Playing Privileges

What's your favorite arrival in golf? Locker room? Practice area? How about the food, drink, and an overnight stay? Imagine taking all those great experiences, and creating one perfect day of golf.

Today, Jake Stoutland and Simon Holt make their picks for the best of the best in each of the small experiences that matter most to create one magical day.

Up in the Scottish Highlands, Castle Stuart feels like it's been around for more than a hundred years. But shockingly, this quintessential links golf experience isn't even 20 years old yet, and they've just added even more world class golf and amenities.

Old Petty is the newest course here, and it's already receiving critical acclaim. Together with Castle Stuart, Cabot Highlands is quickly becoming one of Scottish golf's most sought after destinations. Yet the feeling you get in the clubhouse is warm and welcoming, making it a truly enjoyable golf getaway.

Simon Holt sits down with Jeremy Matte, the director of golf and operations at Cabot Highlands, and Mark Wright, who oversees hospitality at The Cabot Collection, to discuss what makes this such a special property.

Gil Hanse joins Simon Holt at CapRock Ranch, the Nebraska Sandhills course two decades in the making. He and Jim Wagner had years to work out how to use a site where the chop hills of the Sandhills run straight into the Snake River canyon, and the answer was to press greens right up against the bluffs, hang a set of par-3s over the drop, and then let the rest of the routing wander through the dunes with the ground game wide open.

GOLF's Top 100 Resorts in the World list is out. Jake Stoutland and Simon Holt explain how dramatically the global golf landscape is changing. For a world traveler or a bucket-list daydreamer, this episode is full of insider information. You might not play like a pro, but this episode will help you travel like a pro. If you're looking for trip inspiration, start here.

Simon Holt talks with Royal Dornoch General Manager Neil Hampton about how a remote Highland links in Donald Ross's hometown became one of golf's most coveted tee times — and what comes next: a new clubhouse, a King Collins Dormer master plan for a third course, and a 150th anniversary in 2027.

This incredible Gil Hanse project in the Nebraska Sandhills is well on its way to becoming one of golf's most celebrated modern golf courses. It's already been featured in GOLF's Top 100 Courses in the U.S., even though it only opened in 2021.

But the dramatic land and the beautiful golf course it sits on is only part of the story here. Simon Holt and Jake Stoutland tell you everything you need to know about a day at CapRock Ranch.

The Five Farms campus of Baltimore Country Club is one of the most beautiful experiences in golf. A full time horticulturist and dedicated maintenance team add a pop of color into every view.

The Tillinghast gem is a star on this property, but it's a truly cohesive experience. From the boxed water on the course to the full culinary experience inside, every moment spent here is a winner.

Jake Stoutland and Simon Holt walk through a great day at Baltimore Country Club.

Some of the greatest land for golf in the world, along the cliffs of Long Island's Peconic Bay, was not too long ago owned by ... electrical workers? It's an unlikely story, but Sebonack isn't your everyday golf club. It's unmistakably Hamptons, and boasts back patio views you wouldn't believe.

Surrounded by greats like Shinnecock Hills, National Golf Links, and Southampton Golf Club, there's no reason to be sleeping on Sebonack. Jake Stoutland and Simon Holt dive into the fascinating beginnings and unforgettable experience.

Hundreds of thousands of Merion Golf Club mementos have been cataloged through their archiving efforts. John Capers III, a lifetime member, has been a key figure in the Merion Archives for 50 years. He's seen it all, has incredible stories, and a deep knowledge for Golden Age golf, not just at Merion.

Jake Stoutland comes to the Archives Room armed with questions about Hugh Wilson, William Flynn, and all the supposed history surrounding the old Merion Cricket Club. How much is true? Mr. Capers has those answers.

The U.S. Amateur is back at the Merion East Course this week, ready to again host an incredible USGA championship.

Merion's East Course has long been a top-15 staple of GOLF's Top 100 Courses in the World, internationally recognized as one of the most fun layouts in the game. To spend a full day at Merion is incredibly special, from the wooden green locker room door to their brand new outdoor Wicker Bar.

Ahead of the U.S. Amateur, Jake Stoutland and Simon Holt share their favorite Merion stories and hidden details you'll have to look out for if you're ever lucky enough to get an invite.