Video #12: Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Aberdeen, Scotland

Click to view the Royal Aberdeen VIDEO.

The club that would become Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Aberdeen, Scotland, was founded in 1780. It was a city club until 1888 when it relocated 2 miles up the coast to Balgownie. After 126 years, the world’s 6th oldest golf club will host the European Tour’s Scottish Open in 2014.  The pros will find what links lovers have known for years that there is no finer outward nine in the game as there is at Royal Aberdeen. Read more “Video #12: Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Aberdeen, Scotland”

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Western Gailes Clubhouse Development

The clubhouse at Western Gailes Golf Club is in the process of receiving a major facelift.  The new development will introduce a new club shop, bag drop area and upgraded course entrance and exit.  Furthermore the club plan to offer a gallery which will put on display articles relating to the Club’s history.  The anticipated date of completion for these renovations is May of this year.  It’s also worth noting that the lunch and snack menus will be re-vamped in April by the club’s new catering team.

More details of the changes at Western Gailes can be read on their new website here.

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First sight of Old Course changes

With debates taking place on many topics within the world of golf, the planned modifications to the Old Course of St Andrews announced late November last year, and covered in our blog post of that time , caused considerable controversy and divided opinion.

In announcing the changes the St Andrews Links Trust and the R&A said they were being made “to stiffen its defences in some places to ensure it remains as challenging as ever to the professionals. The proposals from (highly respected links architect) Martin Hawtree should place more of a premium on accuracy and ball control while retaining the spirit and character of the Old Course.”  In underscoring the minor nature of the work R&A Chief Executive Peter Dawson said “It’s men with shovels and wheelbarrows rather than bulldozers.”

The first phase (winter 2012/13) is now complete.  The changes appear minor, blend in well, and are consistent with the Links Trust’s measured and caring yet progressive custodianship of the St Andrews Links.  The images below reaffirm that the affected areas will be fully ready and in play for the 2013 season.

Hole #2

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Links Trust Description; On the 2nd hole, the two bunkers right and short of the green will be moved closer to the right edge of the green. The ground to the right of the green will also be recontoured to create more undulations and the width of 3rd tee will be reduced to accommodate this. Two bunkers on the right side of the fairway, near the 3rd Championship tee, will be removed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hole #11

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Links Trust Description; the back left portion of the green will be lowered to create more hole location options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hole #17

 

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Links Trust Description;  the Road Bunker will be widened by half a metre at the right hand side and a small portion of the front of the green will be recontoured to enable it to gather more approach shots landing in that area.

By Colin Dalgleish, Founding Director at PerryGolf

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Checked Baggage Assistance…know before you buy

[singlepic id=38 w=320 h=240 float=left]As airlines refine and adjust their baggage revenues streams, travelers often struggle to understand what additional costs they will endure for checked baggage…even if traveling on a Business or First Class Class ticket. I have recently discovered a great website which appears to be very accurate and a terrific resource for comparing baggage costs.

Luggage Limits  is also available as an iPhone/iPad/android app and is a useful resource to utilize for travel. When traveling with your golf clubs it is far better to be fully informed before you approach the check in desk!
 

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+

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Wedgwood – A Modern Scottish Dining Experience

[singlepic id=35 w=320 h=240 float=]A recent weekend in Edinburgh allowed me the opportunity to sample the wares on offer at Wedgwood; one of Edinburgh’s fine dining restaurants.

Having opened five years ago, Chef and co-owner Paul Wedgwood has created an unpretentious atmosphere coupled with excellent (and inventive) dishes.  On their website they place emphasis on the fact that they do not “turn” tables, therefore diners are allowed to relax and enjoy their meal for as long as they wish without the feeling of being rushed.

Wedgwood is found in the Old Town on the Royal Mile; however it is far removed from the ‘touristy’ restaurants found in the area.  How about king scallops with cauliflower korma, pistachio and peanut dust for starters?  Followed by an equally unique creation of wild deer with haggis, herbed barley, pickled squash and truffled jus?  To add to the distinctive dining experience, be sure to order a side of wild foraged leaves when available – you won’t receive the usual side salad!

Tip – try to request a table which is on the street-level as the downstairs level doesn’t offer the any natural light.

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