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Kyle Henderson

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SCOTLAND!!! New
« on: February 03, 2009, 07:05:06 PM »
Treehouse,
I’ve booked flights for my first trip to Europe. I will be arriving in Edinburgh on May 24 and departing June 8, 2009. During my trip, which I will be making unaccompanied, I hope to meet as many GCA members and play as many courses as rationality will allow for.

Please contact me if you:
-Would like to get together for a round or a pint during my trip.
-Have any recommendations

Note: To my knowledge, Turnberry (renovating prior to this years Open Championship), Muirfield (tee times already reserved, according to website), and Castle Stuart (officially opens in July) are not available to visitors during my trip. Are there ways around these hurdles?

Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to cavorting with my Scottish brethren!

Appreciatively,
Kyle

Livermore, California, U.S.A.

Edit: Post-trip discussions can be found at the following links...

Royal Dornoch http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40107.0/
Brora http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40120.0/
Golspie http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40126.0/
The Castle Course http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40204.0/
Murcar http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40281.0/
Crail: Craigshead & Balcombie http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40325.0/
Lundin Links http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40387.0/
Muirfield http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40439.0/
Cruden Bay http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40565.0/
Gleneagles - Kings Course http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40675.0/
St. Andrews - Old Course http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,40696.0/
Gullane #1 & #2 http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41085.0/
Panmure http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41122.0/
Gleneagles - Queens Course http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41152.0/
Kingsbarns http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41184.0/
Royal Aberdeen - Balgownie Links http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41498.0/
Carnoustie – Championship Course http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,41834.0/
North Berwick - West Links http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,42104.0/
« Last Edit: April 09, 2011, 12:29:39 PM by Kyle Henderson »
"I always knew terrorists hated us for our freedom. Now they love us for our bondage." -- Stephen T. Colbert discusses the popularity of '50 Shades of Grey' at Gitmo

Steve Salmen

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Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2009, 07:39:32 PM »
Kyle,

Will be in Dornoch from June through Sep.  Send me an email and we'll have a drink or a round or both.

Regards,

Steve Salmen
mur352@yahoo.com

Mike Benham

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Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2009, 08:01:19 PM »
K U M M E L at Prestwick ...
"... and I liked the guy ..."

David_Tepper

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Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2009, 08:58:13 PM »
"A Toast To Scottish Greens," nice golf travel article in the Washington Post, April 2002:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2002/04/07/AR2005041500629.html

Jason Topp

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Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2009, 09:38:16 PM »
Kyle:

Think about playing in some of the competitions.  Those look like a ton of fun and a great bargain as well.

I know Brora's golf week is around that time.

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2009, 09:54:03 PM »
You will have a great time.  Stay tuned for lots of good advice from the savvy travelers of Golf Club Atlas.com.

My best advice for a two week trip would be to limit your travel to two destinations and play everything in the neighborhood while you are there.  If you want to play the Old Course, find a B&B in St Andrews and show up very early every morning, you will most likely play TOC in the morning and one of the other sturdy locals in the afternoon.  Don't overlook the little locals like Crail and Elie.

Insanely jealous........

David Stamm

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2009, 11:01:53 PM »
Good for you, Kyle! You're doing what I dream about. FWIW, take a look at this.



http://www.fergusongolf.com/
"The object of golf architecture is to give an intelligent purpose to the striking of a golf ball."- Max Behr

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #7 on: February 03, 2009, 11:03:58 PM »
Good for you, Kyle! You're doing what I dream about. FWIW, take a look at this.



http://www.fergusongolf.com/

Good advice, that's a very good book.  All the phone numbers and email addresses, B&Bs, etc, plus good advice about finding destination zones.

Mike Benham

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #8 on: February 03, 2009, 11:22:44 PM »
This website was my starting point ... courses by region, by city, maps, driving directions, etc.

UK Golf Guide
"... and I liked the guy ..."

Kyle Henderson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2009, 12:22:30 AM »
Thanks to all for your input. Keep the ideas coming, please!
« Last Edit: February 04, 2009, 02:10:38 AM by Kyle Henderson »
"I always knew terrorists hated us for our freedom. Now they love us for our bondage." -- Stephen T. Colbert discusses the popularity of '50 Shades of Grey' at Gitmo

Rich Goodale

Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #10 on: February 04, 2009, 05:27:44 AM »
Kyle

If you want to play as many courses as "rationality will allow," it all depends on your definition of "rationality."

At that time of the year, the sun rises at about 4:30am and sets at 9:30pm, so you have at least 17 hours of daylight to play, and a carefully chosen itinerary would allow you at least 54 holes a day, if that's what you want.  In fact, if you wanted you could probably go into the Guinness Book of Records for the most rounds played on different courses over a 14 day period (I think 50 or so would do it).

Or, you could schedule a contemplative holiday, perhaps renting a wee bothy near Askernish and studying that course and the migrating puffins for your fortnight....

....or maybe something in between.

If plan C is what you want, I would recommend a few 2-3 day stays in (ideally) St. Andrews, East Lothain and Dornoch, peppered with mad dashes between those venues to play as many courses as you can--the good the bad and the ugly.  You know the usual suspects, but see if you can uncover some of your own.  Finally, do not forget to stop and smell the flowers and drink the beer.

Let me know if you are planning to pass through Aberdour.  My e-mail is to the left side of this post.

Cheers

Rich

Mark Alexander

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #11 on: February 04, 2009, 05:31:51 AM »
What a great time to visit - we're celebrating Home Coming and May time usually means guaranteed, wall-to-wall sunshine and 25 degrees.
OK, maybe that's pushing it, but I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.
If I were to recommend one course which might be off your radar, it would be Leven Links - I played it in a gale and loved it, and I'm a local.
Strangely, I'm heading to Monterey next week to cover the AT&T at Pebble. If you're around maybe we could meet up.

Cristian

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #12 on: February 04, 2009, 06:53:38 AM »
Have a great time and as somebody who has travelled a few times to scotland already I would advice to look beyond the usual suspects and visit some of the smaller clubs as well; lovely courses with the warmest of welcomes.

I would recommend Lundin links(close to st Andrews and next door to already mentioned Leven). Great links, beautiful clubhouse, nicest people.

On your way north to dornoch you will pass Boat of Garten (south of Inverness) a lovely classic inland course. If you can include it in your itinerary; I have played in May somewhere between 0700 and 1000 pm in short sleeves while enjoying the views of snow covered Highland Mountains. Also super welcome.

Glasgow gailes; On the Ayrshire coast. Not as well known as the others nearby but absolutely beautiful. Linksgolf at its purest.

.....and I 'm sure there are many more...

Niall C

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #13 on: February 04, 2009, 06:54:14 AM »
Kyle,

It looks like you're getting plenty of advice. I think Rich is right, best to base yourself in one or two places. I would suggest St Andrews is a must, plenty of good courses in easy reach (30 or 40 mins by car), including all of the links just north of Dundee ie Carnoustie, Panmure etc.

That said, Scotland isn't that big a place so it is possible to go from one side of the country to the other, play a game of golf and get back again all in one day ie. I live in Glasgow and regularly go through to Gullane for a game.

If you are are in the west I would be happy to treat you to a game at Glasgow Gailes.

Niall

Mark_Rowlinson

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Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #14 on: February 04, 2009, 07:01:18 AM »
Kyle, I have friends who are members of R Troon, R Dornoch and Nairn. I'm sure they would be happy to guest you. Send me an IM or e-mail and I can put you in touch if your travels may take you to any of these.

Rich Goodale

Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #15 on: February 04, 2009, 07:13:34 AM »
Kyle,

It looks like you're getting plenty of advice. I think Rich is right, best to base yourself in one or two places. I would suggest St Andrews is a must, plenty of good courses in easy reach (30 or 40 mins by car), including all of the links just north of Dundee ie Carnoustie, Panmure etc.

That said, Scotland isn't that big a place so it is possible to go from one side of the country to the other, play a game of golf and get back again all in one day ie. I live in Glasgow and regularly go through to Gullane for a game.

If you are are in the west I would be happy to treat you to a game at Glasgow Gailes.

Niall

Hi Niall

I'll be playing in a Seniors competition at Glasgow Gailes 14-15 May.  If you're planning to be nearby, let me know and I'd be pleased to buy you a drink.

Rich
« Last Edit: February 04, 2009, 07:15:05 AM by Rich Goodale »

Mitchell Schneringer

Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #16 on: February 04, 2009, 08:21:55 AM »
Kyle,

You will have a great time.  I visited Scotland in August of 2008 (1 GBP = $2USD...ouch) and was there for 7 days with 3 friends.  We played 180 holes of golf, and 8 different courses.  Driving takes longer in Scotland vs. US so don't get too ambitious on your plans.  In my experience, it takes about 1 hour to drive 25 miles, unless on a major highway system (which are few). 

Head up towards Gullane and you'll find many great courses along the way.  On our drive we saw many courses which looked like a lot of fun.  We basically just played the big courses (Muirfield, Old Course, Castle Course, Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen, Carnoustie), but the best times were on some not as well known courses such as Murcar and North Berwick.  Upon my return trip, I'm going to seek out the lesser known courses as they are less expensive, less busy, and in my opinion just as much fun.

Enjoy, and definitely purchase Alan Ferguson's book, it will be very valuable.  He has a new edition coming out soon.
« Last Edit: February 04, 2009, 11:07:22 AM by Mitchell Schneringer »

Steve Salmen

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #17 on: February 04, 2009, 11:02:22 AM »
Kyle,

 If St. Andrews is the home of golf, Machrihanish is the soul of the game.

Tom Huckaby

Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #18 on: February 04, 2009, 11:07:55 AM »
Kyle - all great stuff so far - and if any topic has been covered more than this one (where to go, how to do Scotland) I'd be shocked.  Do a search and you'll likely find at least 20 threads on this.

A few things to keep in mind....

1) Ask Ed Getka about the romance and wonderfulness of doing this solo... he ended up playing a lot of solo golf.  Try to plan at least a few meet-ups ahead (as you seem to be doing now).
2) Take the geography SERIOUSLY... it's not THAT hard to get around there, but it also ain't easy... and you want golf time, not windshield time.  For example, Machrihanish is the soul of the game without a doubt, but it costs a lot of one's soul in the time it takes to get there....  ;)

All the rest can be mined here or through a search...

Niall C

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #19 on: February 04, 2009, 11:10:50 AM »
Mitchell,

Were you driving in reverse gear ?

Seriously though, good shout on Murcar and North Berwick, although I have to say that I would put both of them in the "big courses" category before Cruden Bay. It seems to be an American thing with Cruden Bay but most Scottish golfers I know who have played it wouldn't rank it on a par with the others you mentioned (the Castle Course excepted, too new).

BTW, what did you think of the Castle course ?

Rich,

Happy to join you on the 14/15th at Gailes but unfortunately I'm far too young for a seniors event ! If you fancy coming down for a game before let me know. Hows Aberdour these days, haven't played it in years.

Niall

Mitchell Schneringer

Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #20 on: February 04, 2009, 11:16:15 AM »
Niall,

It felt like I was in "D," but maybe I was in "R."  We had a large van, and I honestly drove that thing for all it's worth.  I drive Porsches on the racetrack, so I'm sure glad it was a rental and the speed cameras couldn't catch up with me!

The roads are very narrow, twisty, and speed limits are lower than those compared to the US.  If you use the major freeways, then it's no problem but our drive from Aberdeen to Carnoustie took almost 3 hours!

I'm not a fan of the Castle Course.  Wish we would have spent the money elsewhere, too radical of a design for me.  It was my least favorite of the group:  Muirfield, Cruden Bay and Carnoustie were my favorites.

Tim Gavrich

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #21 on: February 04, 2009, 11:25:32 AM »
My father and I enjoyed a week's worth of golf in Scotland this past summer.  Every course we played has already been mentioned, save for Scotscraig, which I would recommend as a neat heathland-type (right?) course up near Tayport.
Senior Writer, GolfPass

Mark Smolens

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Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #22 on: February 04, 2009, 11:29:33 AM »
Kyle, sounds like extraordinarily good fun.  Don't forget to bring a coat and tie.  There are a number of places where you can get an invite to lunch with the members (as I recall, Prestwick being one) but you'll need appropriate dress.

Niall C

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #23 on: February 04, 2009, 11:46:02 AM »
Niall,

It felt like I was in "D," but maybe I was in "R."  We had a large van, and I honestly drove that thing for all it's worth.  I drive Porsches on the racetrack, so I'm sure glad it was a rental and the speed cameras couldn't catch up with me!

The roads are very narrow, twisty, and speed limits are lower than those compared to the US.  If you use the major freeways, then it's no problem but our drive from Aberdeen to Carnoustie took almost 3 hours!

I'm not a fan of the Castle Course.  Wish we would have spent the money elsewhere, too radical of a design for me.  It was my least favorite of the group:  Muirfield, Cruden Bay and Carnoustie were my favorites.

Ah, now I see what your problem was, you were sticking to the speed limits !! Can't understand 3 hours from Aberdeen to Carnoustie though, even if you took the coast road. Aberdeen to Dundee is less than an hour easy and then even allowing for doubling back to Carnoustie you should be able to do that particular journey in well under an hour and a half. If you can't get sat nav, www.multimap is a good alternative and could save you a lot of time.

Interesting to hear your views on the Castle course. I think the design team knew well that it was going to split opinion. I haven't played it yet but I know a few who have and agree with your comments and quite a few who really enjoyed it.

Niall

ed_getka

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: SCOTLAND!!!
« Reply #24 on: February 04, 2009, 12:02:13 PM »
Kyle,
    You will have a great time. It is not possible to avoid it. I did do my first trip solo after leaving the gang that assembled at Painswick for a couple of days. Primarily I wanted my first trip to Scotland to be on my terms and didn't want to have to factor in anyone else's desires. I still had the opportunity to golf a few rounds with Rich Goodale, Richard Le Sueur, met up with David Tepper and Philip Gawith, and generally had a great time.
    I would advise looking into hostels as you travel about. It is WAY cheaper than anything else you will find and since your focus is golf, eating, and sleeping what more do you need. :) If you are interested I ended up staying at 3 hostels that were all part of the same group (approx.10-12 pounds/night at the time). Nice refurbished facilities with clean spaces and flat screen TV's.
   My itinerary: flew up from London to Aberdeen, golf at Murcar, spent night in Inverness at hostel, up in AM and 36 holes at Dornoch, stayed with David and Lauren Tepper (David has a great place about 400 yards from the 1st tee), up early and 36 holes at Cruden Bay, back to Aberdeen and dropped off rental car. Train down to St Andrews, walked over to Road Hole at 11pm to soak up the magic, stayed at hostel, played 36 holes (walk up)
   the next day. Don't forget to check out the Himalayas putting green which I forgot to do. The next part gets fuzzy. I must have taken a train down to Edinburgh (maybe a bus?) and stayed at another hostel. My next round was with Rich Goodale at Elie, but now I can't remember if I went there from Edinburgh or St Andrews? :P. I did take a bus over to Elie which was no problem. I took the train from Edinburgh to North Berwick for a round with Richard L, I highly recommend the train as it is a short walk across town from the station. North Berwick is the soul of golf to me, I recommend it most highly. Don't expect every hole to knock your socks off, but you will love the funk there.
   My only regret was not getting to Prestwick on my first trip, but they had a tournament going on.
   If you want any advice please don't hesitate to ask. You have tons of options and driving across Scotland from east to west is no big deal for someone used to California driving. I heard plenty of driving horror stories, but had absolutely no problems whatsoever, roundabouts are brilliant. Don't expect to cover ground at Calif. highway speed, but you can expect to easily cover 35-40 miles an hour in most cases.
edgetka@gmail.com
919 537-8413
Have a great time planning and dreaming. 8)
"Perimeter-weighted fairways", The best euphemism for containment mounding I've ever heard.

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