Going to the British open and playing golf in scotland

[bobbydacron]

Hi everyone,
I'm taking my son next month to the British open, or whatever it's called today. We're celebrating his 18th birthday. If any one can give us any tips that would be great. Especially on where the best holes to camp out are etc. Our plan isn't to follow tiger around, we really want to catch up with some of the up and coming players, however inevitably we will want to see him at one point. Any tips will be great

The 2nd part of the question is that we are also planning on playing some golf up there. We will be based out of Edinburgh for the week. I'm a high handicapper, he is more of a mid to high handicapper (damn you short game!) so we're not looking to play Turnberry or Carnoustie etc, we're just looking to have a ton of fun each day. We're hoping to take advantage of the late sunsets. If any one can give me advice here I would be very appreciative. While I live in the NY area I am English so i'm not scared of driving down the very narrow lanes that in that neck of the woods.

Many thanks everyone

Bob

[nevets88]

Don't know if this is much help. I got an official handicap and card from the USGA because I read clubs might ask for my handicap as a requirement for playing. Not one asked and I played in mid to high end clubs.

Off topic.:

The first time I ever drove in the UK, I rented a stick, no gps and had to drive in Manchester and the countryside. You guys have some sick parking skills in narrow and hilly spaces and I park no problem in NYC. I got through it without a scratch, but the first couple of hours were hairy. The guy at the rental counter didn't give me much of a chance. The only way I could have made it more difficult for myself was to get a diesel.

[martytilma]

Wow! I'm jealous, can you take me on my 40th birthday? I keep telling my wife that's where she has to take me. Ha! Have fun!!

[Kingfisher]

Hi everyone,

I'm originally from Manchester and have been to a few British Opens. St Andrews is only a small town and it will be carnage, especially over the weekend (good call staying in Edinburgh!), so you should probably aim to get there a bit earlier to secure your vantage spot.

http://www.opengolf.com/en/Informati...-ECFBFAFC8E9B} Although it's nice to be in the thick of the action over the weekend, if your boy wants to get up close to the pros, its a good idea to take in one of the practice days. Generally the players will be a lot more relaxed and you'll have a better opportunities to get close and maybe get a photo with them. Always be prepared for bad weather. Up there on the coast, one minute it will be glorious sunshine with not a breeze and the next minute a squall rolls in with cold wind and horizontal rain. Make sure you have some weather gear with you,just in case. You should have no problem finding a couple of games of golf in Scotland - there's more or less a golf course every 10mins! We played on a couple of nice tracks including Ladybank, Blairgowrie, Nairn and Aylth, a couple of which were closer to Edinburgh than St Andrews, but all within easy driving distance. Most of the courses will welcome guests, but it's better to give them a quick call a day or two ahead, just to be sure. Whilst you're over there, you should definiely take in at least one true links course - if you get a 'good day' you can experience some extreme golf Check out this website for some details and reviews of courses up there. http://www.scotlandgolf.com/scotland...rses/fife.html You'll have a blast!

[bobbydacron]

Thanks everyone. never thought anyone would be scared of driving in Manchester. As a mancunian, I got raised driving around the back streets of Ancoats and Allsaints.
I'm prepared for iffy weather, too many summers sitting on a beach staring at the raindrops.

We plan on doing the Open on the Thursday, I figured it would be quieter. Looking forward to the golf, I definitely want to play a true links course. I plan on bring a ton of balls so if I lose them it won't be the end of the world.

Thanks for the weblinks, I will check them out tonight

[senorchipotle]

don't forget to wear a lime green shirt so you can get a handshake and an autographed glove from tiger! though you may want to bring some ice for the swelling.

[stebed]

I did a week with a society bases just outside Edinburgh about 15 years ago. We played 36 a day for 5 days all around the Firth of Fourth, North Berwick was the best course we played and can't recommend it enough, we actually played the second course in Berwick which I remember had a great par 3 elevated tee overs sea and rocks to the green. I'll see if I have a Scottish golf guide and post some contact numbers later.

[James_Black]

The open is by far the best major to watch on T.V
Not sure about the weather if I had to go myself!
Hopefully it'll be ok.

There's a load of less well known courses around Carnoustie and the other big courses.
They'll be like the real courses except a lot cheaper to play on.

Have fun in Scotland!

[nevets88]

Another thing - bring a shag bag of balls to practice with. Most courses have "ranges" where you bring your own balls and you hit and retrieve. I didn't like this system at first, but I grew into it.

never thought anyone would be scared of driving in Manchester

Back then, first time driving on the wrong side of the road and rusty with a manual transmission. Signage is different too. Wasn't scared after a day though. Got used to it quick.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Id really like to play a round in scotland, one day. I envy the great trip youre taking.

[misty_mountainhop]

Enjoy. Try North Berwick if you're staying in the Edinburgh area; great course, true links. Worth a trip to Gullane as well; 3 courses with #1 being a regular Open qualifier. #2 is good as well and #3 is a) short but b) tight (leave the big stick in the bag).

[Dinovirus]

I am also going this summer. We're staying in Crail, a town about three miles or so from St. Andrews, and playing Carnoustie, Balcomie Links, and the Castle Course at St. Andrews. Tuesday after the open the Old Course re-opens so we're going to make a try for playing there as singles. Unlikely, but maybe we'll get lucky.

Has anyone on here been to Carnoustie? How sticky are they for those handicap cards?