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....

          Walking a Mile in My Dreams

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

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!