Scotland's Caddies a Humorous, Poignant Look at Colorful Golf Characters

Ron Colby made the right call when he insisted on packing his camera for a month-long golf trip to Scotland. By visit's end, the acclaimed filmmaker had enough great footage of yarn-spinning caddies and breathtaking courses to make an entire documentary, called Scotland's Caddies and now available on DVD.

Released by Colby's studio, Artists Confederacy, the 69-minute film can be ordered at www.scotlandscaddies.com for $19.95 plus shipping and handling. Numerous clips from the movie are available for viewing on the website.

Reviewers have heaped praise on Scotland’s Caddies. Vic Williams of Fairways+Greens Magazine called it “the best 69 minutes you’ll ever spend watching anything to do with our favorite game,” while popular pro Peter Jacobsen said, “It makes me want to jump on a plane for Glasgow right now.”

Colby, director of the award-winning documentary Pirate for the Sea, spent four weeks in 2009 shooting interviews with weathered, thick-brogued bag men at hallowed golf courses including St. Andrews, Turnberry, Prestwick, Royal Troon, Royal Aberdeen, Gleneagles, Brora and others. The finished film is by turns humorous, insightful, whimsical and poignant.

Highlights of Scotland's Caddies include:

• Amusing anecdotes from career caddies like Jimmy Kelly (Gleneagles) and William Cowan (Prestwick), who share some of their stories over pints in local pubs.
• First-person tales of celebrity golfers including Michael Jordan, Sean Connery and Jack Lemmon, as well as former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.
• The caddies' priceless takes on the tipping habits and personalities of golfers from different parts of America and the world.
• History lessons from Ronnie MacAskill, Director of Golf at Royal Aberdeen, and David Joy, star of a one-man show about Old Tom Morris.
• Stunning visuals of golf's most beloved layouts, including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal Dornoch, Kingsbarns and Machrihanish Golf Club.

Scotland's Caddies came about almost on a whim. When Colby's partner at Artists Confederacy, Patricia van Ryker, suggested taking a vacation, Colby set the terms: They would go to Scotland and bring the camera. Van Ryker, an avid golfer, eagerly agreed.

Previous trips to golf's birthplace inspired Colby to make a documentary about the country's caddies, who have been called a dying breed. “Miraculously, filming just seemed to fall into place,” says Colby, who grew up caddying at Long Island's famed Fresh Meadow Country Club. “The caddies themselves were very forthcoming, regaling us with jokes, insights on the game, and stories about celebrities who gave them bad tips.

“I think golfers and non-golfers will enjoy the beauty of the courses and the quaint Scottish villages that serve as a backdrop. But the caddies' large personalities really carry the film.”

About Ron Colby & Artists Confederacy

A passionate golfer who as a boy caddied for aging legend Tommy Armour, Colby boasts a wealth of writing, producing and directing credits. He has worked with such luminaries as Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and John Hughes on films including The Godfather Part II, THX-1138 and Some Kind of Wonderful, and earned a coveted Peabody Award for his PBS production of Almost a Woman.

With Artists Confederacy, Colby has released two well-received documentaries, Jones Beach Boys and Pirate for the Sea. The latter film, about renegade marine activist Paul Watson, has aired regularly on Discovery Channel’s Planet Green and won “best-of” honors at film festivals in France, Australia, California, Colorado and elsewhere. The Artists Confederacy production Twenty Five Hundred & One, directed by Patricia van Ryker, recently took the Grand Prize at the San Antonio International Film Festival.

Fun Golf Event for Ayrshire Visitors in August

This year will see the inaugural Dundonald Games Links Golf Day incorporating the first Kilted Golf Classic teeing off on Friday 5th August.

This unique 18 hole handicap stableford event is open to amateur ladies and gents with an official handicap and will be played over the magnificent Dundonald Links golf course. The course is a wonderful challenge but remains a fair test of all golfing abilities with fast, three club greens, some wonderful pot bunkers, an abundance of dunes and some of the best laid out holes in Scotland.

And the Kilted Golf Classic? Although not obligatory we thought that given that it is an integral part of Dundonald Games Week we would add a little bit of fun and offer players the opportunity to compete in Highland Dress with a special commemorative trophy being presented to the winner!

Entry is strictly limited to 80 golfers and it is sure to be subscribed very quickly so do not hesitate to enter. You can reserve a single or a discounted fourball from only £45 per person including coffee and bacon roll on arrival.

For further information and reservations visit Dundonald Games Golf website

Dundonald Games Links Golf Day Announced

This year will see the inaugural Dundonald Games Links Golf Day incorporating the first Kilted Golf Classic teeing off on Friday 5th August.

This unique 18 hole handicap stableford event is open to amateur ladies and gents with an official handicap and will be played over the magnificent Dundonald Links golf course. The course is a wonderful challenge but remains a fair test of all golfing abilities with fast, three club greens, some wonderful pot bunkers, an abundance of dunes and some of the best laid out holes in Scotland.

And the Kilted Golf Classic? Although not obligatory we thought that given that it is an integral part of Dundonald Games Week we would add a little bit of fun and offer players the opportunity to compete in Highland Dress with a special commemorative trophy being presented to the winner!

Entry is strictly limited to 80 golfers and it is sure to be subscribed very quickly so do not hesitate to enter. You can reserve a single or a discounted fourball from only £45 per person including coffee and bacon roll on arrival.

For further information and reservations visit click here

Scotland Food and Drink Chocolate Award

The Highland Chocolatier was announced as the recipient of VisitScotland’s Food Tourism Award at last night's Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards in Dunblane.

Based in Grandtully in Perthshire, The Highland Chocolatier is a chocolate maker with a dedicated chocolate exhibition. The business was praised for its continuous growth over the past 5 years and its innovative expansion to provide a well rounded and year round visitor experience. Above all, the judges were impressed by the obvious passion and quality of the chocolate produced.

Owner, Iain Burnett, said: "It is extremely rewarding, not just for me but for our entire team in Grandtully, to be recognised by such a prestigious and respected organisation as Scotland Food & Drink. Our concept is unique, not only in Scotland but in the UK and although it is tough in such an unsteady financial climate, we are very pleased to be able to fulfil our dreams and win awards whilst we are at it too!"

Representing the diversity of applications for the award, the two other finalists were Waterfront Bar and Seafood Restaurant from Argyll, and Craigie’s (farm delicatessen and cafe) from West Lothian.

The awards were announced at a ceremony for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel , where guests enjoyed a special menu designed by renowned Scottish chef, Nick Nairn.

Presenting the award, Riddell Graham, Director of Partnerships at VisitScotland, said:

“Food and drink is integral to the experience of visitors to Scotland and these awards have been a wonderful opportunity to build on Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink and our EatScotland quality assurance scheme by highlighting some of Scotland’s food heroes. It’s been great to see so many quality food and drink producers welcoming visitors in such enthusiastic and imaginative ways.“

Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink runs up to the end of May 2011 and VisitScotland sponsors the Food Tourism award in recognition of the importance that food and drink plays in supporting tourism. Figures show that £1 in every £5 spent by a visitor in Scotland is on food and drink-related activity, equating to more than £500 million for UK visitors alone. In March a survey (HPI Brand Tracker survey) showed that, between October and December 2010, there was a 6.5 per cent surge in the number of people who agreed that “Scotland is a country of great food and drink experiences”.

To enter the award, businesses needed to be a quality Scottish food or drink business with authenticity, quality and passion at the centre of their product, as well as emphasising their visitor’s experience. In selecting the three short-listed finalists, the judges were delighted to see the range of food and drink visitor experiences across the length and breadth of Scotland and were impressed with the level of sophistication and excellence in food and drink provision and visitor experience, particularly across rural Scotland.

Earlier this month, The Highland Chocolatier swept the board at the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London with its Velvet Truffles awarded an exceptional two Gold, two Silver and one Bronze for Best Truffle and Best Filled Chocolate categories. The winning recipes included the pure Mild and Dark varieties of the Velvet Truffle, and infusions with Assam Tea & Green Cardamom, Crushed Raspberries & Black Pepper, and White Lime & Chilli.

Tartan Army - Euro 2012 Scotland away matches

Okay this may not be promoting trips to Scotland but it's still about Scotland and since we're not involved with the Tartan Army website anymore we can provide travel updates through here.


In a year that has shamed Scottish football in so many ways it's good to look forward to some International matches in the autumn that will determine Scotland's fate in qualification for The Euro Championships. Passprot Travel have unveiled their flight details and packages for the two away mataches to Spain and Lithuania (with follow up information on the Eurovision Song Contest in Azherbaijan should we fail to qualify!)

Saturday 8th October 2011 - Liechtenstein v Scotland
Tuesday 11th October 2011 Spain v Scotland

The correspondence from Passport Travel siad,

So far we have managed to locate two flights for our travels to support Scotland for these next two crucial away games: a double-header including Liechtenstein and Spain and a separate two-night trip to Spain. Both flights will depart from Edinburgh and if later we manage to add flights from Glasgow and Aberdeen we will allow you to switch. When booking, indicate your preferred departure airport. We have priced the trips as if the Spain match will take place in Madrid but we will fly to the airport wherever the game is played; there may be a supplement for other cities, and there certainly will be if the match is played in the Canary Islands.

DOUBLE-HEADER: Liechtenstein and Spain

Flight departs Edinburgh early Saturday to Zurich. Match in Liechtenstein. Saturday night in hotel in Zurich.

On Sunday (about lunchtime) flight to Spain, wherever the game is to be played. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in Spain – 2 nights in hotel. Depart Spain on Tuesday night after the match.

Option 1 - £679 (single £769).

Option 2 - £729 (single £849) (the option prices reflect the cost and quality of the hotels).

Only two days off work!

TWO NIGHTS: Spain: Monday to Wednesday

Flight departs Edinburgh early Monday to Spain, wherever the game is to be played. Two nights in hotel.

Option 1 - £520 (single £580).

Option 2 - £560 (single £640) (the option prices reflect the cost and quality of the hotels).
Please note these are small aircraft and will probably fill quickly – please book early.

Scottish Seniors Open Returns to Fife

The Cleveland Golf / Srixon Scottish Senior Open will return to Fairmont St Andrews for a third consecutive year from August 19-21, when former Ryder Cup player Barry Lane will defend his title.

Lane captured his maiden European Senior Tour title over the Torrance Course last year, completing a Scottish double 22 years after also winning his first of five European Tour titles in the land where golf was born in the 1988 Scottish Open.

The 50 year old Englishman finished four strokes clear of compatriots Jim Rhodes and Glenn Ralph, the 2009 champion, to win on just his fourth appearance as a senior golfer.

With both The Open Championship and The Senior Open Championship being played in the south of England this summer, the Cleveland Golf / Srixon Scottish Senior Open will be one of the premiere fixtures on the Scottish golfing calendar.

The 19th edition of the prestigious event sees leading golf manufacturer Cleveland Golf/Srixon return as title sponsor for a third consecutive year, extending their association with the Senior Tour with Cleveland Golf already the Official Club of the Senior Tour, and Srixon, the Official Ball Supplier to the Senior Tour.
Leading Senior Tour players will once again compete for the prize fund of €250,000 and winner’s cheque of £37,500.

Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “The Cleveland Golf / Srixon Scottish Senior Open is one of the longest running tournaments on the Senior Tour and is a title that is much sought after among our players.

“Our strong relationship with Cleveland Golf and Srixon, as well as the ongoing support of EventScotland and Fairmont St Andrews, has helped continue the proud tradition of the tournament and we look forward to another fantastic event in August.”

Greg Hopkins, CEO of Cleveland Golf/Srixon, said: “The Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open was a huge success once again in 2010. The event provides us with the unique opportunity to allow our top retailers and customers to experience tournament golf in a fun environment, while the main event is one of the flagship events on the European Senior Tour circuit and one we are proud to sponsor.”

The event is once again being supported by EventScotland, the national events agency. Chief Operating Officer Paul Bush OBE commented: “The Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open has been on our portfolio of events since we were established back in 2003 so we have been part of its growth over the years.

“Fairmont St Andrews provides a wonderful setting to showcase Scotland as ‘The Home of Golf’ to the many visitors attending or those watching the coverage around the world.”

Garrett Turta, Fairmont St Andrews General Manager, said: “Fairmont St Andrews once again is proud to host The Cleveland Golf / Srixon Scottish Senior Open and we’re looking forward to welcoming back some legendary names in European golf. “The significant improvements we’ve made to the Torrance Course put it among the best in the country. We have a fantastic course and are very popular with the players so I know we’ll attract a great line up to the home of golf in August and really give the crowds something to cheer about.”

Crusoe Hotel Lower Largo

Book your Accommodation Now

Looking for some hotel accommodation for the Srixon Scottish Seniors Open event?
Check availability at a number of properties in the area book your accommodation through Scotland's For Me or click on the hotel link and book direct.

Prestwick St Nicholas co-hosts the Scottish Area Team Championship

Prestwick St Nicholas is co-hosting, along Prestwick Golf Club, the Scottish Area Team Championship on the 14th and 15th May.

The field will feature 96 of the country's leading amateur players (including internationalists) representing their respective areas. The Ayrshire six man team consists of Scottish and South African Amateur Champion Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), a trio of Kilmarnock Barassie players - the new Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion Jamie Mackay, 2010 Ayrshire Matchplay winner Euan Brown and Scotland boys international Jack McDonald, and bidding to go one step further than their semi-final appearance last year are Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) and John Haggarty (Loudoun).

The format will see all 16 teams play 36 holes stroke-play on Saturday 14 May (one round over Prestwick and one round over St Nicholas) with the leading 4 teams qualifying for match play on the Sunday to determine the medal positions.