BUDA XI

[Ben Stephens]

Following the completion of BUDA X

Firstly I would like to congratulate the ROW team for making an amazing comeback in the last day superbly lead by Captain Mayhugh and in form Michael 'Tiger' Whittaker who had the most wins during the week. The GB&I team were lead very well by Captain Boon which unfortunately are still recovering from the shock of the strong fightback from the Yanks (hope this is not the same at the Ryder Cup)

Thank you to Mark 'Canary' Pearce for organising a fantastic event on a wonderful and challenging golf course which deserves to be higher in the majority of rankings - its isoloated location is its only downfall. Mark - I was a bit disappointed that you showed a lack of 'yellow' awareness in you attire but can see your influence on many other in choosing a 'yellow' ball!!

It was great to see old and new faces putting the face to the name. One of the highlights was Eric Smith dancing to the U2 tribute band under the influence of cider with 9.4% alcohol and yet went to St Andrews the following few days and shot 39 on the front nine!!


I would like to open up a thread for suggestions for a venue for BUDA XI

It can be one or two courses (if the one is really special like Silloth) and the date could be June rather than September.


There were a number of suggestions at BUDA X for next year's venue they are:

a)  Kington
 
b)  Huntercombe

c)  Hunstanton/Brancaster

d)  Woodhall Spa/Seacroft

e)  Ganton

f)   IRELAND

g)  HOLLAND (Netherlands)

h)  FRANCE (possibly Le Touquet and Hardelot)

............ the list is endless. Thats the joy of being a GCA'er!

Cheers
Ben

[Mark Pearce]

Ben (and others),

There are a few good suggestions floating around.  However, before we drift off into a discussion of idealistic BUDA possibilities, there awesome realities that need to be addressed.

Hosting BUDA asks a lot of the home course (courses).  We have been lucky in recent years, with Silloth being the latest of a run of clubs which have not just been willing to have us, but have welcomed us with open arms.  For that, it helps to have some local contacts.  There was a general feeling that it is important that BUDA is organised by someone who understands the BUDA ethos and knows how BUDA works.  That doesn't mean we need a BUDA veteran but certainly someone who has participated in a BUDA.  There's more organising goes into these things than some think (as I found out this year).

I think a Netherlands/Belgian BUDA would be great but don't see an obvious organiser.  I'd love to see one of the Low Countries GCAers at BUDA next year, as a possible precursor to BUDA XII.  Similarly, I don't see anyone with the contacts to organise a French BUDA, though would be happy to be corrected.  My impression from previous discussions is that Hunstanton/Brancaster would be a struggle for tee times at Brancaster, though it might be worth investigating.

I hadn't heard Ganton mentioned but, actually, could see that working with some planning.  The trick, as always, would be the organiser.  What we need is someone to step forward with a plan that has been investigated and to take on the reins.  I know of at least one person at BUDA X who was oing to go away and make some calls.  If anyone else wants to step forward then they should feel free to post their proposal and we can see where we go.  Remember that last year plans for both Liphook/Hankley and Silloth were well advanced, so we ended up settling BUDAs IX and X last year!

[Martin Toal]

Is a nearby beer festival (with or without a tribute band) an essential pre-requisite?

[Ben Stephens]

Ben (and others),

There are a few good suggestions floating around.  However, before we drift off into a discussion of idealistic BUDA possibilities, there awesome realities that need to be addressed.

Hosting BUDA asks a lot of the home course (courses).  We have been lucky in recent years, with Silloth being the latest of a run of clubs which have not just been willing to have us, but have welcomed us with open arms.  For that, it helps to have some local contacts.  There was a general feeling that it is important that BUDA is organised by someone who understands the BUDA ethos and knows how BUDA works.  That doesn't mean we need a BUDA veteran but certainly someone who has participated in a BUDA.  There's more organising goes into these things than some think (as I found out this year).

I think a Netherlands/Belgian BUDA would be great but don't see an obvious organiser.  I'd love to see one of the Low Countries GCAers at BUDA next year, as a possible precursor to BUDA XII.  Similarly, I don't see anyone with the contacts to organise a French BUDA, though would be happy to be corrected.  My impression from previous discussions is that Hunstanton/Brancaster would be a struggle for tee times at Brancaster, though it might be worth investigating.

I hadn't heard Ganton mentioned but, actually, could see that working with some planning.  The trick, as always, would be the organiser.  What we need is someone to step forward with a plan that has been investigated and to take on the reins.  I know of at least one person at BUDA X who was oing to go away and make some calls.  If anyone else wants to step forward then they should feel free to post their proposal and we can see where we go.  Remember that last year plans for both Liphook/Hankley and Silloth were well advanced, so we ended up settling BUDAs IX and X last year!

Mark,


I have dealt with Bob Carrick the secretary of Hunstanton Golf Club and go there every year thanks to the East Anglian Spring Foursomes in April and Grafton Morrish in October. Recently I got a letter if I was interested in becoming a country member I am familar with the Hotel accomodation in Hunstanton having experienced a number of different hotels and B+B - the Le Strange Arms is the best bet to accomodate all. There is a great curry house with the hottest Jalfreezi that Mr Boon and I ever had!

Brancaster is a hurdle that we can try and make to convince them with foursomes in the morning and possibly singles in the afternoon after all it is a two ball club (with three balls with the secretary's permission) Chappers is the best person to deal with Brancaster (I think).

It can be done in the next 3 or 4 years and gives everyone an opportunity to play two wonderful links courses! Firstly I would prefer to allow others to put forward a bid and let the majority choose the most popular bid.

Ganton would be awesome!! John and I briefly talked about it


Cheers
Ben

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Isn't Hunstanton also a 2-ball club?

[Ben Stephens]

Isn't Hunstanton also a 2-ball club?

It is and they allow 4 balls on Tuesdays only as advertised on their website - http://www.hunstantongolfclub.com/

I can ask whether greensomes will be acceptable with foursomes in one day and 2 rounds of fourballs on a Tuesday.

Cheers
Ben

[Scott Warren]

I'd potentially be up for organising a Hardelot/Le Touquet Buda in the first week of August. If the masses wanted to go there.

[Ally Mcintosh]

I've only participated in one day of BUDA in my life but if you wish me (probably along with veterans Muldoon & Hiseman) to organise one for Carne / Enniscrone / Strandhill then I'd be delighted... May I suggest that 2014 might be the year for that though... We'll have the new 9 well & truly up and running and hopefully integrated by that time... Just shout and I will oblige... Ally

[Patrick Kiser]

I was planning on Ireland for next year on my own and was hoping to get lucky with an Irish BUDA, but ...

For a low low low fee, I could be persuaded to offer my translation services for France.  Et oui!  Especially when I look at the airfares to Ireland from the West Coast at the moment.  That's assuming you still accept "virgin" attendees, as I've never been to a BUDA.

However, there are a couple of requirements: 1) all will be required to attend a L.O.S.C. game in Lille and will cheer my boys, 2) you will try escargots and like it.  Other than that, I can butter my own croissants ... thank you.

So a vote here for Ireland ... or France.

[Rich Goodale]

Firstly, let me add my congratulations to Mark for his superb organisation of BUDA X, and particularly his choice of the venue.  The golf course at Silloth is superb--particularly for match play--and the hospitality shown to us by the club was equal to the very high standards of all previous events.

Secondly, let me put forward a case for Ireland--specifically Donegal:

1.  Great golf
2.  Great craic
3.  Guinness
4.  Numerous pre/post BUDA play options
5.  Well kent place, particularly by one of Donegal's finest sons (Donal O'Ceallaigh) and less so by me and I'm sure others

Thirdly, let me put forward a specific candidate that I know well--Ballyliffin (I know that Donal will have some other ideas and hopefully chip in with those in time).

1.  Two intersting courses (Old and Glashedy)
2.  Chance to compare and contrast old (Hackett) and new (Ruddy)
3.  Numerous fine hotels within 1 mile from the golf courses
4.  Short ferry ride to Portrush (in season)
5.  I know ex-Club Captain and local Grandee (my wife's uncle)

Fourthly, some thoughts on timing:

1.  We have had successful BUDAs in both early and late summer
2.  Late summer usually gives better (i.e. faster and firmer) conditions, at the expense of daylight
3.  Next year, early summer (~June 15) will bring us the US Open at Merion
     plus--opportunity for great late night pub viewing (as per the Lundin/Elie BUDA)
     minus--US players may want to stay at home to watch
4.  Next year, the Walker Cup will be played Sep 7-8 at NGLA
     plus--great chance to watch the event on the BBC/RTE (no commercials, completely unbiased coverage )
     minus--US players may want to stay at home to watch

Fifthly, comments?  Please!

Rich

[Bill_McBride]

Ireland?  Wouldn't miss it!

[Craig Disher]

I haven't played in Ireland and can't think of a better way to visit than with the Buda Cuppers.

Since next year is bracketed by the USOpen at Merion and the Walker Cup at NGLA (my situation is complicated by the necessity of being at Merion in June and a strong desire to be at NGLA in September) is a mid-summer date possible - perhaps in the weeks between the USOpen and the end of the UK school year or the end of August?

[Bill_McBride]

I haven't played in Ireland and can't think of a better way to visit than with the Buda Cuppers.

Since next year is bracketed by the USOpen at Merion and the Walker Cup at NGLA (my situation is complicated by the necessity of being at Merion in June and a strong desire to be at NGLA in September) is a mid-summer date possible - perhaps in the weeks between the USOpen and the end of the UK school year or the end of August?

Second the motion (if there is one)!

[Ulrich Mayring]

I'm in either way, even for a flight to Ireland. The only thing I would recommend against is do France in August, it is very crowded as all the French are having their vacation then.

I could one day see myself taking a stab at organising something, but need a good venue for that.

Ulrich

[Robin_Hiseman]

Carne and Enniscrone would be a great double header and I'd be happy to help Ally with the arrangements, being a member at Carne.  2014 is best as Ally mentioned.

For a lower key, low cost, but high quirk quota, how about Kington and Church Stretton? 

Or Machrihanish and Mach Dunes?   

[Eric Smith]

Ben,

I was playing the drums.


Just did a Machrihanish and Machrihanish Dunes trip and would go back in a heartbeat. A special corner of the world for sure. Honestly though, all options on the table would make great BUDA venues. Will follow the discussion with great interest.

[Sean_A]

I am willing to look into Kington and possibly Church Stretton BUDA with a few conditions. 

1. There must be strong support from Pests/wannabe Pests.

2. I will only organize a weekend Buda.  If the club says it can't happen or Pests aren't interested I am out on the organizing front.   

3. It can't be in June.  September likely date though could be July or August - maybe even May.

Ciao

[Tony_Muldoon]

I’ve been waiting for this as having the world’s largest and third largest sporting events held within 2miles of your home is just no substitute for a good BUDA. 

As many of you no doubt are fully aware, I would love to see an Irish Buda.  Earlier this year I dropped into Co. Sligo GC and they were most helpful and made a fantastic offer. However despite the evident hospitality promised, we wouldn’t be truly on the ‘inside’, and that does help make the events extra special.

Ballyliffen being one site with two courses is a strong contender.

But because I haven’t made there and that we have a members new holes to play, I’ll cast my vote for Carne/Enniscrone in 2014.




That still leave’s 2012 and it’s wonderful  to have so many fine options to consider.  Most intriguing to me is the chance to play Kington more than once at a BUDA style event.   Everything I’ve heard suggests this is Quirk of the highest order and the way we choose to play holes on the first round may be radically changed by the third. Church Streton also sounds intriguing

 I would be happy to help with the load organising any of these options.


Going forward I’d also like to see

2015   Somewhere on the European Mainland  (let’s make this happen)
2016    Woodhall Spa / Seacoft.  Intersting combination of inland and links.
2017   Ballyliffen
2021   Co Sligo.

All agreed?
 

[David_Tepper]

"2015   Somewhere on the European Mainland  (let’s make this happen)"

Tony M. -

A BUDA on the links of Holland (Kenmer? Hague?) would certainly be of interest to me.

DT

[Mark Pearce]

I think there's a danger in trying to plan too far ahead.  As far as I can see, there are two possible hats thrown into the ring for 2013 - Rich/Donal (Donegal) and Sean (Kington).  If anyone else has a serious option for next year, let us all know this week.  Otherwise, I suggest we choose between those two (the technical details of the selection process will, I imagine, always remain a mystery).  In 2014 we may be able to choose between Carne, Woodhall Spa (though I remain to be convinced this isn't pie in the sky), the Low Country (this would be fantastic but may take some planning) and others.

I don't, for what it's worth, believe there's any reason why we couldn't go to Ireland two years running. 

As to my preference for the two firm suggestions for next year, I'm torn.  I love Kington and think it would make for a great BUDA but I have never played golf in Ireland and that's a big gap in the golfing education.  Both would, I think, be great BUDAs and I'd support either.  Perhaps enquiries should be made regarding both?

As to timing, I don't have a preference between June and September.  I think August in the UK would be tricky, as would late July.  If we need to avoid both US Openand Walker Cup, then late June/early July might work but my instinct is that we would just have to choose the lesser of the two evils and accept that some may not be able to make it as a result.

[Ally Mcintosh]

Sounds sensible Mark.

But I do urge you to keep in mind that Robin & I believe we could organise you a very cheap and varied trip to Carne & Enniscrone for 2014. I don't believe it likely that you will travel to the north west of Ireland two years in a row. The extended trip could easily take in Co.Sligo and the Donegal courses (or indeed vice-versa if that is the choice of the group).

[Ulrich Mayring]

Unless I'm severely misjudging the usual BUDA crowd and their sentiments, the Carne/Enniscrone offer is basically a done deal. It's only a question of when you guys say you can put it on. If 2013 doesn't work, then we'll do it in 2014.

Personally, I think there is room for two BUDAs in the North West of Ireland. Donegal and Narin & Portnoo for one, Carne and Enniscrone the other. That still leaves courses like Strand Hill, Rosses Point and Cruit Island for Post- or Pre-BUDA play.

Ulrich

[Mark Pearce]

Ally,

Like Ulrich, I really think we could do consecutive Irish trips.  However, I think with BUDA that the key factor is whether the overseas team would make the journey(s), so I'd welcome input from American BUDAites on whether Ireland two years running might work.  My feeling is that most of the usual suspects from the UK would be more than happy to make both trips.

[David Davis]

Gentlemen,

As a newbie, not yet been to a BUDA but living in, knowing my way around and being a member of THE best links course in The Netherlands. I'm happy to offer my humble services. If only a veteran can be entrusted with responsibility for organizing then there is always the option of having that veteran do so with the help of a local (newbie in this case) contact. The Hague might be tough for this type of thing as they don't love groups but Noordwijkse/Kennemer (one of my best friends is a member at Kennemer) might be an option to impress all of you and perhaps have you sent home in shambles after a severe but extremely fun links beating from Noordwijkse. Kennemer would offer a touch of refrain perhaps although not too much. I do note that the KLM Open returns to Kennemer next year in the beginning of September.

Just an option so you know it is there, since it's been mentioned.

Would be happy to welcome you all and do battle with a sizeable home court advantage.

[Robin_Hiseman]

I reckon we could fix up some weekend play on a Carne/Enniscrone ticket, though of course it depends upon club schedules.  All a bit immaterial unless our American cousins express an interest, so over to you chaps.

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