We departed Abu Dhabi with our driver picking us up and driving quickly at 130-140 km per hour back to Dubai International Airport -Terminal 1 for our flight at 12.40am to Amsterdam and then after a two hour stopover the short flight to Edinburgh.

We both slept very well on the first leg and KLM Business class was just excellent. We had our beds made up after takeoff then slept for 4-5 hours. Transfer in Amsterdam was via the new KLM Lounge, simPly fantastic and flight time arrived quickly and our trip Amsterdam to Edinburgh was first class. Only 90 minute flight, then upon arrival in Edinburgh it was a very heavy damp mist.

Collected our luggage walked under cover to EuropcR Rental area, collected a very comfortable VW Estate about 12 month old, Then drove the 75 minutes to Auchterarder where the Solheim Cup is being held. Security everywhere checked in to our Hliday cottage “Auchterarder 30” on Feus Rd just on the edge of town. It is a superb cottage with beautiful fit out with bedroom and en-suite upstairs. Just beautiful and whilst on the main road, with double glazing, no noise.

We unpacked then showered and changed excited as to dinner with Tom and Veronica Burns and their beautiful dog, “Milly”and son David. We had shopped for our essential supplies for the 3 nights stopover here.

We were picked up by Tom at 6.45am and he drove through the town turned right at Auchterarder Golf Club, then turned into “Underwood” their beautiful home. Great excitement and we talked for a period then Tom served a superb 3 course dinner. Tom is a wonderful chef and now in retire,ent he has the time to practice.

This was complemented by a superb St Emilion Merlot. It was an evening to remember. We covered a lot of ground. Tom and Veronica are putting David on the train Ashe returns to London, having iced into Canary Wharf area. This is Thursday morning.

Tom advises that he has booked golf tomorrow at St Andrews. We will hitoff at 12.40pm. We are tiring and depart their home at 10.20pm after a wonderful evening and make arrangements to join them at 10.15am after breakfast for coffee and cake at the famous Glen Eagles Hotel.

Jeanette and Ken sleep through the night. We were tired following a long and tiring day. But enormously satisfied, reengaging with good friends, sharing a beautiful meal.

We awake to a cold overcast showery morning, but with a forecast of clearing weather. The winds are blowing at 20 mph here in Auchterarder.

We visit Glen Eagles and enjoy cake and cappacino then walk around the Glen Eagles Hotel.. just brilliant..

Later we travel in Tom’s Porche to St Andrews where we are playing golf at 12.40pm on the Edan Course, right next to Old Course. The wind was blowing at 25-40 miles per hour and gusting. Tom introduced me to Vishnu and David and we have a wonderful day, but don’t play particularly well.

Tom and I get beaten 4 and 3 then promptly win the last 3 holes. I never came to grips with the gale force winds, the glassy greens, but it was once in a lifetime experience for all golfers, both good and bad.

We then drive through the town before travelling back to Auchterarder . I am dropped off at 7.10 pm, tired but elated.