Dear James (and Margaret)... First off, I got your note, Margaret - we didn't go in to the dining room the morning we left as we were trying not to make too much noise. You did get the keys, I hope, as they were left on the desk by the computer. I believe that the New Club cards were left with James. I found your room excellent, bed very comfortable and the pancakes a perfect way to start each day! Staying in a bed & breakfast where the proprietors loved golf as much as I do made it even more enjoyable - and thank you so much, James, for allowing us to join your Sunday game at Eden....and for getting us on the ballot so we could play that very first day. That was the highlight of my trip, as I told you when I finished. Although it took me many years to get to St. Andrews, the trip met all of my expectations. I have attached the photo of Tom Watson and I by the first tee at the Old Course. I will look through the rest and forward more. All the best to both of you and good luck this week with the families of the students. Warmly, Kevin
Kevin Smith & Tom Craig , - Martinez California

Hi James and Margaret, Many thanks once again for a great stay - James you will be pleased to know the last hole I played in Scotland - 171st at Nairn - a long par 5 with a blind green, I managed to hit driver and three wood and drop a tricky two yard downhill putt for EAGLE - probably only the second or third in my life!! What a great way to finish a golf holiday in Scotland! Cheers, Colin
Mr Colin Chung, Tasmania Australia

St Andrews - The Home of Golf

Renowned as the Home of Golf, St Andrews is the World's leading Golf destination. There isn't any doubt that the game of Golf was born on the East coast of Scotland during the Middle Ages where it spread to the rest of the Europe, and eventually the world. The Dutch game 'Kolf' and the French 'Jeu de Mail' claim to be the seed of the game, but they lacked the all important element, the hole in the ground as the target. This element clearly isolates the game from other ball and stick persuits.

In the year 1457 the game was banned by King James II as it was hindering his subjects archery practice. The king's order to ban the game provides the first written record of golf. His subjects continued playing even after the ban, probably to the detriment of archery practice. The first record of the game in the town is in Archbishop Hamilton's Charter 1552. It is widely thought that the game was being played in the town, well before the foundation of the university in the year 1411.

James IV, grandson of James II, also tried to stop his Scottish subjects from playing the game, but ended up being a keen player himself. His royal influence helped the popularity of the game which then spread over Scotland. Treasury records in 1502 state he paid 14 shillings for some clubs, other entries show bills for balls. It is recorded that he lost a 14 shillings wager, on a game with the Earl of Bothwell.

Old Course Ballot

We are pleased to assist guests obtain a tee time on the Old Course via the daily ballot. Approximately 50% of Old Course starting times are not allocated to advance starting times but are allocated via the ballot.

How does the ballot process for starting times on the Old Course work?

Nearly half of the total number of tee times on the Old Course each year are allocated to the Ballot to give people who have been unable to book in advance a chance of playing. It is drawn 48 hours in advance. Golfers should provide their names, home club and handicap details (24 for men and 36 for women) either by phone on +44 (0)1334 466666 or at one of the clubhouses before 2pm 48 hours before the day before they wish to play. The draw will be made shortly after that and the results posted by 4pm each day. There must be at least two golfers in the group. Click here for the latest ballot results.

Non-Golfers

Take time to explore the town, and take pleasure at the surprises and delights you will come upon. The shops in St Andrews are varied and of the highest quality, there are many excellent coffee houses and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Scottish food. Or we can arrange a tour with a guide to show you the delights of this part of the world.

The Wee White Ball

In my hand I hold a ball, white, dimpled and rather small.
Oh how bland it does appear this harmless looking little sphere?
By its size I could not guess, the awesome strength it does possess.
But since I fell beneath its spell, I've wandered through the fires of hell.
My life has not been quite the same, since I chose to play this game.
It rules my mind for hours on end, a fortune it has made me spend.
It has made me curse and cry. I hate myself and want to die.
It promises a thing called par. If I can hit it straight and far.
To master such a tiny ball should not be very hard at all.
But my desires the ball refuses and does exactly as it chooses.
It hooks and slices, dribbles and dies, or disappears before my eyes.
Often it will have a whim to hit a tree or have a swim.
With miles of grass on which to land, it finds a tiny patch of sand.
Then it has me offering up my sole, if only it would find the hole.
It's made me whimper like a pup and swear that I will give it up.
And take to drink to ease my sorrows, but the wee ball knowsI'll be back tomorrow!

Author: Unknown