45under45: Day 12 Golfing at Carnoustie and St. Andrews

We were unsure of how long it would take to get to Carnoustie from Edinburgh, so we woke early and headed out with many hours to spare before the scheduled tee time. As we arrived in Carnoustie, Shawn and my dad perked up when they saw the course. Me? I perked up when I greeted the North Sea at a beautifully graceful low tide. But my beach combing was placed on hold. Shawn and my dad needed golf balls and with a strong chilly/misty wind...Shawn needed a sweater or some type of windbreaker. So, I dropped them off at a golf shop and masterfully was able to maneuver the beastly van in a tiny private parking lot in order to turn around rather than drive under a bridge that I didn't think we could clear. Next stop, into the town for a sweater and some more nimble driving techniques. Amazingly, Shawn was able to find a fine wool sweater! My dad said, "Let's drive around for a bit, perhaps find some lunch." To that I replied, "I'm done driving." Back to the golf course parking lot and the parting of ways: Shawn and my dad were off to golf, the kids, my mom, and I were off to THE BEACH!!!

Summer and Nicholas kicked off their shoes and enjoyed the nearly a twenty foot difference between high and low tide.

The water was quite cold, but the tidal pools were irresistible.

After the kids had their fill of the beach, we went on to check out the playground. And what an amazing find! The kids played for ages, but my mom and I were getting hungry and were hoping for lunch. We managed to peel the kids off with the promise of food.

Look at Summer's laugh! The sight of Nicholas falling off of the rope swing WAS funny, but I'm sure that as the older sister...his falling was poetic justice.

Even Grandma couldn't resist!

Off to find some lunch. I drove us down the main drag of town...and then kept going until I was out of the town. (Aha! I had the kids captive and they were at my mercy.) Nicholas, ever the adventurer, was told, "Go stand in that field so I can take a picture of you." My mom, ever the worrier, voiced her concern, "What if there are snakes? You shouldn't do that. Don't!"

When Nicholas got back in the car he said, "See Grandma. I'm OK."

Onward captives! We drove on for a few more miles, through fields and down skinny one lane roads, until I decided that it was time to turn around and actually find something to eat. I chose to turn down a small road to follow the signs to a fruit stand. Oh, and what a find it was!

NOT a tourist attraction! A real working farm with a stand for the locals. Gigantic meringues, the most amazing berries, biscuits, jam...

The kids enjoyed feeding snacks to the farm dog, who was recovering from having had its tail run over just the day before. (Apparently, it doesn't know to have a fear of cars.)

After an oh so nutritious lunch of three different flavors of meringues and three bins of fresh berries, we headed back to the golf course/playground/beach. I went back to the beach while my mom watched the kids play.

We "managed" to burn off about five hours in total. I think we all had a great time in Carnoustie. I had a huge pocket full of sea glass from the beach. The kids had a great and lawless romp on the beach and through the playground equipment. My mom presided over our safety. Shawn and my dad both shot in the 90s at "Car-nasty", considered by many to be one of the toughest courses in the world! But the day still wasn't over.

We were off to St. Andrews...

The view of the Royal and Ancient from the steps of our hotel.

Without a tee time booked in advance, there was still a chance... of a possibly...maybe...if all the stars align...of actually being able to "walk-on" to play the Old Course. My dad decided that since he had already played the R&A, and was tired from walking Carnoustie that morning, he would not try for the "walk on". Shawn, on the other hand, excitedly chose to give it a shot.

After dinner, drinks, and free wifi, he set his alarm for 3:00 am to get in line (for the 6:00 am opening) and the very slight chance of walking on. By the time he was able to actually get himself up and get into the queue, it was about 4:00 and there were twelve people ahead of him. Now, wait: TWO MORE HOURS. (Luckily, all of the rest of us slept through all of these shenanigans.) Miracle of all miracles, Shawn was able to get a tee time of sorts. He was told, "Show up at 10:45...not 10:40, but 10:45." TA DA!!!!

No pressure! This is just THEE most famous golf course in all the world and there are masses of people waiting to watch you tee off. Oh, and don't worry about not having any sleep last night. ;)

So, off the rest of us went to take a bus tour.

View of the Royal and Ancient from the bus.

We hopped off at...

St. Andrews Cathedral

My dad and Nicholas taking a rest in the ruins.

I never get tired of exploring ruins and abandoned things.

Summer reenacting the opening scene of The Hunger Games.

Nicholas with "Oliver".*

Nicholas with "Oliver" again.

*"Oliver" is an otter that we got as a gift for a dear friend who LOOOOVES otters. Apparently, the UK has loads of otters.

The grave of Tom Morris.

The kids and I went on down to the shore line while my folks went on to see St. Andrews Castle.

St. Andrews Castle

And then, it began to rain. It drizzled as we walked back to our hotel. And then, the rain fell in sheets! Oh, poor Shawn. His game...

We sought refuge in my folks' room that had a view of the 18th green. I texted Shawn and he was still playing! We bolted out of the room and literally RAN to see him come up 18.

Whew! Made it!

The caddy invited Nicholas to walk the rest of the hole with Shawn!

From Shawn's Facebook: A golfers dream. Par on Cartgate. Par on corner of the Dyke. Bogey on the road hole. And a birdie on Tom Morris. I wouldn't trade 5 hole in ones for it. And getting to share it with my wife and kids goes beyond my capacity to describe. Teeing off at 1 with all those people, walking that course, and finishing that way is real life magic stuff. I'm humbled. — with Jennifer Melnick-Wolf at Old Course at St Andrews.