When coming over to Scotland, or anywhere for that matter with a 6 hour time difference, the key is to get acclimated quickly to the time change. We have found the best way to do that is to jump right in to our day. We had a wonderful flight last night, courtesy of United Airlines. Once we got all of our luggage, another big thank you to United, we were on our way to our home away from home for this week, the Marriott Dalmahoy. We have stayed here for years and absolutely love it. After getting settled in our room and a little Scottish breakfast with some old friends here at the hotel, our day was really ready to start.
One thing I learned years ago was to make sure Kristen gets to the spa the first day we are here. After a long overnight flight, a good spa day always seems to help set the tone for her. Today was no different as we made our way over to the Fletcher's Cottage Spa at Archerfield. She was set up for the "Voya Total Massage Journey", an afternoon of pampering she very much deserved for putting up with me. :) Archerfield and Fletcher's Spa was about an hour drive for us from the hotel. Such a beautiful drive through so many of the quaint little villages that dot the coastline here in Scotland's Golf Coast of East Lothian. One such favorite is Gullane, just down the road from Fletcher's. Gullane is home to Gullane #1, #2 and #3. There is also a course called Luffness New all within a stone's throw of one another. I will get back to the golf in a second, but first.....Fletcher's!
Kristen started grinning from ear to ear as we pulled up. She seemed to be very confident that she was going to be just fine here for the day. When we walked inside, there was no doubt she had just found her happy place. If the service was on par with the atmosphere, she was in for a treat.
Back to the golf.....After making sure Kristen was squared away, I made my way back to Gullane in hopes of getting 18 holes in. Luckily, I was able to get right out on Gullane #3. I hadn't played that one before so I was happy to get after it. While it isn't as long a course as the #1, (2015 Scottish Open Host) there were still plenty of challenges to be had. The winds were a steady 20+mph. Combine the winds with the elevation changes on several other holes, Gullane #3 was indeed a proper test today. Below are a few of my favorite shots from the day.
The two pics above are of the Par 4 4th hole. The elevation change must be close to 75 ft or more. Felt like I was walking up the Himalayas. After a good tee shot and approach, I walked away with my first birdie of the day.
Really cool uphill Par 3 11th, set back into the hillside above. The Par 5 14th was reachable, especially downwind. Beware of the bunkers though.
This last one is from the Par 3 15th. Straight down hill on this one. This one is back down the Himalayas I mentioned from the 4th hole. These are the kinds of links golf shots that are so much fun. I had to choose between flying it all the way to the green or land short and let it run up. I chose the latter and was able to walk away from the hole unscathed. Really cool hole!
After finishing my round, I went back and found Kristen reading out in this garden. The pictures don't do this garden justice but I wanted to share them just the same. To say Kristen was pleased with Fletcher's Cottage Spa would be an understatement. She now ranks it above every other spa she's been privy to spend time with. For those of you who know of our previous travels (see blogs from former trips) you will see the #1 title is a strong claim to make.
Our goal was to make it through the day without a nap. We succeeded and after a quick dinner at one of our favorite stops, The Bridge Inn in Ratho, we turned in for some much needed rest prior to the next two days at The Open, held this year at Royal Troon Golf Club.
No comments:
Post a Comment