First sight of Old Course changes

PerryGolf Staff

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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Google glasses and the impact on golf and golf travel

Gordon Dalgleish

[singlepic id=39 w=320 h=240 float=]I have been watching the reported development of Google glasses for some time and as more detailed reviews of their functionality surface, such as here, it caused me to wonder what impact and application would they be used for golf and golf travel. Details from Google can be viewed here and video.

Some ideas;

With GPS functionality the glasses can serve as a yardage guide…no need to fumble with hand held devices!

On course instruction….with a side hill lie or long bunker shot, ask for guidance on best technique….easier to have virtual lessons….golf instruction is cutting edge in many respects but hitherto I do not believe the instructor has been able to see what the golfer sees, such as ball position or alignment…from the golfers perspective….no more.

Virtual caddie tips on how to play each hole and shot….will a google caddy know good jokes as well?

Your friends can leave virtual notations about what they recommend on the menu or best beer behind the bar or how they played a particular hole

Share your hole in one with your friends…..does it go viral….can the camera follow the flight of a golf ball?

Will they be able to offer flight track on your screen and thus improve the find ability of golf balls?

Golfers with a short temper and poor golf behavior may be caught on camera as they hit the tee marker in anger or damage the cart

….no wonder privacy advocates do not know what to think, everything is subject to sharing & going viral! Quite a thought.
 

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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Checked Baggage Assistance…know before you buy

Gordon Dalgleish

[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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Trump International ~ 2nd Course

PerryGolf Staff

Donald Trump has just unveiled plans for a second course on the Balmedie Estate in Aberdeen.  The second course is to be called the Mary MacLeod Course after Trump’s Scottish born mother and will have the same designer (Martin Hawtree) who did a great job on the original course.   As yet, no timings are available, however further details can be found by clicking here.

By Alastair Niven.  Alastair is one of PerryGolf’s Golf Travel Specialists.

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Play Golf in St Andrews and Carnoustie, Scotland in the footsteps of Open Champions

Gordon Dalgleish

From May 11 – May 17, 2013 the chance of a lifetime for those avid golf lovers awaits you.  For the 5th consecutive year, PerryGolf is key contributor and supporter of the St. Andrews Pilgrim Foundation fundraiser.  The St. Andrews Pilgrim Foundation is a charity that is headquartered in the home of golf – St. Andrews, Scotland.  The organization focuses its efforts on the maintenance and preservation of the conservation area of the historical old town.  By auctioning off incredible golf packages to play the some of the most prestigious courses in the world – the Old Course in St. Andrews, Kingsbarns, the Carnoustie Championship Course – and while winding down in the luxurious Fairmont St. Andrews, the goals of the charity are met and the most memorable experiences of your lifetime are made.

Bidding closes on February 15, so act promptly.

Click here to learn more about this extremely attractive opportunity and the St. Andrews Pilgrim Foundation.

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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