In the past calendar month I went from the Mid-West to Scotland, but I have not had a chance to update yet.
I was thrilled to shoot across from Kohler to get a round in at Lawsonia with none other than Dick Daley and Shooter.
I went to the course without having read much of the discussion on the site and I was happier for it.
The first hole gives a sense of the unique architecture to come. The Pete Dye sharp edges that many associate with the San Andreas hole at PGA West are evident here dating back to 1930. The falloff to the left of the first green is incredibly severe; this photo is from back left.
The fourth is an interesting hole, a semi-redan, without the kicker slope. The hole does have an extremely severe front bunker, unfortunately my picture does not capture that.
Six is a tremendous hole, with a green that is characteristic of the wild surfaces throughout. As Dick pointed out, there used to be two aiming trees, which helped guide the player for the right portion of the green, depending on the pin position. This helpful feature would be appreciated in particular because the massive tier that separates the two levels is difficult to negotiate. Without a sense of the wonderful green, here is the approach.
Stunning how much it looks like Raynor at times.
The boxcar hole is great, intimidating from the tee and a fair size green to offset the danger short.
Ten is an incredibly difficult par three, a long hole (239 yards) with another severe green complex.
Fourteen is a little par three that felt a little out of place, played through the trees to a soft green. Did not have the same links feel as the rest of the course.
I really liked fifteen and sixteen, both holes have great tee shots.
At this point it got dark, 18 seemed to be a good finisher, a good risk/reward finish.
I have commented on the Kohler courses at length before, but we had a great time there and I had more appreciation for the Irish course. I am happy to hear they seem to be going walking-only next year.
My trip to Scotland was wonderful, I am going to try to capsulate my thoughts on the courses and will discuss more in detail later.
Turnberry Ailsa was wonderful. Two weak opening holes, followed by a very strong course. A great championship test and definitely the most beautiful course I played. Very worthy, the holes in the dunes are as special as the ocean holes.
Kintyre – Played here first and am happy I did. Some very good holes, but overall the greens are too out of character with the UK and make the ground game difficult. The man I was playing with was quite awed by the ocean holes, and that seemed to be the general consensus.
I thought the Turnberry hotel provided one of the best backdrops in golf.
Gleneagles - Kings course is underrated. I guess it is hard to choose a non-links course as one of Scotland's best, but it is good enough to qualify. I liked it a lot, a good mix of holes, with a couple of really great ones.
Carnoustie - Like Oakmont, not pretty but an unbelievable test of golf. Some of the most severe bunker placement I have ever seen. Great fun, beat the hell out me, but I loved it. Subtle charms throughout that I think would be exposed more over time.
Kingsbarns - Somewhat like Whistling Straits in its grandeur (I was at WS the week before, so perhaps that is why I draw the comparison.) The course is wholly manufactured, but it actually works well. Again stunningly beautiful and a very good test of golf, playing particularly firm, which is great news.
The Dunhill is at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St. Andrews Oct. 3-6th, I am looking forward to seeing it. Pictures from Scotland will have to come at some other time.