“Our trip to St. Andrews was truly a dream come true—five years in the waiting, and absolutely worth it.
From our departure out of Ontario, California, everything went like clockwork. Our flight left on time, our layover in Atlanta was top-notch at Delta’s Admiral Club, and immigration at Edinburgh Airport was smooth. We arrived right on schedule. Andrew, our driver from Links Golf, picked us up, and our excursion began.
Our first stop was the St. Andrews Old Course Hotel, where a beautiful suite awaited Bruce and me, and a lovely room for Anthony. Each evening we enjoyed shortbread cookies with tea at turndown, and each morning we had an incredible breakfast buffet: fruit, pastries, yogurt, salmon and lox, smoked haddock, haggis (which Anthony liked best with an egg over a crumpet), plus omelets to order, Scottish porridge, mimosas, champagne, juices, coffee, cappuccino (my favorite), and of course, breakfast teas—which Bruce enjoyed daily.
While Bruce golfed at Carnoustie Golf Links, Anthony and I enjoyed the Olympic-sized pool and hot tub. We also attended a beautiful Mass at St. James Catholic Church, where the congregation was warm and welcoming.
After three days of golf, Bruce’s body was tired and aching. Andrew came to the rescue, arranging an appointment with a physiotherapist who helped him recover enough to complete his goal of playing four courses in Scotland—finishing strong at Kingsbarns Golf Links.
With Sophie’s help, we discovered some wonderful restaurants: The Grange Inn and Little Italy were favorites, with authentic, delicious food. The Peat Inn was unique, The Rogue served plentiful portions, and the Seafood Ristorante offered rich, melt-in-your-mouth cod and halibut.
Beyond the food and golf, what most struck Anthony was the human scale of St. Andrews itself. It’s easy walkability allowed him to repeatedly explore the Cathedral, Castle, and winding town streets. Everywhere we went in the Fife Council area, people were hospitable—often warm and genuinely caring. From the staff at Links Golf, who treated us like family, to the guides at tourist attractions, to the strangers met along quiet alleys, kindness seemed to be everywhere. On one walk with me, Sam appeared just at the right moment to lift our spirits, and at The Grange Inn the only thing that could have improved the beautiful view, meal, and service was if Anthony’s grandmother could have been there too. Even down to the final morning, we were cared for—Finn suggested the perfect spot in the airport to grab breakfast before our early flight.
Looking back, each of us summed it up in our own way: I said, “They took care of business.” Bruce said, “They take care of people.” And Anthony said, “They don’t hesitate to show how much they care—and that example is something the world needs more of.”
This was a trip we will always cherish. Our heartfelt thanks to Andrew, Sophie, Sam, and Finn for helping create such a beautiful memory.”
