Maybe the Ultimate Golf Trip is Playing and Watching! | Sick Golf Trips Podcast Ep. 15

The Setup

This week we’re joined by Kyle Porter of Normal Sport and @KylePorterNS on X. Kyle recently returned from a trip to St. Andrews built entirely around The Open Championship, and he makes a compelling case that the ultimate golf trip isn’t just about playing — it’s about playing and watching the best in the world on hallowed ground.

The Format

Kyle’s trip was centered on The Open at the Old Course, but it wasn’t just a spectator vacation. He and his crew played rounds around the tournament schedule, soaking in both the competitive atmosphere and the historic links. We break down how to structure a trip when a major is the main event — what to book first, how to balance watching and playing, and why the energy of a major championship completely changes the vibe of a golf destination.

The Hot Takes

• The Open at St. Andrews — why this specific major on this specific course hits different
• Play-and-watch trips — Kyle argues this hybrid format might be the most underrated trip type in golf
• Planning around majors — ticket strategies, accommodation timing, and why you need to think 12+ months out
• Best events to build trips around — which tournaments and destinations pair best for a group
• The Old Course experience — playing where legends have walked, then watching them walk it hours later
• Scotland logistics — courses beyond St. Andrews worth working into the itinerary
• Normal Sport — how Kyle built one of the most respected golf media brands from scratch

The Run-It-Back

Kyle would absolutely run this trip back — and already has his eye on future majors to build vacations around. His advice: pick the event first, lock in lodging second, and build your golf schedule around the tournament days. And if you can swing it, St. Andrews during The Open is as good as golf travel gets.

Follow Kyle at normalsport.com and @KylePorterNS.