Machrihanish - The Next Bandon??

[ForkaB]

I agree with Darren, even though I never like to say "never."

It could be "Bandonized," but only with a Mike Kesier (i.e. someone with vision, persistence, deep pockets and the desire to build only the best).  Like Bandon, you'd really have to build a town within (or, more properly outside of) a town, as the local amenities are either non-existent (Machrihanish itself) or seriously ramshackle (Campbeltown).  It does have the airfield which will take Jumbos as well as GV's, however........

[Walter Bart]

This being my first posting ( although I have been perusing this great site for a few years), thought I would at least say something about Machrahanish.

      It certainly is remote and not for the course-a-day golfer.  I drove  seven hours from Dornoch through some of the most memorable scenery imaginable a few years ago..  On a more relaxing return to the Glasgow area, it took two ferries  and some driving over about 4-5 hours to get me back.

     It is a magical place, which I hope will not change for the worse with another development, although I must think that that feeling of specialness will diminish over time.   The people there have to be the friendliest in Scotland, and that is saying a lot.  The Campbletown area could truly use some economic enhancements, although I don't think an additional course, et al will change the basic economic outlook there.

      Since my one round there was played in a driving rain
storm, I'd like to get a better feel for the course again. Can I join you there some day Darren and then take the ferry to Machrie?


       

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Walter I like your spirit and post. That drive took my breath away as well. The drive to the Mull is none to shabby either. You have to love a rental car that loves dirt one lane roads in the Mountains.

[Walter Bart]

Tiger

     Should have mentioned that incredible stretch of road
with only one lane!  It's nice nobody cares to drive there.

      Since I don't own a pair of dockers,  can I  join you for a round there, too?

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Walter, lets start the movement to get Goodale to have the Buda Cup at big Mac in 2007. We will tee it up together for sure. I got a sneaky feeling he is starting to think of NW Ireland.

[Walter Bart]

Tiger

      Can you clue me in on the"Buda" Cup?

[Darren_Kilfara]

Walter - I don't live in Campbeltown any more, and my trips there are few and fleeting. But Machrihanish is the sort of place where you sort of expect the unexpected, so maybe I'll bump into you there at some point. (You wouldn't be the first GCAer I randomly bumped into on the first tee there!)

Cheers,
Darren

[ForkaB]

Walter, lets start the movement to get Goodale to have the Buda Cup at big Mac in 2007. We will tee it up together for sure. I got a sneaky feeling he is starting to think of NW Ireland.

Tiger

All you need to get the Buda Cup to Machrihanish is to offer to organise it!  I'm out of that business now, just serving as a self-appointed and unpaid consultant to the fine gents who choose to step up to the plate (Craig Disher and Noel Freeman last year at Littlestone/Deal and Philip Gawith this year at Hoylake/Wallasey).  I'm also a voting member of the Site Selection Committee, so be nicey-nicey to me at Liverpool and you might be in with a shot!

Walter

The Budapest Cup is an annual Ryder Cup style match involving GCAers but also including local members and other interested golfers. This year it will be held over 3-days (October 2-4) at Royal Liverpool.  18-36 holes a day, all at match play, 4-balls, foursomes and singles, USA vs. the Rest of the World.  The 2006 event will be the 4th in the series.  The name of the event refers to a magnificent silver communion chalice which was purchased in Budapest through Sean Arble and sits on the top of a magnificent engraved plinth, which reads:

Venue                                       Winner

2003 (Dornoch/Brora)                     USA
2004 (Painswick)                           USA
2005 (Littlestone/Deal)                   USA
2006 (Hoylake/Wallasey)                 anybody wanna bet?

Actually the name of the winner is not included, as camaraderie not competition is the purpose of the event,but that's how it WOULD read.

Anybody and everybody on GCA is invited to this event, although it will be first-come/first-served in case of over-subscription.  You are very welcome to jon us, Walter.  Let us know.

PS--Philip Gawith should be sending out an information post on this in a few weeks.

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Walter, My good friend Rihc did a great job of laying out the facts. However, his modesty gets the best of him at times. We all know that like being a Coach or King, once a Captain, always a Captain. I will be in Liverpool this fall for the Buda Cup. I have been scouting flights and football schedules to make sure all can work and it does.