by Wally
Across Canada I'm unsure of the rule towards water on the course but in Ontario it has been removed for health reasons...bottled water is very inexpensive here and at some courses supplied free!

by Don MacKay
As an owner, and speaking for many owners, we have deliberately removed the water coolers from the course to protect the player. Ever since the young man in Arizona died from water in a dispenser, we have moved to bottled water. So I hope you felt confident in the quality of the water you purchased - because you never know what has happened to the water once it is placed on the course.

by Robert
As a professional who manages golf courses, I am a bit amused by the comments at times. Needless to say, most golf courses are a business and need to show a profit - or at least break even - in order to keep members / owners / investors / players happy. Golf course maintenance costs around $250,000 - $500,000 per year for 18 holes. This doesn't include salaries, taxes, et al ad nauseum, so buy the water and be happy there's a course to play. As for the gentleman who complained that he couldn't get a game, a few things to remember - European clubs require proof of HDCP and advance bookings. If you're travelling solo, call the club first and as the pro nicely if there's anyway he can help you out. MOST times they will, but ya gotta call first. Lastly, remember that when in Rome...etc. Golf courses in the US are plentiful and struggling for players in many cases. Be thankful it isn't like Japan.

by Jim McTurk
On a recent business trip to Scotland, i took my golf clubs, hoping to pick up the odd game as a walk on - this is easy and normal in Canada or the US. Much to my surprise, not once was I able to join locals (there were no tourists) and enjoy their company and their golf. At the time I was an 8 hcp. Are all the Scots so unhospitable?

by Sylvia Blackmore
The golf club I belonged to in Mallorca, Spain had water containers on the golf course, but they didn't cool it with ice, as they do here in Florida. Having it cool in the U.K. isn't maybe such an issue, but now you know the pitfalls, you'll be well prepared for future visits.

by Bernie Barrett
It's the first time I've heard the woes of the US dollar blamed on UK and Scottish rates of exchange.
I invoice my customers in GBP Sterling...problem solved!
But in the knowledge of how much my American customers & friends enjoy their "water" I provide "free" bottled water throughout their stay.
Now if that dosen't get me some sales against the lousy performance of the USD right now, I don't know what will.
Bernie Barrett
On Course Golf, St. Andrews

by Joel
Nice.
Not sure who this guy is or how he gets to write a column.
Wouldn't mind the job, travelling around, playing on the company... nice.
Anyway, hope to play there some day, as long as there's some liquor on the course I'll be fine!

by Bob Kessinger
Scotland is already becoming too Americanized. If you want it the same way as in the states stay in the states. Glad you weren't in any of my foursomes in the UK. I bet the caddies were all betting against you since they knew you were weak and dehydrated!
you could always take out some of the gear and put a couple of bottles of water in your bag. Gotta be something better to write about than trying to dog the best golf in the world!

by Ben Dover
If providing free water jugs constitutes as "Americanized"...maybe its not a bad thing. We're not asking Scots to unilaterally invade other countries here....

by Joel
Whoa, best golf in the world?
Most historic certainly. Best?
Pebble Beach, Bay Hill, Cog Hill, Entrada, TPC Stadium at Sawgrass...
Some might fine golfing there bud...

by Steve Kent
Hey there's lots of water in Scotland!!! Mostly in the clouds or in the fabulous whisky though!! Its FANTASTIC that you go to scotland and all you have to pick up on is lack of free water! It's cooler up there, a small bottle suffices on the warmest of days, who wants to spoil the lovely pint of bitter at the end with water!
Scotland saves it water for whisky...ENJOY!!
(did you try probably the best courses of all?? forget St Andrews/Carnoustie and Troon - head for Blairgowerie and play the Rosemount and Landsdown...you won't be disappointed!!)
Steve Kent

by Joel
Hey Steve! Thanks for the tip on the courses... maybe you'll join us for a round and a pint and a shot when I get over there!!!!!
Have to admit though, they sure sell St. Andrews well to us yanks. It is "the birthplace" after all so you say.
I look forward to getting there some day and playing the historic and glorious links of my fore fathers.
I will for sure keep Blairgowerie in mind.

by Allan Lynch
Okay, so you had to pay for water. How was the golf?
I guess I believe if one can afford to travel overseas to play, you can probably afford to buy the odd bottle of water. Wherever I play - and this year I've been to Scotland, the Riviera, Las Vegas, Orlando and Scottsdale - I buy a bottle of water and when it's gone, fill it up either in my hotel room or clubhouse. I never considered it a hardship.
Put me in the column in favour of free health care.