Golf at St. Andrews

[rollerboy_1979]

My lady friend and I met my cousin and her cousins at a local piano bar. None of them had ever seen me in my kilt. I was wearing my MacQueen tank, black shirt, vest, red necktie, cream hose and matching flashes. I dressed it down with a black leather jacket. Now, all of them are very wealthy, well-traveled, and avid golfers. The Irish husband of my cousin's cousin (sounds confusing, eh?), is an avid golfer who wears knickers and a tam O'Shanter on occasion on the links. When I walked in he said, "Oh, that's cute" and proceeded to make his wrist limp. I just laughed, put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Yeah, and I know this guy who wears knickers!". We all laughed and sat down, but the tone was set for the evening. I did not draw attention to my outfit unless I was asked about it, so no one can accuse me of grandstanding. Someone remarked about why an Italian (me) would wear a kilt, and I just said, I didn't like dressing like a woman, pointing to each and every woman, all of whom were wearing slacks! I proceeded to say, using a golf analogy, that this is what they wear at St. Andrews in Scotland. The knicker-wearer's wife (my cousin's cousin) bristled and said, "I've been to St. Andrews, and they DO NOT wear those!!!". She was indignant about it. I just ignored her comment and started talking to my lady friend. I don't give a rat's a** what they wear when playing golf at St. Andrews, but she must have been so put off by my kilt that she had to make that snide remark. Has anyone ever seen someone playing golf in a kilt in Scotland? I can't imagine it not being a common sight!

Cheers!

[cessna152towser]

deleted double post

[cessna152towser]

Yes, I've seen a few kilted golfers here in Scotland though only a few, the kilt would not be standard wear for playing the windswept fairways at St. Andrews. I've worn kilts in St. Andrews a few times and not been the only kilted guy out and about in the streets of St. Andrews but I have never played golf there.

[McClef]

I never as much as went on the links during my four years at St Andrews apart from the Old Course Hotel and seeing the eighteenth hole from by the Royal and Ancient.

Cannot recall ever seeing anyone in a kilt playing golf.

[joeybear]

I played there three years ago and saw men in kilts, but not whilst playing.

[KiltedDawg]

Having been a student at St. Andrews and spent many rounds on the links, I can honestly say that kilts were not common on the courses. (Students were able to purchase a pass good for golfing the entire year for $80 on any of the courses. All you had to do was show you pass and student id and you were clear to tee off.) Kilts were worn around town for other events and always at formals. As mentioned in previous posts, the wind can be overwhelming and kilts we not overly practical for golf. With this being said, there was one golf tournament sponsored by the rugby club in which all golfers were kilted. The only other stipulation was that each golfer must also consume a bottle of port during the round. Needless to say there were prizes for the lowest ang highest scores. It was an interesting event, and fundraiser, to say the least!

[Dirk Skene]

The very heavy winds comming off the sea would be a factor, but I dont thing a kilt would breAK the rules. Remember to wear a shirt with a collor & tip your caddie

[Phogfan86]

And take three dozen balls. You'll need all of 'em.

[KiltedDawg]

And take three dozen balls. You'll need all of 'em.

True. VERY narrow fairways and the gourse (sp.?) is a nightmare to find stray shots. I had several friends who were caddies. Many would hang out a The Niblick, a pub situated next to the 18th green of the Old Course. They would all take in golf balls they found and sell them to tourists. This was also true for The Jigger Inn, a pub adjecent to the St. Andrews Old Course Hotel. As they saying went, "Jigger Inn, stagger out!".

Also, the Old Course is closed on Sundays, ancient custom. Many folks would take walks and look for golf balls while strolling the course.