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Adam Lawrence

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Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« on: September 20, 2012, 05:42:25 AM »
On the Askernish photo thread, there's been some discussion about a possible GCA visit to Askernish. It's too late to be thinking about this now, so next spring seems like a good idea. Tony M suggests 'a weekend in April', but spring tends to come quite late up there (my experience is that May is a very good month in the Highlands and Islands).

Could anyone who might be interested in a trip to Askernish, probably over a weekend, at some point in the spring, say so in this thread? And if there's any dates that you can't do, or that would be ideal, please say so too.

If we get a biggish group, we can discuss transport options (the planes going up there are quite small!)

Adam
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Tony_Muldoon

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2012, 06:08:31 AM »
Yes please I would love to do this. I've never been to the Scottish isles.


A weekend in April would suit me best as I have one planned for May. However I will watch developments with interest.


(PS do they make a special charge for clubs on the local flight?  With a £40 e/w charge to Scotland I'll look into using FedEx or whatever serves the Islands and send them ahead.)
Let's make GCA grate again!

James Boon

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2012, 01:24:25 PM »
Adam,

This is certainly something I'd be keen on! There is a good chance that while a golf trip away to just about anywhere else in the World without my wife wouldn't be a problem, she may be a bit miffed if I head to the Western Isles without her, but lets see how it goes...

I often head to Scotland early May anyway, so can't think of any problems dates wise.

Cheers,

James
2023 Highlights: Hollinwell, Brora, Parkstone, Cavendish, Hallamshire, Sandmoor, Moortown, Elie, Crail, St Andrews (Himalayas & Eden), Chantilly, M, Hardelot Les Pins

"It celebrates the unadulterated pleasure of being in a dialogue with nature while knocking a ball round on foot." Richard Pennell

Gary Daughters

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2012, 07:34:14 PM »

Adam, please put me down as interested. 
THE NEXT SEVEN:  Alfred E. Tupp Holmes Municipal Golf Course, Willi Plett's Sportspark and Driving Range, Peachtree, Par 56, Browns Mill, Cross Creek, Piedmont Driving Club

Bill_McBride

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2012, 11:11:47 PM »
I am mulling over a mid-May trip to Dornoch with my good wife who loves links course.  Is it possible to get to Ashkernish from Dornoch?

Robin_Hiseman

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2012, 05:00:32 AM »
Very interested!
2024: RSt.D; Mill Ride; Milford; Notts; JCB, Jameson Links, Druids Glen, Royal Dublin, Portmarnock, Old Head, Addington, Parkstone, Denham, Thurlestone, Dartmouth, Rustic Canyon, LACC (N), MPCC (Shore), Cal Club, San Fran, Epsom, Casa Serena, Hayling, Co. Sligo, Strandhill, Carne, Cleeve Hill

Niall C

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #6 on: September 21, 2012, 06:49:09 AM »
Adam

I love the idea and would very much like to do it but can't say I would definitely make it but will try and do so if a trip is organised.

Niall

Adam Lawrence

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #7 on: September 21, 2012, 07:00:11 AM »
A quick discussion with Ralph yesterday suggests that the second half of May would be best - the cattle go off the machair on May 15, and that's typically the point at which the grass starts growing properly too. So going over a weekend suggests either 18-19, 25-26 (or 27 as well, spring bank holiday next year) or 31 May-1 June. Any preferences?
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Mark Pearce

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #8 on: September 21, 2012, 07:01:32 AM »
Adam,

I'm certainly interested but May half-term might be tricky.

Mark
In June I will be riding the first three stages of this year's Tour de France route for charity.  630km (394 miles) in three days, with 7800m (25,600 feet) of climbing for the William Wates Memorial Trust (https://rideleloop.org/the-charity/) which supports underprivileged young people.

Adam Lawrence

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #9 on: September 21, 2012, 07:03:59 AM »
Which is when in Newcastle, Mark?

Bill, as per discussion in other Askernish thread, from Dornoch you could drive to Ullapool (60 miles), take the Stornoway ferry, then drive down to Askernish via the short Sound of Harris ferry, drive across the Highlands to Uig on Skye (150 miles) and take the North Uist ferry, then another hour to Askernish. Alternatively - and quickest - you could drive back to Inverness and fly Inverness-Stornoway-Benbecula on Flybe (see flybe.com)

Adam
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #10 on: September 21, 2012, 09:20:43 AM »
Which is when in Newcastle, Mark?

Bill, as per discussion in other Askernish thread, from Dornoch you could drive to Ullapool (60 miles), take the Stornoway ferry, then drive down to Askernish via the short Sound of Harris ferry, drive across the Highlands to Uig on Skye (150 miles) and take the North Uist ferry, then another hour to Askernish. Alternatively - and quickest - you could drive back to Inverness and fly Inverness-Stornoway-Benbecula on Flybe (see flybe.com)

Adam

If one flies into Benbecula, how far is it to Askernish and what are the transport options?  Do you need a car while there?   Sorry for all the questions, but I'm really getting interested!

If driving from Dornoch, how long a day would that be?  Or days?   ;D

Adam Lawrence

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #11 on: September 21, 2012, 09:43:49 AM »
Bill - as per the message I put in Mac's thread:

Driving - two possible routes:

1. Drive to Ullapool (60 miles), take ferry to Stornoway (2hrs 45), drive to Leverburgh (1hr 30), take short hop ferry to Berneray, drive to Askernish (1hr). All these timings assume no stopping, if on holiday I'd certainly want to spend a day or two exploring the isles of Lewis and Harris.

2. Drive to Uig, Skye (150 miles - three hours and a bit? Depends on the speed you drive). Take ferry to Lochmaddy (1hr 45 mins), drive to Askernish (1 hr) - again I would want to see Skye rather than just drive straight through it, see other thread for suggestions on what to do there, and I know Boony loves Skye also, he'd doubtless come up with some thoughts).

Benbecula airport is about thirty minutes drive from the golf course. The likelihood is that everyone else on the trip would be flying in there, unless we complicate matters by doing the Barra beach landing. Wheels are needed, but I'm sure Ralph could organise a minibus to collect us - he did when I was there in the spring - and if we're all based in the same hotel then we can probably get by without individual cars.

Adam
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

James Boon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #12 on: September 22, 2012, 04:44:33 AM »
Adam,

Skye is actually one of the Hebridean islands I know the least. We drove through it on the way to the ferry but it was a miserable day with low cloud, so the stunning views of the cuillins we were hoping for didn't exist. Some time there is certainly called for either as a trip from my mum and dads, a longer stay or when we next head to the outer Hebrides! I would though recommend Eilan Donan as mentioned before and also stopping off to see the Commando Memorial while on the way to Skye.

Looks like there are quite a few options how we could do this, so let me know if you need a hand organising anything?

Cheers,

James
2023 Highlights: Hollinwell, Brora, Parkstone, Cavendish, Hallamshire, Sandmoor, Moortown, Elie, Crail, St Andrews (Himalayas & Eden), Chantilly, M, Hardelot Les Pins

"It celebrates the unadulterated pleasure of being in a dialogue with nature while knocking a ball round on foot." Richard Pennell

Mark Chaplin

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #13 on: September 22, 2012, 08:18:03 AM »
Having done a lot of driving in the Highlands, my advice in restaurant terms is to "add tax and service" to any driving times.

There are some beautiful drives that take and deserve a little extra time.
Cave Nil Vino

Jon Byron

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #14 on: September 22, 2012, 09:15:08 AM »
I would be interested in Askernish visit also
Haven't played since yesterday, not playing until tomorrow, hardly playing at all!

Philip Gawith

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #15 on: September 22, 2012, 04:47:06 PM »
Interested in principle....

David Nelson

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #16 on: September 23, 2012, 05:11:47 AM »
Hi Adam,

I would be interested...

Richard_Mandell

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #17 on: September 25, 2012, 07:31:32 AM »
A good way to expereience Askernish as a prep for your trip next year is to come listen to Gordon Irvine speak about the restoration at Askernish at this year's Symposium on Affordable Golf - October 29th and 30th.  Free to attend.  Visit www.symposiumonaffordablegolf.com to register today!

How about that for a segue?

Neil White

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #18 on: September 25, 2012, 08:20:45 AM »
Adam,

Definitely interested.

Neil.

Adam Lawrence

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #19 on: September 25, 2012, 08:33:27 AM »
Ok, that gives us twelve expressions of interest, including a couple of friends who've contacted me off-list. Plus Mrs Boon, potential (James, I am in a similar position, so Lucy might come too!). So all in all, I think this is a goer.

We should try to fix some dates. Ralph says best after May 15, as that's when the cattle go off the property, and the weather is more likely to cooperate. May 25-27 is the spring bank holiday weekend in the UK, so in some ways that might be best, but then I assume that is probably the half-term week Mark P mentions - Mark, is that right?

I'm thinking two nights, to give us two good days of golf. Basically there are three weekends possible - 18-19 May, 25-26 May (and 27 May, bank holiday Monday), and 31 May-1 June. Could anyone who has a preference please express it?

I will start investigating travel and accommodation options (and prices).

Adam
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Bill_McBride

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #20 on: September 25, 2012, 09:31:39 AM »
Adam, either of the first two would work for me.  My wife will be happy to hear there may be other ladies!

Niall C

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #21 on: September 25, 2012, 01:37:16 PM »
Adam

Some random thoughts/suggestions/questions which as the organiser you are totally at liberty to take on board or ignore.

Are we talking Scottish or English bank holidays  ;) Personally, I'm not fussed but it may make a difference in booking flights/ferries/accommodation.

Travel - I've looked at some of the travel options including flying from Inverness/Benbecula suspect the easiest way (and cheapest which is always a consideration) for me would be to drive to Oban, dump the car and go on the ferry as a foot passenger getting off at Lochboisdale. The ferry trip is longer but I'll be on holiday and I'm sure the views will more than compensate. For those not driving, you can also get a train from Glasgow to Oban.

Accommodation - never been to South Uist. Is there any accommodation at Askernish or do we need to saty in the nearest "big" town and are we all likely to be together ?

Niall

Adam Lawrence

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Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #22 on: September 25, 2012, 01:55:28 PM »
Niall - if you want to go by ferry that's fine, but I can't see everyone wanting to - train to Oban is what, three hours from Queen Street, then six hours on the boat.

There's no accommodation at Askernish (although Askernish House itself is a holiday rental nowadays, it only has six bedrooms though, and in any case unless someone wants to cook we'd need to go elsewhere to eat), so I am working on the plan that we will all go to the Borrodale Hotel, which is about a mile down the road and perfectly fine. If we get so many we fill the Borrodale, there are other accommodation options. But if we're all in one place, one minibus can ferry us round.

Spring bank holiday is the same in Scotland and England next year - 27 May.
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Niall C

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Possible GCA visit to Askernish
« Reply #23 on: September 25, 2012, 02:07:06 PM »
Thanks Adam, clearly my comments were less than helpful. Memo to self, there's only one organiser.

Niall

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