Walking a Mile in My Dreams

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Tomorrow afternoon, September 10th, my son Spence and I are heading to Scotland on a journey that ultimately began 17 years ago. In 2009, I had the good fortune to come to Scotland for the Open Championship at Turnberry, then on to St Andrews. This was the first of many visits, marking the beginning of my love affair with Scotland, Links Golf and St Andrews.

Since then, I've been blessed with the opportunity to explore what Scotland has to offer, on and off the course. The St Andrews Castle ruins that rest along the rocky coastline of the North Sea, the smells and tastes emanating from my favorite restaurant, Little Italy, and the countless tales told each night in The Dunvegan Pub have all left their mark. I've been lucky enough to play the Old Course more than a few times now, and it has never once felt ordinary.

None of which compares to what's coming in the next two weeks.

You see, this will be the first time I get to do any of it with my son, Spence. It will be his first trip to Scotland and St Andrews.

The little guy I taught how to play this wonderful game is all grown up. This game has already blessed me with countless memories of and with him on the course. From banging plastic clubs around the house to junior and college golf, I have seen him grow as a golfer and more importantly, into a fine young man of whom I am so very proud.

I used to always tell him he was “walking a mile in my dreams” while he was out there competing. Well, here we are again with another one of my dreams, only this time I'll be inside the ropes playing alongside him.

For the next couple of weeks, we will be playing some of the most iconic courses in Scotland if not the world. I will be sharing our daily exploits here and would love for you to come along our journey with us. Give us a follow and we'll keep you posted on our walk down these hallowed fairways.

Next stop, St Andrews!

The Highland Course at Primland...

 

Today's round took us to The Highland Course at the beautiful Primland Lodge. We had another early morning start but what was to follow was well worth the early morning alarm...Once we turned right at this sign, we realized we were truly on top of the mountain. What a setting!

       

After a good warm up session we were on our way.....

                                        

                                       

                                      

Before the round we got the lowdown from the starter as to our do's and don'ts. First off, make sure you pay close attention off the tee. Errant tee shots don't just find the rough, they run off the side of the cliff. Secondly, the greens are lighting fast. Be below the hole.....The front nine began with a dogleg right, severely downhill Par 5. Great opening hole.....

                                          

                                       

                                      

The views behind the first green were incredible and very indicative of what we would be treated to all day long.....

The Par 5 third hole was a really good one. A good drive would set you up for a go at the green in two. Spence was able to do just that after this swing. Split the fairway, waaaaaayyyyy down there...

    

   

Another favorite of ours on the front side was the downhill Par 3 8th. Pin was just on the green, with a devilish false front looming...Big fan of these stone tee markers by the way!

                                                           

After some delicious pit barbecue and smoked brisket at the turn, we were off to the Par 4 10th. We very much enjoyed the front nine and looked forward to more of the same on the back...It didn't disappoint. 

                  

                  

                  

                  

           

The Par 3 14th was a really cool hole that required a carry over a ravine...The hole wasn't that long but you'd best find the right part of the green or you'll struggle to two putt for par. Thankfully we both hit good shots and walked away unscathed.

The Par 4 16th and Par 5 17th were both dogleg right holes that played a little into the wind today. As you can see from the tee, the starters opening comments were spot on. "You'd better find the fairway....." The last picture in this section is a cool directional sign that sits directly behind the 17th green.

Every good round must come to an end. This one was no exception. That being said, the Par 4 18th gave us one more go at some of the most stunning views you'll find on any golf course! 

After we teed off, we took a little time to reflect on the day and the beauty of this place. Couldn't be more thankful for my time here today with my son...

"Hey Dad, you think I could hit a little stinger off of here before we go?"....... Funny thing was he was afraid that he was going to let go of his two iron and send it flying down the side of the mountain. Fortunately for all involved, the two iron survived and came home with us. 

                                        

Thanks for an amazing day Primland....Good Lord willing, we'll see you again.....

We made our way to Roanoke for the night. Tomorrow's round will be at Roanoke Country Club, an A.W. Tillinghast design. Looking forward to it as it's been years since I played it during my junior golf days. Hope you've enjoyed our journey thus far this week. That's all for now!