What do you need in order to play golf in Scotland or Ireland?

Do you need to have a handicap or proof of club membership? Also do most courses rent clubs? I am planning a golf vacation to either Scotland or Ireland and would like some help. I work in Afghanistan so I do not have clubs. So I am curious if I could rent clubs.|||If you Google "golf course Ireland" or "golf course Scotland" I'm sure the various clubs will have websites and you can contact them directly, they would be able to advise you on green fees, rules, club hire etc. I imagine most golf clubs would have the equipment for you to hire?|||Have cash, will travel.