Day 5 St. Andrew’s Golf Links in Scotland!!

We boarded the bus this morning under a light sprinkle of rain, on our way to the iconic St. Andrews golf course. Luckily, when we arrived, the rain had stopped 😀 and we were all happy about that. With only 50 minutes to explore, we headed out quickly. Our first sight was West Sands Beach and the sweeping view of the North Sea. We also saw the historic St Andrews Golf Club, founded in 1843 — a private club with members from around the world and a clubhouse overlooking the famous 18th green of the Old Course.

 As we walked, we saw several Golfers starting their round of golf, which is approximately $500 to play.

We were determined to get our photos on the bridge at the 18th hole of St. Andrews. As we made our way down, we spotted an older gentleman walking by with his coat dragging behind him. I mentioned it, and he replied, “My coat’s dragging — and so is my ass. I’m 82!” We burst out laughing. He struck up a conversation and told us he was a club member. He explained that joining costs thousands, and the annual fees are just as steep. Then, completely out of the blue, he asked if we were able to climb out a window. If we could, he said he’d show us the best view of the entire course. I told him we absolutely could. He motioned for us to follow him and led us straight to the private St. Andrews Golf Club. At the door, he tapped his card, told me to pull it open, and just like that — we were inside the most prestigious golf club in the world. Our jaws dropped.

 

 He told us to go up three flights of stairs and head into the Snooker room, where we’d find a window with a small balcony. We followed his instructions exactly. I called down to him and said we saw a room with pool tables, and he yelled back up, “They’re called Snookers—go on in!”

We found the Snooker room, and I walked straight to the window and opened it.

  

 I climbed up onto the ledge and swung my legs out the window, and Marlon followed right behind me. We took some amazing photos overlooking the St. Andrews golf links. We stood on that little balcony just soaking in the view, feeling unbelievably lucky to be inside the private St. Andrews Club. Meeting Bob — the man who let us in and showed us the best spot to see the course — was a dream come true. When we told Jim, our bus guide, he couldn’t believe we actually got inside. We were definitely lucky today.

 

Look at the view from up on the balcony! 

We climbed back through the window and headed downstairs, where Bob was waiting with more stories. He walked us along the hallway, pointing out the portraits and explaining the history behind the club. He told us that in the early days, the course was actually mowed by sheep. Then he shared the story of Tom Morris, the legendary St. Andrews groundskeeper, who learned about Edwin Beard Budding, the man who invented the first lawn mower in 1830. Tom approached Budding and asked if he could build a motorized mower capable of cutting wider swaths of grass. He told Budding that if he could create it, St. Andrews would make it worth his while. And from that moment, the evolution of modern greenskeeping began.

We were unbelievably lucky to step inside the most famous private country club of them all. We didn’t have time to get our picture on the 18th‑hole bridge, but that didn’t matter — we gained a new friend and heard stories straight from someone who lives the history of St. Andrews. We even shopped a little in the club… and yes, we overspent. With only 50 minutes total and just 10 minutes left to get back to the bus, we had to rush out. Bob filled our short visit with stories we’ll never forget. What an experience.

Young Tom Morris (20 April 1851 – 25 December 1875) was a Scottish golf legend long before the sport had many. Considered the first great young talent in golf, he won the Open Championship four consecutive times — 1868, 1869, 1870, and 1872 — all by age 21. The pocket watch displayed was the prize from his final victory. His story ends tragically. When his wife gave birth, complications claimed both her life and the baby’s. Devastated, Young Tom spiraled into grief and alcohol. One winter night, he fell asleep outside in the cold and died on Christmas Day at just 24 years old.

I was craving an iced coffee, and luckily, the bus was parked right next to the St. Andrews Coffee House. I ordered one, but I was in such a hurry that I walked off and left it on the counter. Good thing Marlon shared his with me.