My First Bucket List Course // Scotland Ep. 12

Erik Anders Lang and his band of golfers head up to the Highlands of Scotland to sample more of the oldest golf the game has to offer. Fortrose and Rosemarkie and Royal Dornoch play host in this episode, supplying the crew with a few locals to play alongside.
Bear Grylls makes an appearance, there’s a plethora of Ace Cams, and Erik’s prized hickory snaps.
For more on Erik, all things Random Golf Club, merch, news and meet-ups go to randomgolfclub.com/

[@gordongourlay4449]

Royal Dornoch was/is the most seminal moment in golf for me ... I played it with my Dad (who is no longer with us) back in '90. I was 15 at the time, the wind blew on a sunny day and I scored 78 without hitting a bad shot (I have honestly never played a better round since and have shot in the 60's a couple of times). On the 18th green, my Father turned to me and said that it was a "privilege" to play with me that day - I could tell that he meant it and it is something that I will never forget. My take-away from your video: different places mean different things to different people for very different reasons ... which is no bad thing. The beauty is that you can always go back and have a totally different experience next time around (maybe even minus the helicopter). The point is that you are incredibly lucky to do what you do do (where that does shine through in your content) and you are also incredibly honest. Keep doing what you do ... maybe lowering your expecations a little in the process :-). (P.S. I played Old Head 2yrs ago on a similar sunny/blustery day. When I arrived, a private helicopter was ferrying wealthy Americans back to Cork Airport - which made me felt pretty lucky to be there/afford such a treat. I played on my own, never saw anybody else on the course and had a blast. Afterwards, in the clubhouse, I had a couple of after-dinner drinks with some late-departing Yanks ... they played terrible but were regaling me with stories of their boys trip and their shared, Irish ancestry. It was a great day)

[@ben94cobra]

Old Head is an incredible place. We played it when it was cold, blowing 30-40 MPH, and had the time of our lives.

[@aaronzalman]

This comment made my day

[@Angelcityrips]

Thanks for sharing this, it was awesome to read

[@banditbaker1675]

Thank you for sharing that Gordon, I must admit that the "privilege" comment brought tears to my eyes (in a good way)! Sadly I never played Golf with my Father, by the time I started playing it was too late for us both. However, I now get to play with my own Sons, Grandsons & Grandaughters and the Joy that I feel doing so exceeds my vocabulary. The day that my Grandchildren can out drive me is the day that I put my Clubs away forever, happy in the knowledge that I have done my job and the cycle is complete!

[@kyleegan1164]

Had a great time meeting you mate, was an amazing day with great company, glad you enjoyed it.

[@cauli2316]

You caddied for me when I played Dornoch. Thank you for not saying, “I caddied for this fat ass American one time”, at least not on camera 😂.

[@JDJD-cf4jp]

Dornoch welcomes visitors and waves them farewell. Autumn winter spring it’s all ours with hardly any visitors .. for £720 .. that’s for the whole year. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍺

[@mjsgolf7004]

Erik 'sorry I'm late' Anders Lang, another great film. I've learned something today, never meet your heroes even if its a golf course ! The area needs Americans Erik, it really does. Those courses are huge draws to the beautiful parts of Scotland. Without it people have to move away for work. They help the kids stay in the area. Don't feel bad about it. One day, it might be over a couple of years, I am going to follow your trip and play all these courses. You've put the idea in my head ! Thank you

[@danpoff8353]

Episode 12 and Colt is still welcoming us to Scotland 😂

[@Neil_Not_Neal]

'so what are you..... Switzerland?' Very funny made me laugh

[@jaredwatts8297]

Great video, very bittersweet. Sometimes we get these ideas in our heads that there's a universal love for where we play. I guess you got to find what works for you and search those experiences out.

[@DavidJones-dm2eo]

Been 3 times to Dornoch ,a long way from Australia, love to go back again

[@martinritchie1706]

The view from the 7th tee at Dornoch is heaven

[@RedDonkey3]

I wait all week for these videos, superb content.

[@retro-dc]

Not much more can be said than thank you. Absolutely amazing series.

[@landog606]

I just love the energy to these videos. They’re like the perfect attitude, could send me a blissful sleep at night or help waken up me in the morning

[@glennowens1147]

Really enjoyed the presentation. Anxious to watch more from you guys

[@JahnNeema]

the ending of this episode was great

[@noconnorn12]

Erik I dont think has been on time to one tee time the whole trip lol

[@T0PH3RG]

I guess it's the perks of being internet famous... for any average joe, it's not cool.

[@grimacemcdonald1]

@@T0PH3RG that’s slightly unfair. In Scotland most clubs give you a warm welcome and go out of their way. Even if you are late 🙂

[@GetBetterGolf]

Erik Thanks to the team for the content and the Edit! can't get enough of this

[@averagegolferswithuglyswin3453]

Awesome video. I can't wait to play it in a few months. Already have the trip booked and all. Looks amazing

[@chrismitchell5496]

Superb content.. per the usual... EAL killing it!

[@cranium33333]

Another great golf video man thank you for the zen.

[@Ruggins1]

The walk you took half way through the round was amazing, not only in the obvious beauty of your surroundings, but also in your personal insights and thoughts while you strolled along. It was a cool vibe.

[@KoloaKane]

wonder how he'd have felt if that dude hadn't have told him about Dornoch ? or hadn't seen all the americans and the helicopter ? either way , i dig it and appreciate all your shows. Mahalo

[@jelle-d1m]

AMAZING!!!

[@jezswallow9801]

Oh Yeah! Keep them coming Erik :)

[@jaytucker4338]

24:54 Wow!! Lookit all those bag tags! There must be 500 golf clubs represented there!

[@jem7847]

Well....i love the game of golf. I have a couple favorite courses of mine and I’ll choose to go to them rather than trying new ones...your videos not only inspire me to get out and play the game, but rather play the game on new courses I’ve never been to and pair up with new people I’ve never met. And Honestly...my game is improving not because of the focus you put on a swing or a shot...it’s the relaxing feel and emphases on enjoying the game and scenery that your videos exude. Thanks

[@BenSmith-lm9yb]

Is there a bad course in Scotland? I love the quirky bars too with all the golf memorabilia. Love it just love it.

[@Chazthefurr]

Yes there are some, but a couple of hundred really good ones - some very basic "holiday" courses as well as the famous ones. The best places to go - Dornoch, Tain, Brora, Golspie, Castle Stuart... make for this is a great corner of the country - certainly right up there with The Lothians, Ayrshire, East Lothian and Fife. Drove to Dornoch from Skye once and played two rounds before driving back. Love the 3rd hole, with the course revealed below you as you walk on to that tee. And that Foxy hole on the back nine. Go in May/June when the yellow broom is out.

[@cfordell3301]

Straight in to my Golf Tourism essay thanks for the players insight invaluable. Hope you get back soon. Guess next stop Brora based on Stuart's new hat?

[@FLFOREVER]

Love the video - thank you for using the music!

[@BloodRedChub]

Your unofficial guide to Scotland makes me wanna drop the cash to go to play ashkernish or any old Tom courses. I’m pretty new at golf still and seeing your videos gets me into this sport even more. I recently played a course in Lauderhill, Florida called Inverrary Country Club. They have two outstanding Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf courses where the history and tradition of 15 PGA and LPGA tournaments live on! You can play their famous signature East Course, where champions like Jack Nicklaus, Johhny Miller, Lee Trevino, Tom Kite, Hale Irwin and Tom Weiskopf have walked and won! It’s a good feeling to walk into the hallway leading to the pro shop to see the pictures of the greats that were mentioned above. Keep up the videos brother, it makes the work day go faster knowing I can relax a enjoy them later.

[@ilikeneurons]

My take: -everyone looked super tired and in a bad mood from the start. -this was a bucket list course for Erik and often it's best to go to places with no expectations. -Dornoch has almost all the historic and architectural appeal of the Old Course, and I feel that was overlooked for a few silly reasons. -The reason people charter helicopters there is simply because of how remote the location is,, like in New Zealand or Barnbougle. It might actually be reasonably priced to do that compared to lodging and ground transportation costs, etc. Some people can't make that drive, or don't have the time for it. And keep in mind, the Old Course has many more Americans flying in on private jets every year, you just don't see them. -Definitely give it a second chance on a different trip. And must try Brora! -I can't believe the club broke! So sad! You must hold on to it for AIG memorabolia!

[@SilverfoxThe]

You don't mention that Tom Watson allegedly said that the hardest shot in golf is the second shot to the second hole at Dornoch. Its a par 3, but if you miss the green.....…...

[@davidbush7802]

Big EAL fan, but I think Erik might have had a few too many sips of his own Kool-Aid here. Dornoch is awesome. Just because someone took a helicopter to the course that day you're going to ruin your day??? This episode is silly...

[@Malc180s]

Love these videos. Love how it's not all insufferable enthusiasm too! A little wistfulness goes a long way. Life isn't all sunshine, and I fucking hate people who pretend it is.

[@michaellightfoot6800]

Yes there are a lot of Americans at Dornoch, no doubt much needed given the remote location of the course. On the connection to America you could maybe have covered Donald Ross - Dornoch is where he grew up and learned golf. The upturned greens provided the inspiration for the greens he designed for Pinehurst No 2, with their run off areas. And Andrew Carnegie’s Scottish residence was in Dornoch at Skibo Castle. So there are strong connections to America regardless. Royal Dornoch is visually one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Waking from the second green to the third tee, suddenly all of the land and sea emerges before you, the bright yellow of the gorse bushes contrasting against the blue of the sea and the sky. It’s one of those moments in golf that takes the breath away.

[@RetiredGolfHack]

Simply awesome. Eric - get some rest

[@nickmarasco9681]

Can’t stop laughing at the first scene

[@ACOUPER100]

I played this about 2 weeks before you. Incredible course but very commercialised for Americans around the clubhouse and pro shop. Hit balls on the par 3 course after everyone had left and could feel more of the vibe I was looking for

[@greazymick3654]

my family actually came from Inverness to australia in the early 1800s its on my bucket list to get there. and a definite plus will be that i can play a lot of great courses when i go!!!

[@danjsy]

Nice, best value quality golf in Scotland ! Shoulder season on the Castle Stuart/Nairn/Royal Dornoch deal it's almost criminal value.

[@damianohare6060]

Great stuff Erik, weirdly I found your channel before skratch adventures in Golf so thankfully those are keeping me entertained in between your own content coming out.

[@brendanhanley2424]

I found his channel before skratch as well. Except I've gone through all the adventures in golf videos already..... It's a loong week these days

[@banditbaker1675]

Whenever I see someone arriving anywhere "executive class", I feel slightly sad for them. Because they have missed out on the full experience of their journey and always remember that "the journey is often more important than the destination"!

[@keller376]

I kinda want to go to Dornoch for real though. It does kinda seem magical

[@dmorren2753]

Haha, nice scalpel joke :D

[@TURKISHSAILORo]

Erik, with all due respect it seems like you’re trying to specific places something that they’re not. Why would you expect that Royal Dornoch would be this “hidden gem?” It’s a top course in the world because of the golf, a lot of people want to play it

[@patrickreilly3124]

RIP Bulldog. I feel like there is some symbolism between the broken club and the way the helicopter cracked Erik's expectations of Dornoch.

[@jamesburke5767]

That Bear Grylls impersonation is brutal 😂

[@golfingCitizen]

Hj Erik, loved your Scottish adventure, good guys! If you coming back to UK..Defo try Wales and Norfolk too! BTW ..Whee did ya get that hoody? Super cool?

[@landog606]

Has Stuart really shot 71 at Augusta? That man is incredible

[@glennowens1147]

Beautiful course, wonderful people, they won't tell you but i will. Fortrose is pronounced "FOR TROSE" not "FORT ROSE". YOU WILL ENJOY ROYAL DORNOCH. As a member there for 25 years, would move there if i was younger. Ace #2 and became a hero

[@SwimCoach8]

Golf is where you find it...........right? I've played courses and wanted to go back for a variety of reasons.....The layout.....The People.....The scenery and I've avoided courses for the same reasons. Royal Dornoch seemed incredibly beautiful and welcoming, club house full of Americans or not. I enjoy your videos because you go the extra step, include the people and the history. You've walked into the Louvre of golf (Scotland), viewed some of the greatest art on earth (Old Tom and the like) and some one told you of the beauty captured in The Mona Lisa (Royal Dornoch) and......because a couple of Americans were viewing her it some how lessened the experience for you. While I loved the video.......There was a point......I wanted to cuff you on the back of the head and yell "Fuck the helicopter.....Look at how beautiful this place is!". Golf is where you find it............

[@lipresident9336]

please keep going - seeing you guys slowly running out of stamina, keep on playing, getting all whoozy but still playing....just great lol

[@brianedwards6024]

never knew an excess of golf could somehow become depressing lol wish i had that problem

[@jakobmorningstar]

Brian Edwards seriously... mopping around a historic course that was on his bucket list... can you say jaded?

[@yoowan3437]

Fortrose is a great course

[@calumtom17]

Get back to Askernish for their Open in August, travel up through the islands to Harris - beautiful wee 9 hole that you’ll get that feeling about and carry on up for a round at stornoway in Lewis 👍

[@RandomGolfClubFilms]

that's a great idea to be honest

[@calumtom17]

Erik Anders Lang you would not regret it. Harris is a stunning wee course set beside some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I’m gutted Dornoch didn’t live up to it for ya, it’s a dream of mine to play there

[@biobswayzz9039]

When’s the ace cam vlog I can’t wait

[@newportking]

I'm surprised after this much golf at this point of the trip you can still make full swings. Haha.

[@cfordell3301]

“it doesn’t feel like a found object” (Anders Lang, 2019)

[@Leftylobber]

You got the Kyle part right, but you need a Coultas to join your Colt. Lol

[@Mexon20]

I love watching these videos, as some other people have said its somewhat bittersweet. You've had this grand idea about a place(thing) and you finally get there and it just doesn't sit right with you. Whats that saying? Don't meet your heroes......maybe that applies here, maybe it doesn't.

[@ronnylarock13]

Bear Grylls !

[@kylewesty7142]

I think the disappointment with this course was predestined as with most things we build up in our heads. After the watching the episodes up to now, I think courses were the background for the experience of traveling with friends and meeting new people. Golf anywhere provides that opportunity. Having said that, every course in Scotland has looked beautiful.

[@MrGrammarPolice]

Is there a tee time you haven't been late for? Lol

[@beachfraser3747]

Erik, go to Iceland and play golf, now that is something beyond belief, check out Crossfields Iceland golf vlog, unreal!!

[@jackedmonson4410]

Beach Fraser he has

[@tjtaylor7864]

Erik what watch are you wearing?

[@PbD187]

Have you ever been early for a tee time?

[@MrWS415]

Did the hybrid off #1, still regret it. Will be back, My wife birdied #1.

[@freakerdk]

Have there been a course you have played where you weren't late?

[@ArcherTheGolfer]

I just found this series on KZbin and binge watching the lot but what’s happened to episode 11 ?

[@Gloveberg1]

It's buried in the comments somewhere but I think it had to do with that episode being on a Trump course and I think they decided to remove it. I could be wrong however.

[@Gloveberg1]

Found this: "Episode 11 was at Turnberry Golf Course, also known as Trump Turnberry. I guess they took the safe route and didn't show the episode."

[@hustarn5568]

EAL where's a good place to buy great looking dad hats such as yours?

[@whoinventedmonday]

"Kyle how many hole in ones do you have?" "0". "Why?" hahaha

[@chrismayor5147]

Watched all EAL at least twice. My question is……has Eric, ever, even once, been on time?

[@vf4703]

Does someone know the brand of Stuarts bucket hat ?

[@Raiderrosey]

Oakmont is on my bucket list. Just saying

[@LukeRob80]

what's the black hoodie? slick af

[@FrankBrickle]

How in hell can you spend 25 minutes of video on a trip to Dornoch, by consensus one of the great courses in the world, and convey absolutely zero sense of what the course is like and what it's like to play?

[@aleccarter-early9081]

Anybody know the song in the beginning?

[@robertarbuckle8493]

Was the guy you met in LA called Todd?

[@jiggadaboom]

Awesome content, stu's American accent is fucking hilarious 🤣

[@aaron.from.winchester6744]

I'm a bit confused, Erik. This course was the first bucket list course? Not Augusta or St. Andrews?

[@aaron.from.winchester6744]

CaptFrosty oh ok. I thought he meant it was his first bucket list course that he got to play.

[@Slowiwowow]

Ive been there😅

[@vamvra5498]

I played Royal Dornoch. To make a long story short; fmr President Clinton played in the flight behind me.

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

Did you lose an Augusta ball at Kingsbarns ? as I found one there in late summer last year.

[@grimacemcdonald1]

Anyone from overseas who visits the U.K. to play the old course and misses Dornoch may have made the biggest mistake of their lives

[@jacoventer1460]

Erik, what glasses are you wearing in this video?

[@RandomGolfClubFilms]

Garrett Leight

[@danjsy]

Ah, Cameron in the Royal Golf Hotel Bar in Dornoch - heaven =) Enjoyed the video, but did you seriously expect Royal Dornoch (#12 in the World on top100golfcourses.com, no less !) to be an undiscovered gem where they greet you by name and ask "would you be from the Amerrricas, sirrrr ?" It's a wonderful course in a lovely town that manages to wear its fame lightly, like North Berwick and St Andrews (to an extent !) but you're a bit late - should have come after that Starbucks encounter. If you're looking for golfing terra incognita, just keep going up from RDGC for Golspie, Brora (as referenced by someone in the video, amazing fun), Wick (under-rated fundamentalist links golf) and finally Durness - the most exhilarating golf I've ever played.

[@maxwelllee4388]

RIP Bulldog

[@cephyn11]

I'm late to the party but what happened to ep 11?

[@Gloveberg1]

I've wondered the exact same thing.....

[@stevepark3865]

@@Gloveberg1 Episode 11 was at Turnberry Golf Course, also known as Trump Turnberry. I guess they took the safe route and didn't show the episode.

[@Gloveberg1]

@@stevepark3865 Ahhh, well that makes sense. Thanks for the info!

[@V_S_444]

American: “the course is overrun with Americans….filled with Americans…..doesn’t feel like a found place, ‘cause of all the Americans…..but I’m an American.” Homer Simpson: “DOH!”

[@skellvarnsen23]

also want to go back to askernish

[@rp3518]

where's ep 11???

[@stevepark3865]

Episode 11 was at Turnberry Golf Course, also known as Trump Turnberry. I guess they took the safe route and didn't show the episode.

[@hangingoutashingle7784]

Erik don't toss the Bulldog Brassie I can fix it for you. We've fixed worst and still play them.

[@RandomGolfClubFilms]

can you email me? [e-mail] THANK YOU!

[@hangingoutashingle7784]

just saw this@@RandomGolfClubFilms I sent you a note.

[@simononeill487]

Is The Bulldog fixed yet? I felt bad for that poor bloke who broke it.

[@pascalfritsche2540]

Leave Switzerland out of it! 😂😉

[@nikmak]

BBC lol brutal.

[@christiannielsen5815]

great video as always however, why rip on other golfers? no players means no green fee's and no green fee's means not greens keepers and without them you would not have these amazing places you get to travel to. I think just one of those things.

[@shanehouse9826]

Not sure what it is about Scotland and I am sure a lot of people have enjoyed it, but it always looks cold, damp, windy and mostly unenjoyable outside of golf.

[@jakobmorningstar]

Took a turn for the jaded around 15:00... plays all these amazing special courses and this one wasn’t *special enough* boo hooooo

[@bobzubb]

look at the links...not your face....geezy Eric. Document the experience and stay out of the shots....best advice I can offer.

[@nathanrenwick6297]

Hungover golf. Not ideal viewing

[@TroyMacLean]

👍😎 first someone give me a cookie 🍪

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

Get out yer bed on time ya bum.

[@keenanvanzile]

a bit jaded erik is...takes away from the purpose of the content

[@JHOLE21]

He's just being real and that's why I love it

[@frangipanevegas]

Keenan Van Zile Erik is a world class Shitbird. Blessed with a one in a billion opportunity to travel the world and play golf yet he acts like a spoiled obnoxious brat that thinks it will last forever.

[@alanrobertson3172]

Theses videos would be vastly improved if Stuart was edited out.