Gold had its origins in Scotland, and that country's beautiful but daunting terrain make the game very different from the cushy version played elsewhere. In Scotland golfers battle not only the willfulness of the ball but also the elements -- sandy grounds with bristly gorse, unpredictable winds, and ocean-sized water hazards. Golf at the Water's Edge offers a delightful anecdotal history and tour of Scotland's seaside courses, divided into five regions. East Lothian, West Scotland, Fife, the North East, and the Highlands. Within each region are sections devoted to some of the most revered links in the world -- among them, Turnberry, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch, and of course, St. Andrews. Lovely watercolor illustrations accompany each course, complemented by a labeled course plan. The book closes with an appendix of information for the traveler, including addresses, phone/fax numbers, months and hours of operation, and unusual course rules.