Terry,
Thank you for posting this. Great read!
In the early 90's I visited Scotland with 3 buddies for a few weeks and played all of the "biggies" which was probably the best two weeks ever for this guy!
Having done that, I think a trip such as Daid Owen made to parts of Scotland or Ireland would be great as you could get to play with locals and members, have lunch or a beer and carry on to the next small hotel, B&B etc and spend time with the people and hear more about the courses. Unlike Mr. Owen, I have been thinking of planning the trip and writing ahead to the private clubs to ask to be able to join members to play with them, ie outside the times most of the courses have set aside for visitors from abroad.
Thanks again for the article.
Maybe one of these days!
Bob Jenkins