Welcome – When people express surprise at the notion of taking a dog on a round of golf, I note that some of the most famous courses in the world welcome dogs. And they don’t get much more famous that St. Andrews, the home of golf. And they don’t get much more dog-friendly. We had the bucket list honour of playing the Strathtyrum course during our recent visit to the Edinburgh Fringe (our daughter Isley has a play there, “Jobsworth”, which is getting rave reviews including a number of “best of the Fringe” lists like – CityAM…and it too features a pup). As soon as we emerged from round check-in, we were greeted by a queue of canine caddies who had just finished their rounds including Willow (photo directly). The welcome continued on the course itself when this Belgian sheepdog (see above) came over to say hello to me while I was waiting for my group to finish their putting. And their trash separation even includes a special receptacle for poo bags (see bottom).
Walk – St. Andrews is probably the flattest course I have ever played. Situated on the St. Andrews peninsula of Fife, it is an expansive of low-lying sea marsh.
Wildlife – Sea gulls! And a few other small birds and rabbits in the bushes.
Water – No water hazards, but there is a toilet block at the 13th green where you can get some water. And the course doesn’t swing back by the clubhouse until the 18th hole. So bring a bottle along for your doggy too.
Wind Down – Strathtyrum/Eden clubhouse includes Café Spike with an extensive outdoor dining area where dogs can join you for some 19th hole refreshing.
