It does indeed rain in Scotland but in St Andrews not nearly as much as you might think.  Since we are asked this question almost as many times as, “Can you get us on the Old Course?”, we thought we would share some intelligence with you that might be useful for you when planning your trip to St Andrews.

The table below highlights the 2010 monthly (to date) precipitation in St Andrews. We compare it to two other wonderful golf destinations, Turnberry in Scotland and Hilton Head in the U.S.  Also, we thought we would show you how it compares against Rome, Italy and Boston, Massachusetts. We could have measured rainfall against London, Paris, New York and Miami to name a few, and St Andrews would still turn up favourably on top. (Keep in mind that while data is from 2010, it is fairly indicative of St Andrews weather.)

Haste ye back to the St Andrews sunshine!

Monarchs House Drawing Room

Every year after the Open Championship is played on the Old Course in St Andrews, there is renewed interest in the town and all it has to offer.  Our experience at Monarchs House only extends to 2001, after Tiger Woods won the Championship and in 2006, after Woods repeated in 2005. Our booking diary was chock-a-block then and early indications suggest that if you want to come to St Andrews and stay at Monarchs in 2011, it is time to book now.

Monarchs House is your turn-key solution for golf or touring. The price for a Saturday to Saturday let is $13,500 for 8 people. This price has held steady for 4 years and  includes breakfast, 3 dinners, your first bar-setup and the services of our General Manager, Kevin Low. Kevin will arrange your golf, caddies, transportation, dinners outside of Monarchs or anything else you may need.  While these “extra” are not included in the weekly price, the headache of planning a trip is not yours.

We hope to see you in the Auld Grey Toun in 2011. Slainte.

On September 2, 2010, the Links Trust, administrator for the Old Course and 6 other St Andrews’ links, announced that 2011 demand for advance Old Course tee times was at a record setting level.  If you’re thinking of a trip to Scotland, we would encourage that you book early.

Watson Bids Farewell

Every five years, the Open Championship returns to St Andrews and the Old Course.  As you might imagine, the town teems with visitors and brims with excitement. Patrons are 5 deep at the Dunvegan, a popular local restaurant and pub. And that’s on the pavement!  Golfers, locals and visitors mix as one. There is no other place and no other event like it.

While on course drama was lacking in this year’s Open, we still took away many wonderful remembrances (and a few we would like to forget!).  Here are some of our memories for the 2010 Open Championship:

• The Road Hole – The golfers proved why this hole, the 17th on the Old Course, is one of the most interesting and famous holes in golf. The lengthening of the hole only added .04 strokes this year versus 2005 but produced more words from scribes then anything else. To quote Shakespeare,  it was ‘much ado about nothing.” The R&A deserve kudos for making the hole the centerpiece of the Open.
• Miguel Angel Jimenez – It seemed fitting to us that a Spaniard would find a way to execute a near impossible shot on the Road Hole (see video). Clearly, Jimenez paid attention to his countrymen, Ballesteros & Olazabal, the original wizards of shot making.
  
• Louis Oosthuizen’s surgical play to win the Open Championship – It wasn’t flashy but Oosthuizen did some things that allow one to win Major Championships. Oosthuizen hit 16 out of 16 fairways on Friday( while belting it an average of 330 yards ), the day the course closed for 66 minutes because of high winds.  He 3 putt only twice on the Old Course’s colossal double greens. Congrats to Louis on his outstanding play to win the Open and for his opening remarks upon winning where he wished his former President, Nelson Mandela, a happy 92nd birthday. Color us impressed.
• Rory McIlroy’s opening round 63 -  OK. His second round wasn’t pretty but his opening round score of 63 was pure dead brilliant. He hit 17 greens in regulation, had 1 eagle, 7 birdies and 10 pars. Flawless. But temporary. Fear not though, Rory is 21 and he will be back.
• Friday’s scoreboard – Hopefully we weren’t the only one who found the humour in the Scoreboard announcement of the course closure on Friday. “Play suspended because of high winds. LOL ” It is an Open after all.
• Tom Watson’s farewell – While he will likely play in more Open Championships, Tom Watson will be 65 years old when the Open returns to St Andrews. His walk down 18 on Friday night in the waning light was likely his goodbye to the Auld Grey Toon.  Tom Watson, a 5 time winner of the Open Championship, will long be remembered in St Andrews. As an aside, it seemed to us a classy move by Justin Rose, Camilo Villegas & Tiger Woods to allow Watson to finish his round by waving him up as darkness began to set preventing Watson’s return the next morning to finish the last hole.
• The Weather – Just like St Andrews to deliver a little bit of every kind of weather imaginable. Perfect for an Open Championship.
• Arnold Palmer in town again – You know how we are about royalty and seeing the King in town puts a smile on everyone’s face. His visit coincided with the tournament but he was in St Andrews to receive an honourary degree from the University of St Andrews.  The one thing we can tell you is this: the only other people to command attention like Arnold Palmer were John Kennedy and Winston Churchill. Powerful stuff indeed.
• The Old Course – Once again the Old Course was the biggest winner of all. It is a special place that everyone loves immediately or learns to love eventually. There are other great courses that make up the Open rota but nothing compares to the wonders of the Old Course (and St Andrews).
• John Daly’s attire – How can we view him as a contender again if he doesn’t take himself seriously?

Bald Eagle Falconry

If you cannot live with golf alone, St Andrews and the surrounding area offers an endless array of outdoor activities from relaxing to challenging. Whether you prefer to be on foot, horseback, wheels or water, Monarchs House can set stage for your favourite pastime or perhaps introduce you to a new one.

Our guests have walked the Fife Coast Path, a 150 kilometer seaside path. We have also arranged ghillies (a Scottish fishing guide) for those wanting to try their hand at fly fishing in Scotland. Guests have also off-roaded in 4x4s and quad bikes, shot skeet and clay pigeons, tried their hand (arm really) at falconry and so much more. You might prefer to walk the West Sands Beach and experience its breathtaking shoreline and massive tide.

Horseback on the West Sands

If you want to visit some of Scotland’s historically significant sites, we have dedicated an entire tab for you under activities. In short, if you are thinking of a visit to Scotland and St Andrews, we can keep you as busy as you want to be or provide the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday.

The 12th at Kingsbarns

Golf Week Magazine just released their list of the greatest modern and classic golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland. Leading the way on the modern list is Kingsbarns. And the number two course on the classic list is the Old Course in St Andrews (trails Royal County Down of Northern Ireland). Nine courses from both lists are no further than 30 minutes away from the front door at Monarchs House.

If you are planning your 2010 trip to Scotland, there is no better base camp than St Andrews. And no better place to call home than Monarchs House – your home at the home of golf.

Have you made your plans to come to Scotland in 2010 yet? Monarchs House is now taking reservations for the new season.

If you haven’t been in awhile, there are new courses to play. The Castle Course, featured to the left, is just a mile from Monarchs House and is the 12th course in St Andrews. The course everyone is talking about is the Highland gem, Castle Stuart.  Read the review of the new course by downloading here.

If golf isn’t your primary concern, visit for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world, with something for everyone: theatre, comedy, music, dance, exhibitions and much more. Or come instead for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the world’s most spectacular Tattoo will host a celebration of talent from four continents including pipers, gymnasts, singers, dancers and an amazing motorcycle display team.

There is truly something for everyone and we at Monarchs would be delighted to host you.

Contact us for rates and availability now.

Monarchs House's Chef Kevin Low

Kevin Low has been the chef at Monarchs House since we opened in 2001. And if well over a thousand visitors to Monarchs House are to be trusted, Kevin is St Andrews’ best chef.  Naturally, we wholeheartedly agree but it is his demeanor, in addition to his cooking, that makes Kevin such a pleasure to be around. He is as equally quick with a smile as he is with a whisk.

Over the years, Monarchs House has hosted many visitors during the holidays and that will be the case again this year. Thanksgiving is solely a US holiday but on many occasions, Kevin has prepared a beautiful Thanksgiving meal for our visitors. We asked Kevin to share  his menu for this Thanksgiving at Monarchs. What do you think?

Thanksgiving – Thursday, 26 November 2009, Monarchs House – St Andrews

Rocket Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate seeds and goats cheese

Orange and Mustard Basted Turkey
Served with Apple Cider-Mustard Gravy and Apple and Sage Stuffing,

Maple Butternut Squash Puree
Peas and Turnips with Scottish Back Bacon and Dill Butter
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Apricots and Cardamon

Sticky Toffee Pudding and Caramel Sauce

Everyone who journeys to Scotland for golf, whether for the 1st time or the 50th time, is keen on playing the Old Course in St. Andrews. And who can blame them. It is the ultimate golf destination for the golf aficionado. This is the home of golf and a place where you can play a circuit that has regularly hosted the (British) Open Championship since Tom Kidd won there in 1873. Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and James Braid have each won the Open twice in St Andrews. Palmer won two Open Championships in a row but a life regret was that neither win took place at the Old Course. Bobby Jones won there as an amateur in 1927 and remarked later:

…although I have played it many, many times, its charm for me increases with every round. The more I study the Old Course, the more I love it, and the more I love it, the more I study it.

This is the charm of the Old Course. The average golfer can walk in the footsteps of the great and near great. While you cannot take a swing at a 95 mile an hour fastball at Yankee Stadium or volley for serve at Wimbledon,  the Old Course is open to the rich and poor, men and women, young and old. It is one of the reasons why everyone wants to play there at least once.  For first time players, there is nothing like the feeling that washes over you as you stand on the first tee preparing to strike your inaugural shot on the Old Course. (Oddly, professionals will tell you that they feel the same “giddiness,” awe and sense of history.)

Since Scotland is all about the democratization of golf, the administrators of the Old Course (The Links Trust) implemented a system that gives everyone a fair and equitable opportunity to get a tee time. While your chances improve if you are local St Andrean, a member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (or another club in town), a resident of the county or serving at the military base in neighboring Leuchars, everyone is subject to a lottery of sorts. If for example, you submit your group’s name on the first Wednesday in September for the previous year you wish to play, that grouping goes in a bucket for a drawing at near year end. Also, there is a daily lottery, or ballot, for next day play. You submit your request by 2 P.M. the day before play. If you are a single or twosome, get up early to visit the starter. He will tell you if there’s any chance of playing. Your odds are very good but likely will require a wait. A quick note, don’t bother trying to grease the skids with the starters. It’s more likely to set you back. If money is no object and you positively must play the Old Course, call the Old Course Experience. They will get you on the course but prepare for great expense. Lastly, your concierge or General Manager sometimes has slots that he or she may be able to help you with but prepare for a hit or miss experience.

Good luck in your quest to play the Old Course. If you arrive in Scotland with a flexible itinerary, there is a good chance that you can get a slot. If you don’t…there are eleven other courses in town and 65 other championship courses within an hour ride. Try again the next day. This is where a stay at Monarchs House will help.

Usually there are two things people ask first when inquiring about a golf trip to Scotland: can you get me on the Old Course and when is the best time to go? The Old Course question is a story for another posting. This time we’re talking about Scottish weather.

Does Scotland deserve its reputation as the home of the constant shower?

When you talk to a native Scot they would have you believe that their weather is bad all the time. We never understood that. Why say your weather is bad when it’s not? There may be a secret campaign to convince visitors not to expect much and then, when the weather is grand, you have exceeded expectations. Here, we are only dealing with facts.

Unlike the United States, golf in Scotland is a walking sport. There are few courses where you can take a motorized cart or buggie with out a Doctor’s note. If you start with that premise, Scotland has the perfect weather for golf and walking. It is neither too hot or cold. Yes it rains but much less than you think, unless you’re on the west coast (region A, if you’re following along). There it rains 300 days out of 365. On the east coast (regions B, C, D & E) it rains far less than you might imagine.  St Andrews, for example, has less average annual rainfall than Rome and far less than New York City.

Scotland’s visitor golf season (locals play all year round) is between the months of May and September, with the shoulder months of April and October providing some great golf opportunities as well. Here are some handy charts that will help you plan your next trip.

Temperature (warmest to coolest/min -max temps in F°)
July (56-72)
August (54-68)
June (50-65)
September (50-62)
May (42-58)
October (40-55)
April (38-50)

Rainfall (driest to wettest)
April
June
May
July
August
October
September

On the West coast, you should consider that during the months of August, September and October rainfall levels are double that of April, May and June.

Personally, we favor golfing in April and October. During those months there are fewer crowds, better opportunities to make tee times and if you are a price sensitive consumer, there are more bargains.

Buddy trips are a wonderful way to have both a great time and get some economies of scale on the cost side. The only issue with this type of trip is in the details and the details are what makes a trip marginal or fantastic. The first and most important decision that needs to made above and beyond anything else is who is going to be the lead person on the trip. You cannot do this with more than one person heading up your group. Look at this person as your benevolent dictator.

At the outset, the lead person should attempt to coalesce opinion from the rest of the travel team. These are the types of questions that need to be asked with a deadline for response:

* How much golf does the group want to play during the time frame of the trip?

* How much money do you want to spend on golf?
* Do you want to walk or take a cart/buggie on the courses?
* If you want to walk, do you want a caddy?
* Do you prefer to stay local or take road trips within the context of your trip?
* Do you prefer to travel by taxi, van or bus?
* Are you allergic to any type of food?
* How much are you budgeting for the trip (exclusive of airfare)?

Once your fellow golfers respond, you can then begin building your trip. You shouldn’t ask for any more input while you are constructing the trip. You are the benevolent dictator who is now responsible for eight people’s happiness including yourself. If you do the work early, you can enjoy the trip while you are there. Remember, you can’t please everyone and no one should be allowed to ruin the trip for the rest of the group.

Once you have put in place all of your tentative bookings, circulate the worksheet to the rest of your group. Give them a deadline for their comments or suggestions. Once agreed upon, either by consensus or flux, this becomes your trip. If someone complains during the trip (and someone always will), tell them as firmly and politely as you can that this plan was circulated in advance and anything that is changed now is subject to penalties. Also, point out that you worked on this plan in advance so that you could enjoy the holiday in the same way that he/she is. You have to assume the role of autocrat or your golf trip will fall apart and you will be miserable.

The key to buddy trips, no matter where you go, is the advance work. Keep everyone informed early and your troubles should end before they even begin.