Road trips are something that has been a large part of my life since I was a kid. Navigating the U.S. with my family, covering every state except for Alaska, was a big part of my childhood. Watching a baseball game in 37 of the possible 42 Major League stadiums that have existed since my quest began to see them all. There is something more satisfying about crossing borders overland than by air. Watching the scenery pass and pulling in to refuel and encountering unusual roadside attractions all add to the excitement of a road trip. So when I asked one of my best childhood friends if he wanted to fly to Edinburgh the next month and drive to London he replied, why not. Our plan revolved around the Ryder Cup but knowing all too well Team USA would disappoint again we only planned to attend one day of matches. This left us plenty of other options to add to our road trip itinerary. The Ryder Cup was just the beginning.
Day 1: Edinburgh to St. Andrews
We touched down in Edinburgh after no sleep on an overnight flight from New York, hopped in our fiat rental, and headed straight for St. Andrews. The last time I was there I saw Tiger win it all but never had a chance to play any of the courses. As luck would have it we were able to jump on the Eden Course and secure club rentals just before our tee-time. 
Playing St. Andrews
There was a tournament being held on the Old Course but we didn’t mind. We were just happy to be playing golf in Scotland, the home of golf. That is all any passionate golfer can ask for and the weather was perfect. Fortunately, we were not paired with anyone that day and spent the next few hours leisurely finishing our round. In the end it was one of the most memorable rounds of my life and I will be return to play the Old Course some day. We capped off the round with a photo on the 18th bridge on the Old Course where many of the games greats had walked before. 
After 18 holes and no sleep in 29 hours we did what any two men would do after a round of golf, went straight to a local St. Andrews pub to refuel on beer before our 90-minute drive to Stirling. That would be our home base for the Ryder Cup.
St. Andrews to Stirling
Stirling is well known for it’s connection to Sir William Wallace but we didn’t have time for the sites this time around. Next time we will be sure to stop by the Wallace Monument but our sights were firmly set on getting to the Ryder Cup. We were fortunate to encounter some fantastic Scottish weather and some solid morning golf from Team USA. 
In the end we knew the Europeans would retain the cup but just being there was the experience of a lifetime. The atmosphere at a Ryder Cup is unlike any other golf tournament in the world. Chanting, cheering, and dressing up to represent your country is expected and we did our best to encourage the Americans but our attempts were buried by the dominance of the European play.
Next Stop: Stirling to Liverpool
After enjoying the beautiful setting at the Ryder Cup we set Liverpool in our sights. As Luck would have it the Merseyside Derby was that particular weekend at Anfield. As a Blue, I was excited to see the Toffees for the first time. I hadn’t seen any football in person since I saw American hero and brick wall Tim Howard beat Ghana with Team USA in Brazil. It was great to see a live action match again. After an early goal from Steven Gerrard, Phil Jagielka leveled things up in the 92nd minute and left Everton fans going home on a high note. Not a win but an incredible experience at Anfield nonetheless. 
Next Stop: Liverpool to Bilbury
We spent the night in Liverpool doing research at all of Liverpool’s finest bars and clubs before beginning our journey onwards to London the next morning. An early departure led us to Bilbury, where we stopped for lunch. We were in no rush and who can resist those little cottages at Arlington Row. After refueling on a few pints and stocking up on road trip essentials we headed out on the last leg of our journey: London. 
Next Stop: Bilbury to London
London has always been one of my favorite cities in the world but I hadn’t returned in years. On arrived we checked into our hotel just in time to see the sunset over the River Thames and enjoy a beer before dinner. We only had one night in London but we were going to make the most of it. We stayed in the east end but hopped on the tube bound for a pub that had been recommended to us. Fortunately it did not disappoint and we spent the last night of our road trip remembering all of the best moments that led to that pint. Whether it was Bubba Watson’s monstrous tee shots, Jakielka’s laser into the back of the net at Anfield, or just remembering to stay on the left side of the road, the memories will last a lifetime. 
Keys to a Successful Road Trip
No matter where your road trip takes you or how long it lasts it is important to always keep a positive outlook during the trip. Often times the journey is where most of your memories will be made. The destination will always be there but the trip you took to arrive there will be what makes or breaks an amazing adventure. This road trip through the UK will go down as one of my favorites. While it was short it was just the right amount of time to see a few wonderful highlights across the United Kingdom and have a lot of good times with a great friend. Follow more of Clint Johnson's travel adventures on Twitter and Instagram. All photography credited to Clint.