Some answers to commonly asked questions...

Q: What about the Old Course at St. Andrews, can you get me a tee time?

A: Most serious golfers dream of making a pilgrimage to St. Andrews, the home of golf. Is there another place in the golf world that overwhelms the senses like St. Andrews? Is there a better hole in all of golfdom than the 17th? Can you play the old course without paying a high price? No, no, and yes.

The Old Course has a substantial proportion of tee times allotted through the daily ballot. During your stay in the St. Andrews area, G&MG will enter your name(s) in the ballot on each day. A golf manager at a local hotel made this promise: “If your group will stay at our hotel, I’ll make sure they get on the Old Course.” Call or e-mail G&MG for more information.

Q: What is haggis?

A: Haggis are small, antelope-like animals, found only in some of the more remote regions of Scotland. They are quite shy, and rarely are they observed, excepting by those who are extremely patient and quiet. Haggis were first brought to Scotland by the Vikings, back in the 9th century, when the Vikings came to introduce golf to the Scots. Some people are afraid of Haggis but, like the Vikings, they are fairly docile and should evoke no fear, excepting if spotted at morning breakfast.

Q: I like golf but I am not a serious golfer needing a severe challenge. Are there courses I can play without being overwhelmed?

A: Both Ireland and Scotland have many fine courses which are gentler and more soothing to your temperament than the major venues.

Q: Not everyone plays golf. What can non-golfers do?

A: Let your imagination run free... sightseeing, biking, hiking, riding, fishing; visits to museums, castles, shopping, and breathtaking gardens. And of course, the festivals! G&MG is full of ideas.

Q: What do they call a mulligan in Ireland?

A: Three.

Q: Are caddies required in Scotland and Ireland?

A: No, but it’s a good idea so you don’t get lost (like one of our foursomes did at Prestwick), and to answer the age-old question: do all putts break toward the ocean?

Q: What about combining golf with attendance at the British Open?

A: No problem, providing you plan early. Here are the future venues for the Open:
July 16-19, 2009 Turnberry, Scotland
July 15-18 2010 St. Andrews, Scotland
Royal St. Georges, 2011
Royal Lytham, 2012

The 2010 Ryder Cup will be played Oct. 1-3 at Celtic Manor Resort, Wales

More questions? Call us at 763-245-4710 or e-mail golfandmoregolf@hotmail.com.