Importing from the USA

[ajmooseman]

Just imported some bridgestone's from the US

so I thought i'd just let people know about the duty ect.

Irons brand new of Ebay.$327
Delivery $65

Total cost £ £214.38

UK Delivery done by Parcelforce Handling fee £13.50
VAT @17.5% £37.50



Grand Total 214.38 +13.50+37.50 = £265.38


Deliver time 9 days from end of sale.


Now i don't think that's bad.:)

[MisterS3]

Which BStones did you get? Shaft?

Obviously makes no diff to the price, but just out of interest :)

[BigJim]

Did the parcelforce fee include an allowance for customs duty? Otherwise you appear to have paid none which doesn't instictively seem right (although there always seems to be a grey area and a bit of luck of the draw as to what/whether you get charged)

If you'd been there for any reason you could have saved between £50 and £100 on shipping etc.



Makes you wonder why we're stupid enough to go on buying the stuff at inflated prices here in the first place.

[PowerPenguin]

I love Bridgestone clubs! :cool: I wish they were more readily available in the UK, I don't trust importing from abroad. I would more than happily play and all Bridgestone bag right now. :) :) :)

Dave

[Creosote]

I believe there isn't duty on used goods, only on new goods.

[Triple XL]

Last time I checked with customs, I was told that if you have owned the clubs for 1 year there is no import duty. That was some time ago though so may be out of date.

[Tin Pot]

So if I go to NY and buy some clubs will they charge me duty, or do I walk through the green channel with a clear conscience?

[Triple XL]

The theory is that you should go through the red channel if they cost you more than £145.

To help you decide if the purchase is worth it, when you leave the UK, drop by the customs desk in the departure lounge and ask them exactly what you would have to pay if you do buy a set and bring them back. If my memory serves me right, I was told it would be 22% of the purchase price (this was about 5 years ago, so may be out of date now). Then just do the maths when you are out there.

I have heard stories of people buying a set of really cheap clubs and then doing a trade out there thinking that as they took a set out, they can bring a set back with no charge. This is not true, you still have to pay when you return.

On the other side of the coin, I take my clubs with me whenever I am away for more than a week (got to have something to do at the weekend :) ). The only place I have been asked about my clubs was when I went to Soeul, S. Korea and then the guys only wanted to know what driver I use and would I be taking it back out of the country when I left.

[Alex_Smith]

I recently purchased a Ping G5i Ug-Le putter from the States and it only cost me a mere £45 including postage.

Took about 3 weeks, because the seller had some problems at first, because he had never sent anything outside of the US.

Would definitely consider doing this again, because you can save a lot of cash.

[Sam the Eagle]

I bought something cheap on ebay to test the water...
That was about a month ago and all I received was the customs declaration signed by seller. There isn't even an address or phone number to contact whatever authority handle it. Not pleased :mad:

[topscaff]

I have bought from the U.S.A on a number of occasions and even with import taxes and postage it still works out a lot cheaper than the U.K.

Golfsmith are excellent for delivery time;)

I ordered some bits on Sunday evening ( 1st Oct ) from Golfsmith and it arrived on the 6th ..... that`s quicker than a lot of ebayers get their goods out :eek:

This lot cost $340 ( £180 ) including delivery + £ 42 import tax = £222

Shafts alone would cost around £200-£220 from a UK supplier

Set of True Temper Black Gold Shafts
3 x Rifle Spinner 5.5 shafts
30 x Golf pride Wraps
shafting beads
Epoxy
2 rolls grip tape
epoxy mixing cups and mix sticks
clubmaking book

[PowerPenguin]

I recently purchased a Ping G5i Ug-Le putter from the States and it only cost me a mere £45 including postage.

Took about 3 weeks, because the seller had some problems at first, because he had never sent anything outside of the US.

Would definitely consider doing this again, because you can save a lot of cash.

If you ever fancy getting rid of that for something close to what you paid fror it, give me a PM. :cool:

Dave

[Alex_Smith]

Lol PP.

It's currently on eBay at at around £25 with plenty of time left.

Hoping to get atleast £60-£65.

[rgjusa]

If you have a sympathetic shipper in the USA they can mark it "Gift" and put the value exceptionally low, ie. below 15 quid/30 bucks. If you use UPS or Fedex they will charge a "broker fee". USPS will ship via Parcelforce in the UK and they also charge a "broker fee", but I find that if I ship stuff to myself from the USA (because I cannot be bothered to wait for it to come off the plane, or cannot be bothered to carry it/check it/carry it) and have marked it as "Gift, used golf goods, $30", I do not get held to ransom by VAT/customs/post office. That is why I always ship via USPS and always get it tracked (I find nothing goes missing if it is tracked - and that was probably "famous last words"!!!).

I also travel there a bit and here is a tip - keep every golf receipt you have ever had and take it with you on your travels. Buy a new driver in the USA, great, you have a receipt that you can show them...buy new clubs, great, you have a receipt that you can show them as you breeze through the green channel, and if you get stopped. I have been stopped and it has worked successfully for me.

Another tip - I post back any receipts for goods I have got in the USA to myself...the customs can go through your wallet, etc, looking for incriminating evidence, ie. receipts, so be wary of that if you are going to run the green channel and you know you are over the limit.

Yet another tip - if you know you are going to go out to the USA and buy clubs, take your travel cover with you, the more beat up it is the better...when you come through the green channel you look as though you have been on a golf trip and imho are less likely to be stopped if you look like a golfer on holiday. If you look like a businessman with a brand new box/bag/cover you are asking to be stopped.

Best tip I was given but will never use - a friend of mine who takes honesty in these matters far more seriously than I do decided that he would go through the red channel and declare his stuff. Off he went, and absolutely breezed through as there was no-one there, paid nothing, saw no-one. All the staff were on the green channel so he says stopping others! I believe him, but I think he was exceptionally lucky. Immaterial to me as I am never going down the red channel.

You still need to be lucky though if you are coming through the green channel and have to be confident if you know you are over the limits. I came through with some expensive shafts in a box the other month, sort of got stopped ie. he said as I was walking by "what's in the box and where did you come from?", told him, didn't even stop walking, and that was it.

[PowerPenguin]

Very good first post there rjusa! Sound advice I'm sure.

Might be an idea just to introduce yourself in the introductions section just to let everyone know you're here. :)

Dave

[spookyfish]

rockettour.com are excellent with delivery from the USA. I have ordered from them a couple of times now, and both arrived within the week. Quicker than most places in the UK!

[Zorro]

2.7% Duty on all golf equipment and then 17.5% VAT on top, so closer to 21%.:(

[BigJim]

Another tip - I post back any receipts for goods I have got in the USA to myself...the customs can go through your wallet, etc, looking for incriminating evidence, ie. receipts, so be wary of that if you are going to run the green channel and you know you are over the limit.



Customs also have the wherewithall to seize and examine your mail - so send them to your work:) They can also charge duty on an "estimated" value if you don't have a recept and they think the goods are over the limit. You do get your money back if you can prove the correct value.

Also bear in mind that it's the total value of all goods that you're bringing in that count. Got a guitar once dead on £145 and bought a book to read on the plane which took me over the limit. Fortunately I got a guitar playing customs man to tell me the error of my ways.

Also, most importantly, customs men don't have a sense of humour-
Glasgow Airport, very early, cold morning in winter, an overnight flight from Newark, sat outside the incontinent twins, so no sleep, cold and grumpy.

Customs Man "Do you have any hard core pornography, controlled substances or alcohol over 90% proof?"
Me "I'll need to find where you guys go, sounds much better than where I've just been".

You could almost hear the rubber gloves snapping into place......

[leftie]

so hang on a sec, if I buy a club under £150 off ebay can they charge me?
Say if its new or only been used a bit.

[BigJim]

so hang on a sec, if I buy a club under £150 off ebay can they charge me?
Say if its new or only been used a bit.

The £145 limit is only for items that come back on a plane with you. Theoretically, anything that's shipped in to you will be liable for duty and VAT, although I think there's a nominal value around £20 under which they don't bother.

There's no difference if the goods are new or second hand (apart from the value), or if as some people think the item is marked as a gift.

[rgjusa]

so hang on a sec, if I buy a club under £150 off ebay can they charge me?
Say if its new or only been used a bit.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=document&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_CL_001454

Pretty depressing reading.

As is this:

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000014&propertyType=document#P25_1332

[Tin Pot]

I checked your link:

"Server Maintenance
Online Services Temporarily Unavailable"

I wouldn't get that upset, mate! ;)

[Tin Pot]

Seriously though;

A friend of mine from Washington DC is visiting over Christmas and she's offered to bring some stuff over for me. Any idea what online stores over there are cheap and reliable?

(I'm after Titleist 775s)

[rgjusa]

Seriously though;

A friend of mine from Washington DC is visiting over Christmas and she's offered to bring some stuff over for me. Any idea what online stores over there are cheap and reliable?

(I'm after Titleist 775s)

PM sent.

[topscaff]

WOW!!!

20 hours from time of order to arrive in the U.K

I ordered a Driver and a Fairway wood from 3balls last night ( 9.30 PM UK time ).
Today at 5.30 PM i got a phone call from UPS to say that my goods had arrived in the U.K :eek: and would i like to pay the Import duty over the phone or on delivery.

Unfortunately they don`t deliver on Saturdays so i will have to wait until Monday.

Had i ordered on Weds evening i could have had the goods in approx 36 hours:eek:

I`m impressed :cool:

[Tin Pot]

What were the clubs, and what was the total cost?

[topscaff]

What were the clubs, and what was the total cost?


Titleist 905T 9.5* UST Proforce V2 7070 ( wanted to try one of these with this shaft for a while )


Sonartec SS 1.5 19* 5 Wood Penley Tour Light X ( to go with my 3 wood, which is amazing )


Pair of Dexter Convertible Golf Shoes

Cost plus shipping was $350 ( about £180 ish ) + £44 Import duty

Total cost £225 ... The Titleist is selling for £120-£200 in the U.K depending on condition and i couldn`t find one with the V2 shaft.

[Tin Pot]

Right, so if I imported some irons at about $460, I could expect around £50 import duty plus whatever the postage $80.

So with rounding that's about 245, 50, 45...£340 for a set of Titleists 775s or 755s. Not bad.

[Andrew Paxton]

All my current clubs (see below) came in from the USA.

Cost of assembled clubs: $900
Fedex : $90
Import Duty 2.7% : $26.73
VAT at 15% : $152.50

Grand Total : $1,169.23

Which worked out at approx. CY£525, say £620 Sterling.

Clubs were delivered from the US to Cyprus in 3 days !!!
Would happily have bought the clubs from the UK distributors, but they didn't offer the Harrison shafts I wanted.

[rgjusa]

All my current clubs (see below) came in from the USA.

Cost of assembled clubs: $900
Fedex : $90
Import Duty 2.7% : $26.73
VAT at 15% : $152.50

Grand Total : $1,169.23

Which worked out at approx. CY£525, say £620 Sterling.

Clubs were delivered from the US to Cyprus in 3 days !!!
Would happily have bought the clubs from the UK distributors, but they didn't offer the Harrison shafts I wanted.

I know this is going off-topic but I put the Harrison 2.5 Pro 80 in my driver. For the money, accuracy, feel, distance I cannot believe there is a better shaft to be had. I am getting their 1.8 to put in my 3-wood over the next couple of weeks and I can barely wait !

When I lend the driver to mates to have a go there are 2 questions, first: do you want to sell it, second: how easy would it be for you to get me one? The other thing that I did was cut the driver down to 43.5 inches, I have lost no noticeable distance but accuracy is simply stunning. I have done the same to a few peoples drivers now and they are all happier.

[Tin Pot]

VAT at 15% : $152.50


Why are you paying VAT in Cyprus?

[Andrew Paxton]

I know this is going off-topic but I put the Harrison 2.5 Pro 80 in my driver. For the money, accuracy, feel, distance I cannot believe there is a better shaft to be had. I am getting their 1.8 to put in my 3-wood over the next couple of weeks and I can barely wait !

When I lend the driver to mates to have a go there are 2 questions, first: do you want to sell it, second: how easy would it be for you to get me one? The other thing that I did was cut the driver down to 43.5 inches, I have lost no noticeable distance but accuracy is simply stunning. I have done the same to a few peoples drivers now and they are all happier.

Have the same sort of responses here from people. I use harrison shafts in all my clubs bar the wedges, and rate them very highly.

RgjUsa, for your 3-wood, you might like to consider the Harrison Hybrid Fairway as well. Very solid shaft.

My driver is trimmed to 44 inch. No loss of distance and accuracy is much improved.
Last lesson, the pro had a few hits with my driver - was very reluctant to give it back

[Andrew Paxton]

Why are you paying VAT in Cyprus?

We pay 15% VAT on anything originating from outside the EU

[MisterS3]

Just to add more practical experience

Bought nike pro combos for $229 (impulse buy!)
Shipping $64.95

Now i checked with the seller and he said they only put the value of the clubs ($229) on the customs declaration form (or whatever its called).

But i get them delivery yesterday with a invoice from UPS with VAT charged on the total amount $294.98.
Okay its not a huge amount extra - but its better in my pocket :). And then UPS add £11 for the priveledge of collecting the money.

I've called UPS and left a message (they must get quite a calls to this line!) and also emailed the seller.

Will update with any findings. Not expecting much joy. But never hurt to ask.

Clubs are in far better condition that described. Bought from globalgolf.com.

Will be buying from the US again! :)

[MisterS3]

Just to add more practical experience

Bought nike pro combos for $229 (impulse buy!)
Shipping $64.95

Now i checked with the seller and he said they only put the value of the clubs ($229) on the customs declaration form (or whatever its called).

But i get them delivery yesterday with a invoice from UPS with VAT charged on the total amount $294.98.
Okay its not a huge amount extra - but its better in my pocket :). And then UPS add £11 for the priveledge of collecting the money.

I've called UPS and left a message (they must get quite a calls to this line!) and also emailed the seller.

Will update with any findings. Not expecting much joy. But never hurt to ask.

Clubs are in far better condition that described. Bought from globalgolf.com.

Will be buying from the US again! :)

[Alex_Smith]

So basically, they only cost around £175, which is good value for a decent set of irons.

[MisterS3]

So basically, they only cost around £175, which is good value for a decent set of irons.

Just over £200. But still good value in my opinion for something i wanted NOW :).
If i was patient on wanting to try these - tx90's back to back with my rifle 5.0's - i'm sure i could have knocked a few quid off. But its time and effort too - whereas these were a buy it now :)

Looking forward to my future clubmaking days :)

[Alex_Smith]

Definitely worth buying from the States.

My next driver will be coming from there and will hopefully save me a good £50-60+

[Zorro]

Just to add more practical experience

But i get them delivery yesterday with a invoice from UPS with VAT charged on the total amount $294.98.
Okay its not a huge amount extra - but its better in my pocket :). And then UPS add £11 for the priveledge of collecting the money.


The shipping costs are normally added to the import value so that Duty and VAT is correctly calculated. If it doesn't appear on the commercial invoice UPS in your case know the cost and will automatically add that to the invoice value. Not a lot you can do. :(

[MisterS3]

The shipping costs are normally added to the import value so that Duty and VAT is correctly calculated. If it doesn't appear on the commercial invoice UPS in your case know the cost and will automatically add that to the invoice value. Not a lot you can do. :(

Cheers Zorro, that was my assumption, so i won't waste my time/breath etc...one to bear in mind for next time :)

[MisterS3]

Just had a very pleasant UPS lady confirm that in article 2.5 (something blah blah blah) that UK Govt. charges duty on the total value of good and shipping.

Just so you know for future purchases.

And for me i had to pay it as Cash on Delivery. Just incase you guys are making big purchases!

[3puttwizard]

Still waiting for my TP Mills thats been on its way since the 16th....lost in transit...

[rgjusa]

Just had a very pleasant UPS lady confirm that in article 2.5 (something blah blah blah) that UK Govt. charges duty on the total value of good and shipping.

Just so you know for future purchases.

And for me i had to pay it as Cash on Delivery. Just incase you guys are making big purchases!

This is it:

Inclusion of postage charges in customs value - Article 165 of EC Regulation (EEC) 2454/93 requires all postal charges levied up to the place of destination in respect of goods sent by post to be included in the customs value of the goods. However, this does not apply to gifts other than those sent by Express Mail Services.

It really is a case of a small-island-having-your-cake-and-eating-it mentality.

[Andrew Paxton]

Unfortunately, it's a mentality which is common pretty much world-wide.

Import duty is calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight), so it's levied on the landed value of the goods.

Then on top of all that, we have the pleasure of paying VAT on the total figure, so we pay VAT on the import duty as well. What a wonderful thing VAT is :mad:

[Sam the Eagle]

Unfortunately, it's a mentality which is common pretty much world-wide.

Import duty is calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight), so it's levied on the landed value of the goods.

Then on top of all that, we have the pleasure of paying VAT on the total figure, so we pay VAT on the import duty as well. What a wonderful thing VAT is :mad:

And I thought there were rules against cumulative tax? How naive and innocent I once was

[rgjusa]

Still waiting for my TP Mills thats been on its way since the 16th....lost in transit...

Lost because it comes in an obvious "I am a golf club" box with TP Mills all over and the customs/postman always fancied one ! I have had stuff do that and anything that has to be signed for usually turns up after a delay while they see if the club suits their game or not. :)

[3puttwizard]

Still waiting for my TP Mills from the states that was posted a while ago...hopefully not lost or stolen.:(

[M0stly harm13ss]

Still waiting for my TP Mills from the states that was posted a while ago...hopefully not lost or stolen.:(

OT but, If it's any conselation, early this year, by mistake, a guy sent a set of irons to me via USPS ground instead of air. They took 2 1/2 months to get here, but did in the end.

Good luck!


Oh, and for safety (when rying to work out if a club is a good deal or not), I usually figure on paying 15% of the total declared cost (club price + shipping) in VAT and Royal Mail charges.

So $400 declared works out as around £60 in charges.

[rgjusa]

Still waiting for my TP Mills from the states that was posted a while ago...hopefully not lost or stolen.:(

Do you have a tracking number? If it was USPS it might work in the pile of junk that is the Royal Mail/Parcelforce tracking system...and the reason I ask is because:

I found out by accident that the Parcelforce international standard shipping method that is not tracked (they say), is tracked if you are sending to the USA. In the USA they use USPS and if you go to www.usps.com and enter the UK tracking number, you get to see its progress.

It doesn't stop it sitting for 4 days in Coventry seemingly doing nothing though.

[derekrolle]

I know this is early, but I will be coming over to Scotland with 5 other buddies from the United States in June 07 and would be more than happy to help anyone out with clubs, balls, etc. I know a number of people in the golf business who can really get PUD (discounts) on many of the items. People might ask why I would help someone out,.... I just feel if I am going over there, it isnt to hard to bring an extra bag, plus I will need the extra bag for all the clothing, and memorabelia I will be buying...First trip to Scotland, cant wait to play some golf.

[PowerPenguin]

I know this is early, but I will be coming over to Scotland with 5 other buddies from the United States in June 07 and would be more than happy to help anyone out with clubs, balls, etc. I know a number of people in the golf business who can really get PUD (discounts) on many of the items. People might ask why I would help someone out,.... I just feel if I am going over there, it isnt to hard to bring an extra bag, plus I will need the extra bag for all the clothing, and memorabelia I will be buying...First trip to Scotland, cant wait to play some golf.

Thats a nice offer Derek. :yes:

Where are you planning to play in Scotland? There are quite a few Scottish MGers here, who I'm sure would be willing to give you adivice on where to play and where to stay.

Dave

[Tin Pot]

I know this is early, but I will be coming over to Scotland with 5 other buddies from the United States in June 07 and would be more than happy to help anyone out with clubs, balls, etc. I know a number of people in the golf business who can really get PUD (discounts) on many of the items. People might ask why I would help someone out,.... I just feel if I am going over there, it isnt to hard to bring an extra bag, plus I will need the extra bag for all the clothing, and memorabelia I will be buying...First trip to Scotland, cant wait to play some golf.

Tsk, tsk. You forgot the First Rule of Moongolf Club:

"Rules:
1. Can all new members introduce themselves in "Introductions" before posting elsewhere. "

[MisterS3]

Tsk, tsk. You forgot the First Rule of Moongolf Club:

"Rules:
1. Can all new members introduce themselves in "Introductions" before posting elsewhere. "

Hey if he's bringing stuff over for me i dont care :laugh:

Derek - start a post with details of where you are playing. Would be nice to hear where you are playing and plans.

Cheers for the offer, you'd need to charter another plane for me alone :laugh: (eg a bunch of those square drivers :) ) nevermind the rest of us Scottish MG'ers of whom there are a few!

[Chip_Unsure]

I thought the first rule of Moongolfer was "You do not talk about Moongolfer"......

:laugh:

[PowerPenguin]

I thought the first rule of Moongolfer was "You do not talk about Moongolfer"......

:laugh:

I don't get it? :eekw:

Dave

[Tin Pot]

I don't get it? :eekw:

Dave

It did occur to me as I was typing it - can we get the rules changed please? ;)


The second rule should be, no members allowed who have not seen Fight Club.


Oh and I'll have a set of 755s 3-PW please ;)

[Mike]

I don't get it? :eekw:

Dave

You're this one's brother aren't ya?

http://images.easyart.com/i/prints/rw/lg/7/2/Maxi-Posters-Little-Britain---Vicky-Pollard-72240.jpg

Did millions die to avoid fascist dictatorship for nothing Dave? :no: :cry:

[Alex_Smith]

It did occur to me as I was typing it - can we get the rules changed please? ;)


The second rule should be, no members allowed who have not seen Fight Club.


:laugh:

Take it you've not seen Fight Club then Dave :eek:

[derekrolle]

We have 6 guys coming over to play 11 of Scotland's courses over 8 days, and we cant wait. We will be playing Kingsbarn, Gleneagles, Nairn, Royal Dornoch, Spey Valley, Crail, St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and still waiting to hit a couple others. Trying to get on at either Royal Aberdeen or Cruden Bay on our way up to Inverness. The thing is we have reserved 2 days to try and get on the old course, and would need to fill the other days after we find out from the daily ballot. Is it difficult to get on a good course with one day notice in the first week of June 07. WE all range in ages from 35-45 and all play pretty good golf with handicaps from +1 to 7. I have been trying to find a website with a forum for weeks now, great to finally find one. Reason I ask is we only have 6 guys, and would love to meet up with local members in playing some of these courses, or throwing a few back at the pubs. WE are a pretty fun group, who likes to have a few beers throughout the day and some friendly wagers on the course. We are staying in St. andrews the first 4 days and then moving up to Inverness the last 4 days.

[PowerPenguin]

:laugh:

Take it you've not seen Fight Club then Dave :eek:

No, but I may as well watch it to make sure I understand all future references. :rolleyesw:

It can go in the 'to watch list' behind my next 'to watch' movie, 'March of the Penguins' which is still sitting in the DVD cellophane. Ah, those crazy penguins.

Dave

[Steptoe]

I know this is early, but I will be coming over to Scotland with 5 other buddies from the United States in June 07 and would be more than happy to help anyone out with clubs, balls, etc. I know a number of people in the golf business who can really get PUD (discounts) on many of the items. People might ask why I would help someone out,.... I just feel if I am going over there, it isnt to hard to bring an extra bag, plus I will need the extra bag for all the clothing, and memorabelia I will be buying...First trip to Scotland, cant wait to play some golf.

your gona regret saying that mate :)

[Tin Pot]

No, but I may as well watch it to make sure I understand all future references. :rolleyesw:

It can go in the 'to watch list' behind my next 'to watch' movie, 'March of the Penguins' which is still sitting in the DVD cellophane. Ah, those crazy penguins.

Dave

I would not suggest watching these two particular movies in the same sitting.



@Derekrolle
Have fun in Scotland, and don't accept any drinking challenges. ;)

[BigJim]

The thing is we have reserved 2 days to try and get on the old course, and would need to fill the other days after we find out from the daily ballot.

Derek, there are ways of "guaranteeing" tee times on the old course. Unfortunately they all rely on you giving copious quantities of money (expensive Scottish pound notes, and not cheap American dollars :p ) to some of the local hotels.

Gareth, one of the other forum members, is currently resident in St. Andrews and hence would get preferential treatment in the ballot. It may be that if you exceed your import limits with what he wants:) , he can improve your chances of getting on.

[BigJim]

Have fun in Scotland, and don't accept any drinking challenges. ;)

St. Andrews is full of English people, so there should be no problems winning a drinking contest:D

[derekrolle]

Thanks for the referral BigJim. Great idea, I would be more than happy to help anyone on some clubs, etc...for some help on getting on the old course. We are trying to stay positive on getting through on the ballot, but if "greasing the palm" is what it takes, I am fine with that.

[BigJim]

For what it's worth, I've never known anyone who has been committed to being around St. Andrews for a couple of days who hasn't got on the old course. Make sure that you'rew not the xception:p