Golfing at Carnoustie

If you're a golf fan you know that Carnoustie Golf Links is a world famous course in Scotland. The course jumps to mind for me when I think of French golfer Jean van de Velde losing the 1999 British Open on the 18th hole, after shooting a triple-bogey 7 and finding every possible hazzard. Anyway, after a morning football game for Will, we headed off for a little road trip to visit Carnoustie Golf Links and nearby Dundee to see the British warship HM Unicorn.

Will in his new strip before this mornings game (remember- no photos are allowed at the games). Today was the first game of the spring season, a match-up with the ever-feisty Pitreavie Pumas. The game did not go as the boys would have liked, but Will did score a first-half goal and made a number of nice saves as keeper in the second half. In fact he was named Man of the Match for his play. 

First hole at Carnoustie

18th Hole looking towards the clubhouse and hotel. (The scene of Mr. Van de Velde's 1999 meltdown

)

 

Carnoustie-  One of the most demanding courses in the world.  Crazy golf was pretty tough too.

Now we can say we played golf at Carnoustie (Leisure Center). In fact, Ainsley can always brag about her hole-in-one on the 6th hole. As we left the golf course to make our way to the HM Unicorn, we stumbled upon an awesome playground, complete with "crazy golf". I've sung the praises of European playgrounds before, but this might have been the best one yet. The weather was so nice, and the kids were having such a good time, we bailed on our trip to Dundee and spent the rest of the day here.

It's like some kind of Mad Max/Hunger Games kind of place, but with lots of laughing and no Tina Turner. There's even more things that swing and spin which are not in the picture, and a zip line obstructed by the climbing structure.

A see-saw that also spins. Cool, huh?

I'm not sure what the temperature was, but it was perfect. The funny part is, I bet it was 60 degrees at best, but after eight months here, it felt like summer. I couldn't remember a time when were outdoors and felt so warm. We could have sat sitting by the ocean and listening to the waves splash against the rocks all afternoon, but eventually we had to head back home. An unexpected day in the sun and sand was just what everyone needed, and to think Spring Break is only three weeks away!

The beach at Carnoustie