Old Course St Andrews

Yesterday was the hardest course I have played, today was the hardest conditions I have played in!!  The weather that was expected for today arrived, and arrived in a worse form than predicted. An inch and a half of rain fell whilst we slogged around the Old Course.

The course was at times nearly unplayable, and casual water was pooling everywhere.  Everyone was soaked through.

The famous Valley of Sin at the front of 18 was more like the Moat of Sin, and the Swilcan burn was a raging torrent, and was overflowing onto the 1st and 18th fairways.

The Valley of sin full of water!

A view back to the swollen Swilcan Burn

Caddies today were invaluable, and made a very difficult day bearable.  When the members were asked about how they enjoyed their day, even though they were all wet through, the beaming responses were resoundingly AMAZING.

I myself hate playing in the rain, and if it were any other course we would most likely have walked back in.  But this was the Old Course, and I loved every second of it.  I think that the weather even added to the experience.

Looking over the 18th green to the 1st tee

As you may appreciate, the weather made it impossible to take any photos other than these few after we finished.

It is quite fortunate that tomorrow is a travel day, as the equipment will require plenty of drying out.

Our bathroom / drying room in the aftermath from today

A brilliant day had by all, and an Old Course Experience we will never forget.  A big thanks to Lindsay Rowan from the Old Course Experience for all of her assistance over the past few days.

Today was the day that the Bisector made a revival.  43 points from Geoff Vincent won the day, which was full of high scores even in the appalling weather.

Patrick Carlisle took advantage of the Tom Morris golf shop on the RHS of the 18th, bouncing his 3 wood approach off the building, back into play and on to the green.  This well planned ricochet assisted him on his way to 40 points.  Richard Logan had 39 points, whilst Katryna Economou and Jeff Faure scored 38 points.  Well Done.

Geoff "The Bisector" Vincent during his victory speech

John Gaffney, Lee Kidman & Pam MacKenzie at our End of Scotland Dinner

Jeff Faure & Libby McCann

Members enjoying the End of Scotland Dinner

Those who followed the 2010 tour will know that we had a habit of running into famous people on the trip, today it was Sir Nick Faldo, six time major champion three of which were Open Championships.  Sir Nick won the 1990 Open at St Andrews, and ironically myself and Matt are staying in the Nick Faldo room.

Two St Andrews Champions!!!

Today saw the end of our Scottish leg.  Tomorrow is a travel day as we make our way down to Southport.  We re acquaint ourselves with Dean Barber, master coach driver, and enjoy the country side.