Caddie Golf Tours

A wonderful days golf was organised for the St. Andrews Links caddies at the stunningly beautiful Dukes Course situated above the 'auld grey toon' of St. Andrews w ith simply magnificent panoramic views across the historic old town, the surrounding countryside and the sea. The view from the clubhouse overlooking the 18th green with St. Andrews beyond. The Golf Manager of the championship Dukes Course, David Scott, was kind enough to arrange six tee times with our very own David Coyne, laying on bacon rolls and coffee upon arrival plus a truly memorable 'High Tea' after our round was completed. A fantastic experience that all the caddies are looking forward to repeating annually. The 'Club Sandwich' was quite probably the best that our well traveled bunch of caddies had ever eaten. This was then topped by a delightful selection of scones and cakes just to finish off what was a tremendous meal. Badgers, the 6th green at this Par 5. The golf course was originally...

An unexpected invitation to play at one of Scotland's historic links golf courses is one that cannot be passed up. The North Berwick West Links was formed in 1832 and it is believed to be the 13th oldest golf club in the world. It sits on the Forth Estuary, south of Edinburgh, on the east coast of Scotland. A view of the sea is visible from almost every hole with the playing conditions at the vagaries of the wind blowing from it. On this Saturday afternoon, on February 7th, it certainly blew hard and cold. Wooly hats, thermal shirts and waterproofs were essential garb. My playing partners, Andy and Neil, are great golfing buddies and Andy set up this surprise visit to North Berwick. I had last played here with them two years ago, give or take a couple of weeks, so it was good to have the opportunity to take on the links, once again, in  good company. The views on many of the golf holes at North Berwick are absolutely stunning as can be seen from this selection of photographs. Above...

I regularly return to this life affirming poem from the great English poet John Betjamin, it's simplicity and joy show the beauty of playing golf on the links (seaside) golf courses of Britain. Seaside Golf How straight it flew, how long it flew It cleared the rutty track And soaring disappeared from view Beyond the bunker's back - A glorious, sailing, bounding drive That made me glad I was alive. And down the fairway, far along It glowed a lonely white; I played an iron sure and strong And clipped it out of sight, And spite of grassy banks between I knew I'd find it on the green. And so I did, it lay content Two paces from the pin; A steady putt and then it went Oh, most securely in. The very turf rejoiced to see That quite unprecedented three. Ah! Seaweed smells from sandy caves And thyme and mist in whiffs, In-coming tide, Atlantic waves Slapping sunny cliffs, Lark song and sea sounds in the air And splendour, splendour everywhere. John Betjamin