HOLING UP AT THE OPEN

So the Open returns to St Andrews. Though I've been here several times through the years, it has never been during this major of majors. Quaint as St Andrews is to golf fans or not, it is a challenge getting accommodation when this tournament comes to town. Forget about the Old Course Hotel, that is kept for the rich and famous...and connected.

My search for a place to stay began several months ago, for it is that early that you really need to look. Thankfully, I found a lovely bed and breakfast along the water just 5 minutes outside of town. The Edenside House is a lovely little farmhouse run by Douglas and Yvonne and they had a small room for me that overlook the water.

The neat thing about staying in a B & B during a tournament like the Open is that you're most assured that everyone else staying there would have come for the same reason - in this case, Golf. That's with a capital "G" mind you. Whether they're hear to play a few coures (and there are numerous in this part of Scotland, natch) or here for a spot of business (as I was told, one gent was entrusted with organising a major dinner for the press a couple of nights ago), they share a commonality and congeniality linked by the game.

Voices and conversations waft in and out, and surround the theme of golf. "Remember that third hole on the Duke's Course? What a view." "Hope the weather clears so we can go out to watch the tournamet." "I know a guy from TaylorMade that said that they're doing great business with the new Corza Ghost putter after Justin Rose's wins on the PGA."

Unlike a hotel, a bed and breakfast can seem like a home away from home. I'm writing this in the comfort of the cosy living room at Doug and Yvonne's, only one night here and already it feels so familiar. In the dining area, several conversations go on concurrently revolving around the business and pleasure of golf.

Indeed, if you love the game, this is the time to come visit St Andrews...as if there were a wrong time.

 

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