How does Carnoustie not make my “to play” list for courses in Scotland?
In short, I think it might be too difficult of a golf course for me to enjoy. For context, currently I am a 9.4 handicap and I have never broken 80. (Although I did score my first hole in one today!!!
).
How did I come up with the idea that it might be too difficult for me to enjoy?
Well, here is a tid-bit from my site about Carnoustie…
“Carnoustie is considered to be the most difficult course in the Open rotation and has earned the nickname "Car-nasty" for this reason. A young Sergio Garcia ran into his mother’s arms in tears after missing the cut at Carnoustie and posting two rounds in the 80's. In fact, there is a psychological term called "The Carnoustie Effect" which refers to the degree of mental anguish which is experienced when false and unrealistic expectations collide with reality. I would say the 19 year old Sergio Garcia had a fairly bad case of the Carnousite Effect. Now that I think of it, maybe Jean Van de Velde also felt this effect pretty intensely.”
And here are some snippets from Carnoustie’s website…
From Padraig Harrington, “There isn’t a player who didn’t find this course a test.”
From Ernie Els; “Its got length. Its got great bunkering. You’ve really got to have your wits about you to play this golf course.”
From Tiger Woods, “This golf course is hard.”
So, I think I need to get my game in better shape in order to fully appreciate Carnoustie. And this is my goal for improving my game…to be able to play well enough to appreciate quality golf course architecture.
Maybe my next trip to Scotland I’ll give it a shot, but not this upcoming trip. But, of course I’ve never played it or really even seen it…so maybe I am way off base. That wouldn’t be the first time!!
