Niall,
Please accept my apology for mixing the vowels in your name. As I hit the post button, it caught my eye...my bad.
To take the advice of our fearless, astute site-host Ran, once we've responded to a post once or twice, to share insights or express differences, not much more can be gained and I certainly don't wish to waste more of your, or my, valuable time. We can simply move on.
I've always felt most folks on here are class acts. I certainly include you, David and others in that mix and have enjoyed reading your posts. I may, if something really stokes my coals, use strong language to convey my view. Some get riled up. There's no sin in that.
But when people chime in and don't even address the questions; well, let's just say there is liitle contribution being made there. I may comment on what someone has said, but it usually is addressed within the context of what is being asked. Nuff Said.
I have no problem with "responsible" development of any kind. Castle Stuart, which I saw during the early days of construction in 2007, had all the ingredients to be a superb track. I believe they delivered, though I've yet to play it. Let me say, so there is no confusion, the CS team are caliber guys that really try to get it right. I know that what they presented to me, of their plans at that time, had respect for the region and the community, front and center.
In fact, some on the CS team created Kingsbarns, which to date, in the excellent presentaion I enjoyed in 2001, was the best newer golf course I've played. That alone, should confirm my respect for the effort and craft those folks commit to a project.
This tour event, if it comes, will have significant impacts, long-term, on the region. Life sure as hell won't get cheaper for the locals.
I would greatly enjoy hosting you, David and others at RD, when my wife and I are over next. David is quite fond of Golspie and I've never played it. I couldn't imagine a much better way to play that course than with someone who enjoys the place as much as he does. Brora is an absolute cracker of "jolly golf." I love the place and believe you may as well.
A gentle reminder Niall, I'm very sensitive to the Scottish Clearances, regarding their history. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has threatened the very"compulsory...whatever" you reference. Essentially, having the remaining landowners forced off their land, with some remuneration of course. How civil.
So you can plainly see, it's not that much of a potential difference, just absent the brutality. If it is permitted there, where will it stop. Remember, some of this land was the most "protected" SSI ground in Scotland. It didn't matter did it? Donald got his way...what's next?
Jon,
I may have been aboard that Titanic in another life!
Sometimes, I think we all can feel that way. Tourism is the lifeblood of the Highlands. That will continue to be the magnificant mecca it is, only if its beauty and fragile ecosystems are preserved. Big money hasn't totally forced its way in to alter the landscape...yet, which if allowed, will ruin that area.
What's to come, tacky strip malls and the cookie cutter food chains slammed in right next to the Tesco's. Subdivisions dotting the hillsides and lower meadows. Come on, that's EXACTLY what will happen. And those that opened the floodgates, together with all of us, should hang our heads in shame. Look at the world's special places...they keep all that crap well away.
To your question of RD's green fees. First, it is a matter for the club to decide. I have no input, am on no committee and feel they, the club, have done, in the main, a superb job on their pricing of fees. These thoughts, and those that follow, are strictly my personal views. The fee structures across Scotland, indeed, across the world, just went kooky in that 2005-08 window. Overseas clubs saw the extortionate fees being charged in the U.S., had plenty of Yanks and Europeans, conditioned somewhat to paying heavy fees, that were visiting, and went for it.
The Northern Highlands, in the past, always seemed to be the best value region, for quality, in Scotland. RD generally was at the higher end on that scale, and the presentation, save a brief period of "Americanitis" that saw grossly overfertilized and soft conditions, delivered a superb experience, that their fee reflected. I can tell you, our annual member fees certainly always got a bump up each year, and we were taking in plenty of money during many of those years. To be fair, it was generally a modest boost, so few complained.
When the economy tanked, RD were on 80 quid, or so, I believe, for visitor weekday play. I don't think that's moved in at least a year, maybe two. When you compare that to what other top-tier Scottish tracks are charging, that's a steal. I'll refrain from calling out the real criminals, but some quick homework will confirm the value of RD. That OPEN rota surcharge is really special.
Now, when Castle Stuart entered the fray, and opened with 150 quid fees, that was a bit of a shock. I know their model, with associated land/development costs etc. is different. But to charge nearly double, what RD's visitor fee is...wow. To their credit, they have given the Scots considerable discounted rates.
The problem is, it's almost impossible to prevent an upward, drafting effect, being the net result of such a quantum leap at the top, in visitor pricing for that region. Other courses and clubs in the area will feel justified in upping theirs to keep pace with the new bar. There isn't a course on the planet twice as good as Dornoch, or worth twice the fee, though some get it. That's no knock on Castle Stuart, or anywhere else, RD is just that good in my view. I felt that way the first time I played it; nothing I've played since has changed my mind.
See, in the end, that is the danger of constantly escalating the costs, to do damn near anything, in an area. It becomes unaffordable, even though it is unsustainable, for those less-monied to live there long-term. That end game will be a disaster for the North Highlands...as it is, and has been, virtually anywhere else in the world that scenario develops. It is rife in America and many other places. I fear the lessons are being ignored by many. Let's hope things get better. I'm an optimist by nature, though tempered by reality.
Cheers
