Conference 7.286::golf

    If you are like me I would go anywhere at any time for a good game of
    golf. I appreciate the fact that there is a war going on and self
    preservation must come first. Looking at somme of the memos that are
    flying around the office the message is clear "travel should be kept
    down to a minimum where possible".
    
    Looking at what has gone on over the past few years with regard to
    terrorism (Lockerbie for example) there was no war going on at the time
    that was directly atrributable to the U.S but they still blew the plane
    up. At the same time though, airport security is now tighter than ever
    which must surely be a bonus for those who are worried about traveling.
    
    My phylosophy is simple, I run the risk of being run over by a truck
    every time I step outside my front door but it does not stop me going
    to work or playing golf. In a world that is full of people like Mr
    Hussein, he will be scoring a victory if he is seen to be affecting our
    normal day to day activities and quality of life. If I was in your
    position I would go and have a bloody good time I only wish I was up
    there too.
    
    Regards 
    
    Steve.
    
    Ps: Please don't see this as a political statement as it is not meant
    to be.

On the positive side, maybe it will keep a lot of people away and the courses 
will be less crowded....It will be interesting to here from the other side of 
the pond.

Personally, if the DEC stock keeps going up I just might sell and go myself!

Larry

As far as I know Scotland is not in the war zone, and the closest thing to
terrorists would be the extreme militant wing of the Tartan Army (avowed to 
Scottish Independence). The only advice I can offer is not to wear any of those
lurid bright golf pants - they are known to offend the natives. Besides which
they do make you an easier target...%)

Go for it!!!

Jack,

Flying on an American carrier can be a bit unsettling, even with Saddam. The
good news is that Northwest flies directly from Logan to Glasgow! Tough to
beat that!

Turnberry is nothing short of tremendous. I can't imagine returning to Scotland
without playing Turnberry again. I liked Royal Troon alot too (especially the
postage stamp). Curiously, I found many more Americans playing Troon than
natives. You'll have a great time playing them both!

Let's see what else ...

Price for Turnberry and Troon was $80 (40 pounds) for greeens fees only. No
carts for you girly-mon-linksters. Caddies I believe were about 20 pounds.
I guess that pretty effectively cuts out the non-serious golfers doesn't it ;-)?
I never was able to book a tee time (not sure if being a single had anything
to do with it or not). Both courses seemed to clear right out in the afternoon
(Troon had the first two holes open when I finished - about 1:00 on a Monday!).

Spend a few days in Ayrshire. You can play Turnberry, Royal Troon, Prestwick,
and Western Gailes all in the same area before moving on to the east coast.

I underestimated the mileage between Ayrshire, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. It's
a few hours from one coast to another. The petrol costs are a lot higher -
about $30 per tank! (Yikes!!)

I was also told that Inverness and Royal Dornoch were tough to get to because
there is no highway up there. If you have the time, that might be good too.

Sounds great. I know you'll do it up right. And the fishing there is rumored
to be out of this world ...

Eric

    I've played the courses you mentioned, and thaey are great. Western
    Gailes is a real "sleeper !" It might be cheaper for us at Troon,
    because I believe we'll be playing with a member, and carrying our
    sticks. I remember the "Postage Stamp" well - I shanked my tee shot 60
    yards right of the green and got it "up and down." Not my norm...
    
    --Jack

    I was lucky enough to make a similar trip several years ago. Started at
    Old Prestwick, Royal Troon, Dornoch (Jack Nicklaus' favorite course),
    Glen Eagles (King & Queen), Carnoustie, St Andrew's, Muirfield (don't
    miss the buffet lunch !) and finished by staying at Turnberry which was
    easily the best course, hotel (big bucks) and meal we ate while on this
    golfers paradise vacation - no wives or kids.
    
    Don't think about the mid-east as it relates to this trip, keep your
    head down and go for it !

     We seem to have a lot of noters that have been overseas. I don't know
    what the perception of our golfers is by "natives," but for me, golf in
    the British isles is just great ! The people are super, the golfers
    play rapidly and they love the game. I've always enjoyed playing there,
    and you don't have to be part of a package tour to do it.
    
     If you other members of golf's "hot stove league" will bear with me,
    I'll reflect on places I'm familiar with and mention some I've not
    seen, but would like to.
    
    Ireland:
    ------------
    
    Lahinch  - After the first three holes, it's like a pinball machine -
    with no flippers. You don't no where you're going, and off the fairway
    is dead. Some terrific green sites though, and a real nice place. Do
    NOT attempt it seriously hung over and jet lagged (trust me). I went
    par, par, par, R.I.P.
    
    Sligo (Rosses' Point) - Right in Yeats' country. You can see "Ben
    Bulben" from the top of # 2 tee (if it doesn't snow, which it did for
    one hole). Absolutely great links course that is very fair. I wouldn't
    go back to Ireland without playing Rosses' point. From the third hole
    you can look out and see the whole course spread out before you.
    Breathtaking.
    
    Royal Portrush - I almost gave up golf here. This track is brutal !
    Plus, I was hitting it lousy. But it's a real challenge with great
    holes and a superb par 3 on the back. You look down into a valley
    between the dunes and there is a little flat course that the
    townspeople like to play. It was a dreary day, and it was like looking
    into hell - and that was the EASY course ! As much as I'm griping, I do
    have 2 Portrush sweaters...
    
    Portmarnock - Maybe the hardest links course in the world if the wind
    blows, and it ALWAYS blows ! Narrow fairways lined with waist high
    wheat, and lots of roll. This is bump and run golf at it's most
    extreme.
    
    Royal County Down - This is my favorite course of all that I've played.
    Perfect hotel right around the corner and nice restaurants. Right on
    the ocean, the is a shotmaker's course from the 'git-go ! Numbers 8 & 9
    are unbelievable par 4's. Lots of very tough bump and run shots, and
    quite a few elevated greens. I believe Herbert Warren Wind was right
    when he canonized this jewel.
    
    Waterville Links - The front 9 is like an American publinx (except for
    the palm trees). The back 9 is completely in a class by itself. I gotta
    go back just to wind through the sand dunes on the back, play the
    "Mass" hole, and watch the salmon jump in the tidal estuary.
    
    Ballybunion (new) - My pals at Robert Trent Jones did this one and are
    already reworking it because it needs it. Great piece of land that
    really deserved a better fate. They're havin trouble with erosion and
    restrictive loval ordinances.
    
    Ballybunion (old) - Supposed to be one of the world's best. I liked it,
    although there is a lot of local knowledge involved. Like a lot of
    Irish courses, it has weak finishing holes. Lots of mystique
    surrounding the course, and if you're of a historic bent, I guess you
    have to play it. I'll wait to hear from "The Jones Boys" before I play
    the new one again, though.
    
    Scotland:
    Here are some places I'd like to play, based on what Messrs. Wind,
    Darwin and Macdonald et.al. have to say.
    
    Gullane (number 1 & 2)
    Cruden Bay
    Macrihanish
    Royal Dornoch (A MUST !!)
    Crail
    North Berwick
    Leith Links
    Lundin Links
    Inverness
    Boat-of-Garten (maybe...)
    
     Our system is acting funky, so I'm gonna get out. I'll post remarks on
    the Scottish courses I've played very soon.
    
    

    Re: .4
    
    The reason most locals do not play Royal Troon is because it has
    an exclusive 'membership'. 
    
    Royal Troon GC has two courses the Old course and the Portland course,
    I'm fortunate enough to be a member of Troon Portland GC and if
    you were looking for local golfers you'll find them playing Portland
    rather than the Old course.
    
    If you have a few days to spare in the Troon area there are other 
    excellent courses in the town and the green fees are reasonable.
    I've listed the courses/fees below:
    
    Royal Troon - 40 pounds approx'
    Troon Portland    - 27 pounds approx'
    Lochgreen   - 10 pounds approx'
    Darley      - 10 pounds   "
    Fullarton   - 10 pounds   "
    Barassie Kilmarnock - 30 pounds approx'
    
    Lochgreen,Darley,Fullarton are municipal courses, excellent value
    for money.
    
    Regarding is Scotland safe - yes of course it is.
    
    Cheers.....Les.              
    

    re Golf in the Troon area.
    
    I'm an Irish golfer who goes over to the Ayr/Troon area once a year to
    play. I would definitely recommend the Darley/Lochgreen/Barassie
    courses. They are a pleasure to play.
    Also not forgetting the Belleisle municipal Parkland course which is
    excellent value aswell.
    
    martin

    Jack,
    
    Travelling in these times may seem a bit risky. I suppose each
    individual must decide for him/herself. I was in Kenya when the
    "troubles" stated in the Gulf a few weeks back. It was interesting
    to observe the somewhat different approaches being adopted by the
    various nationalities we came across. Many Americans we met were
    cutting their holidays short. The Brits seemed fairly unconcerned.
    
    An idea for you to consider re British Isles golf would be to fly
    to Shannon with Aer Lingus and take advantage of the fine courses
    in the West of Ireland before moving on to Scotland.
    
    It's a great way to spend a holiday!
    
    Louis
    
    

     I did some thoughts on Irish courses awhile back, so I'll finish up
    with Scotland now.
    
    Prestwick - The ULTIMATE local knowledge course ! Lots of blind shots,
    like the "Alps" (short par 4), and the par 4 on the back side with a
    blind second shot into a green surrounded by DEEP bunkers. I asked my
    buddy where to hit my 2nd shot and he said "over my head - and don't
    ask whayt's ahead..." I really enjoyed Prestwick; it is unbelievably
    historic, and has a string of 6 holes in a row all over 400 yds that
    belie its short overall length.
    
    Turnberry - Ailsa course. About as good a links course as you'll ever
    see, especially holes like 8, 9 and 10. One is called "Bruce's Castle
    (forgot which - 9 or 10 ?) and another "Goat's Fell." Wild, raw and
    rugged with no trees and howling winds. Just a great test of golf, and
    you WILL be having a few pints in the town of Stanraer after this
    beast !
    
    Royal Troon - Probably as strong a back 9 as I've ever seen, wth holes
    like "Railway" and "Burmah" to make you leave your feet with the
    driver. Beautiful stone clubhouse overlooking # 18 green to watch Yanks
    make asses of themselves. Nice view of Ailsa Craig from the front 9. I
    asked a Scot "Hey, what's that big gumdrop out in the ocean ?" Turns
    out it was Ailsa Craig. Troon sneaks up on you and leaves you wanting
    more.
    
    Western Gailes - Real narrow strip of land designed (I think) by Old
    Tom Morris. Not long, but I played it in a monsoon, so it was tough
    enough. Another tricky place that demands that you hit the ball to
    specific places; the question is - where are the places ? I got the
    impression it was a pretty elite club, but the people were very nice.
    
    St. Andrews - Sorry guys, but I didn't really like it all that much. I
    realize that most people say that at first, and that it grows on you,
    but all those double greens confuse me. This was in my younger days,
    and my friend drove # 9 and I drove # 10 (par 4's). I lucked out on the
    Road hole and hit driver, 9 iron & made 4, but conditions were ideal. I
    wouldn't make any cash playing that hole daily ! I guess you have to
    play St. Andrews...
    
    Blairgowrie (Rosemount) - An american type course in the Highlands with
    lots of trees, a lake etc. and very pretty. It just didn't measure up
    when compared to a Turnberry or Troon, but it was a nice break.
    
    Carnoustie - Undoubtedly the 3 toughest finishing holes I have ever
    seen. 238, 445, 450 (or so) with a winding burn on the last 2. The
    Royal Army firing range abuts the front 9 and signs tell you not to
    pick anything up because it might explode and kill you. Now THAT's a
    hazard. Dreary, barren, long and very hard with great bunkering and a
    nice golf shop. Play this baby well and, "You the MAN !!"
    
    Muirfield - Links type undulations and locale, but not really a links
    like Turnberry. Off the fairway is like harvest time in Kansas, and
    lots of pot bunkers. The "blood test" to get on is severe indeed. I
    liked the 8th hole "Archery Wood." In fact, it's hard not to be awed by
    Muirfield (if you don't act awed in the clubhouse, your ass is "down
    the road." They seem to favor Yanks and Brits opposed to Scots, when
    doling out permission to play, but if you stay at Greywalls (adjacent
    hotel), I heard that it helps. Play it just to prove you could get on
    it, but there are lots of places (regrettably) in the U.S. that are
    harder to get on...
    
    Gleneagles (King's) - Magnificent 5 star hotel and unbelievably scenic
    highland course with breathtaking views. Not the most challenging
    layout, and play was slower here because of all the Yanks (and I'm a
    Yank - but most of us play too damn slow). Interesting par 3's, and
    some par 4's where you can really let it rip. Beautiful golf shop,
    albeit small - kinda like Pine Valley - and the Pro was a real
    gentleman. Gleneagles is out of the way, but worth a look. Have a few
    pints at the Ruthven House in Auchterarder. Great bar. Lots of good
    sweater places up there too.
    
     That's it for now. Thanks for bearing with me, folks.
    
    Jack 
    
    

    Reply -1,
    
    	Hi Jack,
    
    	Bearing with you! Ha !  I really enjoy reading your descriptions...
    It's a nice break from the New England thaw ! 
    
    	Thanks for taking the time to share your memory's ;
    
    	Walta

    
    To get back to the point about "is it safe"?
    
    Well I live in London but my parents still live back up in Scotland, I
    flew up from Heathrow to Glasgow to visit them at the weekend and I've
    never seen airport security so tight. Bear in mind this was an internal
    flight but Heathrow is surrounded by tanks and the police and army are
    very much in evidence. (bear in mind the police do not normally carry
    firearms this side of the pond).
    
    Even when I got to Glasgow the security was still very tight, no tanks
    but firearms still on show. X-Rays and body searches were very thorough
    and the check-in felt more like the Spanish Inquisition with all the
    questions you are bombarded with.
    
    So I'd have to say that whilst we are taking the threat of terrorism
    very seriously, we are doing our level best to stop anything from
    happening, so I'd definitely recommend a trip out here to play some
    golf.
    
    I'll probably pass you somewhere over the Atlantic as I hope to hit the
    States sometime myself and visit all those courses you people from N.H.
    keep talking about