Although opened to a flurry of some controversy, The Castle Course at St Andrews will begin its fourth year of play in 2012 with some well considered modifications. Several greens including 15’s enormous false front have been “tempered” for less slope plus the club plans to keep the surfaces softer than in the past. Secondly, there are fewer blind “hummocks” – those large, hay covered, well- struck-drive-eating mounds to avoid.
Read more “Video #3 / The Castle Course, St. Andrews, Scotland”
Kingsbarns Golf Links has been voted the number one ranked new course in Britain and Ireland. The accolade, which can only go to courses built after 1960, was awarded by prestigious American magazine GolfWeek and was voted for by a panel compiled by the magazine who took a number of aspects into consideration. Second and third in the rankings also went to Scottish courses in the shape of Castle Stuart and Loch Lomond; so it was a major coup for the home of golf. It’ll be interesting to see where Trump’s course in Aberdeen will feature on the rankings next time they’re announced.
Anyone who has contacted PerryGolf regarding a trip to Scotland, and has spoken to me, will know that I agree wholeheartedly with this decision, as I consider Kingsbarns to be my favourite links course in the world. If you haven’t played it and you’re planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to include it on your list of ‘must plays’.
By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 11 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
The Championship Course at Carnoustie has been host to the British Open on seven occasions, most recently in 2007 when Padraig Harrington won in a playoff over a gallant and deeply disappointed Sergio Garcia. Ben Hogan won here in 1953; it was his only appearance in the Open but he left a unique legacy for his play on No. 6 named thereafter as “Hogan’s Alley”.
Read more “Video #2 / The Championship Course at Carnoustie, Scotland”
The Turnberry Resort and the Ailsa Course are found on Scotland’s west coast in South Ayrshire. Designer Mackenzie Ross is credited with restoring the course to championship standards when it re opened in 1951 after World War II when the property was converted to an RAF airfield and hospital. Ailsa has staged The Open Championship on four occasions beginning in 1977 with the legendary showdown between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus remembered as the “Duel in the Sun”.
Watson’s weekend of 65-65 clipped Nicklaus’ 65-66. They both birdied 18 on Sunday; Nicklaus from 40 feet… Watson from 3! The 2009 British Open was more of the same – remarkably including the same but 59 year old Tom Watson – who came within an eyelash of becoming the oldest major champion in golf history. A visit to Turnberry would include regional clubs like Royal Troon, Prestwick, Western Gailes, Machrihanish and impressive Machrihanish Dunes; plus very often St Andrews for a west coast / east coast combination.
This is one of sixteen Scotland golf course videos we’re posting on a weekly basis to start the year. Each one provides a great sense of the respective experience which we hope will help you confirm your selections from the many available options.
About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+
The 2013 Irish Open will be held at Royal Portrush – the only club in Ireland to have hosted the Open Championship. With two fantastic links courses; the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links; avid golfers are always keen to include Royal Portrush in their Northern Irish golfing itineraries.
To read more about Ireland’s possible bid to host The Open again after Royal Portrush last held it in 1951, click here.
