The Old Course, is the kind and generous Old Lady of Golf, she bring out the best in golfers when her mood is as fine as a gentle warm sunny day. However, beware she can change into the Mother-in-Law who thinks her daughter married beneath her when the weather turns. That is when she shows her teeth, given some of the best golfers a fright and forced them to fight for her generous favour of Par.
All courses need to be played more than once. To honestly justify a comment I feel that 36 holes need to have been played. As I mentioned it applies to all courses, but more so for links courses as the weather gauge plays a key factor in the Old Ladies moods.
Is she a great course, well any course that can level great golfers from time to time, certainly – in my book - deserves the title of a great course. However is she the best, is a totally different question.
As for the haters, some have admitted that they fell by the wayside, through fear/excitement/anticipation, some just had a poor game, some boosted that they came to conquer her, perhaps fortunate it may be have been a good day. Others felt the need to play her just to say they had, but feel little for their efforts.
The Old Lady is open to all advances, yet like the Lady she is, she sometimes keeps her secrets hidden. Nevertheless, watch her moods as she is still young enough to challenge any young dandy and has the ability to put him in his place. Oh, yes again being a Lady she encourages a long courtship so that you get to know each other well.
A hater, nay never, not I, just a true close old family friend
Melvyn