Played golf at St Andrews Links, Scotland

Christina, an avid golfer, had always wanted to play a round at St Andrews Links, Scotland, where the game was played 600 years ago. (It’s the equivalent of a tennis fan wanting to play at the All England Club which hosts Wimbledon – good luck). The problem was, non-pros have to put in a bid and hope to score a ballot that allows them to play. And these ballots are only announced two days in advance!

Christina and her trio of women friends (Sonia Addison, Elizabeth Lim and Fiona Ramsay) booked their flights anyway, and went to Scotland in hope – during golfing season, hotel rooms get filled up pretty quickly. They waited, and waited. And then, voila – they got the confirmation! The plucky women had also found time to tailor special tartan outfits for the occasion; this would be a girl’s night out taken to the next level, and they wanted to maximise the experience.

When they stepped out, resplendent in their team gear – to get their start on the Old Course – they attracted a fair bit of attention. “It was an amazing day in May, with beautiful, sunny blue skies, which is almost unheard of in Scotland!” she beamed.

It wasn’t all just for the ’gram; the courses are full of sporting heritage. “I felt overwhelmed as I looked all around, knowing how much history we were surrounded by. It was also a very special moment for me, crossing the famous Swilken Bridge, a small stone bridge on the 18th hole, knowing that the most famous golf greats had taken those same steps,” the sports physiotherapist said.

The Old Course was £180 (S$320) to play on; they also golfed on three other courses in the area, including the New Course, for £80. And between the swings and long walks, they drank a lot of Scotch whisky and sang a lot of jolly hymns (they have videos).

Travel Tips: “The whole week, excluding airfare, cost $4k. Lock down the dates in advance; it’s hard to coordinate the schedules of four busy people. Book your accommodation early, and hire a private taxi service.” www.standrews.com The Swilken Bridge is actually very, very small.