So your mate wants to experience the golf thrills in
Scotland (after all, he's told you, that's where the game began!) And
he wants you to go along - say "YES!"
Scotland is full of wonderful adventures to satisfy a variety of
interests. It helps if you like history, but it's not a necessity.
Shopping, in some form or another, is always available and even a
simple ride through the peaceful countryside to watch the sheep can
be a delight. The coastal scenery is magnificent, offering views of
rocky cliffs and pounding surf...a direct contrast to the serenity of
the rolling hills.
St. Andrews is on almost every golfing itinerary. While it offers
several courses and plenty to occupy the golfer, the non-golfer won't
be bored. This is where you shop for your cashmere sweater or your
clan tartan. Shops line the street that runs along the finishing
holes of the Old Course (that's opposed to the New Course which has
only been in play since 1896!) and here you'll find everything from
sportswear to woolens. Golf memorabilia is everywhere and a wonderful
souvenir is a sketch of the Swilcan Burn Bridge with the Royal and
Ancient Golf Club in the background.
Glamis Castle, childhood home of the Queen
Mother, near St. Andrews.
An easy trip from St. Andrews is Glamis Castle, complete with
turrets and looking like a Disney creation. Glamis is an outstanding
castle to visit, since it is whole and furnished and still in use.
This is the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother
and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. Of course, you remember the
name from your studies of Macbeth. The guides will tell you that
Shakespeare was taking liberties with history, but don't let that
spoil your day. Glamis offers a very romantic view of a level of life
most of us have only read about. And be sure to save time for tea and
pastries in the tea room located in the castle's old kitchens.
On the other side of the country, let the golfers head off to
Gleneagles, Western Gailes, Troon or Prestwick. You set your sights
on a different kind of castle... Stirling. In contrast to Glamis,
Stirling is a castle shell - unoccupied and unfurnished. Yes, this is
the Stirling in "Braveheart"...birthplace of James II and the place
where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned at the age of nine months.
Stirling is a great place to let your imagination run as you walk
through ancient rooms and the courtyard. In summer, costumed actors
feed your mind's eye with tales from Stirling's colorful past.
Perhaps a bagpiper will be perched on the worn stones of the castle
wall, filling the air with the mournful notes of a Scottish tune.
Should your golf trip take you further north, (for courses like
Nairn or Cruden Bay), a day trip to one of the many distilleries on
the Whiskey Trail is a good plan. Each distillery has its own history
and at the end of the tour, you always get a taste of the product.
This is also a good time to have a look at Balmoral Castle, the
Queen's little summer place in the mountains. Check the schedule
before you go...the castle is open only at certain times in the
summer and then you may only visit the gardens. While in the
Highlands, watch the pastures for a glimpse of the long-haired
Highland
Courtyard of Stirling Castle, near
Gleneagles.
cattle. It may seem that Scotland is all churches and castles (and
they do have a lot of those!) but don't think because you've seen one
you've seen them all. Like our homes and churches, each castle and
house of worship has its own history and personality.
So...pack your bag with comfortable walking shoes (be sure you
have two pair in case one gets wet) and clothes you can layer. Your
outer layer should be water repellant - wind and rain are just part
of the plan in Scotland. Most important of all, pack your biggest
smile and tell that golfer you'll meet him every afternoon at the
nearest pub to compare notes!
Ed Holbrook is a golf travel
connoisseur in his spare time, as well as by occupation. He is the
South Florida Rep for SGH Golf Inc., providers of custom, worldwide
golf travel packages.
You can reach Ed at 561-770-2222 or 800-785-7180.
edh@floridagolfing.com
