Stonehaven?

[Mike Hendren]

Has anyone played Stonehaven in Scotland and would it be worthwhile as the second round of a twinbill?  Finegan's book mentions it favorably, and the site looks incredible as depicted at www.stonehavengolfclub.co.uk/index.html.

[Brian_Ewen]

Mike
I am a member of Stonehaven , so I am little biased .

Normally I would say it depends on the time of year ,you want to play but this has been another summer with loads of rain and the fairways seem to have been sodding now for a few summers. Our weather in Scotland has definetly changed and not for the better.

Stonehaven is short with a par of 66 , but definetly has some of the best par threes in the area (7 in total) and if you like golf holes to be a litle quirky then it would be for you. Also some really nice views from the tees.

I think Finnegans review in his book did the course proud , I also like the review posted by jerseygolf.com

If you decide you would like to play Stonehaven , or would like more info let me know .

Brian Ewen

[Scott_Burroughs]

A member of Stonehaven lurks here on GCA.  Hopefully, he'll be able to see this sometime soon when he's off hours from his strenuous vocation.  You out there, Brian?


EDIT:  We crossed paths in cyberspace, Brian!

[Mike Hendren]

Thanks Brian.  IF I ever get to Scotland, Stonehaven and the 12 hole Shiskine are at the top of my quirky list.

Mike

[Dan Grossman]

Mike,

I played Stonehaven on a 10 day trip to Scotland last year and I enjoyed the course a lot.  It is VERY QUIRKY, but interesting.  The course is divided into three different parts (2 clifftop areas and a meadow).  The Meadow portion of the course and some of the holes over a big ravine at the far portion of the course contain the most interesting holes, IMO.  There are two back to back par 3s at the end of the front nine before you head into the meadow which are fun.

I have never played a course before where 1 & 18 cross.  Plus, #5 crosses, not one, but 2 other holes!  It is a blast to go and see, because I don't think you will find anything like it.

[Brian_Ewen]

Dan
The one thing I always miss out , when people ask me about Stonehaven , is the holes crossing each other . Members are just so used to it . We can always tell when a visitor is playing the course as they sometimes look lost ! . Stonehaven is a course that you do need etiquette when you play it.

I am not sure how much land the course is built on , but it is amazing how 18 holes have been fitted into it . In fact I am sure a "Modern" designer would never attempt it nowadays.

Anybody else out there , with thoughts on my home course ? , Good or bad , I am always interested in your views

Brian Ewen

[D. Kilfara]

Brian,

I mentioned the round I played at Stonehaven in my book ("A Golfer's Education") - I saw the course at Stonehaven when passing on the train from Leuchars up to Aberdeen (on my way to Cruden Bay), and was greatly intrigued by the cliff-top holes. One day I had a game arranged at Murcar which fell through, and as I'd already bought my rail tickets to and from Aberdeen, I figured I'd give Stonehaven a look. Unfortunately, just as I got to the course a huge fog rolled in, and for most of my round I couldn't see more than 150 yards in front of me! Rather ruined the lovely views, at least on the day...but what can you do?

From what I saw, I enjoyed most of Stonehaven. I thought the holes on the inland side of the railroad were mostly filler, and a couple of holes on the seaward side were mountain-goat hilly, but there were several really neat and dramatic holes. I'm not sure I'd ever go that far out of my way to play the course again - I don't think it's the sort of course that most Americans would want to go out of their way to schedule in their Scottish tours - but yeah, if you're already in the Aberdeen area and want a fun, sporty course to play in the afternoon after a more serious round in the morning, Stonehaven could be just the ticket. And if I was working my way north after playing Carnoustie in the morning, Stonehaven would be a perfect place to unwind and relearn the joys of golf after being exposed to its tribulations.

Cheers,
Darren

[Dan Grossman]

Brian,

Your description of guests is pretty funny.  My friend and I would have fit that description to a T when we played there.  We walked off of the 4th hole and were just plain confused for about the next 5 - 10 minutes.  

[BCrosby]

I stopped at Stonehaven three days ago on the way to Aberdeen from Dornoch.  Didn't have time to play but bought a "Strokesaver".  You have to see the holes built on the cliffs to believe them.  Seen from the clubhouse, they are frightening.

I regret I wasn't able to play.

Bob

[Slag_Bandoon]

 Brian, and all, How does Stonehaven compare to Cullen?  I played Cullen and was in rapture and terror.  Hardhats recommended.  Talk about cross-hole shots?!   There's 8 of 'em.  Two of them cross two holes.  
   I played golf in Dornoch with a feller from Vermont who raved of Stonehaven and urged me to change my plans to play it.   Next time I won't miss it.

[Stan Dodd]

Played Stonehaven as a second 18 after Royal Aberdeen, so my opinion may be skewed.  did not much care for it and there is really nothing of architectural merit.  Price is great!  and people are great. Drive a bit and play Montrose instead.

[Brian_Ewen]

Guys
Thanks for all the comments . The course really is a "love it or hate it"

Darren, Sorry I have not read your book but I have just ordered it from Amazon , will let you know what I think.

Slag , I have never played Cullen but its not too far from me , so must try to get up there for a look.

Anybody planning a golfing trip to the North East of Scotland and would like to play Stonehaven , send me an e-mail and I will sign you on as a guest (so you dont get lost).

I can also e-mail photos , if you would like to see more.

Thanks again
Brian Ewen

[Yancey_Beamer]

Worth the modest fee for the cliffside views and the par threes alone.Spectacular.

[allysmith]

Slag,

Stonehaven is really nothing like Cullen.

Its a cliff top course with a small inland section.

In my humble opinion Stonehaven is far more spectacular and fun than Cullen but it does not have the fine sea-side turf that Cullen has.

If you want a Course more like Cullen then Hopeman is a really nice alternative. Its located about 20 miles west of cullen on the Coast.

If you do go don't miss Moray Golf Club or Nairn west. They are probably the best links courses in Scotland. Waaaay better than Dornoch in both design and condition.

I was born in the area and used to play all three courses regularily.

In the winter league we used to pay £5 for a six month membership and 50 pence a round.

Ally Smith

[allysmith]

Mike,

Stonehaven is always worth a round and I promise you its far more spectacular than the web site photos. (I designed the web site)
From the Cliff tops one can watch the waves crashing onto the rocks 200 feet below and porpoise playing in the Bay.
I wonder if you ever saw the GoreTex advert which depicted golfers teeing of atop cliffs with a raging sea below. That was the 6th at Stonehaven

Food is excellent if fairly simple fare and EVERYONE is always made welcome.

best wishes

Ally Smith