Good morning, our time. There are pheasants everywhere on the Westfield property, so John has taken to calling them “pleasants!” Westfield House is a very pleasant and large estate near the Gordonstun School, where Prince Phillip and King Charles both attended. As a matter of fact, Veronica helps out there and often houses parents who come up from England to drop off their children. In the dining room, I counted more than 40 polished silver items on display with lots more around the house in large cabinets. If you like polishing silver, you’ve got a job waiting!

Today was more golf! (And another castle for non-golfing friends.) We played Old Moray on the Elgin coast today, a course that we fondly remember from 6 years ago when we were last here. This one is a proper links with the rippling fairways and both shaggy and revetted bunkers. It is also the classic “nine out, nine in” design, by Old Tom Morris.

Today, we had a 2-ball scheduled, but when I started chatting up the young man in the small pro shop, he said he’d ask the fellows behind us to see if they’d join us for a 4-ball. Meanwhile, I went up a steep hill where the clubhouse (that looks like an old yacht club) looks out over the whole course, the sea, and the northern shore beyond. And that’s where the only practice green is and the only practice we’ll have before most rounds in Scotland (practice areas are often hidden away and require you to bring your own balls.) So I rolled some putts with another fellow. Then John came up and I went into the clubhouse for a look around—very much like an old wooden yacht club with little tables, a fine bar, and windows looking out to see and the lighthouse.

When we came back down the hill, the fellow from the putting green removed his hat and stuck out his hand, eager for him and his friend to join us. They were both big fellows, Stewart and Alan, both working the offshore rigs and with thick Scottish brogues. Three weeks out in the North Sea, two weeks at home. Our luck, they love golf and were happy to show us the way. It really makes a difference when a member says, twirling his r’s, “Hug the right side.” Or, on No. 11, “Just bounce it ‘a topa the hill and it’ll roll right da’n.” We’d never know that without a member or a caddie along. These guys were great fun, too. On the first green, after I putted out, Alan asked me what I got. I said, “Why? You want to bet?” He said, “You ask me naw, after I just put my tee shot O.B. Now, it is you wanna bet!” Actually, I didn’t, but we had a good laugh and a friendly game.

We remembered that last time, on the 7th, 8th, and 9th holes, we had to cover our ears when fighter jets took off and landed. Last time, the air force was doing maneuvers and jets were coming and going so quickly that we barely had time to cover our ears before another three or five fighters took off or landed. It was like being underneath an air show. This time, it was gloriously quiet. The guys explained that they did their maneuvers last night—which we heard because Westfield House is right on the path.

The only complaint that John might have about Old Moray is that straight shots are rewarded. Alan lost his ball on the first hole and on a few others as well. John lost lots of nice shots that were just a little off-course.  Our group lost at least 30 minutes stomping through tall grass and poking through gorse, but found many more balls than we lost! (We’ll be selling them under a bridge when we get home.)

And another thing about Scottish golf— it’s a walking game. We haven’t seen a buggy (cart) so far in Scotland. Some courses boast of having 3-4 buggies available, but you’re expected to produce a doctor’s note in order to use one. I always rent a trolley (pushcart) and John always carries his bag—so far. These guys used trolleys and were quite impressed with John’s strength all around!

After the game, we all had drinks together in the charming clubhouse, then said our “good luck” and “goodbyes.” John and I had passed Duffus Castle, a stronghold of the Moray family, on the way in and so wanted to stop on the way back and have a good look around. Indeed, we did. It wasn’t in as good of shape as Rait Castle, but much larger and better cared for with mowed grass and a proper moat. We were able to go inside the ruins and marvel at the splendid architecture, though Rait had more detailed window openings. 

Just golf course food today… lovely vegetable and sweet potato soup, puréed and spiced to perfection! Good night!