Edinburgh, Scotland: Part 5 – St. Andrew’s Castle Course

Last year, we traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland for a quick mini-moon after our wedding in Somerset, England. We spent 4 days exploring old castles, climbing rolling hills and of course, sharing some Scottish whiskey with friends. I want to keep each part of these Trip Reports as short and sweet (and maybe picture-filled) as I can, so you can easily pick out the major details.

This Part 5 in a series about our trip to Scotland.  Stay tuned for more.

Edinburgh, Scotland –  Trip Report Index

Part 1 - Planning & Introduction

Part 2 - Flight & Accommodation

Part 3 - Edinburgh Castle & The Whiskey Tour

Part 4 – Arthur’s Seat & The Ghost Tour

Part 5 - St. Andrews, Castle Course

Part 6 - Conclusion

I like thoughtful presents. Ones that clearly took a little bit of time and preparation. The kind that obviously show the gift-giver knows you.

I didn’t think we were going to exchange wedding gifts because much like most things with our wedding, we weren’t super traditional.

Quick. Cute wedding break!

I’m all about experiences. We had talked for years about doing a golf trip to the UK and Ireland. I knew we would visit St. Andrew’s while in Edinburgh, so why not give him the experience of a lifetime? Besides marrying me, of course.

How to play at St. Andrew’s Castle Course:

• I bought the round online.
• Emailed his buddy who was going to be with us in Scotland to confirm the newbie-hubster would have a partner. (I’m a decent golfer, but I would hold up this group and the courses in Scotland are much different than anything we regularly play.)
• Convinced him to pack a pair of khakis and hid his golf rain coat.
• Confirmed his shoe size in European sizing.
• Got his golf shoes and clubs reserved at the Castle Course for his arrival.

Then, the day we got married, I gave him a copy of my emailed confirmation of his tee time.

His reaction was pretty great. And his response was along the lines of, “I knew there was a better reason you made me pack khakis that I didn’t want to wear!”

The morning of his round, he was all packed and ready to take the train out to St. Andrews from Edinburgh. He had everything lined up perfectly in our awesome flat. It was pretty adorable. I waved goodbye since I planned to meet up with him toward the end of his round to snap some shots and explore St. Andrew’s a bit more with friends.

He actually made me take this picture when he left. That’s how excited he was.

I walked around Princes Street for a bit after he left and found a super cute purse at Top Shop for £5 that I still use today. It’s sad I can remember that, but I couldn’t tell you what I had for breakfast this morning. I met up with my girlfriend Jill that morning. It was her husband, Steve, that golfing with my newbie-hubster. We had lunch at a nice pub and then we hopped on a train to St. Andrew’s. That sounded so British that even I want to throw up.

Upon arrival we were greeted by these two loonies, Jen and Ian. I love my friends. Note the hilarious sign. 2 Pretty Lasses. I’m still shocked I hopped in a car and went for a ride, you know, on the left side of the road.

It all worked out. We’re still alive today. The feeling in my right side has finally come back.

We toured the quaint seaside town of St. Andrew’s for a bit.

The sun finally peeked its way around the clouds and cast a nice yellow hue, highlighting the beauty of lush Scotland. We made a quick stop at perhaps the most famous hole in golf which is right next to the world famous Clubhouse of St. Andrew’s.

Then we made our way to St. Andrew’s Castle Course so Jill and I could see our husband’s live out their dreams. I’m pretty sure they peed their pants twice. We caught up with them around hole 17.

The following are a combination of pictures the hubster’s caddie snapped, as well as when I joined. Enjoy. The views are fucking fantastic.

Needless to say, I’m Wife of the Year. Not sure I’ll be able to top that gift for a long time.

After the boys wiped the drool off their faces, we headed back to Edinburgh and survived again!

Soon after we said goodbye to our pals who were heading back the next morning to the states. It’s crazy to think this gal and I were roommates at Michigan State University and now, you know, just chilling in the streets of Edinburgh.

Life is fun.

Up next is my conclusion of our trip to Scotland. Stayed tuned!