HCEG Muirfield, Gullane, Scotland

What can I say? Muirfield is an awesome golf course. Every hole is memorable, partially because the holes seldom play in the same direction. The course was in great shape, and let me just say that the lunch in the clubhouse after the round was probably the best lunch I've ever had. The first hole played directly into the wind, and at 446 yards, par was out of the question. In fact, par was out of the question for most of the day, except for the par-threes, where for some reason I managed to par 3 out of 4 of the par-threes. I scrounged one birdie out of Muirfield, the par-five 17th (the wind was conveniently at my back). We had a lovely day at Muirfield, and did I mention how good the luncheon was? I was lucky to break 100, but it didn't matter; the golf course held my attention throughout.

The Aiken Golf Club, Aiken, South Carolina

The Aiken Golf Club was originally built in 1912. It was the first golf course in America to feature tees especially for women. Playing it is loads of fun. One of the greens is a double-green, sharing the 1st and the 17th hole. Many of your shots are played through a cathedral of pines, and the pine needle rough is divine. There are many large sand waste areas that you will be required to shoot over. It is all very picturesque, and reminds me of a Donald Ross or Alister MacKenzie design.

Gullane Golf Club, No. 2 Course, Gullane, Scotland

I recently had the great pleasure to play the Gullane No. 2 Golf Course. The course was in great shape, and it was just a great day to be playing golf in Scotland. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. We teed off and made it across the road, and up and over Gullane Hill we went. We noticed an older foursome gaining ground on us from behind. This was a bit amazing as we were only two, and they were four, and they were "senior citizens." They made it to the par-three 5th tee just as we were putting out on the green. We decided to wait for them on the 6th tee and let them play through, as we certainly didn't want to hold them up. They looked like locals, and we were from another country. We thought, "better play this safe and let the locals pass." One of the elderly gentlemen strided up to us on the 6th tee and said "which one of you is Mr. Whayne?" My friend immediately pointed to me and said "That would be him." Great, throw me under the bus. We thought we were in trouble or something. Then the gentleman said "I'm Archie Baird, we talked on the phone a few days ago, I jotted down your tee time when you mentioned it, and thought I'd introduce myself." Mr. Baird is a famous golf historian, and his Heritage of Golf Museum next to the Gullane Clubhouse is not to be missed. We went on to have a very nice conversation, and we offered to let his group play through, but they graciously declined. Interestingly enough, minutes after I shook Mr. Baird's hand, I birdied the very next hole I played, the par-five 6th hole. It was my first birdie ever in Scotland. After the round, we were invited into the club to have a drink with Mr. Baird and his group. A good time was had by all.

Otter Creek Golf Club, Columbus, Indiana

Although I don't remember a lot of specifics from my two rounds at Otter Creek, I do remember that the course was in great shape, and was a challenging layout, with an incredible number of bunkers!! I believe I remember hearing that there are around 100 bunkers (maybe more) on the golf course. Highlight of the day for me was my near-ace on the par-three 8th hole. Approximately six inches away. Unfortunately for me I didn't even win the hole, as my opponent chipped in for birdie!