We may tee up our ball in front of the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse for one of the least calming tee shots in existence. In front of stretches a vast flat plain, and unless we slice the ball outrageously on to the sea beach, no harm can befall us. At the same time we had much better hit a good shot, because the Swilcan burn guards the green, and we want to carry it and get a four. It is an inglorious little stream enough: we could easily jump over it were were not afraid of looking foolish if we fell in, and yet it catches an amazing number of balls. BERNARD DARWIN