Wednesday, on the 90-minute drive to Crail, our driver Tom stopped in Pittenweem to show us this small coastal community. He let us out to wander down the steep, narrow stone-walled stairwells to the seaside village. There we were, amongst the fishing boats, lobster pots, and squawking shorebirds. So quaint and colorful, it had the look and feel of a New England fishing community.
Upon our arrival to Crail, we unloaded and prepared to tackle the Balcomie Links – the supposed home of Shivas Irons for those familiar with Golf in the Kingdom. The wind was absolutely howling, but the setting was so picturesque, as again we were on the coast. The entire course was spectacular and challenging, from the first tee shot that sends your ball off of a cliff, to the steep uphill climb back to the 19th hole. The 10th tee was exciting as balls from the 9th tee flew overhead. We had a different kind of excitement on the 13th, as Val had a chance at an eagle putt! Adjacent and much like the first hole, the gorgeous #14 par-3 drops severely downhill. The fine finishing holes appear beyond the bend along the waterfront again!
As the dining room in the clubhouse had the same stunning views of the Firth of Forth meeting the North Sea and without any of the wind, we had decided to dine there. BUT.. our driver Tom had other plans, and suggested we head on to St Andrews, and check in early to the Macdonald Rusacks before dark. Despite this sudden change of plans, we were happy to arrive twenty minutes later in St. Andrews, THE Home of Golf!
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