Tom
Having now played Askernish, which is not a full blown copy of the original, its gives the modern Golfer the real opportunity to embrace the pleasure that was once Golf, albeit on the more raw and thrilling side.
So my question is, have you played The Bridge of Allan course (web site
http://www.bofagc.com/)?It’s another Old Tom course of 9 Holes that plays 18. Robert Kroeger when he researched this course for his book ’The Golf Courses of Old Tom Morris’, believed it much unchanged since Old Tom’s days. He reported that the course in 1995 measured 2466 yards compared to 2474 yards in 1895 (today the scorecard reads 2560 yards.
I like Robert feel that Hickory is the real way to enjoy this inland course, but the average golfer will also enjoy a round utilising his own modern clubs.
My question relates to your finding and feel for this course, however if you have not as yet played it, perhaps the next time in Scotland you may take the opportunity of dipping you toes into the early inland courses that seem to frustrate the Golden Age Designers.
I would enjoy reading your experience on this old course. If you decide to visit let me know and I will contact the club to see if I can get someone to take you round.
The following is a map of the course circa 1900
Location
Bridge Of Allan Golf Club
Sunnylaw
Bridge OF Allan
Stirlingshire
FK9 4LY
Phone (+44 / 0) 1786 832332
Hope you will want to experience this small inland course set up for the gentle folk of Scotland.
Melvyn