I was in the first grade the winter that my family lived in Phoenix; there was a city owned golf course down the street, and my father indulged in a childhood fantasy and learned to play golf. He had cadied as a teenager, but never played. He loved it. And played pretty steadily into his late 70's when his health reached a point that he couldn't walk the short course anymore. Playing golf, and the country club set were a social stretch for him. He always felt like he was the poor man on the rich man's ground.
I learned to play the first winter we spent in Florida. I was in the 8th grade. The over crowded schools were on split sessions, my classes started at 7:00 AM am finished at noon. I was home by 1:00 PM everyday. (My sister's classes started at noon and she was home after 6:30 PM.) I played often for about 5 years, then put a cover over the clubs in the corner of the garage. When we were moving from Florida to Kentucky I realized the cover had not been off the clubs in the twelve years I lived in that house, and sold them on the garage sale. My sister and my middle brother play. I have not in over 45 years.
I don't dislike the game. I kind of understand it. Golf courses can be really wonderful places, I have been to Pebble Beach, and Pinehurst. Watching golf on television can be sleep inducing.
Visiting St. Andrews was special. It is historic and pretty. It is sacred ground for many golfers. I am glad we were able to do so.
I love golf courses but find the game of golf incredibly boring.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest brother rants that golf courses are a terrible waste of good farm land.
DeleteI agree with Mark Twain. It’s a good walk spoiled.
DeleteFrom a conversation with my brother. He and a mate hired a car to drive from Glasgow to St Andrews. On the course, his head was in a magical place. It was a dream place for him to visit.
ReplyDeleteWe took a local train from Edinburgh and a local bus from the nearest train station. The station in St Andrews closed years ago.
DeleteGreat pictures! Loved seeing the golfclub house. The only golfer in my family was my uncle, my mother's brother. Golf and cigars.
ReplyDeletePretty places.
DeleteI made a stab at learning how to play golf. Took some lessons, went to the driving range with a bucket of balls, practised my swing, played 9 holes, etc. I never really became an enthusiast though. There are much easier and more fun ways to socialize with people.
ReplyDeleteAnd to spend time with more than 4 people at a time.
DeleteI am an ex-Golf player; the ball always refused to go in the desired direction!
ReplyDeleteMust have been a defective golf ball.
DeleteGolf courses make beautiful parks.
ReplyDeleteI find it as boring as bowling with different sized balls.
There is an old joke about giving up bowling for something where the balls are smaller and you don't have to change your shoes.
DeleteOne of the meccas of golf for those who love the game. And what fun to walk along the paths and through St. Andrews based on Angus' stories.
ReplyDeleteI kept seeing things that show up in his posts, he was in Japan when I was in St Andrews. I don't know if he would have been willing to meet for coffee, but I would have gladly bought.
DeleteHow great to visit this storied place. I didn't realize it was so close to the ocean. Beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteThe train ride from Edinburgh passes by a couple of amazing seaside villages.
DeleteGolf takes too long. I'd rather just stroll around a park if I want to be outside.
ReplyDeleteSome described golf, as a good walk spoiled.
Deletethank you; I have never seen it until now.
ReplyDeleteSo many interesting places to explore.
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