Handicap Management....at St Andrews

Here comes a long awaited part of my blog. Had wanted to write this two weeks back. The free Saturday, I had two choices: one join the rest of the group for a spin around Scotland ( Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Sterling castle etc ..all the scenic stuff that could be done) – or do the trip to St Andrews. Decided to go for it – and am extremely pleased at having done the trip. The recommended way is by train to Leuchars, with a bus connection ( 16.5 pounds), or to take the bus ride, a slower one albeit cheaper. Decided on the latter. Gave me a good flavour and feel of the undulating, laid back and very picturesque Scottish countryside.

There’s a lot more to St Andrews than golf – though that will always be the reason why it will have it’s place in history. It is a small town, with a single high street, called “Market Street” the old way – but all what you’d want would be there.

The tourist office ( wonder if any non-golf tourists come here?) is well organised and helpful – nice maps and tips. And then time to start walking towards the golf links, which include the ol’ course. There is a nice tingle to be there…to get a first glimpse of the home of golf: though the ol’ course ( or the parts of it that I got to see) are fairly plain. Am told that the new courses are a lot better – was a little constrained on time, so could not really see them. Interesting that anyone can book time to play on the old course – apply a year ahead, and take your chance in the lottery. Yes, there are many, many seekers for that round of golf. But missed my chance – clearly a lack of research – of hitting a bucket of balls at the range. That would have been closest to having played a game!

The famous Swilcan bridge….is a landmark. Was a trifle disappointed – had expected it to be a little bigger and closer to the clubhouse. But then, smart photographers manage this…wish I had seen the Nicklaus pix before I went. Would have been fun to replicate that!

To set the perspective, this is what is written:

The Swilcan Bridge:

"The 18th Hole of the Old Course, St Andrews Links St Andrews, Scotland
The golf world's ultimate landmark - The Swilcan Bridge crossing the
Swilcan Burn on the 18th Hole of The Old Course at St. Andrews.

From Old Tom Morris & Wille Park, to Jack Nicklaus & Tiger Woods, the
Swilcan Bridge has come to represent the crowning moment of each Open
Championship played at The Old Course.

As the player crests the Swilcan Bridge and pauses to acknowledge the
spectators, flashbulbs erupt and the images resonate through history."

Lots of golfers on the course, despite it being the start of the lean season. No caddies – carry your own bags. Maybe golf gets to be a better exercise that way?

So does my game get to improve? Will my handicap drop by one or two? Will know in a few months. Golf shops abound – a number of pro-shops, with one official one. Souveniers and merchandise of all shapes and sizes abound, and every second shop seems to be a souvenier shop. But good to pick up the odd knick – knacks. All with the proud St Andrews lettering on them. Are they all made in China? I think so….isn’t everything made in China?

Walked around St Andrews a bit. Quaint place. But with a full fledged University. Ducked into a delightful book store cum cafeteria to have a scone, butter and proper tea ( or tea served the proper way) for a quid and a half. Superb experience. Very friendly and charming staff.

The abbey ruins are also quite spectacular – did not manage to sneak up the tower though I would have loved to do that. Time over. To get back to the bus stand for the two hour ride back, through the verdant dales and next to sharp cliff faces overlooking the North Sea…

A happy trip. Something I had looked forward to.