Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Sean_A on March 18, 2018, 05:46:32 PM
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The 1874 Open was of historical importance because it was the first time the 9 hole Musselburgh links hosted the event. All eyes were on the high flying duo of an in his prime Young Tom Morris and Willie Park, who already possessed seven Open titles between them. However, it was the ex-seaman and younger brother of Willie Park Sr playing in his first serious golf tournament, Mungo, who carried the day on the back of a 37 & 38, posted over the first two rounds.
The wifi password is a subtle homage to M Park.
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While successful, Mungo seems to have been in the shadow of his older brother’s (Willie) success in all aspects of golf, including architecture. This isn't surprising given the fact that Mungo was a fisherman/sailor the first 20 years of his career. True or not, it is fitting that some credit Mungo with the design of the original 9 holes of Alnmouth GC. If Mungo did design the course it was while doing a stint in the navy. What is certain is that Mungo was the first professional for this pocket-size 9 hole links wedged between the winsome village and Alnmouth Bay. Being established in 1869 it is thought this is the oldest 9 hole links in England and the 4th oldest course in England, but let us not use these descriptors as ways to diminish the quality of the course. With lovely terrain and high quality turf, Alnmouth is the real deal.
It is clear the village remains prosperous, being built on the back of its thriving port which in the 17th & 18th centuries exported large amounts of grain, so much so that there were once 16 granaries in Alnmouth. Many of the granaries are clearly visible today in their converted states. A huge storm in 1806 changed the course of the Aln which effectively cut the village in two. This was the beginning of the end for Alnmouth as a port.
The arrival of the train (still in operation) in the mid 19th century gave new life to Alnmouth as a holiday destination. Unlike some small ports, Alnmouth has retained much of its original charm and in addition to superb natural amenities, the town offers social amenities such as cricket, rowing, boating, rugby and two golf clubs.
The Boat Club's Ferry Hut.
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Rowing Club.
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It is easy to confuse the Village Club with the much newer HS Colt designed Alnmouth GC (1931) next door on higher ground. For a short period Alnmouth GC had two courses, the upper and downer, until the Village Club was formed in 1936 and took over the management of the downer links. This in itself isn’t odd until we note that the parish has less than 500 residents! While the links seem a sleepy affair these days, this once was a base of some power in English golf. Alnmouth was one of 24 clubs which controlled the Amateur until the R&A took the reins in 1919. It should also be mentioned that Horace Hutchinson thought Alnmouth important enough to include it in his famous British Golf Links. From the description in the book, it is also clear the current routing and hole numbering is the same at least as far back 1897.
Despite recent interior work, not much about the exterior of the golf pavillion (on the right) has changed since this photo was taken. The once sandy nature of the links is no longer as evident except in as much as the course drains extremely well. The gentleman in the photo is stood near the current 1st tee.
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More to follow.
Ciao
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"It is easy to confuse the Village Club with the much newer HS Colt designed Alnmouth GC next door on higher ground."
One post in and you're having a dig at me already !!
Niall
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Niall...you had me going the wrong way!
Onto the course. The card is a perfect reflection of the course and house. There is no nonsense of a card showing 18 tees...its a 9 hole course.
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The first as seen from the road. For those who believe there is no finer terrain for golf than can be found at St Andrews and Deal...Alnmouth Village offers a hint of promise.
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Not a great starter, but not an easy short hole either. It is clear the club takes the Village aspect of the name seriously. It is literally a 1 minute walk to the centre.
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Evidence of a much sandier past. This sleepered bunker was right of the 1st green.
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The next six holes all have something to shout about. The 2nd takes us to the boat houses. In days gone by there used to be cottages in this fairway. There is a red herring narrow alley down the right which offers not a scintilla of advantage.
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Much like Granny Clark's Wynd, the beach access road is crossed in both directions.
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A closer look at the tiered runaway green.
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No freeloaders!
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The third green is not unlike the 2nd.
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Yes, the Village course is very becoming!
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Continuing the hard on the beach theme, the rather modest 4th at 360 yards is the third longest hole on the course.
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More superb terrain.
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Climbing to the 6th fairway offers a better idea of what the 4th is about.
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The final hole out plays to a wee corner of the property. It is a very short 4 which would make perfect sense in the summer. The ladies tee also makes for a great par 3. Yes, the location is sublime, but the hole is of exceptional quality.
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The 5th green from the 6th fairway.
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More to follow.
Ciao
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Looks extremely cold and windy so well done for getting further than just the car park and the clubhouse! :)
I recall walking some of lower holes during a non-golf holiday a few years ago and thought that the course looked like it would a whole bunch of fun to play. And, as you say, it really is right by the village.
Looking forward to seeing the rest.
Atb
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You were there on Saturday. I didn't get past Doncaster on Friday night because of the weather. I walked the dog in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon and was as cold as I have ever been. Playing golf up the coast is impressive.
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Sean,
Thanks for doing this tour. I've never heard of this course before now. Completely agree on the scorecard. If you're nine holes, you're nine holes.
Looking at a satellite view, quite the contrast between this course and its neighbor.
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http://www.alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk/
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Mark...it was very cold, but worse for the afternoon game at North Berwick. Near the end of the game the wind must have been 30mph...and with the temp not getting above 0! The course was in magnificent condition...I think the best I have seen it. Alnmouth was also in very fine nick.
Tucky...cheers.
Alnmouth VILLAGE TOUR CONT
Having run out of space the course can only go one way and that is up. I am very taken by the 6th and think it is an All-England candidate. The combination of the tee hard on the beach, blind drive and volcano green is a recipe for greatness.
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We don't stay on the high very long; the 7th drops back to the links in fine fashion. Playing past the 3rd green, the 7th is one of the more interesting greensites.
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Left of the green.
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Right of the green.
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The rear of green. The green is raised with a protective scrape guarding the left side approach, thus rewarding drives down the right.
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The beautiful rumples of the 8th fairway adjacent to the 2nd green. OOB lurks down the right, but there is space to play safe.
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The green is somewhat obscured by the flat terrain which starts about 60 yards short of the putting surface.
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Unfortunately, the final hole covers flat, but unmistakably links land.
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The great Bernardo believed there wasn't quite enough of Alnmouth to go around and that god intended it to be a 9 holer. After several visits I am inclined to agree and can only wonder as to why it wasn't included in the True Links tome. With holes the quality of 5 & 6 the course does have two genuine All-England candidates. Several other holes too are of great interest due mainly to the compelling terrain. I won't say the turf is of the same quality as Deal or St Andrews, but the terrain is a very close second. There is no doubt it will take a certain sense of accepting the obvious limitations of the design to fully appreciate what is on offer. However, for those seeking the simple pleasures of golf (especially if hickories are used or driver is left in the boot!) delivered in a charming manner, Alnmouth Village comes highly recommended. Much like the course, the village is also tempting. 1* 2020
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More charming Northumberland courses.
Seahouses back 9
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66839.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66839.0.html)
Warkworth
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,65712.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,65712.0.html)
Goswick
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,64104.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,64104.0.html)
Dunstanburgh Castle
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,67566.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,67566.0.html)
Ciao
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Three holes well worth seeing out of nine isn't bad.
What sort of green complex did the 6th have? Run offs in every direction?
In the earlier part of the tour, I wondered about the path that you see in the photo of the 7th. Is that for golfers or for public access? Or both?
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Thanks for the tour Sean.
I imagine this course hasn't changed much over the decades so it would be interesting to play it with a ball that only went as far as balls went back in 1874!
atb
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Three holes well worth seeing out of nine isn't bad.
What sort of green complex did the 6th have? Run offs in every direction?
In the earlier part of the tour, I wondered about the path that you see in the photo of the 7th. Is that for golfers or for public access? Or both?
Tucky
Yes, the 6th green runs away in all directions, but to the rear it isn't too bad.
Golfers use that path on #7. I expect walkers do as well. From the 6th green a good look can be had of Alnmouth GC next door....it looks pretty good!
I think three holes worth seeing is short-selling Alnmouth. I would say 5 holes are good to very good and two are great.
Ciao
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Very fine, very fine...
There's something liberting about playing 9 holers. You come without all your normal expectations and just get on with it. Fun.
Marked for future viist. Thanks.
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Very fine, very fine...
There's something liberting about playing 9 holers. You come without all your normal expectations and just get on with it. Fun.
Marked for future viist. Thanks.
Spangles
I must say our game did feel a bit like that. We didn't have a card, we didn't know yardages, we didn't know how to keep warm. We simply eyeballed and fired away. I don't recall how many times I hit a wood, but it was far more than a coffee warming glance at the card would suggest should be the case. I think the course needs a bit of wind to get its gander up ;)
Ciao
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9-hole courses are great. I sometimes wish golf were only a 9-hole game.
atb
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Sean
Very true about the wind. As much as I enjoyed the course I do wonder how much of that was down to the weather. Can't help thinking without the strength of the wind, it would have been a drive and a wedge a lot of the time. Which is not to say some of the green complexes would have still made it interesting but it would probably lack a bit of bite. That said, I wouldn't be adverse going back to find out.
Niall
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Niall
I had a chance to revisit Alnmouth heading back home. I have to say, the course doesn't need much wind to ramp up the interest. On this day, I found the course beguiling.
All, see the significantly updated tour.
Previous Stops on the 2018-19 Winter Tour.
Seahouses back 9
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66839.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66839.0.html)
Walton Heath Old
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,61415.msg1460548.html#msg1460548 (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,61415.msg1460548.html#msg1460548)
Reigate Heath
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,64197.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,64197.0.html)
Cleeve Cloud
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html)
Cavendish
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41162.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41162.0.html)
Hallamshire
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66568.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66568.0.html)
Saunton East
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,51415.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,51415.0.html)
Saunton West
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66490.msg1587657.html#msg1587657 (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66490.msg1587657.html#msg1587657)
Westward Ho!
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html)
Aberdovey
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,43564.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,43564.0.html)
Planned Stops
Tandridge
Barton on Sea
Isle of Purbeck
Ciao
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Splendid new photos really show off the terrain. Glad it was warmer than on your previous visit! 9-hole courses are terrific.
Atb
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Thanks for the tour Sean.
I imagine this course hasn't changed much over the decades so it would be interesting to play it with a ball that only went as far as balls went back in 1874!
atb
So far as I can tell, the greens are in positions which may not be original, but are very old. Some tees have been altered. For instance, I suspect the 1st played from near the house and probably over the 9th. I suspect the 5th was from a tee closer to the ladies current tee and may have been a par 3. I am not convinced the hole is better from the mens tee.
In any case, it is very surprising that AVGC didn't hold an excellent rep well into "modern times". I can understand in the past 25-30 years the course would seem quite short, too short to include in discussions of top 100 (though I utterly disagree with that notion), but certainly back in the 70s this course would not have been push-over.
Ciao
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If we as players are prepared to down-spec on equipment there is a whole bunch of fun to be had playing older, shorter more rural and rustic courses. And a lot of historical appreciation for how the game, the equipment, the design, the construction and the maintenance developed too.
You don’t have to go back to hickories either, pick up some old blades and persimmons on eBay, there are loads available, and give them a go. You might be positively surprised. It should also be a good learning experience for those of the generation who have only ever known titanium, graphite and cavity backs.
Atb
Later edit - colourised photos of AVGC in the past -
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I have long said some holes are better for technology and some worse. In an ideal world, it would be wonderful to have the right equipment for the right holes.
Ciao
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Sean,
I had the privilege of sampling Northumbrian golf for years coming down from Edinburgh while my daughter was a student there, I am really appreciating these photo tours.
Please hear me when I say that you must, must see Bamburgh Castle Golf Club. Not quite Pebble Beach but not so far removed either if you consider the views.
Ciao,
Malcolm Mckinnon
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Niall...you had me going the wrong way!
Onto to the course. The card is a perfect reflection of the course and house. There is no nonsense of a card showing 18 tees...its a 9 hole course.
love it
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Sean,
I had the privilege of sampling Northumbrian golf for years coming down from Edinburgh while my daughter was a student there, I am really appreciating these photo tours.
Please hear me when I say that you must, must see Bamburgh Castle Golf Club. Not quite Pebble Beach but not so far removed either if you consider the views.
Ciao,
Malcolm Mckinnon
Tom Doak had in right in the original CG. Bamburgh is a perfect Dumb Blonde. Not a bad golf course but views on a par with anywhere. On a sunny day, with the tide out, it's just spectacular. Pebble may be more immediately spectacular, just, but it doesn't have the castles, Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands as part of the view.
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Sean,
I had the privilege of sampling Northumbrian golf for years coming down from Edinburgh while my daughter was a student there, I am really appreciating these photo tours.
Please hear me when I say that you must, must see Bamburgh Castle Golf Club. Not quite Pebble Beach but not so far removed either if you consider the views.
Ciao,
Malcolm Mckinnon
Malcolm
I did play Bamburgh, but the weather was very unkind. So unkind, I resolved to ignore the visit and go back at some point. That point has yet to come :D I think I will try to focus on Alnmouth Village for now...I suspect there is more there to see. I was meant to play Dunstanburgh Castle the same day (a rare choice of 36!) as BC and chose to skip it altogether once I saw the flooding of the burn separating the house from the course.
Ciao
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As evidenced on several of the other threads, this was visited by several pests who all expressed their positive vibe to me.
ON Monday morning deserted by fairweather friends and with heavy rain forecast, I thought sod it I'm near enough for a quick look. ON arrival about 8.30 I had the place to myself. the sky was clear and there was Zero wind to suggest it changing. It looked tempting and after locating the honesty box I played it to my handicap in 1'10 mins.
I can only think I was golfed out OR the charms of the course are being seriously oversold here.
- 6 of the holes are (from memory) 340 to 370 long. Driver, wedge/9i
- I hit every fairway, there's no definition of the holes.
- The promised micro undulations afforded me not one awkward shot.- The greens are simple (but true), slope affairs.
As Sean says in his review, perhaps it (seriously) needs wind.
By contrast I really enjoyed the challenge of Bamburgh Castle GC, even if the greens really are about as simple as they can get. I'll go back to Alnmouth but only if time is too short to play Bamburgh again.
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Spangles
It sounds like you are saying you played AV, a course well under 3000 yards, in the easiest of conditions, yet you didn't better your handicap 8) If the course is too short then don't take driver out. That said, it might be better to lay back on some holes. I don't really know which lines to take for holes such as 2, 3, 4 and possibly 7. I need time to chip around the greens when the holes are at the top of the putting surfaces.
One of AV's great charms is the lack of definition made possible by the cool terrain and lack of rough.
One thing I can say, AV gives an outward appearance of being easy, but I don't see guys tear it up. Sounds very similar to a famous links in Scotland.
Ciao
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As evidenced on several of the other threads, this was visited by several pests who all expressed their positive vibe to me.
ON Monday morning deserted by fairweather friends and with heavy rain forecast, I thought sod it I'm near enough for a quick look. ON arrival about 8.30 I had the place to myself. the sky was clear and there was Zero wind to suggest it changing. It looked tempting and after locating the honesty box I played it to my handicap in 1'10 mins.
I can only think I was golfed out OR the charms of the course are being seriously oversold here.
- 6 of the holes are (from memory) 340 to 370 long. Driver, wedge/9i
- I hit every fairway, there's no definition of the holes.
- The promised micro undulations afforded me not one awkward shot.- The greens are simple (but true), slope affairs.
As Sean says in his review, perhaps it (seriously) needs wind.
By contrast I really enjoyed the challenge of Bamburgh Castle GC, even if the greens really are about as simple as they can get. I'll go back to Alnmouth but only if time is too short to play Bamburgh again.
I played AV again this morning with one of my sons. We were joined by Storm Derek, who was right behind us on the first 5 but was right in our faces on the back 4. He brought hail with him on the second 9, for a couple of holes.
Even in those conditions I just don't get Tony's take, from someone who, I think, normally has similar views to mine. On the specific points:
- Yes, there are several driver/wedge holes. But the wedge approaches to each of them are very different. This was my third visit and I really don't think lack of variety is a fair charge.
- It's true that, excluding the 6th, the fairway is very wide. That lack of "definition", however, is far from fatal to good golf. In this morning's wind the width was essential but, like another course with extremely wide fairways, being a long way left is a bad place to approach the green on most of the holes. Position does matter.
- The course does not have "micro-undulations" a la Kington. What it has is fabulous, true links style undulations. Nothing "micro" about them. If Tony never got a side hill, uphill or downhill lie, he was lucky (or not?) but there's no doubt that the terrain is every bit as interesting as, say, Elie and far superior to, say, Crail. As to the greens, I'm tempted to respond with a "pah". They may not be wild roller coaster rides like Prestwick but "simple slope affairs"? Maybe true of 1 and 9 but there's more than enough interest on the remainder to keep you going and the surrounds tie in to them wonderfully. Finally on the greens, it seems like it has been raining for three months. Parts of the county are underwater but this morning those greens putted magnificently and at a speed and with a firmness that many courses would envy in July.
AV isn't a great golf course. It is, though, very, very good, always well presented and playable and great fun. It may not (the 6th aside) be the hardest course in the world and you may not need a degree in geometry to putt on the greens (though good judgment and good touch are essential) but at £20 for 18 holes? One of UK golf's great value quotients.
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Excellent report, Mark. I hope to have a look this summer.
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- 6 of the holes are (from memory) 340 to 370 long. Driver, wedge/9i
Interesting comment here by Tony as with 2/3rds of the holes being Driver, wedge/9i things are not that dis-similar clubbing wise to watching the elite men pro's on TV play a standard-ish tour course in benign conditions.
Good point made by Mark about "micro-undulations". The m-u's at Kington are actually old ant hills, yes thousands of them, the likes of which are not seen much if at all on sandy links courses.
atb
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I have agreed to find another £15 and give it a second go, I'm even prepared to admit I just might have been wrong.
After all it has to happen one day.....(not talking about the admitting part!)
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I have agreed to find another £15 and give it a second go, I'm even prepared to admit I just might have been wrong.
After all it has to happen one day.....(not talking about the admitting part!)
We’re weekending at Slaley in two weeks. Wanna play it (AV) on Monday, 9th?
;D
F.
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I love the look of the 5th hole and green, it's like a 270 yard Biarritz. If you weren't trying, or unable to drive the green, the "...ground just before the green" sure poses some interesting questions.
What a wonderful spot.
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I love the look of the 5th hole and green, it's like a 270 yard Biarritz. If you weren't trying, or unable to drive the green, the "...ground just before the green" sure poses some interesting questions.
What a wonderful spot.
The 5th was playing as a 210 yard par 3 yesterday. A serious par 3 from those tees! As a 270 yard par 4, the pitch (for most) from short of that green is a fabulous challenge to meet.
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With the exception of 8 and 9, all the holes have interesting terrain at least in front of the greens. With several greens running away from play most golfers will have to consider bumping in approaches. On some of the holes, the high ground is just shy of the green making it difficult to judge any type of approach. AV is much more than meets the casual glance.
Ciao
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- 6 of the holes are (from memory) 340 to 370 long. Driver, wedge/9i
Interesting comment here by Tony as with 2/3rds of the holes being Driver, wedge/9i things are not that dis-similar clubbing wise to watching the elite men pro's on TV play a standard-ish tour course in benign conditions.
Good point made by Mark about "micro-undulations". The m-u's at Kington are actually old ant hills, yes thousands of them, the likes of which are not seen much if at all on sandy links courses.
atb
Muldoon always was a seriously big hitter.
Niall
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I will back Niall on Tony being sneaky long.
One point I do not understand is that a lack of definition being criticised. To me a good, traditional links experience requires a total lack of definition. Everything should blend/merge with no clear lines to define it. Or maybe I have misunderstood the point :-\
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I loved the experience of playing the course but found the golf to be pretty awkward. Downwind through hole 5, it seemed to me that the greens were built to be approached from the opposite direction - elevated in front and then sloping away. I could imagine growing to like that challenge but I could not even conceive of a type of approach shot that would likely succeed.
The 6th was memorable - sort of a super spion kop.
I enjoyed the finishing holes into the wind the most - although the ground gets a bit meadowy at the end. I also enjoyed the ground on which the course sits - plenty of fun links contour.
I highly recommend the place as an experience but fail to see its merits in terms of course design.
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I reckon like any course with strong ground features that AV requires experience to understand and play it best. If not for the interesting "reverse" greens the course would be fairly dull.
Ciao
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I reckon like any course with strong ground features that AV requires experience to understand and play it best. If not for the interesting "reverse" greens the course would be fairly dull.
Ciao
You could be right. I may need to go back and play with Muldoon!
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I reckon like any course with strong ground features that AV requires experience to understand and play it best. If not for the interesting "reverse" greens the course would be fairly dull.
Ciao
You could be right. I may need to go back and play with Muldoon!
Noooo, not Spangles! 😉
Ciao
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Elie is increasingly recognised as being a gem (not so hidden these days). On of the striking features of Elie is the number of front to back sloping greens. It's also one of the things I love about AV. Perhaps knowing how to play Elie was an advantage but how hard can it be with a wedge in hand to work out that you land the ball just short of the green and allow it to release out? I think it's great, in these days when we're needing longer and longer courses that you can make a driver/wedge hole really tricky by sloping the green away and making it play firm.
Jason - you just need to play more links golf.
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If anyone needs to play more links golf, it's me. Not because I didn't appreciate AV - I did. But I still need to play lots more links golf because it's so much fun.
I saw Sean's tour before playing AV, and think he captured it well (as usual). The 6th was even more wild than the photos show. That's a hole I wouldn't want a lot of wind on, but for the rest - bring it on. Wind really makes those approaches interesting.
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And there's another aspect to courses such as Alnmouth Village, the relatively simple maintenance practices and thus the cost. Nice to hear that the Clubhouse is also used as a cafe open to non-golfers. Another useful source of revenue, although possibly one with tax implications.
As Sean says in the thread title "What more do you need?"
atb
PS - I wonder if the course was ever played in reverse (with some adjustment in relation to the uphill section)?
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David
I thought the same re the course playing in reverse and I suspect it might have for short periods by way of resting the turf, however the way it is played now is as per the plan that was in one of the early Golfing Year Books. Hard to believe now but back in the 1880's, Alnmouth was considered one of the best courses in England.
Niall
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The 6th was even more wild than the photos show. That's a hole I wouldn't want a lot of wind on, but for the rest - bring it on. Wind really makes those approaches interesting.
It played almost straight into a 3 or 4 club wind on Saturday. I was almost as proud of the 4 and 5 I made in my two visits as I will be of any holes I played this year. Even on a perfectly still day, that green takes some hitting.
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Elie is increasingly recognised as being a gem (not so hidden these days). On of the striking features of Elie is the number of front to back sloping greens. It's also one of the things I love about AV. Perhaps knowing how to play Elie was an advantage but how hard can it be with a wedge in hand to work out that you land the ball just short of the green and allow it to release out? I think it's great, in these days when we're needing longer and longer courses that you can make a driver/wedge hole really tricky by sloping the green away and making it play firm.
Jason - you just need to play more links golf.
I agree I need to play more links golf!
I generally enjoy greens that slope front to back but thought the way these were designed was particularly ill suited to such shots. I do not recall having a similar reaction at Elie which I greatly enjoyed.
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Elie is increasingly recognised as being a gem (not so hidden these days). On of the striking features of Elie is the number of front to back sloping greens. It's also one of the things I love about AV. Perhaps knowing how to play Elie was an advantage but how hard can it be with a wedge in hand to work out that you land the ball just short of the green and allow it to release out? I think it's great, in these days when we're needing longer and longer courses that you can make a driver/wedge hole really tricky by sloping the green away and making it play firm.
Jason - you just need to play more links golf.
I agree I need to play more links golf!
I generally enjoy greens that slope front to back but thought the way these were designed was particularly ill suited to such shots. I do not recall having a similar reaction at Elie which I greatly enjoyed.
Jason
Why and which bits are ill suited for front to back shots?
I understand the criticism if one thinks front to back greens behind relatively sharp high points is over used. Holes 2-4 are of this variety, though I would argue 4 is exceptional not least because one can lay off up the right to hold an approach if the tee shot is properly placed.
5 runs away from play as well, but that isn't the main feature and hanging a ball right is an option here as well.
Ciao
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Elie is increasingly recognised as being a gem (not so hidden these days). On of the striking features of Elie is the number of front to back sloping greens. It's also one of the things I love about AV. Perhaps knowing how to play Elie was an advantage but how hard can it be with a wedge in hand to work out that you land the ball just short of the green and allow it to release out? I think it's great, in these days when we're needing longer and longer courses that you can make a driver/wedge hole really tricky by sloping the green away and making it play firm.
Jason - you just need to play more links golf.
I agree I need to play more links golf!
I generally enjoy greens that slope front to back but thought the way these were designed was particularly ill suited to such shots. I do not recall having a similar reaction at Elie which I greatly enjoyed.
Jason
Why and which bits are ill suited for front to back shots?
I understand the criticism if one thinks front to back greens behind relatively sharp high points is over used. Holes 2-4 are of this variety, though I would argue 4 is exceptional not least because one can lay off up the right to hold an approach if the tee shot is properly placed.
5 runs away from play as well, but that isn't the main feature and hanging a ball right is an option here as well.
Ciao
I cannot remember the holes precisely but holes 2-4 seem about right. I do not recall having any issues with the last one going out but felt like I was repeatedly approaching holes designed to be played from the other direction before that point. There could very well be subtle nuances that I was missing in their design that would reward approaches from a particular angle that I missed.
That said - there was a certain magic about the place replicated in few places on earth.
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Elie is increasingly recognised as being a gem (not so hidden these days). On of the striking features of Elie is the number of front to back sloping greens. It's also one of the things I love about AV. Perhaps knowing how to play Elie was an advantage but how hard can it be with a wedge in hand to work out that you land the ball just short of the green and allow it to release out? I think it's great, in these days when we're needing longer and longer courses that you can make a driver/wedge hole really tricky by sloping the green away and making it play firm.
Jason - you just need to play more links golf.
I agree I need to play more links golf!
I generally enjoy greens that slope front to back but thought the way these were designed was particularly ill suited to such shots. I do not recall having a similar reaction at Elie which I greatly enjoyed.
Jason
Why and which bits are ill suited for front to back shots?
I understand the criticism if one thinks front to back greens behind relatively sharp high points is over used. Holes 2-4 are of this variety, though I would argue 4 is exceptional not least because one can lay off up the right to hold an approach if the tee shot is properly placed.
5 runs away from play as well, but that isn't the main feature and hanging a ball right is an option here as well.
Ciao
I cannot remember the holes precisely but holes 2-4 seem about right. I do not recall having any issues with the last one going out but felt like I was repeatedly approaching holes designed to be played from the other direction before that point. There could very well be subtle nuances that I was missing in their design that would reward approaches from a particular angle that I missed.
That said - there was a certain magic about the place replicated in few places on earth.
I agree with Mark, AV isn't great, but it is as you state special. It's obvious I am captivated by the combined charm of the town setting and course. I think a major reason for my admiration is the simplicity of it all. It also helps that a 2ball can whip around the course in no time. I have a lot of time for Alnmouth Village and hope more people stop by to see what I see.
Ciao
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The thread title sums it up well - what more do you need? It's not the kind of course you would build a trip around, but seeing places like this makes a trip more memorable.
Most amazing to me is the idea that something like this costs a little over $400 per year for all the golf you want.
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Interesting juxtaposition, this thread and Ardfin.
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Interesting juxtaposition, this thread and Ardfin.
Do you think there's an honesty box at Ardfin?
Yes indeed, an interesting juxtaposition.
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See the updated tour. I continue to be very impressed with the course despite the protestations of Spangles.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,65709.msg1568291.html#msg1568291 (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,65709.msg1568291.html#msg1568291)
Previous Stops on the 20-21 Winter Tour
Cleeve Cloud
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html)
Beaverbrook - no photo tour
North Berwick
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,59363.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,59363.0.html)
Planned 20-21 Winter Tour Stops
Goswick
Muirfield
Ciao
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Sean - Love the tours! Thanks for your contribution. Curious as to how you select when/which courses you visit/revisit?
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Sean - Love the tours! Thanks for your contribution. Curious as to how you select when/which courses you visit/revisit?
Cheers Derek.
I select courses based on a what a few folks on here and Twitter think. Clyde Johnson is excellent because he sees the little courses, doesn't get emotionally carried away and I think like me, he is often looking for a killer hole or two which surprises. David Thomas is also good for info. Jeff Warne knows a ton. Plus I keep my ear to the ground, stop by places as recon when in the area, use Google Earth quite a bit etc.
When I choose to play is purely down to opportunity, usually when already travelling. I like to add on a smaller, cheapish course when going away. I am trying to target Flempton and Royston for a 1 nighter.
The courses I return to is more and more about cost. I am a huge fan of Formby, but the cost is really too much these days. Still, all the places I keep returning to are courses I enjoy and to see folks.
I was thinking a Three 9s comp should be organized for GCAers. Back 9 at Seahouses in the morning, then Alnmouth Village for lunch, then Warkworth later in the afternoon. That would be pretty cool.
Ciao
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I was thinking a Three 9s comp should be organize for GCAers. Back 9 at Seahouses in the morning, then Alnmouth Village for lunch, then Wark worth later in the afternoon. That would be pretty cool.
Ciao
I'd love to do that, but with the order reversed. All courses start with a tricky par 3, but Warkworth's is the easiest. Also it would mean we wouldn't finish on the weakest section. Seahouses is the clubhouse that is most likely to be open for a post round pint overlooking the course and the sea. Convenient as Seahouses or Bamburgh would probably be where most would stay.
In July I started at 2pm with 36 at Warkworth and then the 5 min drive for 9 at Alnmouth Village. Was eating Fish n' Chips in Seahouses at 7pm.
PS Lewis's Chipper had the lightest batter on perfectly cooked fish and the most delicious chips. Best I've had. Highly recommended. (I believe thanks are due to the Lawyer for the tip.)
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But you might get caught out at Seahouses with groups coming from the front 9 if you try to play in the pm. Its better to play the course early when empty then move on...no?
Ciao
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But you might get caught out at Seahouses with groups coming from the front 9 if you try to play in the pm. Its better to play the course early when empty then move on...no?
Ciao
Agreed ....but otherwise its practically perfect in every way.
The woman who runs the bar and collects the green fees, seems able to predict the quiet times and told me which day to come last month. I'm sure she'd accept a booking in advance, we can ask. Albeit Weekend might be difficult.
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But you might get caught out at Seahouses with groups coming from the front 9 if you try to play in the pm. Its better to play the course early when empty then move on...no?
Ciao
Agreed ....but otherwise its practically perfect in every way.
The woman who runs the bar and collects the green fees, seems able to predict the quiet times and told me which day to come last month. I'm sure she'd accept a booking in advance, we can ask. Albeit Weekend might be difficult.
Yes, she's a peach. I really like the vibe of Seahouses. It reminds me a ton of ma & pa courses in the US.
Ciao
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Might be worth looking at inland courses as well.
Lots of Scottish-English border towns had courses built in the 1890’s-1920’s - often 9-holers on sheep roamed uplands/moorland. Must be some that would fall into the quirky, rural and rustic variety beloved by many posting herein, eg maybe near towns like Selkirk, Gala, Hawick, Duns, Wooler etc etc. Some might not be too hot but some might be a surprise. Clyde may have some suggestions.
Atb
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Might be worth looking at inland courses as well.
Lots of Scottish-English border towns had courses built in the 1890’s-1920’s - often 9-holers on sheep roamed uplands/moorland. Must be some that would fall into the quirky, rural and rustic variety beloved by many posting herein, eg maybe near towns like Selkirk, Gala, Hawick, Duns, Wooler etc etc. Some might not be too hot but some might be a surprise. Clyde may have some suggestions.
Atb
Not aware of anything terribly interesting inland in North Northumberland. In the Borders Peebles is OK, Innerleithen is a 9 holer on flat-ish land but worth a knock but a long way from Seahouses.
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Might be worth looking at inland courses as well.
Lots of Scottish-English border towns had courses built in the 1890’s-1920’s - often 9-holers on sheep roamed uplands/moorland. Must be some that would fall into the quirky, rural and rustic variety beloved by many posting herein, eg maybe near towns like Selkirk, Gala, Hawick, Duns, Wooler etc etc. Some might not be too hot but some might be a surprise. Clyde may have some suggestions.
Atb
Selkirk has some stout golf, benched on the hillside above town. I'd driven past it a bunch over the years, and finally played it post-lockdown. The final 150 yards of the par-5 8th is very cool, having played through a channel the green is side-stepped over and beyond the right flanking ridge. The drop-shot finisher is a beauty too.
There's not much to be seen at Innerleithen. It sits in a u-shaped valley bottom, though the par-3 4th brings a welcome funk as it plays sharply upwards onto the easterly hillside. I think this might have been Willie Park Jnrs first foray in golf course architecture!?
Hawick climbs up over three levels, until it eventually sneaks over to the eastern side of a hill above town. Midway up, the 4th is so severely tilted that a wooden board holds shots that have landed in the fairway and inevitable chased into the semi-rough. On the way back down, the drivable 15th has a tiny green with severe fall-offs, and then the par-3 17th parachutes to a double-green shared with the first.
Jedbergh has 9 new holes, but they're amateur hour really. The current 4th is most notable - a drive down from the wooden hut of a clubhouse leaves an awkward pitch from a downhill lie to a green sandwiched between a stream and a boundary wall.
I'm pretty interested in seeing Galashiels, but less so Melrose and St Boswells. It's amazing that all these places still have a golf course of their own.
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Selkirk has some stout golf, benched on the hillside above town. I'd driven past it a bunch over the years, and finally played it post-lockdown. The final 150 yards of the par-5 8th is very cool, having played through a channel the green is side-stepped over and beyond the right flanking ridge. The drop-shot finisher is a beauty too.
There's not much to be seen at Innerleithen. It sits in a u-shaped valley bottom, though the par-3 4th brings a welcome funk as it plays sharply upwards onto the easterly hillside. I think this might have been Willie Park Jnrs first foray in golf course architecture!?
Hawick climbs up over three levels, until it eventually sneaks over to the eastern side of a hill above town. Midway up, the 4th is so severely tilted that a wooden board holds shots that have landed in the fairway and inevitable chased into the semi-rough. On the way back down, the drivable 15th has a tiny green with severe fall-offs, and then the par-3 17th parachutes to a double-green shared with the first.
Jedbergh has 9 new holes, but they're amateur hour really. The current 4th is most notable - a drive down from the wooden hut of a clubhouse leaves an awkward pitch from a downhill lie to a green sandwiched between a stream and a boundary wall.
I'm pretty interested in seeing Galashiels, but less so Melrose and St Boswells. It's amazing that all these places still have a golf course of their own.
Thanks Clyde.
I found these on YouTube -
Selkirk - [size=78%]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W9VJwEm2c6Q (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W9VJwEm2c6Q)[/size]
Hawick - [/size][size=78%]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Owa-V5z3Ow4 (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Owa-V5z3Ow4)[/size]
Jedburgh - [/size][size=78%]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I6H4KvOSJDY (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I6H4KvOSJDY)[/size]
Like the look of some of the Clubhouses. No need for a mansion or a palace.
Shame how many yee olde 9-hole Clubs throughout the UK that originally only had 9-hole courses with quirk and character and charm then decades later added 9 more holes that are pretty bland.
Nice to see such clubs especially in rural areas continuing to exist though. Long may they continue to do so and the members and visitors have fun playing them.
Atb
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Might be worth looking at inland courses as well.
Lots of Scottish-English border towns had courses built in the 1890’s-1920’s - often 9-holers on sheep roamed uplands/moorland. Must be some that would fall into the quirky, rural and rustic variety beloved by many posting herein, eg maybe near towns like Selkirk, Gala, Hawick, Duns, Wooler etc etc. Some might not be too hot but some might be a surprise. Clyde may have some suggestions.
Atb
Not aware of anything terribly interesting inland in North Northumberland. In the Borders Peebles is OK, Innerleithen is a 9 holer on flat-ish land but worth a knock but a long way from Seahouses.
Mark
Have you ever played Hexham ? One of my Cumbrian pals used to wax lyrical about it. Not sure if that was more to do with the nights out in the local pub or because of the course itself but I've always meant to visit but never got round to it.
Niall
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Sean/Tony
Re nine hole tour - I had the same idea, or rather I nicked it from Tom D. I was thinking of a tour of the nine holers in Perthshire or alternatively up in the Highlands. You could do 2 loops of nine on one course and a single loop of nine on another for 27 holes. A bit more palatable than the 36 a day at BUDA. In fact I even had a name for the event - BUDA Lite !!!
The Perthshire one could take in;
Blairgowrie Wee Course
Killin
Strathtay
Blair Athol (Invertilt)
Comrie
St Fillans
Crieff
The Highland circuit (a bit more spread out);
Ballindalloch Castle
Rothes
Covesea
Abernethy
Carrbridge
Bonar Bridge
Tarbat
Even doubled up a lot of these courses are short so shouldn't be too taxing physically. Maybe an opportunity to put half a dozen clubs in a pencil bag rather than the full kit.
Niall
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Niall,
Yes, I have, a couple of times. I think they changed the routing a few years before as they had a problem with balls straying into the parking lot of a neighbouring car dealership. Pleasant but not somewhere I'm rushing to get back to. I'd probably rather stay on the A69 to Brampton.
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Might be worth looking at inland courses as well.
Lots of Scottish-English border towns had courses built in the 1890’s-1920’s - often 9-holers on sheep roamed uplands/moorland. Must be some that would fall into the quirky, rural and rustic variety beloved by many posting herein, eg maybe near towns like Selkirk, Gala, Hawick, Duns, Wooler etc etc. Some might not be too hot but some might be a surprise. Clyde may have some suggestions.
Atb
Not aware of anything terribly interesting inland in North Northumberland. In the Borders Peebles is OK, Innerleithen is a 9 holer on flat-ish land but worth a knock but a long way from Seahouses.
Peebles is a Colt course. Would quite like to see it next time I'm in the area.
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Re Peebles - FBD started a thread on it a couple of years ago IIRC. It might have included some photos.
Niall
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Selkirk? Just saw some very interesting pix on Insta, I am adding Selkirk to my list.
Ciao
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Re Peebles - FBD started a thread on it a couple of years ago IIRC. It might have included some photos.
Niall
I just found it. ‘Perfectly Pukka Peebles’. From NINE years ago. Unfortunately the photos were on Photobucket so have all disappeared. I have some very much lower resolution versions. If anyone wants to see them, I can start a fresh thread.
Cheers,
F.
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Re Peebles - FBD started a thread on it a couple of years ago IIRC. It might have included some photos.
Niall
I just found it. ‘Perfectly Pukka Peebles’. From NINE years ago. Unfortunately the photos were on Photobucket so have all disappeared. I have some very much lower resolution versions. If anyone wants to see them, I can start a fresh thread.
Cheers,
F.
Sounds like a Friday job, yes please.
Ciao
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It looks like storms last week have caused part of the 5th to fall onto the beach. That green must be just about hanging over the beach. I wonder if the forward tee is still in play. It could make for a very dramatic par 3. Anyway, what a shame. Alnmouth Village is one of my favourite courses.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3gevv14nrwo
Ciao
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Sad News!
I was a bit underwhelmed by the course when John and I visited but it sticks in the memory better than other courses that I liked better.
I would,like to return. There is magic there.
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Sad News!
I was a bit underwhelmed by the course when John and I visited but it sticks in the memory better than other courses that I liked better.
I would,like to return. There is magic there.
Fair enough. All ma n’ pa courses can’t suit all tastes. Part of the appeal for me is the affordability and total lack of pomp and circumstance.
Ciao