Sean Tully and I both arrived into London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday. Knowing that our arrival was the extent of our time in London, we found a taxi company that arranged "Heathrow Layover" tours of Windsor. For slightly more money than our taxi fare to our hotel, they picked us up, dropped us in Windsor, stored our luggage and agreed to "collect us" again when we were finished touring the area.

Located on the River Thames just west of London, Windsor is home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family.

Naturally we wanted a close look at Windsor Castle before sunset. On the advice of a friendly security guard we walked around the back and got some outstanding photos. Dinner at a local pub in Windsor was a great way to continue to take in the experience before an extended walk around the area.

Windsor Castle

(last photo by Sean Tully)

We had a quick pint at the Two Brewers pub and were ready to take our taxi to our hotel in Avisford Park near Arundel.

The rules on outside drinking at the Two Brewers pub in Windsor.

The hotel has an 18 hole golf course and the front nine was ideal for a walk around the property.

Avispark Golf Club, above and below.

At 10 AM the next morning Michael Mead, course manager at Littlehampton Golf Club, and his assistant Luke Green picked us up at the hotel.  Michael and I met at BTME last year when he was in class with Tony Girardi and I helped him navigate the trade show for his first trip to BTME. We stopped in the town of Arundel for a look at the castle, which can also be seen from Littlehampton Golf Club.

Arundel Castle, above. Sean Tully, Michael Mead and Luke Green in Arundel, below.

Michael and Luke were keen (that's "eager" in UK English) to show us around the course which is one of the only links courses in the area and located right on the English Channel in the very south of England. He has a five year plan to renovate the bunkers and has several other projects currently going on. One of the benefits of visiting courses during the BTME trip in January is that many projects are taking place at this time of year. 

Luke Green, Michael Mead and Sean Tully before our course walk. Notice the High Visibility vests - a safety requirement for any non-golfers out on the course, shown below.

The English Channel, above, viewed from Littlehampton Golf Club. Below, Michael Mead and the other members of his crew.

After a short drive to Southampton Airport, Sean and I boarded a flight to Manchester on Flybe airline, British Airways' discount carrier. There we caught up with Todd Fyffe, who had arrived earlier that day.

Just one more night and the whole TurfNet group would be together in the UK!