Kilted Golf in the Kingdom---Scotlands finest courses, my mediocre but stylish play

[ForresterModern]

Friday Aug 13 afternoon, Day 7, Round 7

After our historic round at the Old Course at St Andrews, our driver took us up to another local course he liked to play, as it was more of a woodlands course, like most of ours here in the states, instead of the tightly cut links courses we had been playing all week. We had a nice lunch in the clubhouse before our add-on round. I was still basking in all the glory of just playing the Old Course, so spent most of my round in a bit of a daze. We played the Dukes Course, owned by the Kohler Group, same folks who own and manage Whistling Straits in Kohler Wisconsin, where the PGA was being played the same week. Played okay, again missing lots of putts, but had great weather and a fun time.



Me with Don, the man who oversaw my training more than 20 years ago, and who now works part time for me at my hospital (turnabout is fairplay), with the skyline of St Andrews in the background against the backdrop of St Andrews bay.

Again, another fun round, tough getting used to the different conditions of the woodlands course after 6 rounds on links courses.

More to come.

j

[Wife]

Jeff, you misdated Thursday. Should be August 12.

[ForresterModern]

Saturday Aug 14, Day 8, Round 8

Another day with beautiful weather to rival that of our first day at Turnberry. Played Kingsbarns just south of St Andrews, a relatively new coourse with a fantastic oceanfront layout and a great reputation already. Last round, last day of the trip. I am in Ancient Douglas again. Weather so nice I actually got sunburned, and had to strip off my sweater half way thorugh the round. Played mediocre again, with several moments of glory dashed by my terrible short game and, yet again, poor putting. One last aarrrggghhh.







A last spin around town to pick up some souvenirs, and a new putter, then back to the hotel for a last evening's nice supper. Glorious.

The rest is history----0400 wakeup call Sunday for the early bus ride back to Edinburgh, long day's flight home, and a week of recovering from jet lag while trying to get golf out of my head and work back into it. Just now getting back to near normal, and first chance since the return to get to sit down (during even more rain) to post this thread.

Thanks for following along. Hope all enjoyed the trip (vicariously) as much as I did in real life. More kilted golf someday. Happy to be home with my family.

j

[ForresterModern]

I knew I was going to be hearing it from Jock about the flat caps, especially the tartan ones. But I got enough compliments from everyone else to offset Jock's lament.

I forgot to mention that, after the Muirfield round, I was blessed with a telephone call from the maestro himself, Jock Scott, on the temporary pay as you go mobile phone number I had posted in another thread. It was great talking with you mate, a true pleasure and real honor. Sorry we could not get into the same shire for a bit of time together, but that just gives me more reason to come back again another day.

And, no, I did not wear the flatcaps just to get your goat. As I have said previously I really do like the look, regardless of their social propriety in the Heelands. I did wear the tams for several days though, in your honor.

j

[Jock Scot]

I have just loved your pictures Jeff and I am so pleased that you and your friends had a good time, apart from Royal Troon upsetting proceedings a wee tad.

Now I can understand the historical aspect of playing in Scotland, I can understand wanting to see another country, I can understand that these courses (that even I have heard of) are a test of skill even for the very best in the world and I am very proud and delighted that you visitors take the trouble to come here. What is it that "our" courses have that "yours" don't? You chaps can often have better weather, just as demanding courses with a sand dune or two dotted about, sea views, deep bunkers and all the rest, so why come I wonder?

Glad to talk to you and one of these days we will bump into each other, of that I wish for very much.

[Oldhiker]

I don't play the "game" anymore but these photos made me envious. Good job!! Thanks for sharing

[ForresterModern]

Now I can understand the historical aspect of playing in Scotland, I can understand wanting to see another country, I can understand that these courses (that even I have heard of) are a test of skill even for the very best in the world and I am very proud and delighted that you visitors take the trouble to come here. What is it that "our" courses have that "yours" don't? You chaps can often have better weather, just as demanding courses with a sand dune or two dotted about, sea views, deep bunkers and all the rest, so why come I wonder?

One word, Jock----History.

[Jock Scot]

One word, Jock----History.

Really! That simple? Gosh!

[ForresterModern]

Really! That simple? Gosh!

Well, that and the fact that we just can't get good haggis or tatties and neeps over here. And you chaps have something good there with that fish and chips, too.

[Jock Scot]

Well, that and the fact that we just can't get good haggis or tatties and neeps over here. And you chaps have something good there with that fish and chips, too.

Ah yes, of course. The fish and chips!