NEWS
LIFELONG MEMORIES OF THE HOME OF GOLF
In June / July , 16 boys and three staff flew to the home of Scotch College and the home of golf , Scotland . It was a trip that would be unlike any other , playing some of the most historic golf courses in the game . Seventeen days and 13 rounds of golf were set to provide a trip that none of us had been on before , spanning from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond , St Andrews and the East Lothian district .
After over 24 hours of travel , touching down in Edinburgh brought a new edge of excitement among the boys . We drove straight to Loch Lomond , jumping on a cruise along the loch , looking up to Ben Lomond and Connick Hill to the small village of Luss . Our first day of golf at Cameron House set the tone for the trip , with its spectacular views and excellent course . The holes wind up the high road and then down the low road , with the closing holes stretching along the loch . Our time in Loch Lomond of course finished with the singing of the song as a group , next to the 16th green in the warm Scottish sun , on the bonnie , bonnie banks .
Moving on to Edinburgh , we had the opportunity to play in matches against George Watson ’ s College at Mortonhall Golf Club . The course is a hidden gem in the heart of Edinburgh , with conditions to the highest standard , proving the perfect grounds for us to play with some Scots and form new relationships . After a hilly walk and a hot day , the boys continued the enjoyment of the Scottish summer , sitting on the deck of the clubhouse having a drink with some new mates .
After buying some Scottish flat caps , and our first night in the
University of Edinburgh , we ventured off on a walking tour . Our local guide Rob , appropriately dressed in a kilt , opened our eyes to Edinburgh from St Giles ’ Cathedral to Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Royal Mile .
WILLIAM CHEAH OF YEAR 10 WAS
A MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN
DELEGATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICAL
OLYMPIAD
Our next round of golf was at Swanston , a hilly course built near ski slopes . Some boys played the par three course , and others against Merchiston Castle School in some more matches . Merchiston , being ranked one of the best golf schools in the UK ,
VERY SUCCESSFUL SCOTLAND GOLF AND
HERITAGE TOUR
proved to be a tough challenge for us Scotchies , but not as tough as the weather , as we had finally seen the first drops of rain of the trip . The next day we ventured to Edinburgh Castle , for one last intake of Edinburgh history before St Andrews . It was a foggy day on top of the 900-year-old castle , as we explored its grounds , from ancient prison cells to seeing the crown jewels .
The afternoon saw us drive north to St Andrews , the home of golf . The first time seeing the Old Course was an unforgettable moment . With the grounds so steeped in history , it was difficult to fathom that a handful of Scotchies had actually made their way to the hallowed turf . Another walking tour , this time with Rod . He spoke about Cam Smith ’ s record breaking open , and about Tiger ’ s masterclass at St Andrews as we walked from the links clubhouse to the 17th green on the Old Course . After an obligatory photo on the Swilkan bridge joined by the Principal , we made our way to our accommodation at St Andrews University .
Crail was our first seaside link , a club established in 1786 with stone walls running through the property . Highlights include Mr Smithers ’ near hole in one and Ms Morrison ’ s hole out . That night , we found ourselves at a local fish and chippery , owned by a St Catherine ’ s alum .
The following morning we suited up with candies and ties for our tour of the Royal and Ancient Club House , the club that formed the rules of golf , with the iconic clubhouse on the Old Course . We walked its hallways , beside paintings of Willie Park Jnr and Old Tom Morris , and saw where the claret jug is kept . Mr Noble insisted he potted the black in the billiards room and did so successfully .
In our candies , we played the famous Himalayas putting green , a fun warm-up to our afternoon of golf . Our outfit was popular among the locals , with many photos taken .
At this stage of the trip some boys had had the fortune of winning the ballot to play the Old Course . For those lucky ones , it was a cherished experience that never will be forgotten .
We played St Andrew ’ s Eden Course , and the afternoon
44 Great Scot