As we all know, all good things must end. Yet sometimes the ending becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the journey, because it gives us the chance to reflect on everything that came before it.
This has been a truly unique and special adventure with Ryan and Dad. We came for the golf, but we leave with so much more. Together, we walked some of the most beautiful fairways weโve seen, explored breathtaking corners of Ireland and Scotland, shared countless laughs, enjoyed great meals, and created memories that will be retold for years to come.
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Our final full day would, of course, begin with the grand finale of our golfing adventure. We had hoped to finish on a traditional Scottish links course, and we could not have chosen a better stage than the magnificent Glen Golf Club.
I realize Iโve described nearly every course on this trip as breathtaking, but that word hardly begins to capture the beauty of this place. Perched high along the coastline, the course offers spectacular views of the Firth of Forth from virtually every hole. No matter where you stood, there seemed to be another postcard-worthy scene waiting around the next bend.
I found myself constantly reaching for my camera. Every tee box, fairway, and green seemed to reveal a new perspective of the sea, the cliffs, and the rugged Scottish landscape. Of course, photographs can never fully convey the scale, beauty, or feeling of being there in person. Still, I took far more pictures than I probably should have, and Iโll share a few of them here in the hope that they capture at least a small piece of what made this place so special.
Some courses challenge your game. Others capture your imagination. This one managed to do both, and it provided a fittingly spectacular setting for the final round of an unforgettable journey.
The competition was tight, but I think it was correctly forgotten. This was about friendship and family now.
For me personally, I rate Glen as the best course of our trip. I may be biased, because I was raised with a love of the sea. In his superb book A Course Called Scotland, Tom Coyne said โIn my global search for the best surprise in golf, Glen Golf Club sits near the top of my listโฆโ. I agree completely. The course and the views were AMAZING.
After golf, we made a hasty retreat back to the city to meet everyone else at Edinburgh Castle. Some street closures and difficulty finding parking for the beast had us quick-stepping to join the group just as the tour was getting ready to begin. Our guide Kerr quickly established himself as a witty character with a good grasp of history.
What an incredible history at Edinburgh Castle. It turns out to be only a little bit older than me, and clearly a bit wiser. Walking around with my entire family seemed surreal at points!
It really was a bit unreal to be there with so many loved ones. Four separate generations were well represented on a gorgeous day to be together.
Melissa had reserved a table for us at Whiski Rooms after our tour, and it was an easy stroll from the castle. We all gathered there, ready to relax and enjoy the evening. You can always count on Melissa to choose a great spot for good conversation, wonderful company, and a fantastic meal. There was even some cuddling with Avery for Stacey. ๐
After dinner, we walked back to the apartment around the corner for a short visit before Bapa and I said our goodbyes. There was time to again welcome Avery to this special extended family with some silly games and special smiles.
And so, this good thing comes to an end. Dad and I head home cherishing the memories we made here with Ryan. Gathering as 3 generations for a golf getaway in Ireland and Scotland was something we dreamed of. The experience was far better than we dreamed. As you dream similarly, take that trip should you have the means.
The sun rises early here in Scotland, so we posed for one last selfie in front of the beast before heading to the airport. Thank you Ryan and Dad for a truly memorable time together. Until next timeโฆ โณ๏ธโค๏ธโณ๏ธ
