The decision by the National Trust to seek a review to overturn a planning decision regarding the new course close to the Giants Causeway reminds me of Scotland's recent Travails with the New Trump course at Aberdeen.
It is for some in the " know " a big mistake for the Mennie course to have been approved. In this case the scientific argument was the loss of unique sand dunes and the system within that area.
It would seem that a similar argument is on the agenda again.
In the case of Mennie, one question that has been seldom asked was did we really need another course. It is a welcome addition but perhaps not a pressing requirement.
It is by all accounts a stunning course, but its entire legacy has been somewhat tarnished by the behaviour of the man who paid for it. Donal Trump. To announce it is the best golf course in the world would seem to most simple arrogance and a lack of real knowledge of links courses, however for Golfers it could become a great course in a given period of time.
The Bushmill Dunes on the other hand I believe would seriously enhance the existing golf infrastructure, and provide the extra ingredient that would be required to keep Golfers in that area for more than one or two days. That would provide a significant increase in revenue to the area. It seems that the area is of course a very sensitive one, and the step of a judicial revue must mean that it may be jeopardised in the near future. I would support its development, as I do believe integrity can be maintained.
I am not however as keen on the course designer, as some of his other new builds do not meet with my approval.
The castle course at St Andrews, has greens with too many silly pin positions due to too many slopes on the greens, and fairways with designer rough on and around the middle of the fairways. I good layout spoilt by silly tricking of the course. It does have some spectacular holes.
The Dunes at Machrahanish has received poor reviews and does not compliment the old course.
The changes at Gleneagles were not well received and some have been changed.
Banding Dunes is excellent on the flip side.
The designers of Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart should get the call.
I await the revue with interest.
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