The What, When, Where, Who, How and Why...In That Order

What:
Four buddies are going to Scotland, the home of golf where it all began in 1672, for a once in a lifetime trip to play some of the most historic golf courses in the world.

When:
August 27th-September 4th, 2011

Where:
Turnberry (The Duel in the Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in 1977.  Tom Watson at 59 years old and Stewart Cink going extra holes in 2009)

Prestwick (Site of the first Open Championship)

Western Gailes (Open Championship qualifying Course)

Royal Troon (the famous "Postage Stamp" green)

Carnoustie (Van de Velde, need I say more?)

St. Andrews-Castle Course (New course at St. Andrews in 2007)

Kingsbarns (Every hole has a view of the North Sea)

Muirfield-Still working on it...(Designed by Old Tom Morris.  15 Open Championships have been held at Muirfield)

St. Andrews-The Old Course (We are staying at the Old Course Hotel and will be trying not to hit it with our drives on "The Road Hole")

Who:

Four buddies who wish they could say they were tour players.  They all have the will, but all lack the game.

Jeff (Minneapolis)- always grinding, never makes it look easy or pretty

Ryan H. (Minneapolis via Bentonville)- bomber who consistently goes Bubba Watson off the tee.  How many more will it take him to get it in the hole?  Most days, not many.

Dave (Seattle)- closest we've got to a pro.  Former PGA professional who owns one of the prettiest short games this side of The Cascades.

Ryan N. (Seattle)- smooth swing modeled after local boy Fred Couples.  Makes it look easy tee to green.

How:

An email was sent from Ryan N. saying that he has a trip to Greece and after that he and Dave are on their way to Scotland for a week of golf.  First of all, must be nice to be living that life Ryan!  The boys said they needed two more guys that were serious and would commit to the once in a lifetime trip.  A few days later Jeff (one year old and two year old kids) and Ryan H. (four year old, two year old and one month old come August) were in thanks to their wonderful wives who understood that this was truly going to be one of those once in a lifetime experiences/opportunities.  Something tells me the ladies might be enjoying some shopping while the boys are away.  Somaly, Ryan's wife also deserves some love.  Sure she gets to go to Greece, but she's solo in Seattle once Ryan ditches her for Scotland.  Thank you so much ladies!!!  As for Dave, he's single so after checking with he, himself and nobody else he decided he was in.

Why:

Because we've all dreamt about this trip since the day we fell in love with the game of golf.  Because we've seen some of the best golf tournaments in the history of the game decided on these courses.    Because Dave just might birdie The Road Hole at the Old Course.  Because Ryan just might come with a hole-in-one on The Postage Stamp green at Troon.  Because Ryan just might go low at Carnoustie making the locals wonder if he's related to Padraig.  Because I just might hole out from a pot bunker making it the greatest shot of my life.  Because even if we fail to shoot a score anywhere near our handicaps the experience and the scorecards will be worth every penny.