Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: James Boon on May 09, 2014, 03:36:33 AM
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On my recent trip to the Highlands of Scotland, I decided to give the big names a miss and head back to the sort of courses I used to play on childhood holidays to Scotland, the wee nine hole course that most of the villages seem to have.
My first round was at Durness on the far north west tip of Scotland. I wasn't originally planning on playing golf, but on getting to Durness and coming across the course it seemed such a fine day and a great setting that this was an opportunity not to be missed. After all the driving, my wife was happy for a walk and the fact that I was in jeans and a t-shirt didn’t matter to the very welcoming lady in the small but ideal clubhouse. Even better, it was still winter season apparently, so only £10 for the round.
Hole 1, 296 yards, par 4
(Hole 10 282 yards)
This is the view from the first tee, the first fairway is up the hill to the left, the spectacular 9th is in the middle and the stunning beech is off to the right. Oh, and thats the North Atlantic you see looking as beautiful as it is benign. The first is a short uphill par 4 doglegging uphill to the left.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7841.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7841.jpg.html)
Looking back from the fairway towards the clubhouse
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7846.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7846.jpg.html)
The approach to the first is steeply uphill, seen here from the next tee which is to the left of the green. The back flag was blind from the fairway
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7849.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7849.jpg.html)
Hole 2, 321 yards, par 4
(Hole 11, 311 yards)
The second is another short par 4, doglegging again to the left. A first real view of the stunning hills in the distance which will be the back drop for much of the middle of the round.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7848.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7848.jpg.html)
Hole 3, 408 yards, par 4
(Hole 12, 391 yards)
The drive is along a plateau before dropping down steeply at around 200 yards to a cool green below.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7857.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7857.jpg.html)
Hole 4, 287 yards, par 4
(Hole 13, 323 yards)
Another short par 4, perhaps driveable in the right conditions on the front nine? But a long hollow to the left and a mound to the right make for a tricky green to approach, seen here from behind.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7865.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7865.jpg.html)
Hole 5, 344 yards, par 4
(Hole 14, 312 yards)
The two sets of tees on this hole are in quite different locations, allowing for a large mound in the middle of the fairway to create the feel of two very different drives. This is the view from the left tee, which if I recall correctly was the 5th? The mound is just right of centre with the other fairway visible to the right.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7866.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7866.jpg.html)
Hole 6, 434 yards, par 5
(Hole 15, 454 yards)
Though not the longest, this hole is played as a par 5, probably because of how it bends around a small loch? The simple tee marker with so e resident sheep in the background.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7872.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7872.jpg.html)
Here is the drive, thats the green on the far side of the lock to the right.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7873.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7873.jpg.html)
When you manage to get closer to the green you will see there is quite a bit of ground short of the putting green.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7878.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7878.jpg.html)
Looking back from behind the green
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7879.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7879.jpg.html)
Hole 7, 178 yards, par 3
(Hole 16, 154 yards)
A par 3 played across a shallow valley. Here is the view back towards the previous hole by the loch.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7885.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7885.jpg.html)
Hole 8, 377 yards, par 4
(Hole 17, 360 yards)
After driving over a hill, you are back to the coastal views for this downhill approach shot.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7888.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7888.jpg.html)
Hole 9, 108 yards, par 3
(Hole 18, 155 yards)
A little stunner to finish!
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7891.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7891.jpg.html)
Relaxed dress code and a stunning setting
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/P1030521.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/P1030521.jpg.html)
The view of the green from over to the right side up near the first tee
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7843.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7843.jpg.html)
Looking back from the green with the tees in the distance on the far side of the rocky inlet
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7894.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2004%20Durness/IMG_7894.jpg.html)
The course measures just under 5,500yards to a par of 70, but there is so much more to the experience of a course like this than the pure numbers. The course was an interesting challenge, the conditioning excellent considering the early season nature, exposed location and cost of the green fee, the welcome was warm and open and the setting stunning. It might be around a 2 and a half hour drive from Dornoch along quite a few single track roads, but as at times it seems most golfing tourists seem happy to drive huge distances why wouldnt you?
Still to come, Bonar Bridge, Brahan and Helmsdale (and I couldn't resist a round at Brora!)
Cheers,
James
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Thanks for the pics James. How about those dunes across the bay?
The combination of, in places, quite dramatic elevation change with the expansive vistas (with little other visual clutter) makes distance judgement particularly difficult at Durness - the carry off five tee, and approach to eight are especially tricky and fun!
Reay's not a bad little links along that top coast either, although the sight of the beach being 'cleaned' of potential radioactive particles from the nearby power station can be rather disconcerting.
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Wonderful!
Yee olde style GB&I golf but still with tremendous merit and very importantly, fun. You're spot on that so many places, not just in Scotland but all over rural GB, used to have little 9-holers with tiny Clubhouses (and honesty boxes), not so many these days unfortunately. A great shame.
I think you'd like Cruit, St David's City and Otway, all rural 9-holers that I've just threaded about.
See -
Cruit Island - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,58468.0.html
St David's City - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,58473.0.html
Otway - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,58477.0.html
Would I be correct in assuming from the photo of the 4th hole that you only carried a tiny bag and a few clubs?
Those dunes further to the east do look interesting.
Were there any jets bombing at the Cape Wrath range or was it nice and quiet during your visit?
Looking forward to seeing your tours of Bonar Bridge, Brahan and Helmsdale.
Top thread. Well done for posting and many thanks for sharing.
tba
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Durness has far from a perfect playing surface, in fact the soil is loamy. The routing didn't make much sense to me either, there's a lot more walking than should be on such a wee site. Some places are tough to negotiate with a trolley, so make sure you bring your carry bag.
The setting is exhilarating, no doubt - but the golf is very basic.
Ulrich
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My goodness James!
What a gorgeous little course and by the looks of things you played it on a day made in heaven! It just goes to show that golf, dare I say real golf, can still be played for the equivalent of a halfpenny if you are bothered to put in the miles! The scenery in getting to that neck of the woods would be pretty barren I guess but majestic just the same. Great little course profile ...thanks a lot.
Made me a wee bit homesick.
Cheers Colin
Edit:
Ach Ulrich …. conditions may not be anywhere near "perfect" but that is the way it was in the beginning ….."The Game was invented a billion years ago……don't you remember"!
I would happily forgo standard golf course preparation to play regularly on a course such as this wee pearl. The routing may leave something to be desired viz a viz ideal routing (I don't know never having played this course!) but I tell you I wouldn't be too bothered with having to dawdle a wee bit longer between holes if I was in this particular piece of paradise. The weather would be the killer I suspect and James got a bonnie day indeed.
Cheers Colin
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Thanks James,
Long been on my bucket list.
Clyde,
you cracked me up with your comments in the first sentence.
We're looking at the SPECTACULAR scenery of the course and you're fantasizing on the potential of the site in the background.
I'm guessing your wife has punched you more than once ;) ;D
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Colin,
I'm all for old-style courses with old style conditioning and have promoted many a controversial gem. But not all of those "throwback" courses are created equal :)
The scenery is great and I can assure you it looks even better in the summer. I found the golf to be just ok.
Ulrich
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James
Excellent. Further proof if ever it was needed that it never rains in Scotland.
Couldn't help thinking as I looked at those stunning photos couldn't help thinking of Sean Arbles usual refrain of too many bunkers. It looks to my eye that there is plenty interest there without any sand being added.
Looking forward to the other courses.
Niall
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Great stuff, James. My 1st and only time at Durness there was a 50mph wind coming over the 1st hole toward the tee. I hit Driver, 3-wood, 6-iron to the back of the green. 296 yards..... ???
Can't wait to hear about Helmsdale and Brahan.
Rich
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Is this a downland type course or more of Links?
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Thanks everyone,
A further point I forgot to mention is that the course was only built in the late 1980s so is still relatively modern despite its "throwback" appearance.
Clyde,
I drove past Wick and Reay when I was in the area last year. Both look worth a visit. I'm not advocating nuclear power, but proximity to a nuclear plant hasn't caused Aldeburgh, Burnham & Berrow or Seascale any problems as far as I'm aware?
Thomas,
Yes I spotted your threads before posting this one this morning. All excellent stuff! Honesty boxes are on their way... A lightweight bag and about 7 or 8 clubs are ideal for a holiday and dont take up too much room in the boot. I'm sure much of my recent holiday golf even at the likes of Carnoustie, Turnberry and Dornoch have been with such a set. And Cape Wrath was quiet.
Brian,
Yes, especially out at the 4th and 5th, you really do feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Just stunning.
Ulrich,
The site isnt actually that wee, but there were a couple of occasions were the walks to the next hole were a bit long. However, I have no problem with a long walk between holes when the setting is as beautiful as this. However, I felt there was a lot more interest from an architectural perspective than you are giving it?
Also, the playing surface seemed just fine to me. The sheep that are on the course at certain times of the year kept the grass quite short and it was reasonably firm and springy underfoot. Funny, but after paying £10 at no point during the round did I consciously think about the conditioning?
Colin,
I wouldn't say barren, I would say beautiful, but each to their own. ;D
Niall,
It rains in Scotland? ;)
Rich,
I do realise that such a location will often be battered, and I mean battered, by the weather. We got lucky that day, but I'd like to think I'd have enjoyed the course just as much if it was driver, 3 wood, 6 iron to the first!
Cheers,
James
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Thanks, James
My lasting impression, however, was the 9th, where hitting down a 40-50mph wind and downhill I punched an easy 9-iron solidly which rose along with the gale for about 100 yards and then plummeted like a rock into the chasm. Whoever said that playing downwind was easy!
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Is this a downland type course or more of Links?
Jason,
Robert Price's excellent book Scotland's Golf Courses refers to it as being a raised beach / raised marine platform, so not links or down land really. Some of these raised platforms have a good degree of blown sand which will give a links feel but I'm not sure Durness has too much of this. I have a couple of geeky geology apps on my phone... They tell me it's sedimentary bedrock with sandy loam over.
I'm not seeing anything there that tells me anything other than ideal for golf, but again it's based on just one play in ideal weather 8)
Cheers,
James
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James - let me add my thanks too. Others (Brian S, Colin M etc) have said it wonderfully well already. I'll just add that my first thought was a short Q and A, as follows:
Q: What's this?
A: This? This is golf
Or a longer Q and A:
Q: This is golf? Here, at Durness?
A: That's what it is, and all that it is. Nothing more, and nothing less.
Q: You're saying that I should play it then?
A: Play it, absolutely, and remember: if you don't like this, then you don't like golf, or understand it.
Q: You seem to be over-reacting, over-praising what is after all just a short and modest 9 hole course.
A: Yes, short, modest, unassuming -- you're right. But it's also the very lifeblood of this great game!
Q: i bet you still play with persimmons, don't you?
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That looks awesome! Thanks for sharing.
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Hi James,
good photo tour of Durness. It is a lovely setting and a fun course to play. I am looking forward to your tour of Helmsdale and what you thought of it.
Ulrich,
I think that Durness is exactly what it says on the tin. It is the course of village golf club relying on much goodwill and hard work. It may not have the same conditioning and facilities as some of the bigger courses but then for £10 winter and £20 normal rate I think it probably beats all the big names on value for money.
Jon
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I would suggest that this, and many other similar courses, are the real backbone of the game and when the phrase 'growing the game' is used this sort of course has more merit than mega-buck 18-hole facilities.
A great many long term golfers started at courses akin to this. Places with a lack of pomposity, cheap and cheerful and above all, fun.
atb
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James -
Q: i bet you still play with persimmons, don't you?
PP,
I have a half set of blades, an old Taylor Made Raylor (early small headed metal fairway wood) and a persimmon headed driver that I try to take out during the summer months for a bit of fun. Perhaps I should take them with me on holiday next time I head to the Highlands?
Cheers,
James
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On to Bonar Bridge, or for its full title Bonar Bridge Ardgay Golf Club (Ardgay is the village on the other side of the bridge) which was opened in 1904 but its current layout dates back to 1998. Peter Allis is said to have described the course as a "mini Gleneagles" and with the rolling landscape, heather, pine and view of Loch Migdale he isn't far from the truth.
First up, the obligatory honesty box. Sometimes the clubhouse will be open to allow you in to pick up a scorecard and envelope even if no one is around.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7900.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7900.jpg.html)
As I have a tendency to play early morning a few tips for playing these delightful courses:
- Always carry cash.
- Make sure you have a couple of small envelopes and a pen for putting your money in.
- Check the internet beforehand and make a note of the scorecard yardages.
Just inside the clubhouse a handy course map and note regarding 125 yard markers (which I only spotted after my round having spent most of it struggling to fathom out if they were 100 or 150???)
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7941.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7941.jpg.html)
The clubhouse, again ideally sized, seen from the first tee, with the 9th green to its side and its narrow fairway beyond and over the hill
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7901.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7901.jpg.html)
Hole 1, 354 yards, par 4
Early morning dew and a low sun, dont make for easy photography with an iPhone, but you can see the hole going away from the boundary then doglegging back to the left over rumpled fairway
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7902.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7902.jpg.html)
Hole 2, 297 yards, par 4
The second tees off over the first green and is downhill all the way, thus opening up stunning views, again obscured by my lack of photographic talent directly into the sun! Here is a closer view of the green with a small burn running across the front.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7909.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7909.jpg.html)
A walk through the trees to get to the next hole, but as discussed previously, it doesnt seem such a bind through a beautiful piece of woodland to open up a view from the next tee...
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7911.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7911.jpg.html)
Hole 3, 171 yards, par 3
A downhill par 3 with not much trouble short, to allow for an easy run in shot, after you have been distracted by the view of the loch in the background
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7914.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7914.jpg.html)
The green seen from the next tee off to the right
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7917.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7917.jpg.html)
Hole 4, 352 yards, par 4
Heather and pine in abundance on this hole
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7916.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7916.jpg.html)
Looking back down onto the green from the path to the next tee
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7921.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7921.jpg.html)
Hole 5, 500 yards, par 5
You dont often get a par 5 squeezed into these short 9 hole courses, so this does make for a pleasant change. A hard dogleg left with pines on the left bank and a series of burns off to the right meaning you cant really open your shoulders!
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7922.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7922.jpg.html)
The forward tee built into the stone dyke
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7923.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7923.jpg.html)
One last look back over the undulating green to the open view in the distance, before heading back into the pines
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7927.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7927.jpg.html)
Hole 6, 174 yards, par 3
A solid par 3 with a tall pine encroaching on the front right of the green instead of a bunker. Seen here from behind the green with the next fairway below and off to the right
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7930.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7930.jpg.html)
Hole 7, 285 yards, par 4
Doesn't play as short as you might think. Uphill approach shot to a raised green with a steep drop off behind
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7932.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7932.jpg.html)
Hole 8, 137 yards, par 3
A flat par 3 through the trees which in comparison to what has gone before is probably the only slightly dull moment. Simple wooden board painted with the hole information and a painted stone as the tee marker
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7934.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7934.jpg.html)
Hole 9, 311 yards, par 4
Don't be fooled by the yardage, this is quite a tough little finish! A narrow drive between a stone dyke and out of bounds, with tall pines on the other side, over a blind ridge
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7937.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7937.jpg.html)
But find the fairway and its a simple pitch to the welcoming final green
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7939.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Bonar%20Bridge/IMG_7939.jpg.html)
So that's par 34, 2,581 yards for the 9 holes and well worth it, for yet again the winter green fee of £10!
Cheers,
James
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James
Great to see Bonar Bridge again. David Tepper put me onto it and I walked it a couple of years ago. Kicking myself that I didn't play it.
The other nine holer David (and Jon) put me on to was Tarbat GC at Portmahomack. Did you manage to take that in on your travels ?
Niall
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Niall,
Tarbat was originally one I was going to play but as I ended up playing Durness when I wasn't expecting to, I didn't play it this time. Maybe next time and a trip to the west for Gairloch is certainly on the cards also!
Cheers,
James
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James
I don't think you'd be disappointed in it. Some fairly humdrum/pleasant holes, some holes with wild fairway contours and and a couple more with Painswick style old quarry features. Well worth a visit. Mind you, you might need to save up as I think the green fee is £15.
Niall
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"a trip to the west for Gairloch is certainly on the cards also!"
James -
Greetings from Dornoch! Arrived yesterday. Sorry our visits did not overlap.
Thanks for the photo tours. I have yet to make it up to Durness (or Wick or Reay for that matter). Bonar Bridge is especially pretty in August when the heather is in bloom.
I have played Gairloch. An interesting mix of holes for sure. A round there combined with a visit to the Inverewe botanical gardens makes for a nice day out. The drive along the south shore of Loch Maree has some stunning scenery.
If you do play Gairloch some day, don't forget to wear a helmet. ;)
DT
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James,
if you are going to play Gairloch which is a fun course then it is worth getting to Ullapool as well which is a better course IMO and having a crack at Loch Carron which is quirky (especially the first 3 holes) though probably more of an add on to a trip to the Applecross Inn for a bite to eat. Fun drive across there up the switch back road in that car of yours.
Jon
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James,
Excellent to see this Bonar Bridge tour. One again a small Clubhouse. All that's needed really. I believe some photos of Bonar Bridge were posted a few months ago. It does look nice.
atb
PS:
I've heard the 9-hole course Fort Augustus is pretty nice as well.
Portmahomack too. Looked interesting when I last passed-by. No time to play it regrettably.
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James,
Excellent to see this Bonar Bridge tour. One again a small Clubhouse. All that's needed really. I believe some photos of Bonar Bridge were posted a few months ago. It does look nice.
atb
PS:
I've heard the 9-hole course Fort Augustus is pretty nice as well.
Portmahomack too. Looked interesting when I last passed-by. No time to play it regrettably.
Thomas,
Portmahomack is a cracking 9 holer and worth playing. Fort Augustus is also a fine way to while away a sunny afternoon. There is also a Braid course (18 Holer) just outside Fort William which gets no mentions on hear but is worth a visit.
Jon
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After my early morning start at Bonar Bridge I headed south to Brahan Golf Club, the work of Jon Wiggett and his wife Claudia. Brahan has been open for 3 years now, though it currently closes over the winter months, and is set over undulating former crofting land. Jon has crafted a very interesting 9 hole routing through this landscape, where a selection of tees and slightly larger greens allow for the course to be played as 18 holes, when 2 flags are used per green in the summer. On the day I played the course hadn't actually opened yet for the summer so there was only one flag per hole and much of the rough still needed a good cut to take it down to semi rough length. The fairways are quite narrow in places but Jon maintains the course quite wide open with plenty of semi rough.
The first is a short par 4 that doglegs to the left. This is the pitch to the green which runs away from you and has a hump in its middle. A feature which on a manufactured course with fast greens would be just crazy, but as Jon has pretty much just mown as found and top dressed where needed to create these greens, a feature which is enormous fun!
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7942.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7942.jpg.html)
The second heads back to clubhouse and is a medium par 4. The approach is played over a burn to a green sitting just past a small ridge.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7944.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7944.jpg.html)
Whilst most of the fairways and greens have been cut as found, very much in the style of Askernish on the Outer Hebrides, the bunkers and mounds which surround the greens are very much man made, but they are kept rough enough so that they still play as a hazard while nature trys its best to reclaim them so that they are already blending in very well with their surroundings. Here is the hollow and bunker over the back left as seen from the next tee.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7945.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7945.jpg.html)
The third is a medium par 3, played to a green with a large front left and a narrow but steeply sloped back right area where the flag was on this day. this back right are is also protected by a deep pot bunker and humps and hollows short right, but a ridge along the back left encourages a low left to right running approach.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7946.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7946.jpg.html)
A closer look at the green
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7947.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7947.jpg.html)
The fourth can play as a medium par 4 or a short par 5 depending on the tee. Here is the view from the forward tee, where your drive should hopefully get over the rise to set up a view of the green.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7949.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7949.jpg.html)
The approach favours a shot running in from the short left, avoiding a bunker some 30 yards short right of the green. The back drop to the approach is a view through the trees to the next two holes, and though this photo perhaps doesn't do it justice with the overcast weather and still slightly dormant look of much of the grass, is possibly a contender for the "My favourite vista" thread?
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7950.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7950.jpg.html)
This view looking back at the green shows a piece of land found thanks to the inspiration of the 16th at North Berwick!
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7953.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7953.jpg.html)
The fifth is a long par 3 but Jon sets it up as a short par 4 due to its challenge. There is also a shorter tee which makes it a medium par 3 without such a tight angle. The green is very narrow and set tight to a burn that follows the boundary line down the left. There is plenty of room to bail out right but this leaves a tricky pitch between or over a number of grassy hollows.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7952.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7952.jpg.html)
A closer look at the green shows it also slopes from left to right and just how much the grassy hollows protrudes into the putting surface!
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7954.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7954.jpg.html)
And the view looking back towards the tee.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7956.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7956.jpg.html)
The sixth is an uphill medium par 5, the fairway for which has been seen in the distance on the previous two holes. Once the slight hill is climbed it leaves a pitch to another green full of interesting undulations, that isn't far from the boundary.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7957.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7957.jpg.html)
The seventh is another mixed par hole. From the back tee its a short par 5 or from a more forward tee off to the left in the trees, its a long par 4.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7958.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7958.jpg.html)
Played across the higher ground of the property the lay up or approach is to a green with a slight skyline feel, which actually sits just over the far side of the skyline and is running away from you.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7961.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7961.jpg.html)
The eighth is a long par 3 with a large green which looks much smaller that it is away in the distance, cleverly disguised by the number of tiers stepping down the hillside.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7964.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7964.jpg.html)
The flag is on the top tier, seen here from closer in, with room to run an approach in from the right.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7965.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7965.jpg.html)
The ninth or last, is a long par 5, which played a real brute into the wind when I was there. Once the drive is away, the second has to play across a dip in the fairway, skirting a small woodland, but the eventual approach is to one of the larger greens on the course, though this is protected by a burn short and a steep back to front slope.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7966.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Brahan/IMG_7966.jpg.html)
The golf at Brahan is a fantastic experience! Golfers with and ego, wanting perfect conditions and a chance to beat their handicap should possibly stay away, however those with a sense of adventure shouldnt miss a great (not so) wee nine hole course like Brahan! I cant wait to get back in the height of summer, when the full experience of 2 flags per green and perhaps some slightly more favourable conditioning, are to be had!
I've now had the pleasure of playing 2 courses with their designers, who in both cases was also involved in the construction and again in both case didn't have extravagant budgets but had to use either old fashioned or creative ways of developing the course and making it a challenge (I suppose 3 if you include wandering around Askernish with its chairman). To experience first hand this passion for the game is a real honour and leaves me feeling that this low budget, architecturally interesting golf is the way forwards for the future?
Cheers,
James
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James, thanks for sharing. That looks like quite the day for golf at Durness. I was curious about those fences that only surround the green complex (presumably to keep out sheep?). Are the fences moveable? How do they play from a rules perspective?
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Awesome thread. Thanks James and well done Jon!
I look forward to visiting these courses.
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Thanks for posting the tour James. I enjoyed showing you our course which has shaped up pretty well in the weeks after your visit. Glad you enjoyed your game and hope to see you back in the summer.
Jon
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James,
Well done. This is a most interesting thread. I like your comment "leaves me feeling that this low budget, architecturally interesting golf is the way forwards for the future?" More than just food for thought.
Jon,
Very nice to see some photos of your course. I like the small, humpy-bumpy greens with the run-offs into places you really, really don't want to go.
You mentioned earlier a James Braid course near Fort William. Which course do you mean as FWGC's website says 'established 1976'.
atb
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Isn't that kind of like saying: "Low-budget, simple jewellery is the way forward for the diamond business?"
If the raw material (i. e. land) is already extremely expensive in 95% of the world, then how can a low-budget operation ever pull in the required revenue? Of course, in those 5% rural and remote places, where land may still be available at reasonable cost, this is clearly the way to go.
Ulrich
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Glad you prefaced with "If...", Ulrich, because land is dirt cheap in 95% of the world. Yes, in the 5% of the world that has 95% of the wealth (i.e. mitteleuropa (the London/Barcelona/Stockholm/London triangle), coastal and central america and china, japan, kleptoarabia and a few other places) land is dear, but there are so many places elsewhere (e.g. Brahan/Dingwall, Askernish, Bandon, Sand Hills, etc.) where interesting golf can be created, nurtured and enjoyed. IMHO.
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I was talking about the golfing world, not the world at large. When we are talking about "the way forward for golf" we surely must mean those places where golfers are.
Ulrich
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I was talking about the golfing world, not the world at large. When we are talking about "the way forward for golf" we surely must mean those places where golfers are.
Ulrich
So are you saying there are no golfers in these areas? What are you basing your 'golfing world' on Ulrich? Even in Germany rural does not mean remote so why say it!
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I have said that perhaps 5% of all golfers are in those areas with cheap land. But if we are talking about "the way forward for golf" I would assume we are talking about the 95%. And for them low budget courses won't work because of land costs.
Ulrich
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Ulrich,
you didn't say '5% of golfers' but '5% of the world' . I think it depends a lot on the country but there are many cities which have cheap land fairly close by and of course you ignore totally the possibility of land being leased rather than bought. Also land only becomes really expensive here in the UK if it has planning permission for buildings. Distance to population centers are less important than quality of land and as the best land for golf courses tends to be the low grade agricultural land it is the cheapest of the lot.
Though your point of view has merit for some places it is not the case for everywhere.
Jon
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Jon,
I said 5% of the golfing world :)
Anyway, we all have our own experiences. That's the value of a discussion board that opinions from many parts of the world come together and readers can decide what to make of them. What would, in your opinion, be a sustainable leasing rate for farming land to operate a low budget golf course on? I would guess in the low five figures per year.
Remember, that cost is in addition to the costs for building, operating and disassembling the course (when the leasing term expires and the land owner wants his levelled farmland back).
Ulrich
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Jon,
I said 5% of the golfing world :)
Oh really :o
Isn't that kind of like saying: "Low-budget, simple jewellery is the way forward for the diamond business?"
If the raw material (i. e. land) is already extremely expensive in 95% of the world, then how can a low-budget operation ever pull in the required revenue? Of course, in those 5% rural and remote places, where land may still be available at reasonable cost, this is clearly the way to go.
Ulrich
No 'golfing' in your post Ulrich! ;)
Cost of leasing would be between £700-£1500 per hectare depending on single farm payments. No need for levelling costs as very low less than £1000 though on a 99 year lease irrelevant. Portocabin clubhouse or even a local pub/hotel/other sports club facility.Operating costs of say £50-75K should cover it.
Jon
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Jon,
check reply 34 :)
Anyhow, if we agree on "low five figure sum per year", then everyone can check the going rates for himself in his area. You won't get anywhere with that kind of money in Germany and I would be surprised if there are many places with a relevant number of golfers, where you do.
Ulrich
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believe it or not Ulrich, golf is played in the world outside of Germany and Germany is not typical of that world.
Jon
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James,
Thank you very much for this terrific tour of these three courses. I have wanted to play Brahan for a while now and your pics tell me that I must play there. I always loved the idea of Brahan but now, after seeing the course from your tour, I sure think I will love the reality of the course. I also have wanted to play Durness but have been a bit lazy I suppose. On the next trip over I am going to make sure I take some time to experience it, it looks wonderful. I have played Bonar Bridge before and I appreciate your excellent photography. Overall, thank you very much for such fantastic photo tours.
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Jon,
believe it or not, but I'd love to be wrong. I started playing golf on a low budget course with quite interesting architecture. Better course than Durness IMHO, although less scenic. They have a par 4 of 220 yards that nobody ever drove and most struggled to get on in two. The only reason why I left that club was that it took me 90 minutes to get there, which was precisely the reason why it was so cheap. If there's going to be a new wave of low budget courses in the future, I'm all for it.
Ulrich
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Jon,
believe it or not, but I'd love to be wrong.
Then you will be glad to hear that you are in fact wrong ;)
Jon
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James,
Well done. This is a most interesting thread. I like your comment "leaves me feeling that this low budget, architecturally interesting golf is the way forwards for the future?" More than just food for thought.
Jon,
Very nice to see some photos of your course. I like the small, humpy-bumpy greens with the run-offs into places you really, really don't want to go.
You mentioned earlier a James Braid course near Fort William. Which course do you mean as FWGC's website says 'established 1976'.
atb
Thomas,
I had to rack my brains about this but finally worked out it was Oban not Fort William. If you have not played it, it is worth giving it a go.
Jon
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I had to rack my brains about this but finally worked out it was Oban not Fort William. If you have not played it, it is worth giving it a go.
Jon
Jon,
Thanks for the tip.
Oban-Glencruitten does looks pretty quirky and spectatular. Kinda "There's a routing out there somewhere" said Mr Braid. "and I'm going to find it"!
http://www.obangolf.com/
Some splendid photos - taken in the sun too - somewhat unusual for that part of the west coast as I recall!
atb
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Wow, Glencruitten looks like a must-play. Makes Perranporth look tame. James Braid is one of the most underrated architects.
Ulrich
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Don't forget 9-hole Traigh GC:
http://www.traighgolf.co.uk/photo-gallery.html
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Wow, Glencruitten looks like a must-play. Makes Perranporth look tame. James Braid is one of the most underrated architects.
Ulrich
There are courses akin to this all over GB, especially in rural areas, not all by Braid, some by others, and mostly from the period before 1930. Some 18-hole, some only 9-hole.
To give just two examples, courses like Llandrindod Wells in Mid-Wales and Windermere in the Lake District. The more rural areas of the country where folk still wanted to play golf but conventionally better golf land either wasn't available or folk didn't have the money to spend on a course that folks living near to urban areas did.
atb
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Traigh is the one I really want to play. I've seen it from either the train or the road, can't remember which, but wasn't able to stop, and it looks spectacular.
The Isle of Harris GC at Scarista is also very much worth a visit if you happen to be in the Western Isles. Beautiful spot.
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Let me put a word in for Dragoin's Tooth at Ballachulish. I did the layout for them before they went off to build it DIY. Simply a gorgeous location for a golf course.
Have a read of the following review.
http://scottishgolfcourses-allofthem.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/just-back-from-playing-dragons-tooth.html
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I must confess I used to ignore nine holers but in recent years I've really come to appreciate them. The Highlands of Scotland has a number of really good ones including some that have already been mentioned on here. Others that are well worth a play include;
Strathtay GC (just off the A9)
Blair Atholl GC (likewise just off the A9)
Dalmunzie GC (a wee bit further off the A9, bit of a theme developing here !)
Ballindalloch Castle GC (that's a good half hour off the A9)
Nethy Bridge GC (close to Boat of Garten)
Covesea GC (links, sea stacks etc)
Niall
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Of places not yet mentioned, isn't there a 9-holer at Lybster and one at Helmsdale too?
As to others -
The 9-hole St Olaf course at Cruden Bay is terrific. Very much worth playing and not just as a warm-up for the Championship course.
Newburgh-on-Ythan used to have a lovely 9-holer, it's subsequently been extended to 18-holes.
The loop of the first 6 holes and last 3 holes of the Silverburn course at Royal Aberdeen are worth playing - a nice warm-up for the Championship course.
Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Murcar all have 9-holers.
There are also some along the Moray coast between Covesea and Fraserburgh too. Can't name them all off the top of my head though. Plus the likes of Lumphanan inland.
More 9-holers please.
atb
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Yes Thomas, Helmsdale does have a nine-holer!
Helmsdale is the next village up the coast from Brora and a place I'm now very lucky to visit regularly as my parents have retired there. Its probably better known for its fishing, with the River Helmsdale or River Ullie (it seems to be called both depending on who you talk to) apparently a very famous spot for catching salmon, but it does have a small 9 hole golf course so I thought i would give it a go...
I'd checked the internet beforehand and had found out it was only 1,860 yards with a par of 30. On arriving I found another wee clubhouse and an honesty box.
The first hole is a short par 4 of only 256 yards, but this is the view from the tee. With the road off to the left and the fairway pretty much blind behind a stone dyke, with what appeared endless gorse off to the right, I elected for a mid iron off the tee.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8052.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8052.jpg.html)
On reaching my ball I found that the fairway here was reasonable, but it narrowed considerably towards a small green. A brave tee shot here might find the green... might! When I got to the green, they weren't in bad condition. I later learnt from my dad that a few years back they were all replaced as they had reached a very poor state.
The second is a short par 3 of only 82 yards, with another small green sitting up on a mound, with serious trouble beyond.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8055.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8055.jpg.html)
The third is a uphill par 3 of 137 yards and then you cross a small driveway to a house to get to the fourth tee. Here is the tee shot on the 301 yard par 4. Yet again a short but blind par 4 leave you wondering what is beyond the ridge, but temptation and perhaps the great setting in the valley may get the better of you and a driver comes out...
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8058.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8058.jpg.html)
On reaching the ridge, you will breathe a sigh of relief to find a wide open fairway on the other side, with a small green in the distance and the Strath Ullie beyond this!
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8061.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8061.jpg.html)
The fifth is a par 3 of 179 yards, followed by the sixth, a par 4 of 308 yards, but this time its all clear in front of you, apart from another stone dyke at about driving distance. The next few holes play over a large open flat area, crisscrossed with these stone dykes which form the main hazard. The tower in the distance is the clock tower which is also the war memorial and was designed as a marker for the villages fishing fleet.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8062.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8062.jpg.html)
There is next a bit of a climb back up the hill to the tee for the long par 3 seventh.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8065.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8065.jpg.html)
The eight is another walk back and this time plays across the previous hole., for a par 3 of 167 yards.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8066.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8066.jpg.html)
The ninth or last plays from a tee up above the previous green and downhill towards the clubhouse.
At 192 yards its no pushover!
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8069.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8069.jpg.html)
A closer look at the green with the clubhouse off to the left
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8070.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8070.jpg.html)
One last look back at the ninth green with the first off to the left if you fancy another nine holes...
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn267/jamesboon53/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8071.jpg) (http://s306.photobucket.com/user/jamesboon53/media/2014%2005%20Helmsdale/IMG_8071.jpg.html)
Helmsdale is certainly a short course, but it's certainly no pushover as the small greens arent easy to hit. With Brora down the road it's going to be tricky to get too many more rounds under my belt here, but I love the small village feel to the place and its setting tucked under the side of the gorse and scree covered hill. And on reflection it took me less than an hour so you can easily squeeze a round in before breakfast!
Cheers,
James
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Great stuff James. I love Helmsdale's 2nd hole, a thinned hook and you're Pro V1 ends up in someones bedroom!
I wonder if Big Jack, no not England's Number 5 in 1966, but the one from Ohio, has fished the river you mention? He's supposed to have been up that way a few times with rod in hand. Actually England's Number 5 from 1966 also has a reputation as a rod in hand man. Great part of the world, and when the gorse is out, wow!
There is a specialist website, which has been mentioned herein a few times, that details all the 9-hole courses in Scotland but I can't locate the site.
Now that you've good reason to head that far north I look forward to seeing equally splendid photo-tours of Wick, Portmahomack and no doubt a few other courses popping up on the screen. And all the better for seeing them too. Just goes to show that golf is alive and kicking in the most rural areas of the UK and it doesn't have to be of the lush, watered grass, groomed rough kind.
I think you need to get yourself a few hickories to use when you play these sort of courses. I reckon it would a wonderful experience, be like a trip back into the history of golf.
Great thread. Keep 'um coming!
:) :)
atb
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James,
Absolutely fabulous stuff. Nothing much to add but have been following the thread and just wanted to thank you for your efforts.
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Wick is an 18 hole course, though. I suppose in 1870 a couple of guys got together and said: "Whoa, these dunes are so high and full of whins, you can't build a golf course there. Good thing we have this nice flat spot of farmland right next to them."
Here's a couple of pics I took of it:
https://picasaweb.google.com/realulim/Wick
Ulrich
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James,
once again a good photo tour. I am glad you managed to follow my recommendation and play here. Helmsdale is not going to blow your socks off but if you have an hour to spare and a few quid burning a hole in your pocket you can do much worse than spend them enjoying a quick game at Helmsdale. With the gorse in bloom you certainly hit it at its most picturesque.
Jon
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Thanks everyone,
Thomas,
In all honesty the 2nd at Helmsdale doesn't really need a thinned hook to disappear over the back. Its tricky to judge a short shot when the green is a little smaller than you are used to seeing and you may overdo it a little, well at least I did! ::)
Regarding Scottish nine hole courses in general, I'm sure we've had threads before highlighting them so I will try and find some and add links when I do.
When I was younger we used to holiday in Perthshire near Loch Tay, so I've played, or visited several of the courses around there such as Kenmore, Killin and Strathtay, though my memory for a couple isnt great as I suspect my usual winter visits to those areas meant temporary winter greens! >:(
Plenty more nine holers to play to north of the border and as you can see it also makes the negotiated "couple of rounds of golf" while on holiday, easily increased in number! ;D
Cheers,
James
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Wick is an 18 hole course, though. I suppose in 1870 a couple of guys got together and said: "Whoa, these dunes are so high and full of whins, you can't build a golf course there. Good thing we have this nice flat spot of farmland right next to them."
Here's a couple of pics I took of it:
https://picasaweb.google.com/realulim/Wick
Ulrich
Ulrich,
I guess it just shows how tastes differ. I really like Wick and though I agree that the front nine is flat the course as a whole has a great rhythm to it with the crescendo at the end of the course. I suspect the reason that the dunes where not used as much as they could be because of the bogginess of a lot of that land rather than the characterisation you present. Remember that it would have been built on a shoestring budget by a few people for a few players/members.
Funny that the ninth was my least favourite hole on the course as it looked manufactured and awkward compared to the rest of the course that really does fit its setting. Who knows, maybe the club will find the finances to undertake a well thought incorporation of more of that dune land at some point in the future.
Jon
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When I visited the dunesland looked like perfect terrain for golf, although, as you said, with 1870s budget and "machinery" it was probably not possible to build there. Today I suspect it is too late, as the dunes would surely be protected from development.
Ulrich
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Jon
How is Brahan coming along?
Ciao
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My dad and I played the New Galloway nine holer on the way to the Turnberry Open in 2009. Very interesting place. A couple of online sources called it Scotland's best nine hole course, which is what convinced me to give it a go, and if you happen to find yourself somewhere round Dumfries I'd recommend it. Starts in the valley; the first two holes go straight up the hill onto the moor, six nice holes up on top and then the home hole brings you back down. Classic small town stuff with honesty box.
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Jon
How is Brahan coming along?
Ciao
Its coming along well at the moment though could do with a bit of summer weather temperature wise. Out mowing the fairways in full winter gear today. Greens have come along nicely and are filling in well though very quick (for Brahan standards).
We have been pretty quiet so far due to the weather but hopefully this will pick up soon.
Jon