I wasn’t five minutes into explaining my British Open ambitions to Scottish golf writer Martin Dempster before I fired a hozel-rocket into the weeds of the Crail Golfing Society. In our morning on-course interview, the first golf shot I showed him was a hard pitch-out into the gorse. I feared for my Scottish newspaper debut, and as I got it to two-under in the afternoon on the Balcomie Links, long after the interview had ended, I nearly texted Martin: STOP THE PRESSES, I can actually play! But then I bogeyed the final three holes (two three-putts, ooof) and figured I deserved whatever was coming to me in the paper. Martin was kind enough to look past my shank (even though it does make an appearance in the story — deservedly so) and wrote a generous piece in The Scotsman today. And in case it isn’t obvious enough that it’s awesome having my family here, after Maggie saw my picture in the paper, she noted that Mommy was there on the cover. Kids rule. 
So I’ll let Martin write the update today — it’s dinnertime in St. Andrews, and I have to go get fish n chips for the family. (One of the many reasons I love Scotland: The difference between the fish and the fish supper at the local take-away is a hulking pile of chips. Fried potato=meal.)
The Links Life 
I was glad to see your mention of Anstruther. A fun track that deserves the pub!
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Martin looks like a disgusted Philly’s fan reading the morning sports page about yet another loss. Also looks like my granddaughter, Carley.
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Tom you’re up and running and making the newspapers already. Go easy on the fish’N chips. Remember you’re not walking this time!
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Yes, get some greens with those lovely take away dinners…they are called mushy peas! yummy….
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So Tom…that shot at Crail was like someone else’s shot at Kilkee which you memorialized.
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It’s the 21st of May so I suppose you have played Carnoustie by now. I have always believed it to be the “best test of golf” in the world. Some tricked up courses are harder, others are certainly prettier, but none more changeling yet fair. The 10th is my favorite. I will wait for your take on this track.
Gene
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Happy Memorial Day Tom,
I am sure the Scotts have a bank holiday coming up soon? I look forward to real fish n chips but please try the deep fried mars bar to bulk up for the qualifier. Safe travels my friend and see you soon.
Regards
Paddy the Caddy
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Happy Memorial Day Tom,
I am sure the Scotts have a bank holiday coming up soon? I look forward to real fish n chips but please try the deep fried mars bar to bulk up for the qualifier. Safe travels my friend and see you soon.
Regards
Paddy the Caddy
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