The 2010 British Open @ The Old Course in St. Andrews

[questionmotives]

Three Canadian's, and a Scot (who will serve as our uncompensated tour guide) are heading to the 2010 British Open at the birth place of golf, St. Andrews, Scotland. Yes, I am freaking excited!

We purchased full passes to the event for £200 and will be buying flights before the end of the month.

Just wanted to know if any other CP'ers will be making the trip, or maybe made it in the past? I remember seeing a couple of Flames jerseys last year during the coverage on championship Sunday.

Also, any advice from people that have been through Scotland besides the obvious awesome weather? Accommodation is taken care of but besides that we are open to anything. Sights to see? Favorite watering holes? Golf courses? Food? etc. We hope to play at least one round of golf in Scotland, and will be meeting some friends in Wales for a round (golf and beer).

Thanks, and maybe we'll see you there. Look for two Flames jerseys, a Sens jersey and a Red Wings jersey on Sunday!

Go Tiger!!!

[habernac]

Awesome! I want to go there one day. My grandfather told me stories of how he'd walk the fairways there after his bombing missions in WW2 (Luchar's air strip is very close by).

[Kybosh]

I've been the St. Andrews and walked the old course the same year that the Open was at Carnoustie. Are you going anywhere else in Scotland other than St. Andrews? Seeing the Open will be sweet but St. Andrews itself isn't all that exciting.

[questionmotives]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

I've been the St. Andrews and walked the old course the same year that the Open was at Carnoustie. Are you going anywhere else in Scotland other than St. Andrews? Seeing the Open will be sweet but St. Andrews itself isn't all that exciting.

Definitely will be touring around Scotland. We have tickets to the whole event but will probably skip a day of the practice rounds. As well, we will have some time either before or after the event. Any suggestions?

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by questionmotives

Definitely will be touring around Scotland. We have tickets to the whole event but will probably skip a day of the practice rounds. As well, we will have some time either before or after the event. Any suggestions?

Edinburgh is mint. Sterling is an alright day trip for the castle and Wallace monument. Loch Ness is dreary and moody but is a can't miss in my opinion. I stayed in Drumnadrochit at this farm with Highland Cows (Hailin' Coos). The highlands are where it's at though, lots of neat landscapes and old castles etc. I didn't spend much time in Glasgow so I can't help much there. I played a round of golf at a municipal course in Inverness and another along the coast near Aberdeen. If you can play a links style course on the coast do it at all costs.

At night, stay on the road and keep clear of the moors.

[gonzo29]

No tips, but full blown jealousy is setting in.

[T@T]

You might get decent odds on Tiger if you bet him right now. Anything better than 2-1 would be a great bet...he owns that course and will win by 5 shots.

Here to help

[Knut]

Glasgow was not exciting at all.. Just another big city... Do not worry if you do not have the time to see it.

Do the underground tour of Edinburgh and visit the Whisky historical center right by the castle.

[Misterpants]

For fish and chips...

http://www.anstrutherfishbar.co.uk/findus.html

Close to St. Andrews and a really cool little town.

[HOOT]

[rubecube]

^^ That picture is the best. Odd enough to see one Flames jersey at that event, let alone four.

[sa226]

I'd like to bump this thread, it kind of got buried here but...

I might be going to Scotland for about 5 days next week.....

Probably staying in Edinburgh

Any tips would be appreciated.

[scottish_flame]

Edinburgh is a must for historical sights. Glasgow is great for night clubs and shopping and is more cosmopolitan with less tourists. I lived in Glasgow most of my life and loved it. Both cities have very nice old buildings such as the castle in Edinburgh and glasgow university.

I would also reccomend visiting some lochs such as Loch Lomond and Loch Ness if the weather is good.

But be weary of where you go when it gets dark because it can get nasty do some reasearch on where not to go and you will enjoy your trip.

[valo403]

I spent a couple days in Glasgow and actually had a great time, even without doing too much drinking. The one site that I really remember was the city hall, just an amazing interior and well worth taking the tour.

[questionmotives]

Bump.

Leaving in five days for Glasgow, heading to Wales to see some friends and golf/drink, and then up to St. Andrews for the tournament.

Obviously really looking forward to see the world's best at the Old Course, specifically the four hole champions tournament the Wednesday before the Open begins. I'm hoping they will pair Tiger and Daly together so I can hear them exchange war stories.

Anyone else from CP going to make the trip? Predictions? Recommendations for Scotland?

I will send updates from St. Andrews if I have access to a computer and am not in too deep with the local beverage.

[MRCboicgy]

Jimmy Chung's Chinese Buffet just near Waverly train station in Edinburgh was fantastic. When I was first taken to a Chinese place in Scotland, I was skeptical, but I really loved it.

The tou pan chicken was to die for, so were the chips and curry and of course dessert

[NBC]

Will you have a car? Unfortunately in the UK the nicest and most interesting spots are ones that are not serviced all that well by public transit. Trains run to Leuchars, 10 minute bus ride from St. Andrews. Bus service is OK in and out of the area, but it can be a bit tedious.

The West Coast of Scotland is really nice. Rugged, sparsely populated, lots of nice villages and towns.

Deep fried chocolate bars can be found at many Scottish chippies. Now that's good eating!