Lifestyles of the not-so-Royal nor Ancient

Last week was St Andrews week. Along with the lighting of the Christmas lights and various musical and theatrical performances, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club was open to visitors. For 2 1/2 years, I've wandered by this mysterious clubhouse, surrounded on all sides benches, parking places, and signs all marked "MEMBERS ONLY". I'm not sure what all you have do to be a member, but I know you definitely have to be a gentleman. No ladies allowed!!

So, we wandered through on our ONE chance to see this place, only to discover that they would only let us into 2 rooms! It was neat nonetheless. There are some golf clubs in there from 1750, lots of leather couches and chairs, and wooden-doored lockers belonging to current and former golf greats. Luke recognized more names than I did, but we took a picture with the Arnold Palmer locker. All I know about him is that he liked a lemonade and iced tea mix, creatively dubbed the "Arnold Palmer" for all time. Luke is standing at the large bay window which looks out on the 18th hole. During the day, the curtains are open, and members can sit there, sip a dram of whisky, and watch the golfers make their way to the last hole of the Old Course. So, the "tour" was a bit anticlimactic, but I'm glad we took advantage of the opportunity. Whatever sense of awe the building once evoked for me has faded a bit, but I guess I can always enjoy knowing that these non-member, un-golfed, female feet of mine have actually stepped inside the club.