Scotland - it's all about the Golf

July 21

Today was the day to visit the famed golf courses of Scotland - aka the holy grail places for Glen.  We drove first to Gleneagles.  This was important, because Gleneagles is Glen’s ‘home course’ in Vancouver, and where he has marshalled for the past couple of years.  As well, it is apparently important in the golf world.  Green fees were Ł230 for a visitor.  INSANE! There are three courses here.  We wandered around for awhile and looked at the preparations for the Ryder Cup being held later this summer - the temporary seating is huge at each hole. Being a master golf ball finder, Glen managed to find 2 balls that had been played on the course.  They will hold a special place of honour wherever we live from now on.  Glen had a cap from Gleneagles in West Van that he thought he could trade for a cap from Gleneagles in Scotland.  No deal.  He had to buy one :-)  He left his other one for the pro.

The Hotel at Gleneagles. We didn't stay there.

He got to touch the golf cart!

This is the lounge where females are allowed.

A fancy golf trophy

The entrance to the expensive golf shop.  Note the handles!

Glen spent a long time gazing at this.  I figured I may as well take a picture.

So excited to be here!

I think this is Gleneagles.  But it could be St. Andrews.  They kind of look
the same to me.

From there, we drove up to the town of St. Andrews to visit the home of golf.  There are about 7 courses here, and the club is currently holding a ‘postal vote by members’ to decide if women should be allowed to join.  Really, Batman?  What century is this?There are 7 courses and the prices range from Ł15 to Ł160, so there is something here for everyone. As long as you’re male.

This is also Gleneagles

The beach at St. Andrews, Scotland

Also the beach at St. Andrews - the golf course is behind me.  The beach is huge.

I think this is the 18th hole by the beach at St. Andrews.  Town in the background

The town of St. Andrews is a wonderful place to wander around.  There is a beautiful old cathedral ruin  – constructed in 1160 – that was for seven centuries the largest building in Scotland, as well as the remnants of St. Andrews Castle.  We walked through the university district - if I were to go to university, I think it would be in this town - beautiful old buildings and housing for the students.  Apparently Prince William thought the same thing.  So if it was expensive before, it's probably really expensive now.

Pretty doorway.  

The main town square in St. Andrews

Part of the old St. Andrews cathedral - this  'newer' version
dates back to 1412. 

The cathedral ruins - it must have been massive.  It's set right beside the ocean.

If I remember correctly, this is the base of a Roman column.  There were
a few of these.  Old graveyard in the background - most of the stones
are now unreadable.

The Bishops Castle of St. Andrews - described as a palace, a prison, a
workplace and a fortress.  The original was destroyed, and this new, improved,
destroyed version dates back to the 1400s.

Amazing rock work.  

The town has a beautiful beach as well as the golf course, and is clearly a major tourist destination.  All the shops and restaurants are expensive and crowded. It felt like being in Whistler, but old, not modern.

I think these people are golfers.  Note the 'flower pots' on the window
ledge.  Cute.