Academia, Old Tom Morris and a London Letdown

[Noel Mugavin]

Was a beautiful evening and like a moth to a flame I was drawn to the Old Course








Called it a day and set off back to the hotel

 

[Noel Mugavin]

A beautiful Friday morning


Drove to my usual spot, Links Clubhouse carpark. There was sometimes/sometimes not and attendant at the entry to the carpark. Don't know what they actually did, never saw them stop anyone or turn anyone away.
Little coffee shop on the West Sands Beach side of the road. Couldn't quite make out is it was open or not and mentioned it to the lady attendant as I was wandering in the carpark. She told me not to worry, can get a coffee in the Tom Morris Bar in the clubhouse. Did so, terrible coffee.
Over the road for a quick stroll on the beach



Back on the golf course side of the road, looking across the Himalayas





Previous day I had tried to book a time on the New Course, the ' New Course' being around since 1895.
No bookings taken, was a turn up and see how you go arrangement. Did tell me to come down to the starter's hut at around 9 o'clock though.

Gave my name to the starter and he told me to hang around, few minutes later he came out of the hut and asked me if 9.16 would be good.
Off course it would.




Grouped with 3 American fellas, father and son from Chicago, third bloke from Minnesota.
Father/son asked me what time i arrived, were a bit aggrieved when I told them. They had been hanging around since 6.30.
Tee box, next group waiting for us to go.


And we're off

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Bunker trouble early
Old Course other side of the path

Gets extremely busy on the Old Course greens

Bit more gorse on the New Course

More bunker trouble

And again







9th hole, fun uphill Par 3

Complete with a sunken green

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Looking down to the Jubilee Course






My fouresome

Par 3, pretty close off the tee. Mine to the left of the pin

The home straight


Not before another visit to a bunker


The 18th green and a very enjoyable 4 or so hours was over


Quick 10 minute drive up to Kingsbarns to give the credit card a bit of work

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Dropped into the Castle Course on the way back to town; it's only 5 minutes out of town. Very nice views.



Back to town and a bit of a wander
St Salvador's Chapel




From the inside quadrangle

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Ended up here again









End of another extremely enjoyable day

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Cold, wet, wind Saturday morning as I made my way to my tee time at the Eden Course
A hit on the range first to loosen up




Entrance to the range






Bit of a putt then went and checked in at the starter's hut. Told me a few of the members had cancelled as it was too wet and cold for them and I could tee off a bit earlier if I wanted to. No problems at all for me.
Eden cost about 35 pounds for a round which is an absolute bargain. Beautiful course.

Shepherd's hut sits between the 9th green and the 2nd tee box

Eden Clubhouse and putting green




Away I went, no playing partners, hardly a soul on the course

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Looking back down the first fairway



March stones on the Eden as well







Old Course, stones throw from the Eden