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Scotland
Racer888
Legend
 
203 Views    9 Replies    2 Likes   I like it!
Got back from our trip to Scotland Monday and am sorting through hundreds of pictures, will post some once I get them sorted. Played the old course on 5/15 in some bad weather, 43 degrees, raining and wind blowing about 20-30 but still had a great time, shot 87. It isn't really a "great" course as far as layout and condition but you could just feel the history of the place as you were playing. Funniest thing is the course is built on public land so it is never really closed to the public and as you are playing it is common to see people just walking around or walking their dogs on the course. It is closed to golf on Sundays and people are all over the place playing with animals and just wandering around. Played the New Course the next day in much better weather and it is a really nice course, tougher than the Old (IMO). Then we played Kingsbarns and I have to say it is a beautiful and very challenging course. Almost every hole runs along the sea and the scenery is breath taking, this is a course not to be missed if you go, shot 86 here. Hit just about every golf shop and pub in town spent a lot of money but worth every penny!! Spent some time in the Highlands touring distilleries and battlefields, also a lot of fun!!
Conner, I did get pictures of Tom Morris's grave for you which I will post the low res versions on the site but if you want the full HD pics you will have to send me your email.
njgolfer
Legend
 
# 1    5/22/2013 1:06:49 PM   
Looking forward to those pics.


JayPet
Legend
 
# 2    5/22/2013 1:24:35 PM   
Racer, you and Dandy are living the dream! What an awesome trip guys. I am very appreciative of the pics and love the chance we have to share them with others. I'm lucky enough to travel all of North America and play some really great courses, but I have never taken a trip over the pond to Scotland or Ireland and play some of the all-time classics. I love to post pics when I play and share them here but it's really great to see them also and realize there are so many great places to play and there is great perspective from others. Super stuff!


Dandy
Professional Champion
 
# 3    5/22/2013 2:26:10 PM   
I'll be your biggest advocate for Scotland a a destination but words and pictures simply can't convey the feeling you get when you're over there. I got goose bumps just ordering fish&chips at the Jigger!


Racer888
Legend
 
# 4    5/22/2013 3:04:02 PM   

I'll be your biggest advocate for Scotland a a destination but words and pictures simply can't convey the feeling you get when you're over there. I got goose bumps just ordering fish&chips at the Jigger!


Yes Dandy, it is hard to convey the experience. It is not just another golf trip, it is a step back it time and sitting in the Dunvegan, Jigger Inn, One Golf Place or my favorite was the Rocca Bar corner window overlooking the 1st and 18th fairways seeing all the pictures, trophy's and golf memorabilia was awesome. Wandering through the golf shops seeing all the antique golf equipment. Site seeing through the St Andrews Castle or seeing the grounds at the Cathedral and Tom Morris' grave (old and young) gives you chills.


JayPet
Legend
 
# 5    5/22/2013 3:05:10 PM   

I'll be your biggest advocate for Scotland a a destination but words and pictures simply can't convey the feeling you get when you're over there. I got goose bumps just ordering fish&chips at the Jigger!


My buddy who I do a lot of golf trips with is from England just outside of Liverpool. They go to all the Open Championship events including 2 years ago when it was at the Old Course. His step dad came over this year and went to the Masters with us and was in my ear the entire time about coming to visit and playing the Old Course and Royal Liverpool (which he plays). It is very tempting indeed. Your pictures are just teasing me right now!


cogolfer1
LowIndex
 
# 6    5/22/2013 6:00:48 PM   
Can't wait to see those pics!


Geno929
Professional Champion
 
# 7    5/22/2013 7:35:34 PM   
It looks and sounds like you guys had a great time. Trip of a lifetime. Congratulations! Great pictures too. Thanks for that.


LyinLewis
Legend
 
# 8    5/22/2013 10:04:14 PM   
I am happy to hear you loved it. Many people have felt the same way about the Old Course, but I am not one of them. The Old Course is subtly brilliant. I have played most of the great courses in this country and Scotland and the Old Course is very near the top.

That being said you are in good company. The first time Bobby Jones played the Old Course he hated it, but over the years he grew to love it so much that he built Augusta National as a tribute.

One of my favorite stories of the Old is the one and only time Sam Snead traveled to play the Open at St Andrews. He was on the train pulling into the Old Toon and when he saw the course from the train he asked a local what the name of the run down abandoned course was. The stranger told him that it was the Old Course and that he would be playing the Open there.

The Old Course has been copied more than any course in history, but its dangers lie in the rub of the green.


Mark Simmons
Legend
 
# 9    5/22/2013 11:59:08 PM   
Great to have you back James and so wonderful that you got to have this trip, especially with all you've gone through with Super Storm Sandy. Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to upload pictures and share your experiences.