It was interesting to hear that Monty was very keen to be captain for a second time, and that he was also supportive of the choice of McGinley. Surprised also that Paul Lawrie had been asked to put his name in the hat, bearing in mind he has a lot of golf left in him. Lets just now hope for a good weather god to help us on the week of the event.
Meanwhile how bad is the sporting fraud that is Lance Armstrong, and how is this damaged road cycling...badly I think and will cast a cloud over the whole sport for some time...what were the organisers of the sport doing at the time??
I feel sorry for those who competed without that advantage.
Friday, 18 January 2013
Monday, 14 January 2013
Golf Scotland
So glad to see Rory's not bothered by the money.....seriously please I love this golfer but that is not the right way to describe that deal...he is sorted for life, just say so and best of luck..pleased for him
I hope now his clubs will work for him, as well as the Titleist's did...not easy changing clubs.
I hope now his clubs will work for him, as well as the Titleist's did...not easy changing clubs.
Sunday, 13 January 2013
Golf on tour
Well played Louis and his win in Durban takes him to fourth in the world.....masters this year??also well played to Scott Jamieson as he tried to the death to get back to the winner...he will be disappointed as he had a5 shot lead but Durban has been good to him and solo second is a great start to the new year
Friday, 11 January 2013
Golf Scotland Ryder cup captain
Darren say he wants to play through his tour exemption so could not do both that and captain the Ryder cup team. It would or could be a great three years.
Monty could be favourite. I still like Bernhard for the job. Antibody any thoughts?
Monty could be favourite. I still like Bernhard for the job. Antibody any thoughts?
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Golf at Gleneagles in Scotland.Ryder Cup Venue 2014.
The Queens course at Gleneagles is still undergoing major drainage works on the greens. I am off to take some photos and see what it looks like and how this will affect our membership and golf for this year.
This is a long term programme of work to the Kings and Queens that will try to address the ongoing drainage and green quality, so it will be interesting to see how it looks and how the Kings course is playing.
Hope at some stage to get a game on the Kings.
Will report back
This is a long term programme of work to the Kings and Queens that will try to address the ongoing drainage and green quality, so it will be interesting to see how it looks and how the Kings course is playing.
Hope at some stage to get a game on the Kings.
Will report back
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Golf Miguel Jimenez breaks leg
Poor Miguel Jimenez. Broke his leg and is now out of action for at least 5 months which is sad for him. I love his warm up routine on the practice ground, and he is such a character, on and off the course. I will post his routine on my face book...awesome
Ryder Cupgolf
Ryder cup captain is the topic at the moment, and now Bernhard Langer is in the mix, according to sky sports yesterday.
I am a big supporter of Bernhard Langer as Captain, as I think he would be respected by the players.
At the moment lets just hope it stops raining before 2014, or none of us will be here!!
Who ever is captain could not hope for a more motivated group than the team Maria had on the last day. The USA team p,aged very well until the last day and that should be remembered in the context of how small the margins are at that level.
I am a big supporter of Bernhard Langer as Captain, as I think he would be respected by the players.
At the moment lets just hope it stops raining before 2014, or none of us will be here!!
Who ever is captain could not hope for a more motivated group than the team Maria had on the last day. The USA team p,aged very well until the last day and that should be remembered in the context of how small the margins are at that level.
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Golf predictions
Ian Carter writing for the BBC comes up with some cracking predictions for this year in golf.
I predict that Muirfield will be the best Open course on the Rota again, and I look forward to my clients playing the course in May
I think Rory will have no issues with his new clubs, but would not put money on it.
Luke Donald for the Masters, and Tiger back to no.1.....well no2 perhaps.
I expect the R&A to ignore the debate about men only memberships. I still believe that if there are to be no men only memberships then it must be the same for the numerous women only clubs.
Darren Clarke will be Ryder Captain.
Golf at Gleneagles will improve this year along with the course conditions.
This will be the sunniest summer for a decade.
Here's hoping for the last one!!!
I predict that Muirfield will be the best Open course on the Rota again, and I look forward to my clients playing the course in May
I think Rory will have no issues with his new clubs, but would not put money on it.
Luke Donald for the Masters, and Tiger back to no.1.....well no2 perhaps.
I expect the R&A to ignore the debate about men only memberships. I still believe that if there are to be no men only memberships then it must be the same for the numerous women only clubs.
Darren Clarke will be Ryder Captain.
Golf at Gleneagles will improve this year along with the course conditions.
This will be the sunniest summer for a decade.
Here's hoping for the last one!!!
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Golf Ireland Bushmill Dunes
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.
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.
Friday, 28 December 2012
Ryder cup captain
I rather agree with Darren Clarke that the introduction of Tom Watson is an inspired choice by the USA. He is a true golfing icon to my mind, and one who commands total respect.
The question is, who will be his opponent. I am not sure that Monty would want the job, but agree that perhaps Darren may be on the right track in regards to that option.
The next time I see Monty at Gleneagles I will be sure to ask him for his view!!. He so often around so I will keep my eyes peeled.
It would be unkind to think that Paul McGinley was not up to the task, bearing in mind his vast experience both playing and as part of the team behind the scenes.
It also begs the question how important is the captain. I think it is important that the players have respect for their captain. I think the order of play and partners can sometimes be over analysed with the players themselves truly in charge of their destinies.The most mercurial Captain of them all was Seve, but frankly he not only inspired the team but also nearly drove some of them to distraction. In particular Monty nearly collapsed at the end with the barrage of advice!!.
Here's one for the pot... If he is not playing in the team... Thomas Bjorn. I think he has the respect of the players, as a man who has been heavily involved in the Tour Players board.
Interested if any one might rate Mark James as a possible, but finally but not least, if they are prepared to look at second chance captain...How about our own Sam Torrance.. At home.. Got to be worth a shout surely?
The question is, who will be his opponent. I am not sure that Monty would want the job, but agree that perhaps Darren may be on the right track in regards to that option.
The next time I see Monty at Gleneagles I will be sure to ask him for his view!!. He so often around so I will keep my eyes peeled.
It would be unkind to think that Paul McGinley was not up to the task, bearing in mind his vast experience both playing and as part of the team behind the scenes.
It also begs the question how important is the captain. I think it is important that the players have respect for their captain. I think the order of play and partners can sometimes be over analysed with the players themselves truly in charge of their destinies.The most mercurial Captain of them all was Seve, but frankly he not only inspired the team but also nearly drove some of them to distraction. In particular Monty nearly collapsed at the end with the barrage of advice!!.
Here's one for the pot... If he is not playing in the team... Thomas Bjorn. I think he has the respect of the players, as a man who has been heavily involved in the Tour Players board.
Interested if any one might rate Mark James as a possible, but finally but not least, if they are prepared to look at second chance captain...How about our own Sam Torrance.. At home.. Got to be worth a shout surely?
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Ryder Cup Golf Groups for Gleneagles...it's starting to kick off!
Haven't even published the options for the Ryder Cup yet and have so many clients keen to sign up to one of our self catering properties that we will use as a fully catered golfing venue for that week.
It'll be great to see so many of our clients coming in to town at one time for this event!
The website is currently under construction but we'll post the Ryder Cup options as soon as we can.
Last Sunday at Gleneagles
Played the last medal of the season at Gleneagles and stopped to take this photo of the Starter's box at the first tee of the PGA Centenary course. Nothing like playing on a day like this.
Monday, 22 October 2012
You've Been Trumped! What a shocker...
Watched the BBC programme called "You've BeenTrumped" last night and was totally shocked by what I saw and heard.
Whilst perhaps one-sided, it was, in the least, an embarrassment for the local government, central government ( Scottish Government) and, as equally and if not more so, for Grampian Police. The treatment of the local people was simply outrageous and the total disregard for propriety was hideous.
I will watch with interest if the Grampian police choose to comment on what seems to have been an assault by their officers on the director of the programme. Perhaps there is another side to the story and some compelling evidence to prove the case of assault on the Trump employee.
The section on the SSSI is also deeply depressing, and I am incredulous that our government called it in and then granted permission but again perhaps there is another side to that story as well.
Whilst perhaps one-sided, it was, in the least, an embarrassment for the local government, central government ( Scottish Government) and, as equally and if not more so, for Grampian Police. The treatment of the local people was simply outrageous and the total disregard for propriety was hideous.
I will watch with interest if the Grampian police choose to comment on what seems to have been an assault by their officers on the director of the programme. Perhaps there is another side to the story and some compelling evidence to prove the case of assault on the Trump employee.
The section on the SSSI is also deeply depressing, and I am incredulous that our government called it in and then granted permission but again perhaps there is another side to that story as well.
Sunday, 14 October 2012
At Kingsbarns
Kingsbarns a great great course, we played today off the green tees so a little short for the skipper and I but we were giving away 13 shots which meant there was a good chance of us losing.
Here is the skipper playing over the sea at the par 3 15th in a very strong wind. We both got our 3's but it was tough.
Here is the skipper playing over the sea at the par 3 15th in a very strong wind. We both got our 3's but it was tough.
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Match at Kingsbarns
Back to blogging. Played the last golf club match for our club, Dun Ochill at Gleneagles, against Kingsbarns, at Kingsbarns. Below is the first group out, myself and then captain standing on then first tee.
Monday, 1 October 2012
Trip to South Africa
I am off to South Africa tomorrow with a group of golfers who gather every year in remembrance of a good friend who passed away. We play a Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere golf match over four days.
This year the tour returns to South Africa and the games will be at Fancourt, all three courses and at Oubaai, an Ernie Els design which is not far from George.
This will be my first time at Fancourt and I am really excited. Our hosts have houses there so I expect we will be well looked after. Anybody played the links at Fancourt? I am told it is an excellent golf venue and all the golfers are low single golfers so I think it will be competitive.
New clubs in my bag - Mizuno MP 59's and a razor driver. Here's hoping I can hit them like they feel. Will keep you posted with photos.
This year the tour returns to South Africa and the games will be at Fancourt, all three courses and at Oubaai, an Ernie Els design which is not far from George.
This will be my first time at Fancourt and I am really excited. Our hosts have houses there so I expect we will be well looked after. Anybody played the links at Fancourt? I am told it is an excellent golf venue and all the golfers are low single golfers so I think it will be competitive.
New clubs in my bag - Mizuno MP 59's and a razor driver. Here's hoping I can hit them like they feel. Will keep you posted with photos.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
A day at Turnberry
Dusk at Turnberry, two four balls coming down the 18th in the Ailsa Course. This was the hole renamed after the Open in which Tom Watson beat Jack Nicklaus on the 18th. Just as the group were putting out, there was a short 45 second downpour and with the sun setting out to sea, this rainbow formed perfectly over the hotel. It was the only rain that the golfers saw for the whole round and three of them asked to play the course with me the following day which we duly did. Because of the amount of rain this year in Scotland, all the links courses have really green fairways which is unusual for these courses making them play a little longer....oops! if you are short off the tee!
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Golf and sport over the weekend
Well...with a group of South Africans here for their golf tour they were able to celebrate twice in the last two days and what a couple of days for the South Africans.
The victory by Ernie Els at Lytham St Anne's was a remarkable turn around in fortunes for both the golfers. It only goes to show that the match or competition is never over until the last putt is in the hole. Poor Adam Scott but it was also a great finish from Ernie who knew that it was easy to have consecutive bogeys on the way home and avoided that and even advanced while Adam lost his way and eventually the Open.
The McWilliam party were at Castle Stuart and watched the event live and were gifted a bottle of single malt to celebrate Ernie's victory. Very nice touch by Castle Stuart! Just to make the week better for the South Africans, England lost by an innings and lost their no. 1 status....oops!
Here at the Links Club we are preparing for the arrival of the Fraser group on Thursday. They will be staying at Newholme House for the majority of the time here in Scotland and they will be finishing their golf tour at Turnberry for the last two days. Let's hope we can follow any good weather around. I think the McWilliam group have been lucky although they had a strong wind to contend with at Castle Stuart.
On Friday of last week I had a very kind invitation to play at the Rennaisance Club with three good friends, courtesy of my fourball partner at Gleneagles in order to celebrate his daughter's wedding. We had great weather and played on a course that was in great condition. Nice for once to play on greens that are running true. Gleneagles has had problems this year that have meant that we have not had good and consistent running greens. Let's hope we can get some for the end of the season. The Renaissance is a good course but we all had a close look at the new holes, of which one is spectacular, however the other two are great holes but the greens for each hole are separated by a wall - what happens when you get on the wrong green? Not sure but lift and drop is probably the only rule available so not really the full payment for going long...interesting. Fore caddies are not normal in the UK...they should be considered by some of the bigger courses...it works and can, if the individual is good, really speed up play. The reading of putts by the fore caddy can slow the pace of play, but I really enjoyed the input from our fore caddie Todd.
The McWilliam party were at Castle Stuart and watched the event live and were gifted a bottle of single malt to celebrate Ernie's victory. Very nice touch by Castle Stuart! Just to make the week better for the South Africans, England lost by an innings and lost their no. 1 status....oops!
Here at the Links Club we are preparing for the arrival of the Fraser group on Thursday. They will be staying at Newholme House for the majority of the time here in Scotland and they will be finishing their golf tour at Turnberry for the last two days. Let's hope we can follow any good weather around. I think the McWilliam group have been lucky although they had a strong wind to contend with at Castle Stuart.
On Friday of last week I had a very kind invitation to play at the Rennaisance Club with three good friends, courtesy of my fourball partner at Gleneagles in order to celebrate his daughter's wedding. We had great weather and played on a course that was in great condition. Nice for once to play on greens that are running true. Gleneagles has had problems this year that have meant that we have not had good and consistent running greens. Let's hope we can get some for the end of the season. The Renaissance is a good course but we all had a close look at the new holes, of which one is spectacular, however the other two are great holes but the greens for each hole are separated by a wall - what happens when you get on the wrong green? Not sure but lift and drop is probably the only rule available so not really the full payment for going long...interesting. Fore caddies are not normal in the UK...they should be considered by some of the bigger courses...it works and can, if the individual is good, really speed up play. The reading of putts by the fore caddy can slow the pace of play, but I really enjoyed the input from our fore caddie Todd.
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