Given Edinburgh being within striking distance of golf’s birthplace, we just had to take the pilgrimage to the hallowed grounds of St. Andrews. Our driver for the day trip was named Steve, an interesting character who was Scottish born, had served in the English army and played golf until his children arrived. Along the drive, Steve and Jillian struck up a wide-ranging conversation that included topics of gun control, views of the English monarchy and Donald Trump! Thankfully they both shared common views on these potentially hot-button items even though coming from different geographical perspectives.

St. Andrews is a charming small town that sits on the eastern coast of England along the North Sea and boasts seven golf courses! While we had a gorgeous sunny day, I can see how the elements here could make a round of golf quite challenging. The town is also the home of St. Andrews University, where William and Kate met, and the chosen college for a fair number of American students from wealthy families. The Old Course was being prepared for the 150th British Open Championship in July. We saw workers meticulously painting buildings, fences and gazebos, getting everything spruced up for this event. We understand the course is shut for play 1 month before the tournament to ensure the grass is in tip-top shape.

No playing the course for me as the quality of my golf game when I left the U.S. certainly did not merit the attempt – I do hope the visit to this golf mecca allows my game to channel a minuscule portion of the talent that will be on display from the pro golfers in the Open tournament!

From St. Andrews, we headed further north to the Dewars distillery. Here they make Scotch Whisky (yes, spelled without the “e”and can only be labeled this when the liquor’s been entirely produced and bottled in Scotland). Jillian braved a tasting only to clearly confirm that she’s NOT a “neat” Whisky drinker.