We had a great start to the day with a full Scottish breakfast at the Piersland: eggs, sausage, bacon (really ham – you’d think they’d know), toast, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, black pudding, mushrooms. A sensible choice. Yea, right.
Golf today is at Dundonald Links in nearby Gailes, 15 minutes north of our lodging in Troon. Dundonald was designed by Kyle Phillips, also the architect of Kingsbarns in St. Andrews. It’s a fantastic venue – recently the site of the Women’s Open this past July along with hosting numerous tournaments and qualifying rounds over the years..
Probably the best description of the course is that of a modern links stye – a driver’s course with wide fairways, offset by penal pot bunkers about (ask Dick) and challenging greens with steep falloffs. The setting is spectacular with views across the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran.
We’d been watching the weather forecast with dread over the last few days. Nothing but rain and high winds predicted. We actually got away pretty clean with some light drizzle for many of the holes and ‘proper’ Scottish weather (serious rain) for only a few. And, no serious wind. Unusual along the coast.
A great day. We collectively loved the course, our forecaddie (Gabby) was special, and the facilities excellent. Kind of interesting in that although the course was fully booked, it felt like we were the only group out there. Well sculpted to create a private experience.
DailyTeam Stats:
- Lost Balls – 15!! (some great work by Don)
- Sand Traps – 22!! (some special work by Dick)
- Low Gross – Bill, 89
- Low Net – Bill, 79
- Birdies – 0
- Dram O’ the Day – Carn Mor, Speyside
