Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: David Davis on November 29, 2012, 05:23:22 AM
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Gentlemen,
As some of you know I've been looking into this option now for a couple months. Getting good sized groups into the #1 private club in The Netherlands has proved immensely more challenging than I had ever suspected even as a member. This has been complicated with the fact that we start (hopefully) some pretty major renovation as of the 15th of August 2013 which makes pushes most of our sponsor events into the before summer period. I have however been able to come up with an option which after discussing with Tony and Mark I'd like to throw out in the group. Basically, I really need to know what the interest would be and who could possibly come before I finalize the rest of the trip. I can however make pretty decent approximates about other things.
The dates I've been able to arrange at Noordwijk to receive anyone that would like to pay NL a well deserved golf visit are:
July 15 (where the aim would be to play foursomes in the morning and 4 ball better ball in the afternoon.
July 16 (we would play another classic course in NL)
July 17 (we would play singles but as four balls)
I'm negotiating on the prices at Noordwijk now, the overseas guest group rates are pretty high normally. I'm going to estimate that the golf at Noordwijk would run about 200 euro - 259 USD - 162 GBP. I will do my best to get this lower but don't have an official confirmation yet.
The middle day would likely run at about 100 euro I"m guessing.
Monday we could all have dinner at Noordwijk.
Tuesday we can have a guest speaker at dinner (hopefully at De Pan or Kennemer) Frank Pont has been kind enough to offer to speak with the group if these dates fit for him.
Additional rounds are possible at other clubs but most likely not feasible as a group. Therefore smaller groups would have more success.
Accommodation can be either in Noordwijk or in Amsterdam (30 minutes from the club). This can be arranged based on the wishes of the group that's coming.
Could you please let us know of your interest should you be able to and interested in a trip to the Flatlands.
Personally I'm hoping there is high interest in such a trip as it would be my pleasure to entertain and show the group how excellent golf is in The Netherlands.
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David
Very fine work! I am not a likely participant, but its grand that you pulled this off.
How difficult is accessing one or two of the top Dutch clubs near Noordwijk on 13 and 14 of July?
Ciao
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David,
I'm really keen to see this happen and would definitely attend if it happens.
Mark
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David,
I'm very interested.
So, Monday 15th and Wednesday 17th would be at Noordwijk?
What are the chances of 36 holes on Tuesday 16th at the other club?
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And would it be Kennemer or Pan? :) (Either way, I am in if it happens and I am free, will check).
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Well done David. This should be excellent although the likelihood is that I won't make it this time around...
Everyone can then fly to Muirfield on the Wednesday night for The Open.
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I'm definitely up for this.
For those who've never been to Holland before flights are to Schiphol, 30 mins from the course. This is as big an international airport as Heathrow and flights will cost no more and are daily from all the normal destinations.
Pre and post golf could be to other Dutch courses, to another Colt gem at Ostende in Belgium or Simpson’s work at Le Touquet in France.
David thanks for your perseverance with this. Part of the joy of travel is to see the local Golf Culture. I had never thought about the possibility that societies were not common in Holland and appreciate all you’ve done to get the clubs to accept us.
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I am in.
Ulrich
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Count me in.
It would be very helpful if the dates could be firmed up soon. That makes it easier to start planning additional golf and buying further in advance often helps with air travel cost from the US. Summer travel costs are pretty high.
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David, is that €200 per day or both days? Thanks for working on this!
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Count me in.
I'm excited about visiting Holland. It would be great if we could start an idea pool of ways to make this trip a special adventure for those of us who are visiting this area for the first time. For those in the know... help us newbies make good decisions on other courses, landmarks and travel arrangements.
There seem to be so many possibilities with this Buda for those of us traveling from the States... fly to UK for some golf, then hop over to Holland; fly to France and drive with stops along the way; fly into Holland for the Buda, then drive south or shuttle over to the UK. So many options! I'm sure you guys will have lots of fantastic ideas and suggestions.
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Please add me to the list if you have room for first timers. Thanks! Hart Huffines
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I'm a near certain on this. I've spent a lot of time in the Netherlands and welcome a chance to return.
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Please add me to the list if you have room for first timers. Thanks! Hart Huffines
First timers are guaranteed an especially warm welcome.
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I'd be very interested.
A little tip for the Deal members/fans. KLM are now flying to Manston, 10 miles from Deal and Sandwich. You maybe able to fly to Amsterdam have a "stopover" for BUDA, fly on to southern England then return to the USA with KLM via Amsterdam.
This route also works very well for playing the 3 Open courses just using taxis and avoiding London and car hire.
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Or for that matter, set up shop in the Netherlands for a week but make an overnight side trip for a couple rounds at Deal. Maybe stay in the Dormie accomodations or else book a room with some chap who owns a B&B locally, if anyone knows where to find such a person. ;D
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A Dutch Buda... I'd certainly be up for that! Nice work Mr Davis! Dates are in the diary.
I will need to look into the logistics of travelling over there, as no doubt most UK based attendees will, rather than the usual hop into the car and drive. There may be some merit in a few of us researching the travel options and then trying to make the journey in a number of small groups? For instance, if a handful of us decide to drive and get the ferry, a bit of car sharing wouldn't be a bad idea?
Cheers,
James
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Brent good accommodation is hard to find!! We are full for all the December weekends and cannot even host members attending pre-Christmas dinner.
James - KLM have an excellent regional network and flying may suit some then joint car hire. They fly from such places as Manston, Norwich, Humberside, Durham, Exeter and Leeds.
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I should have loved to take part, but, I have some paid work around then which I must do! I'll whisper the dates into my diary just in case the work falls through. I have friends in Hilversum with whom I should be able to stay.
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Mark a group of Deal members play an annual informal match with Hilversum and always rave over the course. I must get out there sometime.
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Hi guys,
Thanks for the interest. I've received quite a few questions so thought I'd make a post to bring a little more light on how this has gone and answer some of your other questions.
First of all I do understand there are a wide range of people at a wide range of economic levels who are members of GCA and passionate about golf course architecture. I promise I'm doing my best to make this accessible for you. I know how it is, tough times for some of us, in my family the only rich one is my ex-wife for the record. I have had to start from scratch ;-) but I have proven myself to be very generous ha ha....easy to say when nothing remains.
As I mentioned to Tony and Mark. This is where I started. The private clubs in Holland basically don't accept groups above 12 people as a general rule, unless they are corporate sponsors. Like all things in life there are a few exception, unlike the UK, the exceptions mean, they want to charge groups a surcharge, not welcome them at a reduced price and this one is going to kill you but I'm dead serious about it. If I as a member of my club want to bring a group in above 12 people then I'm responsible to pay the greenfee as well, even though I'm a member. I haven't quite got my head around that one yet. The normal greenfee for these two days is equal to more than 25% of my annual dues. Please keep this in mind when you write me with concerns about the prices. I'm not asking you to not write with concerns about them, you are free to do what you want. I just want you to fully understand how things work here. Rules are rules and here they are different. I'm trying to get US the best deal I can and that includes above all else ACCESS to the courses.
Those of you who are PGA members/pros or Raters and rankers just know I'm trying to negotiate for all of us. If in the end you are not happy with what I've been able to arrange I will give you the contact info of the right person to write to. I rank and rate as well so fully understand and am doing my best for all of you. Though I can't possibly do it individually for everyone as you understand.
I would also love to see some of the guys make the trip over from the US. If you want to come with spouses or even entire families I will be happy to give you advice as best I can. I know The Netherlands better than any travel agent you are going to run into in the US.
The dates are set, they won't change. whether you come in before or after is up to you. Trips across the Atlantic are cheaper if there is a weekend thrown in, all the time. Waiting till the last minute will not make the trip (flight/lodging) cheaper. What is very possible is booking really cheap inter-European Flights out of Amsterdam or other Dutch cities as an FYI. These airlines when booked in advance offer extremely cheap European return flights. Great for side trips to the UK or Ireland for example.
www.transavia.nl
www.easyjet.com
www.ryanair.ie
Sometimes KLM and BA are also ok however normally the above are far cheaper. They will not offer the first class luxury that you may be use to, not food on the flights unless you pay for it on the flight. Watch out for extra baggage fees however. Golf bags etc are all separate costs. The same goes with golf bag fees for overseas flights if you are not use to that. Here is one hint if you don't have a regular airline. KLM has a golf club, it's free to sign up. Once you do you can get a "bring your golf bag for free" voucher available for members. That will save you like $120-150.
Feel free to ask questions as they come up. The more I know in the coming week about #'s and interest the more things I can arrange and the more concrete I can make this.
Even in terms of things like accommodations. We don't have many bed and breakfasts here in NL. So if I know the preferences people have and what kind of accommodations would suit you then it's easier to look.
5 star
3 star
piled into one house sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags
Holiday trailer park
Anyway you get the idea. Some of us are really easy going, it's all about the golf and company and others prefer to maintain a certain level of comfort. I don't know enough about all the GCA people to know which group we are entertaining over here yet. I'll look at accommodation when I do.
Look forward to firming up all the details. Again if you are from the US and you've been to Scotland, Ireland etc or haven't been yet then you should come.
I'd recommend everyone spend the weekend before in Amsterdam. It's tough/but not completely impossible to get in some golf on the weekend as well if it's pure golf for you. I can also arrange some fun things during the weekend or at least give good advice for people that come early or stay late.
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Chappers,
Thanks, I will certainly be looking into the flying option amongst others. I was merely pointing out the obvious, in that most of us who don't cross the Atlantic (or English Channel / North Sea as Ulrich does) aren't used to anything more complicated than jumping into our own cars to get to Buda and a little planning and therefore possibly travelling together can only add to the Buda experience. Of course a stop over on the south east coast is also possible...
Cheers,
James
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I am very interested if the U S squad will have me.
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Bill, as the American HOST, of course! Although I'm not sure that either squad will have me or would want me for that matter. Although I assure all of you that home course advantage is quite a big thing at de Noordwijkse.
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Brian, as soon as I know there is enough interest. I'm kind of hoping for De Pan to be honest. Then you have the best links course and the best heathland. Kennemer would also be great. I don't know if I could swing The Hague. I would need to call a couple help lines to make that one a possibility. Happy to try but that one is the toughest of the group just because I have less personal connections there.
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David,
I will see what i can do with De Pan and Royal Hague.
Let me know how many people and which dates and format, and I will see if I bend some ears....
Also whoever is interested can play my latest course De Swinkelsche.
Could fit that in before or after the program.
Its about 1.5 hours drive south of Noordwijk near Eindhoven.
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David,
Well done. Having played your home course as well as Royal Hague and Kennemer, I highly recommend the trip. While Amsterdam is fabulous, Noordwijkse by the Zee is a very convenient and good location for golf at Noordwijske Golf Club. Maybe it is 6 -7 minutes to the first tee. And a room at the Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin with a Nord Zee view is very nice.
Also, Frank is a very good speaker and quite the authority on Harry Colt .
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Mike, good call! Was already thinking about that. Perfect place to stay. One of the directors is a member at our club. Although July is super busy for them full of Germans I think normally. I can try to get a deal once I have an idea how many people are able to make it.
That's a 5 star beach hotel so even with a good deal it might not suit the needs of everyone. Definitely ideal though.
Maybe 15 minutes to the first tee, I'm not sure who you were driving with ;-) or how you avoided the traffic cameras...
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The dates are set, they won't change. whether you come in before or after is up to you.
So if I understand, this is the Buda schedule unless there is either not enough interest (unlikely) or someone proposes an alternative venue that has more support (also seems unlikely). I guess as soon as we get 20 or so people confirmed, I can start making travel plans?
Thanks, David, for the organizational efforts. I've been fortunate enough to visit Amsterdam a few times before, and agree there is lots to see and do non-golf related. However, this will be my first golf trip there, so I'm going to concentrate on that.
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I'm in wherever on those dates.
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David I have never played on the continent and will be keen for the experience. I am very interested and, similar to John will look for whatever the threshold is to be approached and start planning with some of my previous traveling companions to attend and arrange extensions.
This is rather poetic justice in any case ; fie on the R&A as it has deserved a BUDA boycott of the UK after their recently initiated blasphemous sacrilige :'(
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There is some very good golf in Belgium as well. Including one Royal Zoot.
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I am also a member at Royal Spa, a classic Tom Simpson course just south of the Netherlands.
Happy to introduce people there.
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In terms of extra golf there is more than plenty of excellent courses to play it just depends on how long you guys decide to stay. In NL and Belgium there is well over 2 weeks worth of great or very good courses. If we just address the classic courses we have:
Noordwijk
Royal Hague
Kennemer
De Pan
Eindhoven
Hilversum
Rosendaelsche
Toxandria
The Belgium courses are a couple hours drive. The top 5 mentioned there are great courses and I'd wager there will not be one of you that wouldn't agree they are among the best the've played. No coincidence that Harry S. Colt was the architect of 4 out of 5 of those.
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David, thanks for all the hard work. As I have said before i think the Netherlands is a great destination and I am sure it will be a lot of fun. Please pencil me in at this stage - will need to take a harder look at the diary in the new year.
Philip
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David, thanks for all the hard work. As I have said before i think the Netherlands is a great destination and I am sure it will be a lot of fun. Please pencil me in at this stage - will need to take a harder look at the diary in the new year.
Philip
David, same for me and Drinkin' Joe Buehler, thanks!
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In terms of extra golf there is more than plenty of excellent courses to play it just depends on how long you guys decide to stay. In NL and Belgium there is well over 2 weeks worth of great or very good courses. If we just address the classic courses we have:
Noordwijk
Royal Hague
Kennemer
De Pan
Eindhoven
Hilversum
Rosendaelsche
Toxandria
The Belgium courses are a couple hours drive. The top 5 mentioned there are great courses and I'd wager there will not be one of you that wouldn't agree they are among the best the've played. No coincidence that Harry S. Colt was the architect of 4 out of 5 of those.
Sorry I meant to add here that these are all Dutch courses. I didn't list any in Belgium which also has nice courses.
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I'm bumping this for promotion across the pond.
Because of our dates there will be opportunities for people to play other great courses after the BUDA for those of you who are really diehards. In short, guys in the US we'll make sure this is a brilliant trip. The only thing we can't guarantee is the weather. However, what would a trip to The Netherlands be without the elements.
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David - I would love to do this and greatly appreciate your efforts. The Netherlands is on my bucket list. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this year.
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Looks like we are doing pretty well on this side. With current interest shown, we have enough Americans to take on a team from the other side of the Atlantic.
US & Canada
Michael Whitaker
Hart Huffines
Craig Disher
Bill Brightly
Chris Shaida
Ward Peyronnin
Bill McBride
Joe Buehler
John Mayhugh
GB&I + ROW
David Davis
Ulrich Mayring
Mark Pearce
Donal O Ceallaigh
Adam Lawrence
Tony Muldoon
Mark Chaplin
James Boon
Philip Gawith
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Looks like we are doing pretty well on this side. With current interest shown, we have enough Americans to take on a team from the other side of the Atlantic.
US & Canada
Michael Whitaker
Hart Huffines
Craig Disher
Bill Brightly
Chris Shaida
Ward Peyronnin
Bill McBride
Joe Buehler
John Mayhugh
GB&I + ROW
David Davis
Ulrich Mayring
Mark Pearce
Donal O Ceallaigh
Adam Lawrence
Tony Muldoon
Mark Chaplin
James Boon
Philip Gawith
Ok thanks John, I didn't realize there were so many from North America in that list. I can easily fill in places with a few guys from GCA over here as well. I think the max we can have is probably 28 in total. More than that and the tee times become really tough.
BTW...I feel a bit like the fat kid who gets picked last for the dodgeball team. Oh, well. I'm from Oregon and we can't really consider that USA I guess can we? The golf there is far more European/UK/Irish. I agree!
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BTW...I feel a bit like the fat kid who gets picked last for the dodgeball team. Oh, well. I'm from Oregon and we can't really consider that USA I guess can we? The golf there is far more European/UK/Irish. I agree!
i didn't know you were from Oregon and, more importantly, my listing of players shouldn't be construed as assigning teams. I was only trying to illustrate that the US wasn't lagging behind in signups. You could make an argument for playing on either side.
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BTW...I feel a bit like the fat kid who gets picked last for the dodgeball team. Oh, well. I'm from Oregon and we can't really consider that USA I guess can we? The golf there is far more European/UK/Irish. I agree!
i didn't know you were from Oregon and, more importantly, my listing of players shouldn't be construed as assigning teams. I was only trying to illustrate that the US wasn't lagging behind in signups. You could make an argument for playing on either side.
Sometimes Arble and Goodale play for USA, sometimes they play for GBI, sometimes they play for ROW. This is a flexible crowd.
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John/Bill,
Just for the record I was kidding and didn't take it like that at all. I was actually quite surprised to be honest because I thought the majority of the guys signed up were from the UK for some reason.
Which begs the question...are there actually any guys from the UK/Ireland on this site or has it only been my imagination as a semi-newbie?
What's really disappointing then is that we don't have enough sign-ups from OZ or South Africa. Come on Gentleman...
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David
Buda has always had a healthy US representation. Whats not to like about Buda? Someone organizes a few days of interesting golf not too far from a pack of other very fine courses which are accessible. Its an easy trip to make if one likes golf travel. Trying to get Aussies over though a very tough ask. Thats probably why the Aussies started asking people to visit them via the Boomerang.
There are many GB&I folks on the site, but for some reason Buda doesn't seem to attract a huge percentage of them. I am not sure if anybody has actually ever looked into why this is the case. I know from my perspective (as a dualie) and as one who would always like to attend Buda, I dislike Buda being during the week or during summer school holidays when I already do golf trip and family hols.
Ciao
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To be honest, I'll have to spend some Brownie Points to make the July date, since this is smack in the middle of our traditional summer retreat in the Alps. But seeing the situation in the Netherlands, what with the pricacy of the clubs and all, this might be our only chance to get it done. I might have to leave on Wednesday right after the last putt drops, but I will be there.
One good thing for the traveller about Holland: no jacket and tie required (my guess - am I right?)
Ulrich
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Ulrich,
The nice thing about using up brownie points is that you can have the opportunity to build them back up again. Glad you will be joining.
Good question on the jacket and tie thing. When I invite guests personally it's never a requirement - I only wear a jacket and tie when there are group functions at the club.
That being said it depends on who you ask, we have no written rule. However, if the 50+ crowd have a golf day or interclub mixer here they always put on jacket and tie for dinner.
The inner circle (older classic clubs) in NL are different than the rest where you would only need a jacket & tie if you were there for a competition I believe.
I would say for our group it's looked positively upon but not required. I will most likely as host wear a jacket and tie myself, however I would not single out people that chose not to.
Sean, understand your points, would still hope you can make it. I wish it were as easy here as being able to arrange all the games in the weekend but honestly in the end I'm rather lucky to have been allowed an option at all.
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Just a little update for everyone. We are working out details over here. I'm getting some accommodation quotes for Noordwijk and Frank Pont is helping with day 2. There is a chance that we may be able to with Frank's excellent help get on Royal Hague, still a chance but we will know in probably about 2 weeks or so. Hope to have all details arranged before the holidays. In any case the dates are set already so we will do our best not to disappoint.
If that works out I will see what I can do about golf on Thursday for those that are interested in extra golf. Can't have you gentlemen coming to The Netherlands without playing the best there is to offer. I'd go as far as to saying if it works out it will be a unique opportunity to play some of the most under-rated courses in the world.
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It doesn't seem to have been mentioned yet but these dates mean that the BUDA match would finish the day before the start of the Open Championship. An opportunity to play BUDA then watch a round or two of the greatest championship in golf at the best course in the UK?
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It doesn't seem to have been mentioned yet but these dates mean that the BUDA match would finish the day before the start of the Open Championship. An opportunity to play BUDA then watch a round or two of the greatest championship in golf at the best course in the UK?
I suspect you were trying to get a rise out of some of us. You succeeded. The greatest championship in golf, maybe, the best course in the UK? Doubtful.
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It doesn't seem to have been mentioned yet but these dates mean that the BUDA match would finish the day before the start of the Open Championship. An opportunity to play BUDA then watch a round or two of the greatest championship in golf at the best course in the UK?
I suspect you were trying to get a rise out of some of us.
Correct You succeeded.
My effort wasn't wasted! The greatest championship in golf, maybe, the best course in the UK? Doubtful.
All a matter of opinion, of course.....
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Muirfield is certainly in the top 3-5. Arguing exactly where in that group it exactly fits sounds like the last two hours of a perfect night out in Amsterdam.....
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I can't believe I missed this thread for six days, but if there is room I am definitely interested. I should be at the tail end of a several week long sojoun in the UK as this event comes up on the calendar.
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David
Buda has always had a healthy US representation. Whats not to like about Buda? Someone organizes a few days of interesting golf not too far from a pack of other very fine courses which are accessible. Its an easy trip to make if one likes golf travel. Trying to get Aussies over though a very tough ask. Thats probably why the Aussies started asking people to visit them via the Boomerang.
There are many GB&I folks on the site, but for some reason Buda doesn't seem to attract a huge percentage of them. I am not sure if anybody has actually ever looked into why this is the case. I know from my perspective (as a dualie) and as one who would always like to attend Buda, I dislike Buda being during the week or during summer school holidays when I already do golf trip and family hols.
Ciao
I would love to attend but unfortunately my restraining order doesn't allow me to leave the country.
Niall
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David
Buda has always had a healthy US representation. Whats not to like about Buda? Someone organizes a few days of interesting golf not too far from a pack of other very fine courses which are accessible. Its an easy trip to make if one likes golf travel. Trying to get Aussies over though a very tough ask. Thats probably why the Aussies started asking people to visit them via the Boomerang.
There are many GB&I folks on the site, but for some reason Buda doesn't seem to attract a huge percentage of them. I am not sure if anybody has actually ever looked into why this is the case. I know from my perspective (as a dualie) and as one who would always like to attend Buda, I dislike Buda being during the week or during summer school holidays when I already do golf trip and family hols.
Ciao
I would love to attend but unfortunately my restraining order doesn't allow me to leave the country.
Niall
Niall.
Are you allowed to leave Morayshire? If not, let us know and we will visit you with fresh fruits, vegetables and bogus handicaps.
Rich
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Steve, consider yourself on the list!
Niall, you and me both, that's why I'm organizing ;D
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David, I would love to play in the Buda again... Please add me to the list if possible.
David Nelson
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David, cheers! Happy to add you to the list and look forward to meeting you.
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Well done, David.
I can't commit now as next summer my youngest daughter might be at a school exchange in Oz and my wife has a birthday with an "0" in it, but if I'm available I'll do my damnedest to be there. One final word.
Been-there-done-that-still-have-3-GeorgePazin-originalTShirts-leftoverfromBUDA1-expect-an-attrition-rate-of-at least-25%-particularly-from-us-Yanks-who-have-a-bad-habit-of-wandering-about-aimlessly-when-the-going-gets-tough-or-even-interesting.
Hopefully see you there, if not sooner or later
Rcih
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David,
Let me echo Rich's last comment. There's plenty of genuine interest here. If (as I hope you will) you go ahead, get deposits in early, and make sure you keep a track of people's intentions. The attrition rate for this year's BUDA from those that committed was over 40%, and of those who paid a deposit over 25%. History suggests that you'll get somewhere between 20 and 28 golfers.
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Thanks guys, and good thing as well, I don't think there is anyway I could manage tee times for more than that many people, I could far more easily charter a jet to bring them over.
Besides it's the holiday season and of course the thought that really counts right?
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The lady says I can go play, if we get to see the cheese market at Alkmaar on Friday pre-BUDA and a nice hotel for the week. Any suggestions as to the latter?
Ulrich
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The lady says I can go play, if we get to see the cheese market at Alkmaar on Friday pre-BUDA and a nice hotel for the week. Any suggestions as to the latter?
Ulrich
I understand that suggestion may be imminent. :)
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Guys (Ulrich),
I've arranged the hotel for the group. Trying to get the final details all done by end of next week then I will post everything altogether. I'm thinking if this don't encourage you to come to BUDA I'm going to be concerned. ;-)
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I can sleep on the first tee, if it's a worthwile course, but never underestimate the demands of a lady ;-)
Ulrich
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Ulrich,
I'd be willing to wager your lady will be happy with the set up and you for bringing her along ;-)
I've done the cheese market in Alkmaar a couple times. It's fun if you like cheese and a touch of history.
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David & Frank,
I'm working on travel plans, and hope to book flights in the next few days.
In addition to Noorwijk, here's my list of want-to-sees, and I assume one of these will be the middle day of Buda:
De Pan
Royal Hague
Royal Zoute (a bit of a drive, I know)
Kennemer
De Swinkelsche
I would really like to go to Spa as well, but that's just too much car time. Could you tell me how open each club is to a visitor from the USA? 36 hole day or just one round? Saturday and Sunday play available? Based on your advice, I should be able to better plan out a schedule.
thanks
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John,
I PM'd you some details. Will share some things with the group as a general rule for NL golf as well.
I am setting up golf for Mon-Wed (Tuesday with the help of Frank Pont as mentioned). It seems some of you are accustomed to booking your tee times and entire trip in detail way in advance. I understand that. However, tee times on these top courses in NL are impossible to book in advance. This has been the challenge in organizing here. We will have Mon-Wed booked in advance for the BUDA. After that's confirmed I will work on getting some options for Thursday and Friday for the group as well. Also at top courses for those that want to play more and see some more classics. However, what's important to realize is that while these courses do offer limited access. They only allow their members to book tee times 6 days in advance. Never more. So what people do is normally come to NL with some golf arranged with members of one of these clubs then once they get here stay flexible and call around, normally with help from the member and try to get on the other private classics.
In this case, I'm hoping to help out in this manner in advance but need you to know outside of Mon-Wed I'm not guaranteeing anything yet but I am positive about the possibilities for those interested.
My suggestion is once I've posted all the details/prices to book your flights and decide how much time you have for the trip and then outside of Mon-Wed we will fill it in for those that want to stay. However as mentioned you might have to be patient for the other golf to be arranged.
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David & Frank,
I'm working on travel plans, and hope to book flights in the next few days.
In addition to Noorwijk, here's my list of want-to-sees, and I assume one of these will be the middle day of Buda:
De Pan
Royal Hague
Royal Zoute (a bit of a drive, I know)
Kennemer
De Swinkelsche
I would really like to go to Spa as well, but that's just too much car time. Could you tell me how open each club is to a visitor from the USA? 36 hole day or just one round? Saturday and Sunday play available? Based on your advice, I should be able to better plan out a schedule.
thanks
John,
I can be of help with De Pan, Eindhoven and Spa where I am a member, and Swinkelsche which I designed.
Maybe we can get a seperate list of people who want to play some of these courses before or after Buda.
Eindhoven and Swinkelsche can be combined in one day, they oare only 10 km apart.
In terms of logistics eindhoven and Swinkelsche are about 1 hour drive south of De Pan.
Spa is another hour drive south of Eindhoven.
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David & Frank,
I'm working on travel plans, and hope to book flights in the next few days.
In addition to Noorwijk, here's my list of want-to-sees, and I assume one of these will be the middle day of Buda:
De Pan
Royal Hague
Royal Zoute (a bit of a drive, I know)
Kennemer
De Swinkelsche
I would really like to go to Spa as well, but that's just too much car time. Could you tell me how open each club is to a visitor from the USA? 36 hole day or just one round? Saturday and Sunday play available? Based on your advice, I should be able to better plan out a schedule.
thanks
John,
I can be of help with De Pan, Eindhoven and Spa where I am a member, and Swinkelsche which I designed.
Maybe we can get a seperate list of people who want to play some of these courses before or after Buda.
Eindhoven and Swinkelsche can be combined in one day, they oare only 10 km apart.
In terms of logistics eindhoven and Swinkelsche are about 1 hour drive south of De Pan.
Spa is another hour drive south of Eindhoven.
Frank,
Please count Ward Peyronnin and me in as wanting to take advantage of your offer. We are planning to make this trip an extended tour and can be available either before or after the Buda per your recommendation. There is a good chance we will be driving to the Buda from Calais, so any suggestions for courses along the way would be greatly appreciated.
-
Frank,
put me down as interested in playing Utrecht de Pan. If possible, on Saturday pre BUDA (i. e. July 14th).
Ulrich
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Frank,
Please count Ward Peyronnin and me in as wanting to take advantage of your offer. We are planning to make this trip an extended tour and can be available either before or after the Buda per your recommendation. There is a good chance we will be driving to the Buda from Calais, so any suggestions for courses along the way would be greatly appreciated.
Michael,
when driving from Calais I would consider playing Tom Simpson´s Hardelot Les Pins, just south of Calais. In the summer the bunker restoration of the front nine that Patrice and I are doing at the moment will be in play, and it is a very fun course. So is nearby Le Touquet La Mer, a beautiful Colt links.