Most of the traditional links courses in Scotland were not built with golf carts in mind and as a result, very few offer the option to take a cart. This is mainly from a health and safety reasons as the undulating fairways, deep bunkers and the close proximity to the water’s edge make for a challenging ride! However, if you are unable to walk a full 18 holes for medical reasons then many courses do have a limited number of carts which can be taken by those golfers who can provide St Andrews Golf Travel a medical certificate in advance. These are allocated on a first come first served basis in the event there are no registered disabled golfers playing. In this instance, a caddie driver may be required to drive the cart to ensure the safe navigation of the vehicle.

Below is a summary of what is available at many of the top links courses

• Kingsbarns – Carts (comp 2024, £35 from 2025) are only available to those with medical certificates and must be driven by a caddie.
• Dumbarnie – Carts are only available to those with medical certificates and must be driven by a caddie.
• Carnoustie – No carts
• The Old Course – Golfers who are registered disabled with a permanent condition of disability may request a cart for use on the Old Course. Available April to October only. Driven by a qualified caddie driver. The cart is provided free but the appropriate caddie fee is payable. Disability documentation should be provided at time of booking
• The Castle Course – Carts may be taken by seniors over the age of 65 or golfers with a medical certificate, subject to availability
• Muirfield – There are only 2 carts available. Medical certificate required
• Gullane – No carts
• North Berwick – No carts
• Prestwick – Due to the terrain, there are only 2 carts available. Medical certificate is required and a caddie to drive the cart
• Royal Troon – Limited availability of carts
• Turnberry – Medical certificate must be provided on booking. Pool of 10 available. Caddie driver required
• Western Gailes – 4 carts available
• Cabot Highlands – Have 2 carts and golfers need a medical certificate and caddie driver
• Royal Dornoch – Medical certificate required
• Cruden Bay – No carts
• Royal Aberdeen – Have 2 carts. Medical certificate is required and a caddie to drive the cart
• Gleneagles – Carts are only freely available on the PGA Championship Course unless golfer has a medical certificate. A caddie must drive the cart on the King’s and Queen’s courses

Please note that all of the above information is subject to change

For Ireland, the same conditions often apply. Below is a summary of cart use availability for the top courses

GOLF CARTS FOR HIRE

• Waterville Golf Links
• Old Head
• The European Club

GOLF CARTS WITH MEDICAL LETTER (subject to availability)

• Tralee Golf Club
• Doonbeg
• Royal Portrush Golf Club

NO GOLF CARTS FOR ANY REASON

• Ballybunion Golf Club
• Lahinch Golf Club
• Royal County Down Golf Club
• Portmarnock Old