St. Andrews and golf are intertwined. There are a multitude of golf courses in the surrounding area. Many are wonderful examples of quintessential Scottish golf clubs which are a mainstay of their community. For the moment however, we shall focus on The Best Top 5 Golf Courses in St Andrews, Scotland.
St. Andrews, Scotland – the “Home of Golf” – is a fascinating, vibrant Scottish town facing the North Sea with all of the vagaries of weather this tumultuous body of water brings to the shoreline. For golfers who desire to understand the historical, societal link that exists in Scotland between golf and the greater community, a visit to St. Andrews provides some wonderful insight. Here are The Best Quick Tips for St Andrews, Scotland.
Many years ago, when golfers initially thought of a golf trip to Ireland, it was heavily focused on the southwest corner of the Emerald Isle. The links courses of Ballybunion, Lahinch, Waterville and the relatively new Arnold Palmer design at Tralee were the cornerstone of most trips to the region. During the intervening years much as changed. Ireland is definitely no longer a one trick pony for golf vacations.
Due to the plethora of choices to create a memorable week-long golf trip to Ireland, these are my Top 3;
Read more “Top 3 Golf Trips to Ireland”
The 2019 Presidents Cup featured a splendid performance by Tiger Woods, both as player and captain, thrilling competition between the United States and International sides and the emergence of young pros Sungjae Im and Abraham Ancer.
But the real star of the weekend was Royal Melbourne, the exquisite Alister MacKenzie design in the Sandbelt, which rewarded angles over power, demanded accuracy approaching the greens and tested each player’s touch, nerve and mental acumen.
Read more “Presidents Cup shines spotlight on Royal Melbourne, one of many gems in the Sandbelt”
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Drinks and dinner the first night were a success – the group gelled nicely and the conversation was vibrant with constant laughter. Pairings had been thoughtfully made in advance, based on personal requests and years of experience. Our round on the Montagu Course at Fancourt the following day was terrific. The weather was ideal. The course was in great shape.
Dinner on the second night was at Henry White’s, in the formal dining room at the Manor House. In order not to stress the kitchen, we staggered the seating over 90 minutes, which worked out very well. An impromptu party broke out in the bar after dinner and the first full day on tour was now in the history books.
Day 2 of golf, consisted of a 40-minute coach ride to Pinnacle Point….South Africa’s answer to the Old Head in Ireland. We enjoyed a spectacular day with a steady breeze and glorious scenery.
Upon returning to the Manor House and short downtime, we congregated for a casual dinner at La Cantina, the Italian restaurant at Fancourt. As the tour progressed, the convivial, welcoming atmosphere accelerated. In our marketing materials we speak of “like-minded” travelers, and this group is the very essence of that description.
Our third round of golf was at Africa’s top-rated course and venue for the 2003 President’s Cup, The Links at Fancourt. It was exceptional. It is a difficult but wonderfully manicured course and the clubhouse experience is similarly impressive.
After golf, the group enjoyed a BBQ in the clubhouse overlooking #18 green….it was an appropriate way to conclude our visit to Fancourt.
After a relaxing morning and with a tinge of sadness, our group departed Fancourt the following morning. Golf clubs and luggage were surfaced to our next venue. A simple, 40-minute flight to Cape Town and we were at the gorgeous Lanzerac property by early afternoon. More to follow…
