Some of the first reports on Askernish are coming in and I thought some might be interested. For details see web site
http://www.uk-golfguide.com/scotland/27018_reports.html One report reads as follows:-
Askernish Golf Club Player Reports
James Winter (Scotland) 16/09/08
I first heard about the Askernish redevelopment project about April 2006 when the story was carried on the Scottish news about a 'lost' Old Tom Morris course having been refound. Since then i have kept an eye on the project and was delighted to finally play the course recently (12/09/08).
I have to say that it was well worth the wait. Together with my two playing companions we rolled up at the pristine new clubhouse to a glorious sunny day, with a gentle breeze. The lady in the clubhouse was very friendly and cards in hand we made our way to the first tee.
All three of us hit the middle of the first fairway, a 490yd par 5, and we were off. The first few holes, 1 to 6 ,run along fairly level terrain and are bordered by thick rough and/or marshy wetland areas. Holes 7 to 16 then meander through and around massive duneland before the final two holes turn further inland to flatter terrain again.
Without going through the whole round particular highlights are the 438 yd 7th hole where you drive from an elevated tee situated on the shore of the Atlantic to a fairway that snakes between dunes on both sides. The fairway ,at about 270yds, narrows to approx 20yds wide(no exaggeration) before continuing to a long narrow, slightly raised green. This is without question the most demanding driving hole i have ever played ( even better than 14th at Alness!(try it) and a par 4 here should be treasured.
It is followed by the 8th, a classic short par 4, where the green is driveable though probably not a percentage play. I hit 4 iron ,p/w and had a 6ftr for birdie which i missed! I played driver with a 2nd ball for fun and hit a beauty into the breeze through the narrow gap and onto the green. Alas i missed the eagle putt! The danger with taking the driver is that if you miss the fairway right you are in serious rough/beach and if you miss it left you are in serious rough and have a terrible angle to pitch from. A very clever hole.
The 11th is a 191yd par 3 from a tee at the top of one dune across a glen to a green situated close to the Atlantic! This was playing into the wind,as it will most days, and required an absolutely flushed 3 iron to make the carry.
The 12th is a 582yd monster par 5 with a split fairway which meanders through,over and around dunes on all sides. The fairway on the right is on three islands so its a hole you really have to plot your way along. Fantastic!
The 14th is a 141yd par 3 where you play from an elevated tee across a valley to a green situated on top of a dune with drops on all sides. It is reminiscent of the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon in both looks and in terms of the demand placed on the tee shot. An absolutely classic par 3.
The 16th is a 351yd par 4. The difficulty with this hole is that the green is situated on a dune approx 30m above the level of the fairway. The green is two tiered, but two tiered like you've never seen before! The front part of the green is very small before the green drops approx 2m to a larger rear area. Unfortunately for us the pin was at the front which calls for a high approach shot which lands on probably the first 6 ft of green or your ball is destined for the back of the green. Saying that my colleague, big Craig , knocked his 2nd shot here to 6ft which caused astonished looks from the greenkeeper in the clubhouse debrief!
There are many other excellent holes on the course and in my opinion no poor holes, but the above were my highlights. I played Cruden Bay recently and though it is a renowned course i would have to say that Askernish is superior.
Askernish is, without question, a supreme test of driving and you have to be on the fairways as the rough is truly brutal. The course also makes demands on strategy and course management, and when the greens are fully matured and quick they will be extremely testing of the short game/putting.
In short this is a classic links which is a must-play for all golfers and thanks should go out to all the parties involved in its redevelopment. Old Tom would be proud.