Dave Smallwood was the Head Coach for Maple Leaf Team Canada for the 5th Annual Scotland Kingdom of Fife Team Matches in Fife, Scotland.  Also part of the team was Whistle Bear Junior Club Champion Sterling Emery.

The trip of a lifetime!!!!!! The 12 of us rented a house in East Lothian, Scotland called Green Craig.  Green Craig is a 6 bedroom house that is located directly on the FIrth of Forth.  The house is not a full service hotel but an upscale exclusive use house that provides outstanding service in a gorgeous private atmosphere.  We were treated to a traditional Scottish breakfast each morning as well as 4 - 3 course dinners.We played 5 different golf courses, 4 of which are ranked in the top 50 Golf Courses in the United Kingdom. St. Andrews Old Course (#2), Muirfield (#3), The West Links at North Berwick (#27), Gullane #1 (#46) and Gullane #2.  The golf courses were incredible, windy, firm and in many cases overlooking the Firth of Forth.The picture above is taken outside the clubhouse at Muirfield.  Golf at Muirfield dates back to 1744 and has hosted the Open Championship 15 times (most recently in 2002).  In order for us to enter the clubhouse we were required to be dressed in a jacket and tie. After our round of golf we were required to change back into our jacket and tie to enter the restaurant for lunch.  This is a great example of the great traditions that Scottish golf courses still enforce. Playing St. Andrews Old Course was a dream come true.  The tradition that the course and the city of St. Andrews holds is truly incredible.  The feeling of walking up the 18th fairway with a caddie carrying your golf bag, the clubhouse, numerous golf shops and many visitors surrounding the hole is a  very unique experience.  One of the many highlights of the week came on the 4th hole here where the marshal greated us.  We had played the first 3 holes in about 30 minutes (on pace to play in 3 hours) and he told us that we were on pace, not ahead of pace but on pace.  His words to us were "Swing slow and walk fast".

We also had the opportunity to enjoy some of the great history that Scotland has to offer including tours of the Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and the National William Wallace Monument. We also enjoyed a Scottish Premier League Football game between Hearts of Midlothian and Falkirk.

What a magnificent venue!!  The South Course at Torrey Pines, site of this year's U.S. Open Championship.  I met my father in San Diego on Thursday evening, just in time for us to have a couple of beverages and rest up for out 8:50 a.m. tee time at this beautiful piece of real estate.

Still in shape from the Buick Invitational (the stands were being taken apart as we played our round), the course was quite a challenge.  For those of you who have seen me play, golf is not my strong suit anyway.

The cost of a round was more than fair, too ($180.00 plus a $35.00 reservation fee).    We were told that Adam Scott and Butch Harmon were on the course early, no doubt preparing for June.

Nonetheless, the course itself was in great shape and San Diego itself was a great city.  The food, shopping and nightlife were fantastic.  I just wish I would've taken more than just a two-day trip down there.

Among the many things we did, we went on a day long sightseeing “safari” through the countryside in an open air truck/bus. On this trip we made many stops at different locations, one of them being a public school (see attached photos). Although very short, a quick snapshot, it is an incredible experience that all of us will not forget for a long time. From this short outing you get a great appreciation of what we here in Canada (developed nations) have and take for granted, basics for us – food, shelter, electricity etc. Regardless of this, you come away with a great feeling of hope and appreciation for the plant we live on (and golf on).  At the school we met with the children and were able to walk through the facility unescorted to look around. Nick, wearing his Whistle Bear hat throughout the whole outing and Victoria gave the children candy. The visit to the school looked and felt very much like the stuff you see on TV, we felt like we were on some United Nations mission. 

For anyone traveling to the Dominican or any of these developing nations, I would greatly recommend a sightseeing trip of this nature. It really puts life into perspective!

GOLF: South of Myrtle Beach in the Pawley’s Island / Litchfield area, there are few courses more challenging than True Blue Plantation and more scenic than Caledonia Golf Club. We also played Tradition and Willbrook, two of the better choices at the lower end of the green fee scale.

In Myrtle Beach itself, we were disappointed with Myrtlewood’s Palmetto Course. But we more than made up for that with a round at the Grand Dunes Resort Course. The facility and service are first rate. And the holes along the inland waterway are spectacular.

FOOD, Etc.: In Murrell’s Inlet, the Dead Dog Saloon is a great place to enjoy a cold Yeungling by the water. And the Inlet Crab House has the best She Crab soup around. Heading north – the best wings are at Wild Wing – the best pizza is at Chicago Pizza – and the best burgers are at River City Cafe.

If you’re at Broadway at the Beach, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is a “must visit”. Hint – don’t wait for a table – head straight to the bar. And without question, the best place to people watch is the patio at the Liberty Steakhouse. Ask for M.J., and tell him to bring you a glass of Unfiltered Wheat or Liberty Lager!