Jim Holtgrieve, 60, of St. Louis, Mo., is on a ‘scouting’ visit to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (aka Balgownie Links) in 
Part of the Royal Aberdeen scouting trip included a visit to nearby Crathes Castle. (Courtesy Jim Holtgrieve)
Aberdeen, Scotland, in advance of the 2011 Walker Cup Match, which will be played Sept. 10-11. Holtgrieve, who won the 1981 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, played on three consecutive winning USA Walker Cup teams – 1979, 1981 and 1983.
The second day of our visit entailed some sightseeing outside of Aberdeen. My wife, Kristine, and friends Rich and Cindy Weis went to visit the Crathes Castle. It was a great experience and a terrific education about old Scotland.
We then went to work and began to mark and measure Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
Kristine, Cindy, Rich, and I walked the first four holes measuring driving distances to specific bunkers. You can see the team in action with this photo of the fourth hole. Unfortunately, the rain came and halted further examination of the course.
Rich and I will return today (July 27) and finish this process. We are going to golf at Royal Aberdeen this afternoon at 4. It remains light until 10:30 p.m.
All the Scottish people have been so kind to us. We are very grateful for their kindness and hospitality.
I am confident that this will be a tremendous experience for the men who participate in the 2011 Walker Cup Match for the USA at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
Regards,Captain Holtgrieve