Bravo

TMF: I am going to Scotland in June. June 11 - Turnberry Ailsa June 12 - Turnberry Ailsa June 13 - Muirfield June 14 - North Berwick June 15 - St. Andrews (ballot) June 16- Kingsbarns June 17 - Carnoustie I would also like to make a diplomatic suggestion. Americans are often viewed by people across the world as being ignorant of their countries. We gain much goodwill by studying their country and culture before getting there. St. Andrews is the site of the 2005 Open Championship - there is no such thing as the British Open. The British Open is a term we Americans use for The Open Championship. They will not look kindly on us calling it the British Open. St. Andrews is in Scotland - not England. The Scots would really be offended if we indicated it was in England. They have felt under the boot of the English for hundreds of years. FYI... England, Scotland and Wales make up Great Britain. Great Britain and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom. Have a great trip. I am looking forward to ours.

Eric - there is no "tourist season" here as you have in Florida. The prices stay the same year round. As for the weather, you guessed it, you want to avoid the middle of the summer. It's hot as hell and I do not play in the afternoons in July and August. It's just too hot. The very best times to play here are between September 20th and November 10th. And between Mid-April and June 1. Both of these are very good because they combine good weather with good golf course conditions and beautiful colors. Looks at the Master's on TV and you will see the same colors here that you see there. And those of you who live in the Northeast who have a beautiful Fall in September will see the same thing here in mid October to early November. We have subfreezing temps in mid-winter so the fairways go dormant. But we have bent grass greens on 90% of the courses and these are thriving in the Winter. Therefore, we play very actively in the Winter time and enjoy it. The tees are overseeded with Rye.... An alternative for the Snow Birds would be to come down in March, when you are still having cold weather. The courses are starting to green up and the weather will be in the mid-60's to low 70's at that time. Gives you a chance to warm up your game right before your own season cranks up. You have to visit here to see the natural beauty. I am a member of a private club and can see 11 miles from the first tee.... http://www.shottalk.com/gallery/disp...&cat;=0&pos;=-24 All of the courses I would put you on - have similar beauty to what you see on the link above. BTW - FYI the Robert Trent Jones Trail is opening its first resort property here on a course that has been designed for PGA tournaments. It will open in June. The course has been ready for play since September but they have kept it closed waiting for the new Marriott to open... http://www.rossbridgeresort.com/?cid=goo A few restaurants I could put you in.... Local seafood.... http://www.birminghammenus.com/hotandhot/ National seafood.... http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/...itial&locID;=71 Steaks..... http://www.donshula.com/steakhouse/birmingham/ Italian...... http://www.bestitalianusa.com/locations/state.php#al And finally -Rated the #5 Restaurant in the U.S. by Gourmet Magazine..... http://www.highlandsbarandgrill.com/press/index.html

I have lived in Birmingham for 40 years and noticed that there was some interest here in potentially playing on the Robert Trent Jones golf trail. If anyone would like to plan such a trip - I will be happy to help. About me: 1) I have played the game for 40 years. 2) Handicap index of 8.1. 3) Have traveled extensively and played golf all over US. 4) My next trip is to Scotland in June to play: Turnberry, Muirfield, St. Andrews (ballot), North Berwick, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. Advantages of coming to Birmingham to play all or part of an Alabama golf trip: 1) Robert Trent Jones Trail is internationally respected. 2) According to Golf Digest, there are actually higher rated public access courses (than RTJ) across the state and in the metro Birmingham area. Therefore, combining a well planned trip that includes these courses, with the RTJ courses, makes a super trip. 3) Inexpensive Airfares on the largest carriers: Southwest Airlines serves the city. This means you can fly here for $200 - $250 if you buy a ticket two weeks out - roundtrip. Also served by Delta, American, NWA, USAir and United. Non-stops from NY, Chicago, Philly, Detroit, Vegas, Phoenix, etc. Fly major carriers for less. 4) I can arrange a variety of accommodations from Hilton/Marriott on down to whatever your budget will bear. 5) There are very good restaurants and spas in the area. I can connect you to these. In any event - good luck here and let me know if I can assist.....