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| Golf Trip to Scotland, 1998 |
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A dream trip: 7 courses in 7 days in Scotland. Our friends the Archbolds put this awesome trip together. Doug "planted" the Michigan State Spartans' flag at the Old Course in St. Andrews. A few moments off the golf courses included visiting castles. Please click on any picture to see the larger version! |
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| Photo album (Click on the small pictures to see a larger photo) | |
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Cruden Bay was the first course, and what a sight it was! Rolling terrain among sand dunes and right on the water. An old castle was always visible in the distance, making this gem a great start. Three young guys and one proud Dad who were all Cruden Bay members became our caddies for a day, and they helped get our trip off to a terrific start. We are near Aberdeen on the northeast coast of Scotland, July 4, 1998. Happy Birthday, America! | ||
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Go North! We're just 6 degrees latitude shy of the Article Circle. For golf historians, we're at the home of the greatest course architect ever: Donald Ross, who was raised in Dornoch then became the greenskeeper and golf pro at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. This masterpiece is rated among the top 15 in the world, and a real favorite of a guy named Tom Watson. Now it's a favorite of mine as well - exciting, scenic, and very difficult. | ||
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We're home! Not our home, but the home of golf: St. Andrews, Scotland. Golf has been played on this hallowed ground since the 1400s - what took me so long? St. Andrews lives and breathes golf; it's amazing. Pictured is our group on the "New Course" (it's actually 103 years old) in front of the very 1990s clubhouse. We're tuning up for the Old Course. | ||
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The big day arrives: July 7, 1998, 12:40pm: tee time on The Old Course at St. Andrews. Walking historical ground, Betsy and I stopped in the 18th fairway on famous "Swilken Bridge" where Arnie waved goodbye to history during his last British Open and we waved goodbye to a most interesting round of golf. | ||
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Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, we arrive at Carnoustie, home to the 1999 Open Championship. Winds at 30mph, tees set all the way back, and a most difficult course. I loved it, though failing to break 90 with a disappointing last 3 holes. A great test of golf, not tricky, lots of variety, and even trees (we had not seen many of those playing all seaside courses). | ||
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We are on the west coast for the first time, at Royal Troon. This 1997 British Open host was not a favorite of the (conspicuously absent) ladies. They are not allowed (!) on Royal Troon golf course and instead played the field called Troon Portland course across the street. Royal Troon's back side was the toughest nine played these 7 days. Golfers may have heard of the "Postage Stamp" 8th hole. It's pictured; I parred it, thank you, then I could exhale. | ||
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No better ending to our golf adventures than Turnberry, the 4th-in-a-row of British Open courses. We enjoyed a majestic lighthouse, magical hotel, and very playable course. So great, we considered playing one more day, but opted for castle touring and shopping. Turnberry is truly an outstanding resort that I'll always recommend (for multiple nights) on your trip to golf Scotland. |
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