Day 12 A Pilgrimage to the Home of Golf

After another large and tasty breakfast, we left the Tigh Na Leigh B&B in Alyth and headed for St. Andrews.  Along the way we made a few detours stopping for photos in the village of Glamis (home of the Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret), the village of Kirriemuir (birthplace of Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie and actor David Niven), and the coastal town of Carnoustie (whose golf course regularly hosts the British Open).

The side yard at the Tigh Na Leigh B&B

looking back at the village of Alyth

grazing on the grounds of Glamis Castle

thatched roof in Glamis

Peter Pan

beach along the Carnoustie golf course

We arrived in St. Andrews around 11:30 and immediately took a walking tour of the Olde Course, the  Home of Golf as many say.  Although my passion for golf is no longer what it was back in the days at Bellerive, I still appreciate seeing this special golf course, the Royal and Ancient club house, and the iconic Swilcan Bridge that spans the  famous burn by the same name on the 18th hole.  I guess it's like a non-believer visiting Notre Dame in Paris.  I've done that too.

Looking down the fairway from the tee on the 18th

This guy sunk his put for a par on the 18th.

Our walking tour of St. Andrews continued.  We stopped for delicious lunch at the St. Andrews Brewing Co,  and then walked the main streets enjoying the architecture of this old town that hosts Scotland's oldest university.

 

What's left of St. Andrews Cathedral

Good example of the British "close" on the far left.

Will & Kate both attended St. Andrews University

St. Andrews practice putting green

Eventually we made it back to the golf course and finished our afternoon at the Golf Museum before checking in at tonight's B&B, the Dukeside Lodge.

For dinner we went to a steak place.  Outstanding sirloins and ribeyes, complimented by a bottle of red wine, Cote du Rhone.  Finished the meal with a chocolate pudding and then walked it all off in downtown St. Andrews as the sun set.

St. Andrews Castle

I need 11 more.