[bmctigue]

It really is a surreal experience if you haven't been. I am sure many forum members have. Played it in '05 when my game was at it's worst. Just barely made it in under the 23 index cut off. Was staying in Linlithgow and hit the road about 6:00 to get there by 7:30 to go out as a single. Would gladly have waited all day, but was sent out with one of the first groups at 7:30. A very nice father and son from the US.

Had a beautiful day, mid 60's, broken clouds, couldn't have asked for better weather. Hacked it around as awful as I knew how (way before I ever heard of TGM or Lynn Blake). Frigging moonscape, that course (I mean that in the nicest way).

Some memorable highlights: On #17, waiting for the green to clear, needing "relief" I hopped over the wall of the pub along the fairway to use the facilities, should've grabbed a pint at the same time.
Came to #18, all of God's great acres to hit with #1 and #18 fairways forming a big square. Sliced it OB, hits a car parked along the road and bounces back in bounds (thankfully no one around) 130 yards left to the green, pull out an 8 iron and manage to slice that way right towards the storefront windows along the road. Just waiting for the crash. Walk up and there is a guy on the other side of the fence holding my ball. I ask him if everything is Ok, and he gives me the "no speak English" gesture. German guy, but as it turned out, no damage.

Really an unbelievable experience to walk that hallowed ground. I need to go back and do it again with a better game.