Off Course...

New here? We're posting daily from Scotland through September 21 — follow the trip. 

Today was a day of rest, at least for my back. There was no playing golf today nor will we tomorrow. We have several pending rounds that are very important. We have Cruden Bay Wednesday and the Town Match at The Old Course on Saturday. That being said, no golf doesn't mean no fun. Today was a day for enjoying some of my off the course favorites. 

Cullen Skink with warm brown bread....Yes please! Found my way to this years ago and always enjoy a warm bowl of it while here. This stuff is the Scottish version of a clam chowder. It's smoked Haddock, potatoes and onions. So good, especially on a cool Scottish day. 

Our first day here I showed Spence the Jigger Inn from across the fairway on the St Andrews Links Club Observatory Deck. This famous pub sits adjacent to the famed Road Hole on the Old Course. We were able to grab a table outside and watch some of the golf while we grabbed some lunch. Such a cool little spot. It used to be a train master's lodge in years gone by. Now, it's simply a great place to rehash rounds just played or to dream about the ones to come. We did a little of both today. 

The afternoon held another first for Spence. We made our way to the Kingsbarns Distillery for his first ever distillery tour and proper whisky tasting. Miss Mandy, pictured here with Spence, was a delightful host. We actually showed up without a reservation and she was gracious enough to squeeze us in. After touring the production facilities, he was able to have a tasting of Kingsbarns whiskies. I was driving so my options were coffee and water! Nonetheless, it was fun to see her guide Spence through his first tasting experience. What to look for, what to smell and what to taste based on the region of Scotland where it's made. As we were leaving, Miss Mandy pulled me aside and told me what a delightful young man Spence was. I knew this already but of course, I'm a wee bit biased. We walked out with a little something for a special occasion, yet to be determined. 

After the tasting, we headed back to town to end the day on a high note. We had reservations at Little Italy, my absolute favorite restaurant here in St Andrews. Everything about this place was fantastic. They have changed the setup around a bit, expanding the bar and dining areas. Two things that haven't changed, the wonderful food and my friend Darrius. His family owns and runs the place. He came out to visit us at the table as we were wrapping up dinner. Spence said the food was amazing and it was a fantastic experience overall. So much so, we will be back once or twice more this week. 

Today was a great reminder to me that while St Andrews is known for its golf, there is so much more to this place that makes it so special. We are off to explore Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven tomorrow. Looking forward to the drive up the coastline on the A92. See you soon....

 

A Day of Thanks....And Some Golf!

New here? We're posting daily from Scotland through September 21 — follow the trip. 

After finding All Saints Episcopal Church, North Castle Street in St Andrews years ago, I have always made it a point to attend services here on Sundays. It's such a beautiful chapel and everyone is always so very friendly. A great place and great way to kick off the day. After church I made my way downtown for some coffee before heading back to get Spence up and going. We were set for another round this afternoon. Today we will play the Craigtoun Course, just outside of St Andrews. Formally known as the Dukes Course, owned by the Old Course Hotel. It is now part of the St Andrews Links Trust and we were very much looking forward to it.  Fingers crossed that the back holds out for me. It's been a struggle the past two days so I am trying to take it easy. 

A few other pics from my morning stroll downtown...

Spence and I made our way downtown to find some lunch before we headed to the course. Met up with Old Tom Morris along the way...

After some much needed lunch at The Dunvegan, we made our way just outside of town to The Craigtoun. 

The Craigtoun Course was a delight to play. The course isn't a links course like the others, but the tree lined fairways and the native fescue grasses framed the holes nicely. Before our round, Spence and I met a local golf tour operator and his sweet little golden doodle Bonnie on the putting green. Love how the courses here are so dog friendly. Despite her strong desire to keep playing fetch, we had to head to the tee.  

The mansion above sits behind the 9th green, overlooking this beautiful property. I can only imagine it in all its glory back in the day. It later became a maternity hospital before eventually being vacated. It's been sitting idle for years. Hopefully someone will do something wonderful with it. Spence wanted no part of the place. Said it creeped him out. Who knows what may lurk in those shadows? He wasn't about to find out!

My back held up through the round and I was able to keep the match even through the first nine holes. Spence turned it on along the back and he closed me out 2 & 1. It was another beautiful day out there, not near as windy. I am glad we got to play it as this one was the only one I haven't played here in St Andrews. Time well spent for sure. Of course, every round with this. guy makes for a great day. We ended the day today with an early dinner at Ham's Hame, just behind the 18th green on The Old Course. The next couple days will be rest days for the back. The great thing about Scotland and St Andrews is that there's plenty to do off the course as well. See you soon...

 

The Castle Didn't Disappoint

New here? We're posting daily from Scotland through September 21 — follow the trip. 

What a day! Today was Spence's first round in Scotland. While I have been blessed to be and play here many times, there's no question this round was my favorite. Couldn't have asked for more as the course and the weather were just perfect. As you can see, the sun was shining and we got a good dose of the Scottish winds. Being on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, there was no escaping them. Thankfully, there was a good mix of holes playing down wind. 

After a visit to the pro shop we made our way to the tee for our 2:00 pm start time. We weren't paired with anyone today so it was like we had the place to ourselves. I had hoped that would be the case as I wanted to savor every moment out there with Spence. I did indeed! Those winds I mentioned showed themselves right out of the gate on the first three holes. Spence learned very quickly the value of keeping the ball down. Solid start for both of us out of the gates. We had a friendly father / son match on the line so a good start was helpful. The old man fired first with a good birdie on the Par 3 3rd. :)

The Castle Course gets its name from the fact that the St Andrews Castle ruins can be seen from several of the holes, most notably the Par 4 6th.

The closing stretch on the front nine includes the Par 4 7th, a short Par 3 8th and the Par 4 9th. All of which were playing downwind. Spence took full advantage and nearly drove both the 7th and 9th greens. He made a nice birdie on the 9th to even our match on the front nine. 

On to the back nine. The 10th is a pretty par 3 that begins the steady climb up the cliff. It may not look like much elevation, but after several holes on the back, it was felt. Not only back up hill but also back into an ever stiffening breeze. 

A nice spot to sit a spell here along the 15th. As promised, the views from this course never disappoint. 

The par 3 17th is one of my favorites on the course. This beauty played close to 180 into the wind, over the rocks and gorse. Hitting the green was no guarantee of a birdie or par. I had my hands full with this two putt.

Spence went full send on this 3 wood into the par 5 18th. Hit it too well and he flew the green into the. gorse. After nice up and down, we ended up the match tied for the day. The day and the round couldn't have been more perfect. So thankful! 

After a quick turnaround, we headed to The Dunvegan. Such a cool place. I wanted Spence to see and experience what may be the golfing world's most famous pub. It was packed as usual with golfers from all over.  Invariably I always run into someone I know when I am there. Tonight was no different as a caddy friend of mine was there holding court with the locals. Some things never change. We made our way back home and cooked a late dinner before hitting the rack. Along the walk home, I told Spence that today was my favorite round I have ever played. He agreed! Church comes early tomorrow and then it's off to the Craigtoun Course. This will be a new one for both of us. One last thought for today. It couldn't have been more special! 

                     

 

 

Next Stop, St Andrews

New here? We're posting daily from Scotland through September 21 — follow the trip. 

Busy morning with all the packing. Much like a kid on Christmas Eve, I didn't sleep well with all that anticipation of what's to come. If there was any doubt that Spence was looking forward to the trip, those doubts were put to rest when I heard bag pipes blaring from upstairs. I looked up at the loft and Spence was grinning from ear to ear. This is what it's all about! We were slated to fly to Newark and then over to Edinburgh overnight. A familiar itinerary for me, this time though, it feels more special. As I reflect on the day and this trip, I'm so very grateful, I can't wait to see Scotland through his eyes. 

United took great care of us and we landed safely in Edinburgh this morning. Quickly through customs we made our way to baggage claim. Did they make it? For anyone who has ever gone on a golf trip and checked your clubs, you get it. All's well and our luggage was all present and accounted for. After a stop at the Alamo counter, we were on our way. They set us up with a beautiful black Audi Q7. We loaded up and headed north to St Andrews. My brain rewired quickly to driving on the opposite side of the road. Spence, not so much. Thus, he was quite content to take a rest on the way up. Shame he missed the countryside views and some of the quaint little villages but I know he was tired and not feeling great. A little over an hour later, I welcomed him St Andrews. Thankful as always for our safe travels and ready to settle in. Our VRBO is a lovely two bedroom apartment just off of Abbey Street downtown. With a 4:00 pm checkin, we had some time to kill. Where else to go but to the heart of it all, The Old Course. 

We parked at the St Andrews Links Clubhouse, as it provides a central location to see and do everything. Both the New Course (1895) and the Jubilee Course (1897) are anchored out of this clubhouse. There is an  observatory deck above the clubhouse that provides wonderful views of downtown St Andrews, the Old Course,  the New and Jubilee as well as the Old Course Hotel with its famed Jigger Inn alongside. You can also get an excellent view of the The Himalayas Putting Course that sits alongside the 1st and 2nd holes of the Old Course. We look forward to giving all of it a go in the coming days. 

After soaking it all in for a bit, we made our way over to the 1st tee of the Old Course. Whether playing that day or not, it's always a great place to hang out for a bit. Having played the Old Course many times, I know the nerves of those about to tee off. It is such a special place, steeped in the history of this great game. A good friend and PGA professional at the Sanctuary Golf and Social Club, reminded us the other day to take a moment and reflect on the fact that all the greats that have ever played the game teed off from right where we were standing. Spence and I will have our moment on Saturday, in the Town Match!!!

Just off the 18th green here at the Old Course is another place near and dear to me, the St Andrews Golf Club. I have been blessed to be a member here for quite some time. While always special to be here, today was even more so. Today, I get to show this special place to Spence. He's heard so much about it over the years. Now, he is experiencing it for himself, as a member The clubhouse sits perfectly beside the 18th green and offers a wonderful vantage point to watch the golfers as well as the passers by. There is so much history here. After giving Spence a tour of this timeless building and all its treasures, we headed home. 

It's been a long 24 hours and we both needed to rest. A quick stop at M & S Foodhall on Largo Road and we were set with provisions for the week. Time to rest, relax and get ready for the Castle Course tomorrow afternoon. It's one of my favorites in the rotation here. There are beautiful views of the North Sea from just about every hole. The skies are said to be clear tomorrow, with a bit of wind. Looking forward to the challenge and more importantly, walking the fairways with my son for his first round in Scotland. See you again soon....