St. Andrews, "Home of Golf"

An amazing weekend get away just 70 minutes outside Edinburgh.

Experience Golf History, as well as Golfs beer. Then explore some history along with a inspiration of J.K.Rowlings for Harry Potter. Some More history and don't forget to stop for Ice Cream.

First of all, lets get parked. We like to start close to the water, and The Old Saint Andrews Golf Course. We park at the Large parking lot behind the British Golf Museum.

The British golf Museum is fittingly right beside The Old Course, in St.Andrews.

First stop, lets explore the 18th hole of the Old Saint Andrews Golf Course. That’s right, you can explore the 18th hole and no one will stop you. Pose for a picture on the famous Swilken bridge.

If you want to golf The Old Course in St Andrews Links, where the game was first played 600 years ago, there are a few ways to go about it. Half of the Old Course tee times each year are allocated to the Ballot. This way it gives give people who have been unable to book a chance of playing. The Ballot is drawn 48 hours in advance of play. To enter the Ballot, golfers must provide their names, home club and handicaps either online, by phone or at one of the clubhouses before 2pm, two days before the day they wish to play. To enter there must be a minimum of two and a maximum of four players.

If you don't get lucky and drawn for the ballot, don't start crying yet... there is another option for single golfers!!

"Single golfers who have suitable handicaps and are wishing to Golf the Old Saint Andrews Course, should check in at the Old Pavilion on the day of play and the staff will do their best to join them with a two or three-ball group. There is no obligation on the existing golfers to make up a four-ball but common practice is that single golfers are warmly welcomed. With patience, this can be successful but there are no guarantees". In More plain English... If you wish to golf, grab your pillow the night before and set up camp outside the Old Pavilion as if you want to be one of the four people added you should be there for 9pm latest the night before. Happy camping folks!!

This weekend, we got an amazing once in a life time experience. THE GOLF CHAMPION TROPHY, commonly known as the Claret Jug, was taken out of its case for a photo shoot. So, we were able to get up close and personal for some photos!

The trophy is presented to the winner of The Open Championship (The British Open). The Claret Jug was made in 1872, the four clubs that agreed to host the championship gave 10 GBP each to make the Trophy. The original Claret Jug has been on permanent display at the clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews since 1928. The winner must return the trophy before the next year's Open, and receives a replica to keep permanently. Three other replicas exist: one in the British Museum of Golf in St Andrews, and two used for travelling exhibitions.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claret_Jug)

Now time to enjoy a Pint at Golfs Famous, 19th hole, The Jigger Inn. A building dating

back to the 1850's. The Pub is very compact, with lots of little booths and hide aways. The Pub with its own "Jigger Ale" is only offered at Jigger Inn St Andrews and at The Horse & Plow at Forbes Five Star-awarded The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, USA. ( a creamy, smooth Ale; absolutely delicious), Home to much golf Memorabilia. Take a look around for your favourite golfers hat and signature placed around the pub. (https://www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/dining/dining-directory/jigger-inn)

After we have experienced the golfing fantasy, lets take a walk in town.

Continue along the water as you will discover many buildings of The Saint Andrews University. Along the way you will see William and Kate's Residence while attending Saint Andrews University.

While following this road, if you poke your head into the court yards you will see this magnificent looking tree. And if you are a Harry Potter fan you'll know exactly what this tree gave inspiration to. Thats Right, The Whomping Willow! Well, much smaller than I expected.

As you continue along the water you come to the gorgeous ruins of the Saint Andrews Castle.

Follow the steps and go for a nice walk around the beach. Get the experiences of seeing the castle from the perspective of intruders who would invade the castle.

After the walk on the Beach, Continue around the bank side to get the best photos of the castle ruins ( The beach and the castle). As you continue around the coast line you will come to the Medieval Saint Andrews Castle.

As you leave the Cathedral, you will soon stumble upon the Cutest Ice Cream Shop.

Jannettas Gelateria has been in operation for 110 years/ 4 generations. The Ice Cream itself will show you the history behind it. Wonderfully delicious, the inside decorated for the ultimate ice-cream experience (They have Sorbet for the Dairy Free Experience). Enjoy your Ice Cream on the fly or get a table and really make it an experience.

Saint Andrews has a variety of attractions that everyone in your group will love. Sports, History and Harry Potter. I love this day trip and would recommend it.

Sincerely,

Celine