greenroads: June 1st - On the road to St. Andrew's (Pittenween and Crail on the way)

John bravely negotiated our way out of Edinburgh traffic and construction and we hit the countryside heading toward St. Andrew's. On the way we stopped at Kircaldy for coffee and then couldn't resist Pittenweem, a small fishing town.

Crail was our next stop and as we walked around looking for a soup and a pint for a pub lunch we came across the "Tower House" built in 1767. The owners were busy cleaning it up for renters who were arriving from Texas. They allowed us a tour and what lovely views from this quaint venue.

Hungry, we arrived at the Crail Golf Hotel and enjoyed soup and a pint, the beginning of a 24 day habit!

Now we've arrived in St. Andrew's, a picturesque coastal town in County Fife and of course the home of the famous "Old Course." We checked into Burness House B and B and headed out walking toward the golf course so steeped in tradition and history. John and Ken were disappointed to hear that Hazel Crane, the owner of Burness House was not successful at getting them on by ballot.

Desperate, Hazel suggested going down to talk to the starter anyway. Amazingly he said "get your gear, come back at 4 pm. and we will see what we can do". It was nice to see Burness House again, only a short walk from the Royal and Ancient. It was as we remembered from our visit in 2000 except for new carpets and a new owner.

John and Ken changed into their golf duds and walked down to see the starter. Imagine their surprise when he said pay up! You are on the tee! Shocking really. A young couple from Phoenix Arizona were heading out as a twosome and kindly allowed the boys to join them. Wow!! After all John's failed efforts to get a tee time on line and then by ballot they just walked on. Go figure!

It was a thrill to see John finally heading out to play this course! A dream come true!

Ann and I put in some time walking the gorgeous St. Andrew's beach and then caught up with our golfers on the last few holes. The caddies encouraged us to walk along behind. It felt like we were watching a major tournament!

The excited grin had still not left John's face even though he was near the end of this much anticipated round on these hallowed grounds.

Ken looked like he was up to his knees.

It was almost as much fun watching them as I imagined it would be playing!

The famous clubhouse in the back ground.

Speaks for itself.

The caddy allowed Ann and I to walk along and we got this picture of our guys on the Swilken Bridge. I was so excited I didn't realize the clubhouse was not in the picture!