Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Robin_Hiseman on June 27, 2014, 12:53:56 PM

Title: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on June 27, 2014, 12:53:56 PM
A first photo tour for me which i'll do a bit at a time, so be patient!

A quick scan of the search box reveals just two previous mentions of this wonderful little Scottish course, nestling at the threshold of the Highlands, some 25 miles from Glasgow and 15 miles from Stirling. It is not the kind of course you will find on any recommended tour itinerary, but it is the kind of course that Britain and Scotland in particular, do so very well. Generally short, undulating village courses, created to serve the local community in times gone by. It is a close cousin to our beloved Painswick and falls within the genre populated by other courses such as Kington, Cleeve Hill, Windermere, Church Stretton, Strathpeffer Spa and Glencruitten. I know its the kind of course that GCA folk relish and I hope this reveal will tempt you to pay them a visit. Rumour has it that times are hard for the course, with the threat of partial closure and possibly the reduction to 9 holes at most. I hope this isn't true.

I played it with my father, as a spur of the moment alternative to our usual track at Royal Balfron, of which we're both members. Royal Balfron has a reciprocal deal, so on a Sunday morning we paid just £10. Usually it is £20 for a round during the week and just £25 for the day!

The course dates from 1890 and was 9 holes for much of its existence, until extended to 18 in the 1980's. Extended is a loose description as at full stretch it is just 5158 Yards, Par 66. Off the Yellows this drops to 4,767. Just as with Painswick, the yardage tells nothing of the challenge you will face. Strong side slopes, trees, rocks, burns and lots of rough await. It's an absolute treat, as I hope the following photo tour will demonstrate.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyleaerial_zps914fc4cd.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyleaerial_zps914fc4cd.jpg.html)
First off, the aerial view hints at the compact nature of the layout. You'll have fun working out which hole is which as we go around.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1994_zps5f16b823.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1994_zps5f16b823.jpg.html)
The basic but friendly clubhouse.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1992_zps2891d72c.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1992_zps2891d72c.jpg.html)
Hole 1: Braeval, 318 Yards, Par 4
Loads of space for the opening drive, with the 18th hole crossing from left to right. My father is on the yellow tee, from where it is just 262 Yards. You'll probably not want to take a driver, because of the proximity of the main road to the right. You cant see the green because...

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1995_zpsd6eaf1db.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1995_zpsd6eaf1db.jpg.html)
...it hides behind the hill in a Cruden Bay style punchbowl green!


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1997_zps96adae0f.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1997_zps96adae0f.jpg.html)
From behind and you can see how woolly the side banks are, so it isn't so easy to use them to feed into the green. I couldn't be too critical because I suspect that greenkeeping resources are minimal.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1998_zps543eb8c1.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1998_zps543eb8c1.jpg.html)
Hole 2: Sandhills, 340 Yards Par 4
The battle with the strong side hill starts in earnest now. Tough to keep this one on the fairway.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1999_zps407ca2fc.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN1999_zps407ca2fc.jpg.html)
Second shot over the ditches to the bowl like green setting. Again, don't expect any joy in using the banks.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2000_zps0eb70dd7.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2000_zps0eb70dd7.jpg.html)
Looking back down 2.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2001_zps26d9beda.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2001_zps26d9beda.jpg.html)
Hole 3: Quarry, 359 Yards Par 4
A flatter fairway for this one, but narrow with it and we were unsure what lay over the brow.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2002_zpsa85dce77.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2002_zpsa85dce77.jpg.html)
Not much space to tee up!

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2003_zpse565c422.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2003_zpse565c422.jpg.html)
The green is pretty tightly guarded and you want to miss that rough!

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2005_zpsc82f9668.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2005_zpsc82f9668.jpg.html)
Gives a good idea of how the slope is tightening up and just how small the greens are. Notice the (in)famous 4th in the background.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/0d10c1c4-756b-4a51-aca4-b6612df7df2f_zps0ade7d21.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/0d10c1c4-756b-4a51-aca4-b6612df7df2f_zps0ade7d21.jpg.html)
Hole 4: Alma, 256 Yards Par 4
Aberfoyle's most famous hole and definitely one for the quirk fans! Yes, it really is that steep! The green is perched way up on the ledge in the distance.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/e4f0dd2a-3702-4229-92c4-488c35342450_zpsa45c1058.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/e4f0dd2a-3702-4229-92c4-488c35342450_zpsa45c1058.jpg.html)
Yes, up there!

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2013_zps0354f23a.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2013_zps0354f23a.jpg.html)
The green is unbelievably narrow...and the ball will generally stick on the top side bank.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/61e2e55c-b985-4264-9344-65bf3f5e65a4_zpsb00004f5.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/61e2e55c-b985-4264-9344-65bf3f5e65a4_zpsb00004f5.jpg.html)
A fabulously unusual hole. I just love weird little holes like this.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB - Plentiful Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Jim McCann on June 27, 2014, 01:05:33 PM
Robin

Great shout!

I'm really looking forward to your photo tour as I played Aberfoyle a couple of years ago in a Gents Seniors event and didn't think it was right to take snaps during the competition.

It's a cracking wee track with plenty of interesting holes to keep golfers fully engaged from start to finish.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB - Plentiful Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Paul Gray on June 27, 2014, 01:28:18 PM
Robin,

Excellent work. I already love the course.

I do feel, based purely on the photos, that a trick is being missed by limited mowing of the grass around the greens. As you said though, if resources are scarce, what can you do.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB - Plentiful Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Thomas Dai on June 27, 2014, 01:51:36 PM
Terrific thread Robin. Looking forward to seeing more of the course. Love the 4th green - have you ever played a green that's thinner? - looks like the 4th would achieve a high rating on my 'rascal' scale.
atb
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-9)- Plentiful Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on June 27, 2014, 05:16:12 PM
(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2015_zps31ec429c.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2015_zps31ec429c.jpg.html)
Hole 5: Monivrachie 227 Yards, Par 3
After the hefty climb up the 4th, we've now reached the highest point of the course and the first and longest of the six short holes. We didn't play from the whites, though the yellows were plenty long enough at 194 yards. Quite a straightforward and blessedly flat hole though not really a lot going on. The conifers behind the green block out a lovely view, but we won't have to wait much longer to take in the panorama.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2017_zpsed2d67c7.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2017_zpsed2d67c7.jpg.html)
Beautiful highland forests come right down to the side of the course.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/828acfd3-41a9-4373-9549-a0fde8bd8689_zpsa451be6c.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/828acfd3-41a9-4373-9549-a0fde8bd8689_zpsa451be6c.jpg.html)
Hole 6: Ditches 160 Par 3
Finally, the full majesty of the highlands is revealed, with Ben Lomond dominating the far horizon. Quite a steep drop shot hole here for the second consecutive short hole. I thought i'd hit it down the stick, but this is a deceptively sloping green and my ball tumbled off the left edge and into more tangly surrounds. With something like a 1:20 slope this green is a devil.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1ab0ebfb-e813-4dbd-92aa-b9e0624eaedf_zps529a9ab7.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1ab0ebfb-e813-4dbd-92aa-b9e0624eaedf_zps529a9ab7.jpg.html)[
Hole 7:Covenanters 305 Yards, Par 4
This is an odd little hole. You can just about see the marker post down below. Beyond it is a white sign with '7' written on it and an arrow pointing to the left! My Dad said I could probably drive the green if I cut the corner, but as I didn't have a clue what was around there I settled for a 5 hybrid (you don't need any more) and hit a beauty that landed to the left of the marker and caught the slope to run out of sight around the corner.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/710b4ba3-0ba9-44fd-b57f-c220c0121332_zps543d620e.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/710b4ba3-0ba9-44fd-b57f-c220c0121332_zps543d620e.jpg.html)
A closer look at the sign and the hard left turn down to the green. Two of those white objects in the fairway are balls. We were both pretty pleased to find this one, as disaster is all around.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/b41131b7-9f68-44fa-b625-f72340c1e72a_zps819f2b08.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/b41131b7-9f68-44fa-b625-f72340c1e72a_zps819f2b08.jpg.html)
A clutch of sneaky bunkers lie hidden behind the green. These 'pringles' spoil the hole somewhat and they're not the last we'll come across.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/cfb153b8-06cd-4e9c-9d13-bac2b147ba59_zpsf9a86482.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/cfb153b8-06cd-4e9c-9d13-bac2b147ba59_zpsf9a86482.jpg.html)
Hole 8: Barratt 158 Yards Par 3
Back up the hill for another par 3 which nestles in the dogleg of the 7th.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2029_zpsf1bb41ca.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2029_zpsf1bb41ca.jpg.html)
Another slopey green (though it doesn't look it) and the 7th green beyond.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2030_zps2198f6bf.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2030_zps2198f6bf.jpg.html)
Hole 9: Dounans 376 Yards Par 4
After a fair old hike up the hill and after getting your breath back, you can finally pull the driver out of the bag and rip one away with confidence. The fairway is huge and shared with the 17th hole, whose tee you can see to the right. A couple more 'pringles' bunkers spoil the view. They have the look of 'DIY' additions.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2031_zps90012cf2.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2031_zps90012cf2.jpg.html)
The old boy wasn't too happy at walking back up the fairway to retrieve a dropped headcover, especially when he discovered it was mine! You can get an idea of the drop from the tee. Could have happily hit drives down this hole for a good while longer.

That's halfway around. More to follow.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB - Plentiful Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Niall C on June 28, 2014, 07:30:53 AM
Robin

Excellent stuff. I got taken to play this course about 20 years ago by my flatmate at the time. My memory is a bit hazy as to the detail of the course but I certainly recall the 4th. I also seem to recall there was a good bit less long grass. Suspect that's just the time of year.

Looking forward to the rest of the tour.

Niall
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-9 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: James Boon on June 28, 2014, 02:11:56 PM
Excellent work Robin for your first photo tour, thanks for the pictures! I especially like the use of a driver as an indication of scale! Probably not something required on many other courses...

It certainly looks a shame that they havent the maintenance budget to cut more short grass around some of those interestingly contoured green surrounds. Perhaps they should let a local farmer keep some of his sheep on the course to keep the grass down and bring some cash in?  ;D  8)

I like the look of 4, though when I first saw the photo I must have been skipping through your descriptions as I thought it was probably from a short par 3. Is the green driveable at all do you think? Would be interesting with a green that narrow!

Looking forwards to the rest of the course.

Cheers,

James
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-9 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Marty Bonnar on June 28, 2014, 02:55:01 PM
I once had a serious case of Quirk in the Trossachs, but the Doctor gave me some ointment...

Great Tour, Robin. We really have some cracking little gems around, don't we?

cheers,
M.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-9 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: jeffwarne on June 28, 2014, 03:12:57 PM
Excellent photos!
Thanks for posting
Look like a great place to play
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-9 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on June 28, 2014, 05:17:06 PM
Martin, I teed that one up quite high, so thanks for taking a swing at it!

James, the yardage on 4 would suggest you can, but it is way up in the sky and protected by thick gunch on the direct line. I took 5 without hitting a bad shot, so it might be worth a dig.

You might remember there is a book called 'Britain's 100 Extraordinary Golf Holes'.  The 4th isn't in it, which is a mistake, because it is certainly one of the freakiest holes in the UK.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-9 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: ward peyronnin on July 01, 2014, 12:01:12 AM
Robin

I LOVE what I am seeing and i would bet the 19 th hole is a great place to start some craic

On my fucket a i mean bucket list fer sure

Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-10 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 01, 2014, 09:54:21 AM
Time for one more.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/d79e535c-2fcd-45e3-b4d0-e92d1ed3af2c_zpsb15e3be2.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/d79e535c-2fcd-45e3-b4d0-e92d1ed3af2c_zpsb15e3be2.jpg.html)
Hole 10: Roderick, 123 Yards Par 3
Here's a cheeky wee hole. No more than a wedge or 9-iron, but with a stream to the right and the wall to the left you've got to be really accurate. Going over the wall is a guaranteed double. Just no room to get it up and down in time.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/591511f2-58ac-4f2d-8c1a-04adb50a23fb_zps5ca3f7d8.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/591511f2-58ac-4f2d-8c1a-04adb50a23fb_zps5ca3f7d8.jpg.html)
Shades of North Berwick?
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-10 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Richard Hetzel on July 01, 2014, 10:07:22 AM
Great pics! I love courses like this!
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-10 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Neil White on July 01, 2014, 10:16:11 AM

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/591511f2-58ac-4f2d-8c1a-04adb50a23fb_zps5ca3f7d8.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/591511f2-58ac-4f2d-8c1a-04adb50a23fb_zps5ca3f7d8.jpg.html)
Shades of North Berwick?

Robin,

Thoroughly enjoying this tour.

Love the wall in the above photo, covered in lichen and moss.... gorgeous.

Neil.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-10 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Paul Gray on July 01, 2014, 10:35:11 AM
Something about this course has utterly grabbed me. There's a purity about it which, for me, is what the game is all about.

On Thursday there is every chance I'm going to get a new contract which will mean no weekday golf. Boo hiss.

I am extremely tempted to jump in the car right now and drive to Scotland to play this beauty.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-10 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: David Stamm on July 01, 2014, 12:30:28 PM
What a neat looking place! The 4th's green looks like the precursor to RTJ's green on the 4th at Spyglass Hill.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-10 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Thomas Dai on July 02, 2014, 03:43:47 AM
(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/d79e535c-2fcd-45e3-b4d0-e92d1ed3af2c_zpsb15e3be2.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/d79e535c-2fcd-45e3-b4d0-e92d1ed3af2c_zpsb15e3be2.jpg.html)

Who's going to be the first person to suggest some trees need to be removed on this hole? :) :)

Wonderful tour Robin. Really enjoying it and very much looking forward to seeing the rest of the course and reading your thoughts.

atb
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-10 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Niall C on July 02, 2014, 07:05:24 AM
Robin

Excellent stuff. That par 3 with the wall reminds me of a similar hole at Brampton near Carlisle. Anyone played it ?

Niall
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-12 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 03, 2014, 08:42:49 AM
Thanks to all who have responded with comments. I'm glad you're enjoying the tour. There are still plenty of good holes to come.

At the start I told you how the course was extended to 18 holes back in the 80's. With the 11th, we're heading into the new land with a vengeance. In fact, all the holes since the 7th have been newer, either in whole or in part. I'm pretty sure that 7, 8 and 10 date from this extension. Anyway, onwards!

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2036_zpsddf0cf55.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2036_zpsddf0cf55.jpg.html)
Hole 11: Inverard, 401 Yards, Par 4
The challenge steps up a notch with a challenging, narrow tee shot over a brow. Without much clue of what was over the brow, I choked back on a 3-wood, but the old boy borrowed my new blue Cobra...and chunked it into the bracken on the right! As it happens, there was a fair amount of room over the brow, but you'd struggle to find anything that misses at this time of year.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/b0fdc2a3-2903-45e4-9252-5bee83e1d59b_zps2d04f8e3.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/b0fdc2a3-2903-45e4-9252-5bee83e1d59b_zps2d04f8e3.jpg.html)
Something approaching a regular looking shot for the first time in a while. No bunkers to worry about up at the green, but if you're coming in from a way back it will be the first time you'll really have hit a full shot off the deck, so adding to the degree of difficulty.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/e73dd32c-9caa-448a-ba68-4aa622b832c2_zps6d4fa377.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/e73dd32c-9caa-448a-ba68-4aa622b832c2_zps6d4fa377.jpg.html)
In the background you can see the benefit gained from getting a good drive away and benefitting from the kick slope beyond the marker post.



(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/fea5c1ec-f47f-4ee1-a0f4-3fa11067f074_zpse679d9b3.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/fea5c1ec-f47f-4ee1-a0f4-3fa11067f074_zpse679d9b3.jpg.html)
Hole 12: White Rose, 169 Yards, Par 3
Time for a 'knob-to-knob' par 3 across a lush and presumably quite boggy vale. Once again, the woolly banks won't do you any favours, but it's an attractive shot from this white tee. Plays nearly 40 yards shorter from the yellows, which you can see down to the right.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/f2875b64-7246-4d63-8e06-a66e632177a1_zpsbdbb17f7.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/f2875b64-7246-4d63-8e06-a66e632177a1_zpsbdbb17f7.jpg.html)
It's a tasty panorama looking back from behind the green. You can see the next green up to the left and its worth spending a few moments taking in this view of the long 14th heading up the hillside, as you won't see any of it from the tee.

More to follow...
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-12 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Paul Gray on July 06, 2014, 07:07:26 PM
Robin,

The excellent tour continues.  :)

As someone yet to make the effort to provide such a guide, thank you again for your hard work.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-14 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 08, 2014, 09:18:09 AM
Time for a couple more holes to keep you going.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/0fe21e1b-a6b8-4541-9654-ac94897b198b_zps461ce8e2.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/0fe21e1b-a6b8-4541-9654-ac94897b198b_zps461ce8e2.jpg.html)
Hole 13: Forest Hills, 158 Yards, Par 3
Possibly the weakest hole on the course for me. Very evidently a DIY job with a most rudimentary green. The ground in front of the green must get very boggy indeed judging by the moss content. You can't dislike a drop shot par 3 too much, but this would be much nicer with a more attractive green complex.
This is the last of the six par 3's. All six come within a nine hole stretch in the middle of the round! I took a final good look at the 14th hole in the background before dropping down the hill. You can see the entire hole from here, which was a help in setting up the blind tee shot to follow.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/4bd013b0-83a4-4431-be46-9ec0870b5b4d_zps7130aa6f.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/4bd013b0-83a4-4431-be46-9ec0870b5b4d_zps7130aa6f.jpg.html)
Hole 14: Alsheen 417 Yards, Par 4
Aberfoyle's toughest and longest hole. The blind tee shot should have been previewed if you were on your mettle.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2046_zpsa9fb9205.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2046_zpsa9fb9205.jpg.html)
Having crested the first hill, you are confronted with another one, so you still can't see the target. Something was amiss with the quality of the grass here. It looks like it hadn't come out of the winter too well. Lots of weed and the cut was far less defined.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/2955b473-de5a-4977-8eea-ae1149886592_zps38154481.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/2955b473-de5a-4977-8eea-ae1149886592_zps38154481.jpg.html)
Finally, you get a look at the green! Not advisable to leak it off to the right. You can see how rough the fairway is by comparison to what has gone before.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/bd4fd8c5-6e78-4178-bfed-21143c113c15_zps2be81595.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/bd4fd8c5-6e78-4178-bfed-21143c113c15_zps2be81595.jpg.html)
The stiff hike up the hill is rewarded with another magnificent view down the glen to Ben Lomond.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-14 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: James Boon on July 08, 2014, 03:33:55 PM
Robin,

I'm loving this tour and don't get me wrong I know how long they take, but hurry up and show us more!

The 13th looks like a real missed opportunity! Often on these courses the green complexes can be a little lacking which is very much part of the charm, but that one really looks to fall short?

Cheers,

James
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-14 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 08, 2014, 04:12:54 PM
I know, I know! Lots of JCB golf course specification writing and bills of quantities taking most of my time at the moment, so doing a couple at a time is the best I can do at the mo. Four really interesting holes to finish, so be patient. Besides, it's helping to get my post numbers up doing it a bit at a time!

It was really only on the four hole section of 11-14 that I noticed the modern touch.  All of them would be better with a skilled design execution, but we're dealing with minimal budgets, so shouldn't expect too much flair. 13 is nicer in the flesh than the photo suggests. There is a jarring composition of mowing lines and embankments in the photo that I didn't notice so much when concentrating on the shot.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-14 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Paul Gray on July 08, 2014, 05:33:50 PM
Save for the faux links looking rough to the right, I'm not sure why the 13th is deemed so weak. I rather like the look of it personally. To each their own.

Just had a look at the club's website and see it's £25 for a full day. I'm reminded that Ran started a thread about golf needing more courses of a certain type recently. Aberfoyle is exactly what golf needs more of. Sustainable, affordable and fun for players of all levels.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-14 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 08, 2014, 05:57:03 PM
There are many, many worse holes Paul. And it is a lovely corner of the site.  Some may think the next hole in the tour, the 15th, is the bad apple. It's certainly a toughie.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 12, 2014, 05:23:41 PM
Time for the tour to continue.

Coming off the 14th green you take a short stroll through the woods and over a thickly wooded burn. On this walk my father told me about the last time he played the upcoming 15th hole in a fourball better ball team competition. They somehow conspired to lose seven consecutive tee shots before finally getting one in play. At this moment I was still playing with the ball I'd teed off with on the 1st. I laughed at his story as I was keeping it on the short grass off the tee. I should have known better...!

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/9555f87d-84ba-4cb3-83f2-2f9d76302fa4_zps42cf296a.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/9555f87d-84ba-4cb3-83f2-2f9d76302fa4_zps42cf296a.jpg.html)
Hole 15: Ladybank, 326 Yards Par 4
It's an intimidating view playing up to this narrow fairway ledge. Wasn't familiar with what was over the crest of the hill, so played safe with a hybrid. Didn't help as I tugged it left into the bracken!


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/dd06662f-5561-45e7-bac3-c1a086416654_zps91ee90af.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/dd06662f-5561-45e7-bac3-c1a086416654_zps91ee90af.jpg.html)
From the left side you can see the flag but nothing much of the fore green.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/a66d14bb-8b69-4a1d-8d45-a336559ec9d3_zps6bbfc104.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/a66d14bb-8b69-4a1d-8d45-a336559ec9d3_zps6bbfc104.jpg.html)
I'll know for next time to try to keep the tee shot to the right, from where much more is revealed.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1541deff-a12f-4d1d-b3a1-f73a5eaf4cb3_zps494247ae.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1541deff-a12f-4d1d-b3a1-f73a5eaf4cb3_zps494247ae.jpg.html)
Once again a pretty tiny green.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1c076224-673e-4fb7-999f-6b4579dcc205_zps6400ab9e.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1c076224-673e-4fb7-999f-6b4579dcc205_zps6400ab9e.jpg.html)
Hole 16: Altskeith, 345 Yards, Par 4
Starting to tack back down the hill to the clubhouse with an exciting tee shot. You can see yet another marker post in the distance and sense that there must be a fair drop beyond it, but you can't really see much to aim at. There's actually a ton of room over the big tree on the right, as the semi rough joins up with the adjacent 15th hole. The yellow tee was so near the bracken that we had a real bother to avoid drilling a perfectly good drive into the ferns five feet in front of us.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/6515e4ce-bddf-4c6e-a82a-e3b94f9d6588_zps2ef37322.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/6515e4ce-bddf-4c6e-a82a-e3b94f9d6588_zps2ef37322.jpg.html)
As suspected the hole drops away sharply towards an unguarded green. Just a lovely shot in prospect. Either lob it in high or drop it well short and let it gather in towards the flag. You can see the 17th tees in the background which play back across the 9th fairway passing from right to left.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/e44c6d33-06fa-482e-8850-b2d05a293830_zps2e355437.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/e44c6d33-06fa-482e-8850-b2d05a293830_zps2e355437.jpg.html)
Looking back up to the fairway. That's a very healthy patch of daisies just in front of the green.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Holes 1-16 posted): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 14, 2014, 03:17:33 PM
Working late in the office, waiting for the photocopier to print off reams of tender documents, so time to finish off this tour.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/a84e3264-9f71-4c93-b860-35659817d4e1_zpsb7430b9d.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/a84e3264-9f71-4c93-b860-35659817d4e1_zpsb7430b9d.jpg.html)
Hole 17: Coombie's Walk, 352 Yards, Par 4
We're heading up to that narrow saddle on the skyline to the left of the tree copse. After a bunch of constricting tee shots it was nice to find acres of short grass once more. We tee off over the 9th fairway, that plays from left to right of frame and that's the 16th green to the left. I've only just noticed the hidden bunker behind it!


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/c3d8c04b-a7a0-4548-8830-da30800a171a_zps5bd0b0cf.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/c3d8c04b-a7a0-4548-8830-da30800a171a_zps5bd0b0cf.jpg.html)
If you don't get one way, or you tug it left then this is the kind of view you have left! There is a marker post up to the left of the hill, but make no mistake this is a proper old school blind shot from a bygone era.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/baecfd2f-e56c-4424-8873-9d04a8205356_zps3885f389.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/baecfd2f-e56c-4424-8873-9d04a8205356_zps3885f389.jpg.html)
From the right semi you can just about see the red flag at the toe of the mound. Aim left you think and let the ground move it in, but...


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1d610299-f2e1-44f5-97df-1d2f38358d6b_zps1ed86a41.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/1d610299-f2e1-44f5-97df-1d2f38358d6b_zps1ed86a41.jpg.html)
...what you can't see is the bunker that pinches in the left approach.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/0eeb4cde-9535-4f75-bcf2-a4a405b56478_zpsaafabb78.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/0eeb4cde-9535-4f75-bcf2-a4a405b56478_zpsaafabb78.jpg.html)
Hole 18: Home, 368 Yards, Par 4
An absolutely great hole with which to finish. Can it get much better than this? Glorious scenery, an elevated tee, and a nice wide fairway beckoning you. The green is tucked around to the left and we'll play over the 1st fairway to get to it. The small green pavilion is the original Aberfoyle clubhouse.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/9c6620dc-2d87-403d-ae6d-109fb6050feb_zps2d2eb424.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/9c6620dc-2d87-403d-ae6d-109fb6050feb_zps2d2eb424.jpg.html)
And it just gets better! A good drive will give you this view of a terrific little green complex and a pair of wonderful centreline bunkers, the like of which we haven't experienced at any point before. An utterly perplexing little shot made all the trickier by the shallow green orientation and a bit of a reverse camber. You would need to land it like a fairy wearing slippers to go directly at the hole from here. A great finale.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2065_zpsc2c1467e.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2065_zpsc2c1467e.jpg.html)
A closer look at the bunkers.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/7473fc10-3804-4fb1-9dbb-d3577e7a40fa_zps1100b0e8.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/7473fc10-3804-4fb1-9dbb-d3577e7a40fa_zps1100b0e8.jpg.html)
And so we come full circle, with a backwards look up to the lofty 18th tee and a forward glance to the 1st fairway stretching away. You'll want to head back out, but you'll probably want a pint and a sandwich first. Looks like that's what the old fella had in mind too!


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2067_zpsb8c72167.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2067_zpsb8c72167.jpg.html)
The old clubhouse.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2068_zps9a9e5c11.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2068_zps9a9e5c11.jpg.html)
Don't mind if I do!


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/fb28371c-4881-4ac3-bcff-cbd7dcfc18b8_zps71ba3f56.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/fb28371c-4881-4ac3-bcff-cbd7dcfc18b8_zps71ba3f56.jpg.html)
Yes, Alastair had it right.


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2070_zps3a70d464.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/DSCN2070_zps3a70d464.jpg.html)
I'm sure I will.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Thomas Dai on July 14, 2014, 03:39:54 PM
A fabulous photo-tour Robin. Really enjoyable, amusing, educational and eye-opening too.

"You would need to land it like a fairy wearing slippers to go directly at the hole from here" - a wonderfully descriptive line. There's a Darwin Room at Aberdovey - with wordsmith skills such as this a Hiseman Room at Aberfoyle surely beckons! :)

Not wishing to go into much detail about the course, but I get the impression that some of the holes might be pretty wet during part of the year.

atb
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Paul Gray on July 14, 2014, 04:24:16 PM
Classic. Absolutely classic.

I believe Mr Arble might just have some competition!
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Greg Taylor on July 14, 2014, 05:10:04 PM
Super tour Robin - thank you.

I hate to use the phrase "hidden gem"... but the cap fits perfectly in this case.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Adrian_Stiff on July 14, 2014, 06:00:43 PM
The best bits of GCA are finding out about these golf courses. Well done Robin.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Paul Gray on July 14, 2014, 07:07:26 PM
Super tour Robin - thank you.

I hate to use the phrase "hidden gem"... but the cap fits perfectly in this case.

Absolutely. A much overused term but, in this case, spot on. Actually, length makes this one a 'little gem' in my book.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: John Mayhugh on July 15, 2014, 11:52:02 AM
I've really enjoyed this tour.  Thanks, Robin.

Variety like this is one of the great things about the game.  Am I the only one who wishes they would fix up the old clubhouse?
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 15, 2014, 12:20:46 PM
Thank you all. It's been fun putting the tour together and I agree, it is lovely to get a window onto some of the lesser lights. That was a clear motivation for me to let you all see Aberfoyle. And you never know, maybe you'll one day stop by. I'm sure they'd be very pleased to see you.

Just a little housekeeping to attend to, so here is the scorecard and hole map.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af45/jronimo/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/Aberfoylecard_zps01b7f9ae.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/jronimo/media/Aberfoyle%20Golf%20Club/Aberfoylecard_zps01b7f9ae.jpg.html)


I'm going to send the club the link to this thread. Maybe someone will be able to enlighten us with some good anecdotes about the history.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Rees Milikin on July 15, 2014, 01:10:21 PM
Thanks for the tour & photos, love places like this.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: James Boon on July 15, 2014, 05:13:55 PM
Nice work Robin, an excellent first photo tour!

I'm certainly keen to see Aberfoyle now so will hopefully find my self in that part of Scotland soon. Having said that, despite my constant suggestion that people look out for these lesser courses whilst in Scotland, its taken me quite a few visits to my Mum and Dad's to tear myself away from Dornoch and Brora to play the various little nine hole courses in that area as I did earlier this year...
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,58483.0.html
Don't delay everybody, play these hidden little courses as soon as you can!

Looking forwards to your next photo tour Robin...

Cheers,

James
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 15, 2014, 05:30:21 PM
Cheers James.  Reigate Heath next.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: James Boon on July 15, 2014, 05:57:44 PM
Excellent, I look forward to that one!

Cheers,

James
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Sean_A on July 16, 2014, 04:15:00 AM
Very fine Doc, very fine.  What is the normal lost ball count?

Ciao

Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 17, 2014, 10:21:01 AM
Very fine Doc, very fine.  What is the normal lost ball count?

Ciao



I lost only 1, but I reckon it could be a 3-4 ball course.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Niall C on July 18, 2014, 06:53:47 AM
ah, this is where Ran has hidden this thread !

Robin

Terrific tour. I recall the elevational changes but remembered it as more open and then saw the last few holes which is more like I remember. Am I right in saying the "clubhouse" is the local pub or am I just imagining that bit ?

Niall
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 21, 2014, 10:19:20 AM
Sorry for the temporary loss of photos. I have exceeded my bandwith for the month. It will reset to zero again in a few days and then they will appear again.

Niall, you are imagining that bit. Wishful thinking more like!
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 29, 2014, 04:07:11 AM
The photographs are available to view again now. I exceeded my 10GB download limit last month so they went down for a while.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Paul Gray on November 23, 2014, 10:12:10 AM
Because this just deserves to be bumped.  :)
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Sean_A on November 24, 2014, 05:06:16 AM
Very fine Doc, very fine.  What is the normal lost ball count?

Ciao



I lost only 1, but I reckon it could be a 3-4 ball course.

1!  You must of had a good day ;D

Ciao
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: jeffwarne on July 27, 2018, 07:18:57 PM
Played this gem today.
Golf in the garden.
Fiery firm and fast fairways- the course was in great shape-wonderful turf.
A great way to end the trip en route to GLA.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Robin_Hiseman on July 30, 2018, 06:11:04 AM
Jeff


It's terrific that you made the time to take in Aberfoyle. It's quite a wild ride isn't it? I imagine it was looking pretty purple at this time of year, with the Rosebay Willow herb in full bloom.


If i'd known you were over that way i could have fixed you up at Royal Balfron.
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: jeffwarne on July 30, 2018, 09:28:12 AM
Jeff


It's terrific that you made the time to take in Aberfoyle. It's quite a wild ride isn't it? I imagine it was looking pretty purple at this time of year, with the Rosebay Willow herb in full bloom.


If i'd known you were over that way i could have fixed you up at Royal Balfron.


Robin it was stunning-really felt like a garden-with the added bonus of super firm and fast.
Watching my 18 year old son obliviously hit low burning lefty cut drivers into the left to right slopes was a bit infuriating though as I was having trouble getting 6 irons to stay in play-the bounces grew exponentially if that's possible.
Hard to give 8 shots(cut from 10) to someone hitting drivers 300 in play on rock hard ground on a 4900 yard course.
He only lost 2 balls all day(both on #4 a 257 straight uphill gem to a tiny sliver of a green where he DIDN'T hit driver))
Thank God for the one down presses ;)




The course was a wild ride and a tough walk but absolutely beautiful.


Was only in the area en route to GLA for a Saturday return.


Also played Gairloch and Durness because when you're based in St. Andrews, they're right around the corner.
Threw that in for Sean :)
Title: Re: ABERFOYLE GOLF CLUB (Full 18 hole tour): Quirk in the Trossachs
Post by: Sean_A on July 30, 2018, 11:28:55 AM
Jeff


It's terrific that you made the time to take in Aberfoyle. It's quite a wild ride isn't it? I imagine it was looking pretty purple at this time of year, with the Rosebay Willow herb in full bloom.

If i'd known you were over that way i could have fixed you up at Royal Balfron.

Also played Gairloch and Durness because when you're based in St. Andrews, they're right around the corner.
Threw that in for Sean :)

Death March 2018....nothing less is expected.

Ciao