Auld Country Odyssey
A Journey Through Scotland At Long Last
Growing up, Tom Watson was my hero. When I was 12, his “Duel in the Sun” with Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry Resort was the greatest win I had ever seen in sports. I loved watching the Open Championship (only in the U.S. is it called the British Open). The golf was very different. The elements seemed to be much more of a factor in the outcome of the matches. I always hoped I would get the opportunity to go test my skills on the great links courses one day.
Somewhere about the end of my college career at Rice University, I read the book Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy. The book’s teachings taught me about the beauty of the game from a Scottish perspective. The lead character— Shivas Irons—accounts of his golf game and philosophy on life made for great reading and once again spurred my interest in wanting to go play on the courses where our great game was birthed. Murphy’s tale, using golf as a metaphor for life, really hit the nail on the head, describing all the facets of the game we love, such as honor, integrity and love of the game.
King James IV in 1502 was the first recorded player of golf as we know it And Perth was the oldest dated location in the world where a named golfer played golf. In 1744 the first golfing society was formed, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Muirfield is their home course now). The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers drew up the first known Rules of Golf at that time. These rules are the basis for the rules we currently play by.
Recently, I had the opportunity to finally travel to Scotland and play many of the best links courses I had so long dreamed of. My first steps onto a links course were on the No. 1 tee box at Royal Troon Golf Club. As I walked down the first fairway with the brisk wind from the North Sea hitting me in the face, I was somewhat overwhelmed. The feel of the firm ground under my feet was very different from those courses I have played anywhere in the United States. I immediately knew I was going to love the golf in Scotland.
That first day was incredible. Our next round was at Turnberry, where my hero, Tom Watson, had his amazing victory against Jack and his most memorable loss a few years ago against Stuart Cink. I was in heaven. The rest of my journey took me to Muirfield, North Berwick, Carnoustie, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Kingsbarns and The Renaissance Club. Each course was a treat and all offer unique and awesome challenges.
Just as impressive as the courses were the people I met. Of course, a few pints are a prerequisite when visiting any of the local establishments. The people of Scotland could not have been nicer and certainly have the greatest possible appreciation for the game of golf. I told my wife upon returning home that golf is more than just a sport to the Scots, it is religion. It’s always been more than just a sport to me too, because of the many great life lessons that come along with knowledge of the game, as well as the numerous great people I have met because of the game.
Our trip was topped off with an amazing tour through the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews, followed by a traditional glass of scotch with our host and close friend of the Miramont membership, Willie Tait. Mr. Tait could not have more gracious and showed us pieces of history that I will take with me the rest of my life.
Each year, I take a group of members from Miramont to a great place to play golf and get away from the sweltering summer heat. My brother was able to join us last trip. This was a bonding experience like no other. I only wish my dad was there with us. I can’t think of a better place to go than Scotland. If you ever have the chance to go it is truly the trip of a lifetime and one that you will surely be glad you made.
Opposite: hole 10 on turnberry resort's ailsa course, with ailsa craig in the distance; below: kingsbarns hole 12 plays hard against the sometimes blowy sea.