Yesterday found me at the mighty Brora Golf Club, another James Braid design on probably one of the finest pieces of links property in Scotland. This one has been on my much anticipated list to play. Other than the wind it was magnificent. These courses remain relevant despite their shorter length by American standards. The unrelenting wind and the unforgiving firmness of the turf and greens more than make up for any yardage they give up.
Playing 9 holes either back into the wind or a punishing crosswind is a humbling experience. Despite 32mph winds my caddie Cameron managed to guide me around Brora links at plus 4 over par and I must say I was exceptionally pleased with the score. All made possible by some Seve Ballesteros bump and runs and putts off the green that managed to get close enough for a few up and downs. Only 1 birdie and 5 bogeys and I could not have been happier. I told Cameron “that’s the best I’ve got” and I meant it. Brora is unusual as there are electric fences around the greens to keep the sheep from wandering where they are not welcome. As far as I know it’s the only course that sheep graze freely on. Apparently there are concessions made to local farmers that have been in place a very long time according to Cameron.
After a tee shot directly into the wind on the 200 yd plus par 3 18th hole that somehow managed to defy gravity by not rolling back off the heavily sloped front of the green and down the embankment, I two putted for par to cap off a great afternoon.
Luckily the bar restaurant was still open when we finished and Cameron and I enjoyed a pint and the bartender’s recommendation of the lamb pie and chips.
This day also marks my move up the road to the Clashmore House a bit closer to Dornoch. It used to be owned by Andrew Carnegie whose estate also owns the ultra private Skibo Castle and Links across the street. I will call this place home base for the rest of my trip. Stuart and Mandy are the hosts and wonderful people as are all I’ve met in Scotland.
Tomorrow I’m headed to Royal Dornoch championship course, with rain early morning before I play and then afternoon serious wind…. Should be an adventure!
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| Cameron, whose specialty is pint liquidation. |
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| Brora |
Just a bit of wind!
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| Brora with fences around the greens. |
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| Cameron indicating the direction I should hit my tee ball. |
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| Sheep crossing the fairway. |
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| 18th a Brora... does not look like much until you get up by the green and see the huge undulations that make it very unrecptive. |
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| Nice fire, hot tea and raspberry cake back at the Clashmore House. |
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