The Conservatory at the Old Course Hotel is located right off the famous Road Hole at St. Andrews. As such, it offers residents and guests one of the great views of The Open Championship, the second shots into the 17th green. Also, the panorama of the 1st and 18th fairways, Swilken Bridge and the R&A clubhouse.
After our windswept, 18-hole tour of the course following Brian, we repaired to the comfy confines of The Conservatory for a quick bite. Amazingly, the place was almost empty. At the same time, my guess is that the Road Hole Bar three floors above was packed! Here's a photo of our 'private party' thoroughly enjoying that time together.
From the bay windows behind us, you are standing within just a few feet of the players preparing their approaches into the green. It's kind of eerie, because there is no gallery! All spectators are routed from behind the teebox down toward the first green, and there is no crosswalk to get back to the right side -- or left side! -- of the fairway.
So, there before the very few of us that afternoon walked the greatest players in the game. Those included Tiger Woods and Tom Watson, just minutes before his poignant final waves from Swilken Bridge. I've got couple of shots of Old Tom on #17, but they're loaded in another camera and will have to wait.
Usually, the activity on the walk just in front of us was minimal. Here, for example, is a lone cameraman and an unobstructed view of Rory McIlroy playing his second.
However, things grew far more hectic as the camera crews converged on our idyllic setting in preparation for Tiger's arrival!
Just doesn't seem as compelling without Tiger of even Phil contending, as far as compelling, nothing beats Tom Watson trying to repeat as champion a century after he first won it.
Just doesn't seem as compelling without Tiger of even Phil contending, as far as compelling, nothing beats Tom Watson trying to repeat as champion a century after he first won it.
Why not? Its not always about Tiger or Phil you know. There was a lot of golf played and played well throughout the week. These guys can play!
Alex
Why not? Its not always about Tiger or Phil you know. There was a lot of golf played and played well throughout the week. These guys can play!
Alex
I totally agree with you, Alex; it was a great 4 days of golf. The only negative takeaway for me was that about half the field was eliminated based on the luck of the draw. Louis came across as one of the more humble and sincere guys I've seen in a while; it was great to seem him win pulling away.
I've got a bunch of photos from Saturday and today. It will take time to get them up, and my travel schedule makes that more problematic than usual.
Meanwhile, check out these great photos of O.B. Left -- for a change, on the right! -- and his older brother, John. I took them yesterday (Saturday) from the West Deck of the Old Course Hotel. And, yes, that would be the venerable R&A Clubhouse in the distance directly between them.
Other than perhaps a tv cameraman up in a cane tower , we were amongst the only people on earth with a view of the Road Holes tee and fairway at the same time. The players were quite literally hitting over the Hotel. The roof of the solarium some four floors beneath us was littered with balls. Those were great great times, Lynn.
The next day we traveled to Carnoustie. There were a couple of senior players in the group of ahead of us............Fred Funk and Bobby Clampett. I'll post a video of Bobby driving off from the 1st when I get back to a proper internet connection. His swing is really something.
As an aside , just hanging out with Yoda seems to help your game. I went out in one under par on Carnoustie in high winds. Acquired motion knock downed my way around the front. Sadly coming in the course got the better of me. Bogey bogey finish for a 76. Those closing holes are indeed nasty.
I've got a bunch of photos from Saturday and today. It will take time to get them up, and my travel schedule makes that more problematic than usual.
Meanwhile, check out these great photos of O.B. Left -- for a change, on the right! -- and his older brother, John. I took them yesterday (Saturday) from the West Deck of the Old Course Hotel. And, yes, that would be the venerable R&A Clubhouse in the distance directly between them.
Cool!
Ah its the Judge
Good to see that you had a good time over in Scotland. I'd bet Carnoustie was fun. Aren't they playing the Seniors there this week?
Sorry that we didn't managed to meet up during your stay but next time!
Alex
Just doesn't seem as compelling without Tiger of even Phil contending, as far as compelling, nothing beats Tom Watson trying to repeat as champion a century after he first won it.
when Tiger won by 8 in 2000 it was a 'masterful performance', when Louis wins by 7 in 2010 it is boring - go figure
__________________ The student senses his teacher’s steadfast belief and quiet resolve: “This is doable. It is doable by you. The pathway is there. All you need is determination and time.” And together, they make it happen.
Thanks again to Alex for his friendship and long-term support of Lynn Blake Golf.
No, thank you my friend. All your hard work and effort (along with the rest of the LBG team) certainly does not go without being noticed.
Hopefully we shall meet up in Cuscowilla soon,
Alex
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