St. Andrews

Great artistic photo jason and perfect for the start of the golfing blog...

Everyone arrived on Monday to the Edinburg airport via air and rail. The weather was horrible (or typical for Scotland) cold and rainy! Everyone was thinking about that cold rain gear they packed. However, this rain and chilly weather would end that night and the skies would prove to be beautiful for the entire trip! (the rain gear can be returned with tags on!)

The crew headed to the Fairmont hotel which would serve as home base for the next several days. They gathered over a yummy meal of fish and chips and discussed the adventures ahead.

Tuesday was the first day on the links.

First course, Lundin links. It was noted as a true scottish course, one the locals used. Beautiful and not as touristy. (founded in 1868)




Here are the boys! Alex, Wyland, Les, Jason, Chris, and Don. I loved the personality mix of this crew. Everyone was so different but yet all fit in the puzzle.

One of the highlights was this charming, traditional Scottish club house, perfect for the post golf lunch hour food and drinks.




Jason, Chris, Don, and Alex



Toss in the two dads on either end



From what I understand, the sand traps were rather significant, this might be attempt #1, 2, or 3.....


no carts - only pushing.

pretty sure that sand trap is talker than you Jay - now which way are you supposed to hit the ball?? 

I believe every night ended with a deserving glass of scotch. No carts allowed, so it was a great deal of walking!



Day #2. The old course. There is so much pomp and circumstance that surrounds playing this course. Whether it's reserving a tee time a year in advance, going through a daily ballot or really just showing up and getting lucky. Any approach has proven success. For our group, two folks succeed in the ballot process, and two others were able to walk on, thus completing the foursome for a beautiful afternoon of golf. Tee time was 2:30. Thankfully they were able to hit their way through 18 holes.

Because of the later tee time, the group opted to play 18 holes at the Fairmont that morning. Here they are starting out their day, not to shabby for a 2nd tier course.




At this time of year, golfers can play until 10pm as it it truly stays light that long!-as long as your legs don't give out first.

Here is the start of the classic Old Course. This course was 'granted' to the people in the 1100s by King David the 1st of Scotland. It was originally 22 holes but reduced to 18, as they say that is how many shots exist in a scotch bottle.

Ready boys?











The picture perfect swing (in my book at least, he is my husband!)



The group was surprised by the course layout. Almost every hole shares a green with another hole as well as a fairway. What that means to non-golfers, there were several groups on one hole at the same time often swinging the club in different directions headed to different end point. Incredibly confusing. I imagine that might be why they insist you carry a registered handicap. They want to make sure you know what you are doing.



This is a photo of the famous bridge on the 18th hole.



Picture 1 on the bridge by Les Carlson....



Picture 2 on the bridge by Wyland Leadbetter (yes, if this were 6 women we would have surely flagged down another golfer to capture us all..... But hey, there is photo shop right?)



The final few strokes for the day. 36 holes later... And 7pm. Kudos to Don and Alex (our most 'experienced' golfers) for their motivation through all 36 holes. They allowed the younger boys no mercy.





The final day was Kingsbarn. This course was voted best among everyone. The layout was truly beautiful and ambiance was the absolute compliment. The sun stayed out the entire time with clouds that floated by occasionally.














 

The Yankees don't have a shot with these two;)











The consensus at the end of the day over a couple pints was Kingsbarn is the greatest course in the world.



Cheers to a wonderful golfing adventure. Thanks to Alex, Don, Jason, Les, and Wyland for making this a truly memorable trip.



On Friday Jason, Les, Wyland and Don all headed back to Kingsbarn for another round while Alex headed home and Chris ventured to Edinburg to set up our flat and prep for the little dudes arrival.