MEMO FROM HELENSBURGH

Here in the country that considers itself 'The Home of Golf', there is no greater honour than to become an adopted favourite son based upon your golfing prowess, and perhaps there was never a better candidate for this honour than Bobby Jones.

There was a time when only a few made the pilgrimage to the hallowed ground at St Andrews. Then over the last decade the ranks of those wanting to add the Old Course to their résumé swelled, almost to the breaking point. Many only came for that one round around the Old Course and continued on their journey. Thankfully there are now additional golf courses and accommodation options to accommodate the additional golfers visiting St Andrews, but also allowing them to spend time in this marvelous medieval town, almost untouched by time, and to really soak up the great golfing heritage.

The big news at the St. Andrews Golf Hotel is the creation of the 'PerryGolf Penthouse.' The hotel has completed a renovation of the third floor which consists of 4 twin /double rooms that have been completely refurbished. A living area, exclusively for guests of the entire floor has also been created. It is perfect to base out of for extended stays in St Andrews, especially for groups of eight, such as when combined with use of the VIP Coach, who will enjoy added amenities similar to those currently found at the 'PerryGolf Lodges at Turnberry.'

While PerryGolf has the ability to offer our clients guaranteed time times on the Old Course, no one may play on Sundays when the course is closed for the enjoyment of the entire town. The addition of St Andrews Bay and its two championship courses, combined with neighboring Kingsbarns, is a great resource for those who wish to spend a weekend in the charming town but not give up their golf.

Off course, The Old Course Hotel has plans to enlarge its spa facility. And the dining in St Andrews has something for everyone between the excellent hotel restaurants and the fabulous Indian buffets catering to student budgets. The town is small enough to cover by walking, but features an eclectic collection of wonderful shops that will keep you entertained for an entire afternoon. Sightseeing abounds with the cathedral ruins, the castle ruins, British Golf Museum, and Botanical Gardens, among other worthwhile attractions.

We invite you on your next, or first, visit to Scotland to consider spending some quality time getting to know the other town that Bobby Jones called home.

CENTENARY OF FIRST INTERNATIONAL GOLF MATCH
ENGLAND v SCOTLAND APRIL 2002

Colin Dalgleish was privileged to have taken part in a tournament last month to commemorate the centenary of the first international golf match, which took place between Scotland and England at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 1902. Dalgleish, a member of the GB & I 1981 Walker Cup team and Scottish Amateur Champion in 1981, was 3 holes up against Malcolm Lewis, contributing to Scotland¹s 34-15 victory over the English Squad.

Captaining the winning Scottish team was Charlie Green, Scotland¹s most capped player. The English team was led by Sir Michael Bonallack, former Secretary of the Royal & Ancient, and one of England¹s most successful amateurs. The match followed the original format of two teams of ten in 36 hole singles with the result decided by the total number of holes won. In the initial match Scotland also prevailed by a score of 32 holes to 25. The inaugural match was played on Saturday April 26, 1902, immediately before the Amateur Championship. The match became an annual event and eventually became incorporated with the Home Internationals.

The event was capped off by a dinner hosted by Royal Liverpool Golf Club, the guest list included the Presidents and Secretaries of the English and Scottish Golf Unions, as well as the players in the match and Club members. The original 1902 dinner menu was closely followed with participants dining on Capon and Tongue Ecarlate, Sole Bonne Femme, Tournedos a la Provencale and Chartreuse of Apricot Royale.