PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE:  This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon, as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

Some of you may ask – how did you think up this topic as one for a blog, especially with coronavirus dominating all of the news and information?  Better, I guess, to focus on issues such as golf in Scotland than to get drowned in too much information on the virus.

And, I have at least three reasons why this subject interests me:

1. I don’t have much to do during the current “stay at home” admonition.
2. I love Scotland, having had the incredible privilege of traveling there five times to enjoy golf in a country that adores the sport.
3. I have played golf in the rain and wind of Scotland, which is not saying much because, if you have been to Scotland, you have played golf in rain and wind.

To a Scot, when thinking about a round of golf, the question is not what the weather is doing outside.  It is playing golf regardless of the weather.

There is another phrase that marks golf in Scotland.  Caddies say that,” if you don’t like the weather, it will change in five minutes.”

This reminds me of the time I played in the worst golf weather ever.  It was at Turnberry in Scotland, the course where Tom Watson almost won the Open (the British Open) at age 60 in 2009.

[By the way, I would not play the course again because, unfortunately, one Donald Trump bought it and now calls it “Trump Turnberry.”  Enough to move it from my “want to play list.”]

When I did play Turnbery, I was the only golfer on the course.  No wonder.  It was raining sideways.  The wind was blowing so much that I almost could not stand up, especially when I tried to swing.  I had to work hard to manage my clubs, with a pull cart, which did not stand up easily,  By some miracle, I made it through 18 holes.  But it took two or three days for my clothes and clubs to dry out!

So, for the rest of this blog, I am indebted – again – to one of my favorite golf magazines, Links.  A story in the most recent on-line edition appeared under this headline:  “Essential Scottish Golf Trip Rain Gear.”

The lead to the story said this:

“Did you know that March and April have the lowest number of days with rainfall in Scotland?  The temperatures are lower during those months, but I think they’re the best time to visit.  One key to enjoying a visit, no matter what time of year, is having the correct golf trip rain gear.”

So, the story went on to list these suggestions.

WATERPROOF RAINSUIT/The most essential piece of weather gear for a golf trip to Scotland is a great rain suit. There are a few essential points to consider and avoid during the search process.   Don’t just wear that short sleeve rain jacket you bought for sale a few years ago. Playing a round soaked from the elbow down isn’t fun. The cold wind and rain saps the heat from your body wherever possible and extremities (hands in this case) are the first to go.

If you can afford it, get a rain suit that utilizes Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex is unquestionably the best in waterproof material technology. I am a huge fan of Galvin Green, which use Gore-Tex in all of its shell products.  Waterproof pants are just as crucial as your jacket. Make sure they are large enough to pull over your normal golf pants. This plays into the layering game (see more below).

Don’t waste your money on a waterproof hat.  Instead bring a couple of wool hats and keep the extra one in your zip-lock bag (see more below).

MITTENS/Keeping your hands warm and dry is crucial to enjoying the round despite the weather. A pair of mittens is the perfect solution and they are a common sight on Scottish links. T he local’s tip is to throw a hand warmer or two in the mittens on the first tee and at the turn.

LAYER-LAYER-LAYER/It is difficult to describe how quickly the weather changes during a round in Scotland.  Rain turns into beating sun followed by cold winds, then hail.  The ability to shed a shell layer, put it back on, and adapt quickly is vital.

BIGGEST ROOKIE ERROR/You can always pick out the links golf rookies by looking for umbrellas.  The high winds that accompany Scottish rain make handling an umbrella difficult and counterproductive.  You have to close the umbrella when you put it down (otherwise it will blow away) and you always get soaked in the constant opening and closing process.

Even if you have a caddie to carry your bag, don’t carry an umbrella. You may see it happen on the tour, but it’s a worthless practice in Scotland and your caddie will hate you.

PAIRS OF WATERPROOF SHOES/Yes, plural. Bring a spare pair or two, because slipping on a damp pair of shoes in the morning ruins the day ahead.  Even if it’s not raining, walking through tall fescue rough often soaks your feet. Additionally, make sure you have a good pair of waterproof shoes, preferably with a “sewn-in” tongue.  All of the water streaming down your rain pants runs directly onto your shoes, so they are a point of weakness in the waterproof chain.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TIP/Carry a few large zip-lock bags in your golf bag during the trip. When the rain comes, throw your keys, phone, wallet, rangefinder, camera, and spare gloves in the bags. It is a cheap and easy trick that will save your electronics and keep your essentials dry.

I may not have another chance to play golf in Scotland.  But, five trips provide a lot of memories, including playing golf regardless of the weather – which is what I generally do here, as well.