest clubs in the world, Scotscraig gave us a perfect blend of history and great golf during the golf program in Scotland with Adelante Abroad. It’s a links-style course that really challenged our shot-making skills, especially with the famous Scottish wind coming into play. We all walked away impressed (and humbled).

While golf has been front and center, Adelante Abroad is all about immersion. Living in Scotland, walking the streets of Dundee and St. Andrews, interacting with locals, and trying new foods has been eye-opening. I think what makes this golf program in Scotland unique is that it combines high-level golf with cultural discovery and professional growth.

Whether it’s navigating public transportation, learning about golf course management, or chatting with locals about the weather (a very popular topic here), every day feels like a new adventure. The mix of travel, internship work, and bonding with this group of students has already made this one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

If you’re a student or recent graduate looking to expand your horizons, I can’t recommend Adelante Abroad enough. Their golf program in Scotland is the perfect balance of real-world experience and unforgettable travel. Plus, the people behind the scenes at Adelante really care about making this a meaningful journey. Not just a trip.

From the courses we’ve played to the friendships we’ve formed, this first week has set the bar high. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the month brings, more golf, more growth, and more amazing memories.

Stay tuned for more updates from Scotland!