On a cold, windy Scottish day, my nephew and I shared a fun outing at St. Andrews.  We took the tour of the golf course, with Jimmy as our guide. 

Then, Price suited up with rented clubs, rented shoes, a new glove, socks and golf balls for playing the New Course. We hoped he could play the Old Course, but it seemed it was reserved for the members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club who were having their autumn meeting.  So, this may not really be what Jimmy said, but I can’t decipher the Scottish accents.

Did you know that there is a street that runs through the 1st and 18th holes of the Old Course?  Or that the public course is closed on Sundays and is used as a park?  Or that the beach next to the course is where the Chariots of Fire running, beach scene was filmed?  Or that the course was originally 22 holes?

While Price and John from Oklahoma/Virginia played the New Course, I enjoyed the warm clubhouse and a few cappuccinos.  Not one to sit idle, I wrote a poem to commemorate the day.  Byron I am not, but here goes!

St. Andrews’ Charm

The links are overrun with adults chasing balls;

Wearing pants that are plaid and telling tales that are tall.

What is the folly I see before my eyes;

Is it sport or game for those that are wise?

The wind on the New Course is high today;

But nothing seems to keep them away.

Tom must be laughing to see what he created;

The tourists keep coming to praise him belated.

Bonus info:  Bring lots of money, good standing shoes and a warm jacket with hood.  The green fees were £75 and the rented/purchased gear was £90.  But it was worth every pound!