[Philip Gawith]

Here are a few pictures i took from the practice day yesterday. Considering the course was in real trouble from drought only 6 weeks ago, i think things have turned out well. I have focused mostly on a few holes on the back nine - but you can get a sense of how the course is looking. forgive repetition!



12th green




Mcdowell plays approach to 15



12th green



GM on 15



15th green with 16th tee behind



GM on 16 tee



??



13 with old Princes' clubhouse recently developed



12th green with 13th tee



new pro tee on 13 - miles back. The hole is now straight so the poor chaps are spared another blind drive!



15th green



GM chipping on 17



1st green



Looking back down 17

possibly a few more to follow

[Bill_McBride]

Great photos, good memories of a day there in 2009. 

I think the "??" might be 14. 

[Sam Morrow]

So cool, I really believe that's how golf is supposed to be played.

[Philip Gawith]

where it all finishes



say no more



17??



16th green



9th green



and again...



and again. A wonderful creation and requiring brilliant touch to get up and down when missed on the right.



10th hole



the Italian boys




10th hole from left tee

[Mark Chaplin]

Nice photos Phillip, you got your member's tie yet?

[PCCraig]

Thanks for the pictures. Looks like the nice weather is bringing out the crowds

[Philip Gawith]

You probably know Pat but it tends to get quite good turnout on account of being the only Open in the south of England Pat (these photos quite late in the day). Not sure how many turned up today and it is true the weekend forecast is not good!

Yes Mark - I have the green neck-piece and am serving bufton-tufton apprenticeship. Much to learn of course, right hue of trousers etc! I will be there Frid-Sunday so maybe i will see you, if the weather allows us outside!

Philip

[Mark Chaplin]

Phillip - congrats. Pink cords or red trousers are usually safe bets  I'm back tomorrow but the wretched phone ban makes meeting difficult, arriving at the clubhouse and demanding admission in the name of Gawith will ensure my arrest, your expulsion or both! Maybe we can have a game and a jolly good lunch when things quieten down.

Sadly it's too cool for the "deckchair" to make an appearance.

[BCrosby]

Philip -

Thanks for the photos. They give a real sense of the place. I can't wait to get back.

What happened to the old Princes' clubhouse?  Are those new housing units? Unfortunate.

Bob

[Philip Gawith]

I agree that the phone ban is wretched! Not sure they have the matter fully sorted. I am probably going to be loitering near the entrance to the Members garden c 9.30 so that is probably the best chance.

As for Princes clubhouse Bob - I suspect Mark is better up on the info than me, but broadly i think you are correct - after years of lying derelict a plan was finally made over the last year to develop it.

[Mark Chaplin]

Phillip - I'm teeing off with Sev Keil at Deal at 0850, I'll be in touch.

Bob - I believe Princes have developed an 80 bed accommodation facility, it could be good for the whole golfing area if more groups pitch up. They are taking the p** though this week at £250pn. A mix of the downturn, greed and the high speed train has meant over 200 houses failed to let out and rooms can be found locally.

[Brent Hutto]

I thought the Princes old clubhouse was going to be renovated into overnight accomodation for golfers. But that's what I recall hearing from a member last summer, maybe the final plan is a bit different. That would be pretty nice although I always enjoy staying in the town of Deal myself, very hospitable and comfortable there.

At any rate, thanks for the practice round pictures. One of my favorite places on earth.

[Philip Gawith]

Sandwich is also a lovely town to stay in so i am not sure why you would want to stay in that building in the middle of nowhere. Agree with you Brent re the joys of practice day. Another factor is no cameras during the event so you wont be seeing any more pictures!

[PCCraig]

You probably know Pat but it tends to get quite good turnout on account of being the only Open in the south of England Pat (these photos quite late in the day). Not sure how many turned up today and it is true the weekend forecast is not good!
Philip

Philip,

I know, I was just kidding around. I'm sure there will be a few hundred more people there Sunday afternoon! 

[Brent Hutto]

I have a book of David Owen golf essays. In one of them he groups (middle-aged, male) golfers into two type: Arrested Development Cases and Golf Dependent Personalities. I'm guessing staying right on the course would good for a 12-some of the latter on holiday trying to fit in 90 holes in 48 hours or some such. Or maybe a Buda Cup if they have a serviced bar in the place...

[Mark Chaplin]

The Princes accommodation may appeal to groups but it's in the middle of nowhere.

You are quite right staying in a small town and eating and drinking in local pubs and restaurants is all part of the experience. However GCA'ers tend to be a little more adventurous than many, some people prefer to be herded in their group and avoid the locals. Maybe it could be named the Prince Bubba Dormy House!

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