[Michael Graham]

My wife and I are going to a friend's birthday gathering for a couple of nights in Portavadie in mid July.

I'm tempted to take a pencil bag with a half set of clubs and slip away for a couple of hours. Does anyone have any recommendations of courses in the area? It looks as though the 9 hole course, Kyles of Bute just outside Tighnabruaich is the nearest to Portavadie. As much I would love to play Machrihanish again, I don't think I would manage the ferry crossing, drive and 18 holes in a morning.

As we will be driving through from Edinburgh my other thought was to play The Carrick at Cameron House on the way home. I've yet to play the course but having only ever read underwhelming reviews I'm not sure if it is worth the £85 they are charging.

Any suggestions would be great.

Michael

[Mark Pearce]

The Carrick isn't a great course but it isn't a bad one, either.  I quite enjoyed it.  £85 is a bit steep, though.

[Rich Goodale]

Cardross is a a good course and right along your way (SE of Helensburgh).  It's a bit hilly, but very much worth playing.

[Niall C]

Michael

Rich's suggestion is a cracker. Played Cardross a few times last year and was very impressed. Some panaramic views as well if that floats your boat. Also on that side of Glasgow you have Ranfurly Castle and Kilmalcolm. Haven't played the later but hear that its a good moorland course.

Re Tighnnabruich, my friend has a holiday house round there and he plays it quite often and says its an enjoyable hit if you like out of the way, basic, rural, old fashioned golf.

Niall

[Michael Graham]

Thanks for the feedback gents. I did think £85 for The Carrick was a bit steep. I've read lots about the drainage issues over the years. I'll definitely look into Cardross.

Michael

[Adam Lawrence]

Tony Pioppi, who spent last summer in Kintyre, told me the nine holer at Carradale was quite magnificent. Still a hike, but not as far as Machrihanish.

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