Blending Golf and Whisky

Golf and whisky is a marriage made in heaven. Lets hope that's where Old Tom Morris finished up anyway. Tom was a regular at The New Golf Club which overlooks the 18th fairway of The Old Course, where he would quite often be found beside a pint of Black Strap and a whisky chaser. On Sunday 24th May 1908, he rose to go to the toilet and was never to return. Tom had fallen down the stairs and left the golfing world at the age of 87. I can certainly think of worse ways to say the final goodbye.

Connoisseur Golf have combined with Scotland's most respected name in Whisky - David Wishart of The University of St. Andrews - to offer visiting golfers a light education on the the history of Scotland's national drink and the differing characteristics between many of it's most favourite brands. David is a captivating host, and engages his guests with charm and wit throughout. He has a great aptitude for being able to translate the taste of a whisky into words, and this is probably why he has spoken on the subject at various conventions throughout he world.

David's book - 'Whisky Classified' aims to help the newcomer navigate through the maze of single malt whiskies available to the consumer. If you like a particular malt whisky, then it tells you what other brands taste similar. On the other hand, if you want to diversify your collection, it helps you choose a range of malts that taste different. It is a reflection of David's philosophy that whisky shouldn't be graded on a scale of 1-10 by a committee of experts, but differentiated by taste - because everyone's palate is unique.

It is also now possible to embark on specialized Golf & Whisky Tours, which combine both loves into one itinerary. You could be playing Royal Dornoch in the morning, and find yourself on a guided journey around Glenmorangie Distillery in the afternoon. Or, if like me, your golf is declining at a rate of knots - turn the day on it's head and get merry before commencing play.

If you have any questions about Golf & Whisky Tours in Scotland, or if you would like to set up a night with David Wishart as part of your golfing pilgrimage, get in touch at jim@connoisseurgolf.com. Slainte Mhath!