Biarritz was a holiday home to many of those abusive, rich and famous folk at the turn of the century and as the birthplace of our hero Arnaud in 1887, it starts me on this golfing masters Camino.
Arnaud was a legend winning the first french and Spanish opens as well as coming home with the claret jug and also being popped in 1911 by Harry Vardon. There's many legacies but one of Arnaud's was Angel de la Torre, the legendary Spanish golfer from Cordoba who jumped shop during the early sparks of the Spanish civil war and had an illustrious and inspirational involvement in the golfing game in the USA.
When you slip down these rabbit holes you realise how interesting the history can be. The untold stories of the game and eras influencers.
Arnaud Massy opened doors and had doors opened for him. Just check forth street in North Berwick. He did that same for others and Angel de la Torre is just one of many.
Next stop is the Correos where the famous letters were sent that ensured Angel de la Torre could ensure his family safe passage to the USA.
Next stop for me on the bus tour is hendaye and the Spanish border. On entering Spain we can look to the right and see hondoarriba the home of Jose Maria Olazabal, the Masters champion and winner of two of those coveted green jackets.
Just along the coast past San Sebastian is the city of Bilbao, a stones throw from another member of the Basque trio, Jon Rahm. His legend is building, like his temper, with every game. The raw passion, precision and power of Rahm in full throw will keep me enthralled for the rest of my life.
Our final stop will be Santander the nearest city to where Severiano Ballesteros was born. Seve is among the greatest of golfing gods, a total natural who also never forgot the value of the few shillings he received as a boy.
We flew into Biarritz for buttons from Edinburgh and will fly out of Santander after a week of watching golf on the TV and surfers on the sea. I'll update this as I go.
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