[ed_getka]

I think it is a good (if maybe too extensive) listing of the characteristics of most links courses.  I doubt if more than a very few of them are "distinctive" relative to Castle Stuart.  What are the key (and possibly distinctive) features of the course can and will only be determined by the golfers who play the course, over time.  For the designers to do so before the course is even open is a bit cheeky.

As for the pricing, I see from their website that there are lower prices for locals (£50) and people living in other parts of Scotland (£90).

  I am very happy to see locals/natives get reduced rates. I guess I'll have to keep moving east.

David Tepper,
    I believe he was talking about Barnbougle Dunes with his BD. VERY affordable golf down there.

[David_Tepper]

Ed G. -

The golf may be cheap at Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, but what is the cost of getting there from anywhere other than Melbourne & Sydney? And what is the cost of getting to Melbourne and Sydney?

DT

[ANTHONYPIOPPI]

Machrihanish Dunes is also opening, officially, around that time and unofficially May 2. The owners redid the hotel across the street from Machrihanish Golf Club, which means Machrihanish Dunes, Machrihanish , Macri, Dunaverty are all right there. Probably a 20-minute flight from Turnberry.

Anthony

[Tom_Doak]

Tony:

Can you really fly from Turnberry to Machrihanish?

I love Machrihanish, but the only way I've ever gotten there is the three-hour drive around the Mull.  A couple of years ago they started a ferry service from Ayr, but depending on the day that would not always be the best choice ... I don't know if that is still operating or not.

[Rich Goodale]

You'd certainly scare the hell out of the golfers if you took off from the old WWII airstrips........

[Mark Pearce]

Tony:

Can you really fly from Turnberry to Machrihanish?

I love Machrihanish, but the only way I've ever gotten there is the three-hour drive around the Mull.  A couple of years ago they started a ferry service from Ayr, but depending on the day that would not always be the best choice ... I don't know if that is still operating or not.

Loganair fly from Glasgow to Machrihanish.  They offer a day trip including transfers, a round at Machrihanish and lunch for £119 in Winter, £149 in summer.  That strikes me as a pretty good deal.

[David_Tepper]

Tom Doak -

The passenger ferry service between Troon & Campbeltown is still operating.

www.kintyreexpress.com

DT

[ANTHONYPIOPPI]

Tom:

Machrihanish Airport is cool, part of the air base that has the two-mile long airstrip for the B-52s. The approach takes you over both courses.

Anthony

[Niall C]

Machrihanish Dunes is also opening, officially, around that time and unofficially May 2. The owners redid the hotel across the street from Machrihanish Golf Club, which means Machrihanish Dunes, Machrihanish , Macri, Dunaverty are all right there. Probably a 20-minute flight from Turnberry.

Anthony

Anthony,

Machrie is on Islay so you would need at least a ferry, probably from Campbeltown, to get there. Loganair also do Glasgow to Islay/Machrie as well for a similiar price to that of Machrihanish.

Niall

[Bruce Wellmon]

Castle Stuart opens 13 July. Has anyone played it yet (or part of it) preopening?
 

[Kyle Henderson]

Castle Stuart opens 13 July. Has anyone played it yet (or part of it) preopening?
 

When I toured Castle Stuart at the end of May 2009, I was given a yardage guide for the course that was produced for "preview" golf outings in the summer of 2008 for magazine press, etc. But, they have had a very cool and dry grow-in this year, not conducive to optimal growth. As such, they aren't letting anyone (not even high-ranking employees, to my knowlege) onto the course before the official opening day.

If I'm ever blessed with a return trip to Scotland, Castle Stuart is at the top of my list. It looked amazingly naturalistic and absolutely superb overall.

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