 Neil Scott Johnson, Founder and President at Bravo Whisky Golf Bravo Whisky Golf (BWG) is a bespoke travel company based near Edinburgh, Scotland that prides itself on raising the bar on golf expeditions. “I like to think we are a breath of fresh air in an industry that has become stagnant,” says Neil Scott Johnson, co-founder and owner. Before starting Bravo Whisky Golf, he and his wife had run a successful cookery school and catering business. But Johnson, also a golf aficionado, was ready for a new venture. His consulting work for a golf tour operator had left him with the impression that the industry was conventional and process-driven. “Basically, all they did was book a bus, driver, tee times, and hotel, with the odd distillery thrown in for good measure,” he recalls. In 2018, after a day on the French ski slopes in Chamonix with his friend, Paul Geddes, the concept of BWG was born to fill a gap in the market and elevate the golf tour industry to a new level. Johnson and Geddes called their company Bravo Whisky Golf, using code words from the NATO alphabet to reflect the military-like precision of their expeditions. They always have a plan A and fallback plans B, C, and D in case of inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances. Bravo is a shout of approval; Whisky is an integral part of Scottish culture; Golf is their specialty. Johnson subsequently bought out Geddes in November 2023 and is now the sole proprietor.  2nd Hole at Lofoten Links, Norway. Simon Biffen Photography. Travel Need Not be Tedious With an interest in private aviation, Johnson realized that the journey could become integral to the experience. By chartering private jets, helicopters, seaplanes, luxury trains, yachts, and vintage automobiles, they could chop hours off tedious road trips and offer unique opportunities to experience normally inaccessible places. Some of the world’s most exhilarating golf courses are located in far-reaching locals, such as Lofoten Links in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, where golfers might play under the Northern Lights, and Machrie Links on the rugged Scottish shoreline of Islay. After 18 holes, a keen angler could be fly fishing with an experienced ghillie in a pristine Scottish Loch or hunting for native deer. Automobile aficionados might enjoy navigating an Aston Martin from the Bowmore Distillery before tasting some rare malts from their number one vault, considered one of the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouses. Travel aboard the luxurious Royal Scotsman train is another option on one of BWG’s trips for those who enjoy a more sedate journey. By chartering the entire train, BWG can tailor the expedition to the exacting requirements of the traveling party. Diverse accommodations range from a country castle with a pedigree dating back to the time of Robert the Bruce to evenings aboard The Fingal, a five-star floating hotel, permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Impressive Connections Another key factor that sets BWG apart from other tour operators is their company’s impressive list of connections that can open doors to unique and unforgettable experiences. Johnson refers to this as his little black book. Guests might stay at the private estate of a friend, who quite literally gave him the keys to the castle. BWG can also introduce clients to private whisky tastings led by a master distiller or owner. Or arrange for a fitting with bespoke tailor who makes “house calls” to the Highlands. Organizing private tours of galleries or museums is not a problem. Legendary Links and Indelible Memories BWG, well connected with golf clubs throughout the UK and Ireland, can secure tee times at some of the world’s most legendary links: Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in the North of Ireland to Portmarnock and Lahinch in the South; in Scotland from Royal Dornoch in the Highlands to North Berwick and Western Gailes on the east and west coasts respectively. But golf is just one facet of a BWG adventure. Johnson likes nothing better than getting to know potential guests beyond the superficial and curating an experience tailored to their preferences. One guest aspired to climb one of Scotland’s highest Munros (the definition of a mountain over 3000 feet), so Johnson invited Molly Hughes, who has scaled both sides of Mt. Everest, to accompany him. They also arranged for a surprise picnic on the summit and a Land Rover Defender in the glen for an off-road adventure after the hike. Another client was a retired champion yachtsman, and for him, BWG orchestrated a solo private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia and a sneak peek at the former Duke of Edinburgh’s racing boat, Bloodhound, which is currently being restored.  Scottish Langoustines. Image courtesy Bravo Whisky Golf. Fine Wine and Dining With his background in food, it’s no surprise that memorable culinary experiences are integral to every BWG trip. “Even though the UK has witnessed a revolution in the ambition and creativity of chefs over the last few decades, such as Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, and Scottish chefs like Nick Nairn, Tom Lewis, Andrew Fairlie, and Tom Kitchin, the food scene hasn’t transcended to the golf club environment,” comments Johnson. “Some clubs are steeped in history and tradition and are understandably resistant to change because their membership is not calling for it.” Indeed, venerable institutions such as The Honourable Company of Edinburg Golfers at Muirfield and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews have a formula that that has served them well for over a century. The Honourable Company’s perfectly cooked roasts and plentiful puddings might be the ideal antidote to consuming the Claret and Kummel. However, with female members becoming more prevalent at both clubs, one wonders whether, in time, there could be some changes to the menus. The process is likely to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Always on the lookout for food that excites, Johnson has recently discovered some outstanding cuisine being served at a couple of unexpected destinations. American architect Gil Hanse recently redesigned the Narin & Portnoo links course in Donegal, Ireland. Golf Digest Ireland describes it as “a reimagined masterpiece in fescue and sand.” In the modern clubhouse, the new owner has hired chef Odhran Devine, who has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens in Belfast and London. “My ethos is centered around showcasing the best of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients,” says chef Devine. “Our menu reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage, featuring dishes such as our Donegal seafood chowder, fresh local lobster, and prime sirloin steak from nearby farms. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers to bring our guests the freshest, highest-quality produce. BWG’s Emerald Ireland expedition includes a lunch of the freshest shucked oysters in a thatched-roof pub and lavish dinners and spa treatments at Dublin’s finest hotels. Their four-day Anglo-French Golfing Excursion begins with a sumptuous Champagne afternoon tea and dinner at Cliveden House, a National Trust property in Berkshire West of London. The final day involves a helicopter jaunt over the English Channel to the Brittany Coast in northwest France for a round on the oceanside Dinard Course, followed by a plateau de fruits de mer with succulent lobster,  Wormistoune, Crail, Scotland, Accomodations. Image courtesy Bravo Whisky Golf. At The Laven restaurant, affiliated with the world’s most northerly Lofoten Links in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, Marina, the talented Brazilian chef, serves simple but outstanding dishes, always including a catch of the day. On a recent expedition for members of the exclusive Carnegie Club, by special request by BWG, the chef created a pop-up restaurant in an old boathouse on the beach. The menu was a veritable candlelit Viking feast: king crab tacos topped with caviar and avocado; langoustine, parsley, and leek soup; salmon confit; Arctic cod with mussel foam; Lofoten lamb glazed with sherry; roasted white chocolate and black currant dessert. The wine selection began with a Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne and ended with Nordic raspberry dessert wine. BWG commissioned a hand-blown glass trophy depicting the Northern Lights for the award presentation. Guests on this adventure could also opt to stay onboard HMS Gassten (a luxurious former Swedish minesweeper). “We introduce clients to authentic places and people that reveal the true essence of a destination. Give us a challenge and let us surprise you,” says Johnson. “I like to think we go above and beyond.” For an overview of the various expeditions offered, visit: www.bravowhiskygolf.com  Outdoor dining with Mad March Hare. Image and styling Amanda Farnese Heath.
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