Before we moved, we saw that the Ryder Cup was going to be played in Scotland at Gleneagles Golf Club. We have been excited about it for months. Gleneagles is only about 40 minutes from Glasgow; which made it even better.
I was fortunate enough to go to the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club in Ireland when Tom was the Captain. The K Club was so much fun, yet so sad at the same time. We cheered so much. We all had USA rain coats and my Dad painted his face! I was heartbroken for the Lehman family because they put so much heart into it. Since that Ryder Cup, I haven't put nearly as much "energy" into them.
I have to say, this Ryder Cup was a lot of fun to experience with John. It was his first. Tom was gracious enough to get us tickets and we are so thankful that he did. The crowds were great. A lot more respectful and not as chanty as the K Club. We were always trying to come up with a game plan to figure out where to go and who to watch:) The weather was cold and windy, but no rain. In Scotland, that is wonderful!
I actually thought we were going to win because Tiger wasn't playing......
Gleneagles Golf Club is named after the valley in the distance. It's in the middle of nothing, but it is breathtaking. For practical purposes, you can get from Gleneagles Golf Club to St. Andrews in an hour. I guess you just don't want to take a bus because the roads are narrow. I was told to be a member of Gleneagles Golf Club you need to have 1 million GBP cash in the bank! The first year is 100,000GBP. When you add another 60% for us Americans (currency conversion), that is expensive!
To get to the course, they had a Park-and-Ride in Stirling where you would take the bus over. You go through security before you get on the bus. On the second day, we were on top and our bus driver was going too fast...the top started to sway back and forth. It got scary! For a second, I thought the bus was going to tip!
John found out through a co-worker, all the 'special guests' were staying at Turnberry Hotel (about two hours away) and being flown in by helicopter. Michael Jordan, Senator John McCain, etc....must be nice.
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The course looked incredible and the crowds were out early...
What would the Ryder Cup be if there weren't crazy fans? Both the European and USA Crowds got into it...
This is genius! The crowds are so big that if you are in the back you can't see.
We have been going to a lot of festivals here and I could not eat another "Scottish" meal.
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The Major Food / Shop Area was amazing! The building structures and layout were top quality.
We got a Jamie Oliver Burrito and we both loved it!
Those are mini Kelpies. They are actually huge sculptures near by.
Look at the Nespresso Bar!!
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Back to the golf....
18th!
We decided to go stay at the 8th and we heard that on Friday a lady broke her leg and we could see why. It is a really hilly course and there was a bunch of tree stubs that you could trip on.
Look to the right of the jumbo video board. Yup, they are doing what you think they are. Only in Scotland. Hilarious...
On Sunday, we sat on the Second Hole as all the groups came through, then jumped to the 9th/10th.
Second Hole
You have to wear headphones and listen to the commentary to know what is going on.
Bubba in the background
We quickly stopped at the First Hole to see all the excitement as it began...
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As the groups were moving along, we decided to try and find the hole we thought the tournament would be won. We went with the 16th. We missed it by one hole! It's ok, there was a ton of drama that happened right in front of us...
Angie in the ropes!
The crowds got insane!
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We had an amazing time together at the Ryder Cup. John keeps saying it was a 'Bucket List' event. Another memory on our journey together....
