A couple of observations. Nothing more.
Ladybank. I have a couple of good mates who are members so I've played it lots over the years. It's a lovely place to be and used to have awesome catering, but, to use an Americanism, it ain't all that. There's maybe three or four great holes, ten or twelve okays and three or four clunkers. Like so many of Fife's old courses, it used to host local Open qualifying, which gave it some kudos, but that's gone now. It's also still highly regarded amongst the chattering classes, so is one of the few courses in Scotland to still have a waiting list for membership.
Blairgowrie. I waited about twenty years before an opportunity finally arose to play it. Needless to say, my anticipation levels were off the scale. The reputation, the MacKenzie connection, the photos I'd seen, that fabulous clubhouse.
I've never been more disappointed in anything in my life. I was bored to death by about the eighth hole. Sure, it's a lovely place to play golf and was in very fine condition, but there seemed to be very little Mackenzie left in it, lots of repetitive shots and very little quirk. I enjoyed my day, but I'm not rushing back.
F.