Very disappointed at the level of shoes on sale in TK Maxx. Bought some jeans instead. More chance of us not losing to Palace via a Benteke VAR related last minute winner than those fitting me. SLIM fit, Ben Sherman £29. Rrp £243 etc. PS why is everyone orange in Thurmaston?
It’s been several months since I’ve returned from my trip to Scotland. I gave myself time to digest it all and let the “newness” wear off. Was it what I expected? Was it what I had hoped it would be? Could it live up to the hype? Are the courses really that good?
Well, the minute I stepped off the plane, jumped in the car, and drove straight to the Highlands, I knew Scotland was different. It was beautiful. It was serene. Just natural land and then small coastal towns. Life seems to be at a much slower pace. The friendliness of the people is warming. Genuinely cordial and welcoming. I felt like I ventured back in time with the oldness of the buildings and structures. The everyday stress of work and life seemed to vanish. I knew it was different from the start.
The courses I played were historic and memorable. Classic links. In some ways I wish I was playing with hickories. Playing the ball on the ground, using the humps and bumps of the land. Being imaginative, battling the wind. It was golf in its truest form. Every club had its history. Most, more than a century old. You just feel the lore and nostalgia of it all.
Then, the minute I arrived into St Andrews it was immediately a different feeling. Walking around, my eyes couldn’t believe it. It really is the home of golf. The town breathes, eats, and sleeps it. Golf is everywhere. The shops, the pubs, the hotels, you are reminded non stop. I could walk that town for hours upon hours day after day. Truly special.
I’m often asked why I joined a club over there? I joined Nairn sight unseen. Having watched videos, listening to podcasts - all talk about the history of it. The championship links, the archive room, the membership. Everyone said over and over it is the most welcoming club. Once I stepped foot there and experienced it, I knew I was home. One of the best decisions ever made.
As I’m getting older, empty nesters, and ability to travel more, along with my job and business giving me the ability to work from anywhere - Scotland is going to be a second home. Applications are in at a few other clubs. We will have home bases throughout the country to spend several days at each and immerse ourselves in the towns.
I’m a true golf and history nerd. I read book after book on architecture and club histories. I watch videos on YouTube non stop about it all. I’ve researched my family origins which traces to Ireland, Scotland, and England. Hopefully will be able to connect more dots in years ahead. Scotland is all I think about. Literally every day. It captivated me and dug its claws into me. All of this is how I know it’s the place. I think we all as humans have something or somewhere that connects us or brings us happiness. The connections I’ve already made there with so many folks are special. All wanting to share their country and history and clubs/courses. It is really incredible.
So yes, to all who’ve asked what I thought, why I thought or did, etc., yes it truly is that special of a country. One that I cannot wait to get back to. If you haven’t gone yet and are thinking about it, do it. You will not regret it.
Morning take a brisk walk it works! The amount of people who tell me after a walk feel so much better than they did before the walk! Good point for ~West Ham it should have been 3!! Today its got to be Roast Dinner!! Cant believe the amount of Restaurant's now with a Xmas menu its still November!! Saying that I love Pigs in Blankets. Have a good day