We had a late tee time at the Castlerock Mussenden course as it’s ‘Presidents Day’ for the club with ‘members only’ bookings until mid-afternoon. Lot’s of excitement in the air.
We took advantage of the free morning to head down the coast for a photo stop at the remains of Dunluce Castle and to visit the Giant’s Causeway, an area of some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which resulted from ancient volcanic activity. Too cool for school. It’s a long walk down to the main portion of the causeway and a really long walk back up!
Castlerock’s Mussenden links were laid out in 1901 by Harry Colt and Ben Sayers. It’s a typical links style course which runs through dunes and along the Bann River. Not the same caliber as Portstewart but another listed as a ‘hidden gem’ and well worth playing more than once.
We played the middle tees which ran at nearly 6500 yards, long for most of our guys. And, It plays long – 5 par fives and some lengthy par threes. Suggestions from all was ‘don’t miss the fairways’. Sound advice which fell on the wrong ears. Geez – some thick stuff! A few inches off the fairway and good luck.
It’s worth mentioning the weather. Again, rain in the forecast but nothing during play. I’m being accused of making a pact with the devil for the good weather. I wonder how the guys found out.
Tomorrow we play over in the republic of Ireland at Ballyliffin’s Glashedy course. When Gilbert, our forecaddie, heard where we we playing next he gave us the ‘You’re gonna die’ look. Uh-oh.
Daily Team Stats
- Lost Balls – 7
- Bunkers – 0
- Low Gross – Bill @ 75 (par 66)
- Low Net – Kevin @ 65 (par 66)
- Birdies – 2: Bill 2
- Dram o’ Day – Longrow (again)
