The first of our Scotland golfing and our favorite golf course – yes, even better than St. Andrews! Although our overall visit to the town of St. Andrews was the best experience of our time in Scotland.
Start times for visitors are not until after 12:30pm. We had the first slot – 12:36pm. (And apparently there are no exceptions, cause we tried!).
The course has so much character and quirkiness, and allowed for a fun and energetic round. We were paired up with a nice couple from Canada. The gal (Cynthia) was a Golf Pro and played from the “Gents” Tees…Liz was not intimidated at all (yikes)! The Starter, Sam, was incredibly welcoming and helped us to relax and encouraged us to just get out there and have a great time.
From the first hole with a giant rock formation in the middle of the fairway that you need to carry over to the green, to the stonewall that crosses two holes (and you need to hit over it twice - on the way in and out), to the 13th hole which is located so close to the beach, you may have to play your shot from there (Jeff did!), to the 17th "double" green with a huge dip splitting them - you will not be bored!
The layout is very simple, 8 holes in one direction, turn on 9 and 10-18 on the way back. The Firth of Forth (body of water) was ever present and could be seen from almost every hole. There are several rock formations just off the coast including Bass Rock and one that was said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island.
Besides getting to St. Andrews, if you enjoy golf this is a MUST play in Scotland. After your round take a stroll through the town and enjoy a nice dinner in one of the small restaurants that stay open (we dined at Zitto and it was fantastic!) - the shops do close early unfortunately.