Daryl
Regards Luffness New Course. The club whilst open for visitors, is of the old school and like to keep to themselves. The value the connection with Old Tom but have declined to join The Old Tom Morris Golfing association we are trying to set up, for that very reason. As for the course, Old Tom attended many time and numerous modification to the course as was a very close friend of Mr Hope The Laird of Luffness, whose land the course was built on. It is worth the effort to play, but as I mentioned it is run by those from the old school.
Sean
Isle of Man
Castletown, interesting choice, but will not disagree, Did you get to play King Edward Bay at Douglas or Ramsey during your visit. Whilst I have not played either, a friend said he liked King Edward Bay? Of course all originally by Old Tom. Old Tom’s fourth course on the island was at the south end of Douglas (King Edward Bay being North) at Duchess Point. This course was closed and club moved inland for then moved back some years ago to within a mile of Old Tom original course – today it’s called Douglas Golf Club.
When playing it depends exactly what you are looking for but in Scotland you may be surprised with Bridge of Allan, Cullen, Strathpeffer Spa and maybe Tarland. In North England a nice 9 hole course ideal to break the journey at Warkworth (Northumberland) or Kirby Muxloe (Leicester).
As I get older I seem to have mellowed, so when able I tend to enjoy the courses more. Away from ‘the need for speed’ (a Top Gun quote I believe, but perhaps even more appropriate than ever with today’s golfers aids) I have become more aware of the course, looking more at the lay of the land as I walk to my ball. I still like to have the odd gamble, dare I risk it shot, but I have always played golf as I was taught by my father, for enjoyment, one good shot always outweighs a dozen bad or poor shots. Still true to this day.