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!!!
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
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.
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