Scotland Bound — Heading Back To Where Golf Began

Two years ago we made the trip of a lifetime to Scotland.

The pipes, the countryside, the ancient courses and the amazing people kept calling us back.

It’s time.  Time to return to Scotland on another Golf Pilgrimage.

Once you’ve been to Scotland, it stays with you — in your heart and soul and the memories of the golf, the towns and the iconic courses are imbedded in one’s memory banks for life.

It’s time to refresh those memories.

One trip to Scotland is simply not enough.  This country with its respect for the origins of the game keeps calling.  Time to answer the call.

Two years ago we had an amazing crew.  This go-round only PGA Professional David Stewart and myself remain from the last trip.  We’ll have an entire new cast of characters, some seeing Scotland for the first time.  I can relate to their excitement.

Two years ago I had no idea what to expect.  You’ve seen St. Andrews on television, often.  The Old Course is perhaps the most famous in the all the world of golf.  It was a dream fulfilled, a bucket-list check mark.  It was the walk of a lifetime, with the Swilcan Bridge awaiting you to cross it on your way to the final green.   When you think for a moment about the legendary players who have crossed over that bridge, it boggles your mind.

But golf in Scotland is more than The Old Course and once again, we’re sampling some of the finest.

Here’s our golf itinerary:

Kingsbarns (Saturday Oct. 19):  Part of the Dunhill Links rota.  It is ranked 69th in the world by Golf Digest and played host to the 2017 Women’s British Open.

Carnoustie (Sunday Oct. 20):  Sunday prayers are in order prior to taking on “Car-nasty.”  It is ranked 26th in the world by Golf Digest and has hosted the Open Championship eight times.

St. Andrews Jubilee Course (Monday Oct. 21):  Play started around 1897 on this course.  Part of the St. Andrews Trust, which owns all the courses in the complex.

St. Andrews Eden Course (Tuesday Oct. 22):  We missed the early lottery for The Old Course but we’ll be on the daily ballot, which means there’s a good chance we get on The Old Course either Monday or Tuesday.  But Jubilee and Eden are nice backup options.

We have the day off on Wednesday, Oct. 23 as we transfer to Edinburgh, a magnificent city with an ancient history.  May have to make our way to Queensferry to pay tribute to Robert Louis Stevenson at the Hawes Inn pub.

Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Thursday, Oct. 24):  Yes, Muirfield, favorite course of the world’s greatest major champion — Jack Nicklaus.  Muirfield has hosted 16 Open Championships and is ranked 8th in the world by Golf Digest.  Lunch in the clubhouse, one of the most magnificent buffets we’ve ever sampled. Coat and tie required.

North Berwick West Links (Friday, Oct. 25):  My favorite course, ranked No. 50 in the world.  Incredibly scenic views, pure links course that goes straight out, turns quickly then heads straight back.  Two years ago year the wind blew 25-30 mph on us.  Into the wind going out,  downwind coming home.  Thank goodness.

We’ll bid farewell and head back state-side on Saturday, Oct. 26.

In the meantime, we’ll fill the pages of  DogLegNews  and do our best to bring you a feel and flavor of Scotland.