Special Addition #5 from Scotland (Clark & Eichelberger's Big Adventure!)

Jim's Notes:

Day 6 - The Glen, aka “Pebble Beach of Scotland” was up first for the day and then Gullane 3.  Gullane 3 finished out our Gullane hat trick by playing all 3 courses. 

The Glen round started rough because someone at The Glen failed to actually contact the caddies planned for our round.  The course provided complimentary trollies for our round.  This mistake did not sit well with Mr. Clark and he was steamed to start the round. Even the trash game was canceled due to the situation. To add salt to the wound, the first hole was a par 4 that played straight out away from the clubhouse, then directly up 70’ of elevation to a blind approach shot to the green. Had caddies been available, we would have had some course knowledge for line and distance.  Safe to say Mike and I did not hit the right distance and this added to the level of discontent. 

The Glen is absolutely breathtaking. The views are simply amazing. Both players hit the ball well, but one of the two golfers sent most of their approaches over the green, adding even further to the lack of caddies frustration. Both players agree that The Glen is the best meeting of land, sea and golf that we have ever seen.  And Mike has played Pebble Beach. 👍

Gullane 3 brought us back to Day 2 and our same caddies (Neil and Mark). Both are excellent caddies and a pleasure to be around. Mike played well and cleaned up again on the trash game. I earned a couple of snakes for my lack luster play. I did not back up my solid 80 from the championship tees at The Glen.  Oh well at least I played well once today.

Mike's Notes:

Let’s just say that The Glen club is one of the best kept golf secrets in the world. If this cliff side links was in the US it would command $500 greens fees and would be booked full every day. Here if you live in Scotland you can be lucky enough to belong to several clubs. I saw a gent this morning that we met in the pub who is a member and he plays every morning at 7. Yearly membership for locals at most clubs is 500 pounds or less. It’s hard to believe. Golf is not just for fun but it’s a way of life here. Speaking of Pubs whoever was supposed to line up our caddies today must have had a hard night in the Pub as no caddies were to be found. The starter said someone forgot to contact them and we were on our own. That did not sit well with me as I think the caddy experience is about 75% of a really enjoyable round here. That being said it’s tough to do a lot of bitching as #1 we are guests here and #2 I would be arguing from a weak position as I just watched a group of 70 year old plus ladies either carry their clubs or push them several hundred yards straight up the hill on the 1st hole.

Jim did not let it bother him in the least and went on to some of his best ball striking of the trip and a very solid round. Had we been playing trash he’d have skinned me. I just could not shake the no caddy surprise and despite hitting the ball decently most of the way around I kept hitting the ball just short of the green only to watch it roll completely thru and into the rough. After a string of about 3 bogeys in a row I made my first double bogey of the trip only to be matched by an awesome birdie by Jim on a tough and blind downhill par 3 right on the ocean.

When we finished we both agreed that the course was so special it would be worth scrapping tomorrows round and coming back again with caddies.

Unfortunately it was not in the cards. We have caddies already booked for another course tomorrow and we both agreed we didn’t want to stiff someone who was counting on our fabulous company and the pounds and tip in the end.

Our second round was at Gullane 3…. With caddies that showed up. Although we didn’t take a lot of pics Gullane 3 was a gem of a course and true links. Any of our golf group back home would find it fair and fun.

Tomorrow we play a new venue and then it’s off to the St. Andrews area.

Hopefully we have not embarrassed ourselves too badly here and left those we have met with a smile and a positive outlook on folks from Missouri.

Jimmy trying to plot a course of action that does not involve the beach.

Me and my caddie at Gullane 3

Jim and I both hit 7 irons from 189 uphill to the front of the green… 218 to the back and finished 6 inches apart…. He got the damn greenie

Weather Cool, but Leroy was on Fire!

Cooler weather today: 63-66 degrees, 3-4 mph winds, softer fairways and not terribly fast greens.... Leroy Eggert had a magnificent round of 69. However, no good deed goes unpunished, as his quota just jumped 2 points.

Team Winners: The team of Eggert, Coleman, C. Voss & Purschke won the front (+5), the back (E) and total (+5).

Individual Winners: Eggert won the front (+5).  the back (+3) & total (+8).

Closest to the Holes:  Coleman won #3 and C. Voss won #11.

Even/Plus Points Club: Eggert (+8), Kossmann (+4), Coleman (+2), Moosman (+1)

75 & Below Score Club: Eggert (69), Coleman (72)

Golf Quote:  “A leading difficulty with the average player is that he totally misunderstands what is meant by concentration. He may think he is concentrating hard when he is merely worrying.” – Bobby Jones

Quota Increases: Coleman (+1), Eggert (+2), Kossmann (+2)

Quota Decreases: Hall (-1), Purschke (-1)

Quotas:  Aholt 29 * Blackwell 31 * Clark 34 * Coleman 34 * Cozzo 27 * Crow 32 * Curran 28 * Curtis 31 * Dister 26 * Dunlavy 27 * Eckelkamp 36 * Eggert 32 * Eichelberger 33 * Fortner 30 * Gildehaus 29 * Hall 28 * Herrick 27 * Hoemann 34 * Johnson 31 * Kavanaugh 26 * Kossmann 28 * Loyd 23 * Miller 22 * Mitchell 27 * Moosman 26 * Morris 24 * Nealis 23 * Parmentier 32 * Purschke 22 * Sharma 31 * Stoehner 25 * Triplett 30 * Viox 27 * Voss, Chas 27 * Voss, Colby 32 * Voss, Dean 34 * Zastrow 33

Special Addition #4 from Scotland (Clark & Eichelberger's Big Adventure!)

Mike Clark's Notes:

Well today's golf took us to two more courses… Dunbar Golf Club, situated almost entirely along the coast and the morning started off with the wind at our backs. Scoring was good and other than the occasional errant drive, Jimmy hit some bombs. Unfortunately, Jimmy’s caddie suffered from some type of astigmatism because he saw few of them. He seemed to depend on either Jimmy, me or my caddie to locate the ball. Caddy selection seems to be a roll of the dice here. Most all are great guys, some are super sharp and I seem to be on a heater with mine….. Jimmy not so much.

Dunbar was perfectly manicured and firm and fast. The greens here are just slower. Slower than what we would ever play at our club. It’s a courser grass and although they could probably make them really speedy, I was told they choose not to do so in an attempt to keep the ball from blowing off the green. It takes getting used to and the caddies give me about as much sympathy for not getting the ball to the hole as my playing partners back home.

That being said, Dunbar is one of those courses that you want to play again and again because it’s just that good. Tough, but good. When you turn back into the wind and are greeted with 400 plus yards hole after hole it’s hard to believe the Scots don’t have up tees, but they don’t. It’s Championship, regular mens and ladies. Peg it up, shut up and move on quickly which they do. Average round time is well under 4 hours and that’s playing it down everywhere and walking. This afternoon was Longniddry Links…

It was not what I have come to think of as a links course….the sea was visible thru the trees but no rolling dunes. My opinion might be biased because I got my ass kicked by the course and wind and rain in the afternoon round carding a smooth 75…. Not too bad one might think except it’s a par 68 full of 400plus yard holes and no par 5s with greens comparable to old Warrenton golf course that hadn’t been cut in two weeks. Zero birdies this afternoon for either of us.

All and all, great fun.

Peg it up, shut up and keep moving!

Photos:

Special Addition #3 from Scotland (Clark & Eichelberger's Big Adventure!)

 Mike Clark's Notes:

North Berwick West links was a true test today. What a layout just steeped in history. This was definitely one course that was at the top of my list to play in this area. Golf has been played on this site for a long long time. Prior to teeing off we were ushered into the clubhouse for a tour and upstairs to the bar for a warming whiskey and views of the 18th green and fairway.

Todays front 9 played straight into a 30mph wind and was a real eye opener. I think on the second hole I hit a decent drive my caddie told me I had about 240 to the pin…I’m thinking I’m in good position to hit a well positioned lay up and a birdie chance to go one under…. Wrong… it’s a par 4… I smoked a 2 iron low and running and still had 60 yards in.

Nice little 2 putt bogey. Turf here is tight and there is no room for error… you hit it flush or you don’t. It’s a quick lesson in contacting the ball first and a dose of humility if you don’t. The course ventures out away from the town and turns around and heads back in. A true links style all along the seashore.

Despite giving myself some birdie chances I never made one. Jim made the only birdie of the day. Not that I didn’t have my chances as I had a long eagle putt on 11 which resulted in a three putt par and nearly drove the green on 18… downwind I might add… and another 3 putt par on the 18th and a lost golden Murphy from the fringe… I did my utmost to not throw the putter on hallowed ground and walked away with my tail between my legs and 5 lost dots.

Old Tom Morris would have been proud of me.

It was a great experience… I feel at peace with a great day….. but I’m still hot about that 3 putt par… and that lost golden Murphy.

Jim Eichelberger's Notes: 

North Berwick West Links

Fantastic course on the beach.  The front 9 played into a 30 mph wind and was challenging. 2 long par 4’s of 400+ that were unreachable in two. Back 9 was with the wind.  Out in 35 and in was 36 for par 71. 

We played with Lucas from Switzerland and Patrick from Boston.  Two very nice gents.   

Mike was the medalist for the foursome with a very solid 77. Jim took runner up with a lack luster 84.  The positive for Jim is he finished with a 39 on the back after a 45 on the wind punishing front.  Shocker😂. 

We then finished at a local pub called Ault Hoose.  Not house.  Mike’s adding of salt to his beers was a huge show for the local pub goers.

Scotland now has “trash” for golf and salt for beer.  They keep asking “is this a new American thing” and I quickly respond “no! This is a Mike Clark thing”.  😂😂😂

Photos from Noth Berwick West Links:

Special Addition #2 from Scotland (Clark & Eichelberger's Big Adventure!)

Day 3 in Scotland

Mike's Comments:  Today we played with the owner of the Ducks Inn where we are staying. He is a YouTube personality and a quite noted local player and golf historian. He is also a member of two very exclusive clubs... Renaissance and Archerfield. The Renaissance club hosts the Scottish open and they are getting ready to make a spot for the up and coming bomber, Jimmy Eichelberger. He played very well and putted like a demon to win the trash and low score with a nice 75.

It’s not an easy course and he put the stamp on good play. We followed the golf with a beautiful lunch in the clubhouse before heading to Archerfield.

Archerfield is situated on an estate where golf has been played for 500 years. It was manicured to perfection and every fairway was lined with blooming gorse. I loved it… Jimmy hated it.

Things went better for MC and I’m pleased to say I never lost a ball and played well.

All and all, a great day of Scotland golf!

Jim's Comments: The Archerfield course is OB down both sides of every fairway.  The Gorse is dense and impossible to find a ball in. Mike played it well and I hated it.

Renaissance course was a different story.  I love it because of the views and the openness of the course.  Bombers paradise. 

Renaissance Pictures:

  

Archerfield Dirleton Links Pictures:

Hot & Humid!!!

A muggy day today: 78-85 degrees, humid, 2-3 mph winds, semi-firm fairways and slower/furry greens.... Any early taste of summer today. Even had mosquito sightings… Be certain to check out the travels of Mike Clark & Jim Eichelberger in the separate blogs ‘Special Additions from Scotland’.  Sounds and looks like they are living the dream!

Team Winners: The team of Coleman, Hall & Moosman won the front (+5) & total (+2).  The team of Curran, Dunlavy, Eggert & Kossmann won the back (E).

Individual Winners: Coleman won the front (+5) & total (+4).  Kossmann won the back (+3).

Closest to the Holes: Moosmann won #3 and Coleman won #11.

Even/Plus Points Club: Coleman (+4), Dunlavy (+1), Kossmann (+1), Moosman (E).

75 & Below Score Club: Coleman (72)

Golf Quote: “Golf is about how well you accept, respond to, and score with your misses much more so than it is a game of your perfect shots.” - Dr Bob Rotella

Quota Increases: Coleman (+2), Dunlavy (+1)

Quota Decreases: None

Quotas:  Aholt 29 * Blackwell 31 * Clark 34 * Coleman 33 * Cozzo 27 * Crow 32 * Curran 28 * Curtis 31 * Dister 26 * Dunlavy 27 * Eckelkamp 36 * Eggert 30 * Eichelberger 33 * Fortner 30 * Gildehaus 29 * Hall 29 * Herrick 27 * Hoemann 34 * Johnson 31 * Kavanaugh 26 * Kossmann 26 * Loyd 23 * Miller 22 * Mitchell 27 * Moosman 26 * Morris 24 * Nealis 23 * Parmentier 32 * Purschke 23 * Sharma 31 * Stoehner 25 * Triplett 30 * Viox 27 * Voss, Chas 27 * Voss, Colby 32 * Voss, Dean 34 * Zastrow 33 

Special Addition #1 from Scotland (Clark & Eichelberger's Big Adventure!)

 Mike Clark has written the following on May 12th, 2023....

We are pleased to say that the Trash game has made its way to Scotland and it’s a huge hit among caddies.

Started the trip off totally Jet-lagged but played a beautiful seaside links called Kilspendie… just right around the corner from the Ducks Inn in Aberlady. It an incredible seaside links that would be suitable for any member of our regular group. Despite being green…. Fairways are firm and fast and playing short of the green and running the ball onto the green is an absolute necessity. 150 downwind means 130 and a decent bounce and roll to the pin. Jimmy has amazed some caddies and todays playing partners by hitting some absolute bombs. Greens are always receptive to that type of shot and green side bunkers are playable but unfortunately I found a few fairway bunkers today and it’s basically a one shot penalty. Unless your lie is far enough back from the lip, a splash out sideways is your only option and most likely a hard earned bogey. Todays golf was 36 holes Gullane number 2 to start followed by Gullane number 1. Both are hillside links courses with views that rival Pebble Beach. It must be experienced to accurately describe the beauty and charm. Stunning seaside vistas, blooming gorse, fescue rough and windswept dunes.

Most every hole offers one of those ahhh haa moments that leaves you in disbelief that “can this really get any better?” Greens are not quite as fast as ours when in great shape but are true and require some deft touch if downhill or side hill.

Tomorrow brings us to the Renaissance club as guest of Malcom Duck…we are at the "Ducks Inn” …. Check him out on YouTube. He changed is schedule to play with the Missouri boys .  Should be an adventure.

Day #1 Pictures

Day #2 Pictures

Escaping the Rain!

 

Rains came for twenty minutes prior to noon, but we started on time: 73-79 degrees, 8-9 mph winds, moist fairways and the greens were a bit furry.... Heath reports: Contacted Mac Miller today to get an update on his knee replacement surgery and he says that he has gotten off of the oxy and he believes the worst of the pain has passed. He is hoping to get out and about on his cart in the near future… Charlie J. was spotted in the gallery on #16 and followed group #2 into the clubhouse, via his golf cart.  He feels that he is on track to re-join us in a week or so… Lois Dister had her other knee replaced today.  Dave will be out of action for two to three weeks as he helps nurse Lois back to health. Best wishes to Lois!  Lastly, Coleman seems to be healthy again, as he fired a blistering 71 today!

Team Winners: The team of Dunlavy, Kossmann & Purschke won the front (+3).  The team of Coleman, Eggert & Hall won the back (+3) and total (+3).

Individual Winners: Coleman swept by winning the front (+3), the back (+3) & total (+6)

Closest to the Holes:  Kossmann won #3 and Eggert won #11.

Even/Plus Points Club: Coleman (+6), Kossmann (+3), Dunlavy (E), Eggert (E)

75 & Below Score Club: Coleman (71)

Golf Quote:  “Golf is the hardest game in the world. There is no way you can ever get it. Just when you think you do, the game jumps up and puts you in your place.” – Ben Crenshaw

Quota Increases: Coleman (+1), Kossmann (+1)

Quota Decreases: Dunlavy (-1), Eggert (-1), Purschke (-1)

Quotas:  Aholt 29 * Blackwell 31 * Clark 34 * Coleman 31 * Cozzo 27 * Crow 32 * Curran 28 * Curtis 31 * Dister 26 * Dunlavy 26 * Eckelkamp 36 * Eggert 30 * Eichelberger 33 * Fortner 30 * Gildehaus 29 * Hall 29 * Herrick 27 * Hoemann 34 * Johnson 31 * Kavanaugh 26 * Kossmann 26 * Loyd 23 * Miller 22 * Mitchell 27 * Moosman 26 * Morris 24 * Nealis 23 * Parmentier 32 * Purschke 23 * Sharma 31 * Stoehner 25 * Triplett 30 * Viox 27 * Voss, Chas 27 * Voss, Colby 32 * Voss, Dean 34 * Zastrow 33

Welcome Mike Scheer … Get Better Soon Charlie Johnson!

Near perfect weather today: 71-79 degrees, 6-7 mph winds, firm fairways and not terribly fast greens.... We would like to welcome Mike Scheer.  Mike has been a coach for 35 years and is currently the Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant Coach at SFBHS….. Charlie Johnson had to leave today’s round after finishing the front. This blogger had a phone interview with CJ, who confirmed that he has had a recurrence of a hernia issue that plagued him in the past. A true testament to Charlie’s toughness, he believes that he should be back within a week or so!.... Clark & Eichelberger off to Scottland tomorrow (Wednesday) to play the great courses!

Team Winners: The team of Dunlavy, Hall & Moosman won the front (+5) & total (+1).  The team of Coleman, Johnson, Voss & Scheer won the back (E).

Individual Winners: Coleman won the front (+4) & total (+5), Koosmann, Coleman & Voss tied the back (+1)

Closest to the Holes:  Kossmann won #3 and Coleman won #11.

Even/Plus Points Club: Coleman (+5), Koosmann (+4), Hall (+2), Dunlavy (+1)

75 & Below Score Club: Coleman (73)

Golf Quote:  "A good round of golf is if you can hit about three shots that turnout exactly as you planned them."   - Ben Hogan

Quota Increases: Coleman (+1),  Hall (+1)

Quota Decreases: Curran (-1),  Moosman (-1)

Quotas: Aholt 29 * Blackwell 31 * Clark 34 * Coleman 30 * Cozzo 27 * Crow 32 * Curran 28 * Curtis 31 * Dister 26 * Dunlavy 27 * Eckelkamp 36 * Eggert 31 * Eichelberger 33 * Fortner 30 * Gildehaus 29 * Hall 29 * Herrick 27 * Hoemann 34 * Johnson 31 * Kavanaugh 26 * Kossmann 25 * Loyd 23 * Miller 22 * Mitchell 27 * Moosman 26 * Morris 24 * Nealis 23 * Parmentier 32 * Purschke 24 * Scheer 20 * Sharma 31 * Stoehner 25 * Triplett 30 * Viox 27 * Voss, Chas 27 * Voss, Colby 32 * Voss, Dean 34 * Zastrow 33 

Rain, Rain…Go Away!

 

Bill’s chants pushed all the forecasted rain away on Saturday and allowed for a nice day of golf: 72-83 degrees, 10-14 mph winds, firm fairways and fast greens.  Ray and Tom missed playing with the group yesterday, as they played a benefit scramble at Wolf Hollow for the Washington Post 218 Legion Baseball Team.  Although possibly not as brutal as the ‘Bataan Death March’, it is certain that Coleman & Crow would have committed hara-kiri had they participated in the, near, SIX hour long slog!

Team Winners: The team of Kavanaugh, Kossmann & Johnson won the front (E).  Hall, C. Voss & Moosman won the back (+3) and total (E).

Individual Winners: Hall & Johnson tie the front (+1), Moosman & Johnson tie the back (+2) and Johnson wins total (+3)

Closest to the Holes:  C. Voss won #7 and Hall won #11.

Even/Plus Points Club: Johnson +3, Hall +1 & Moosman +1

75 & Below Score Club: Johnson (74)

Golf Quote: “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” — Arnold Palmer

Quota Increases: Johnson +1

Quota Decreases: Kavanaugh -1

Quotas:  Aholt 29 * Blackwell 31 * Clark 34 * Coleman 29 * Cozzo 27 * Crow 32 * Curran 29 * Curtis 31 * Dister 26 * Dunlavy 27 * Eckelkamp 36 * Eggert 31 * Eichelberger 33 * Fortner 30 * Gildehaus 29 * Hall 28 * Herrick 27 * Hoemann 34 * Johnson 31 * Kavanaugh 26 * Kossmann 25 * Loyd 23 * Miller 22 * Mitchell 27 * Moosman 27 * Morris 24 * Nealis 23 * Parmentier 32 * Purschke 24 * Sharma 31 * Stoehner 25 * Triplett 30 * Viox 27 * Voss, Chas 27 * Voss, Colby 32 * Voss, Dean 34 * Zastrow 33

May the 4th be with You

Absolutely perfect golf weather on Thursday with the following conditions: 72-76 degrees, 3-7 mph winds, mostly cloudy, firm fairways and fast greens.  Clark was hoping for gale force winds to further help him with his Scotland golf preparations... but didn't complain, as he fired a strong 70!

Team Winners:  The team of Hall, Dunlavy, Dister & C. Voss won front (+5), back (+6) & total (+11).

Closest to the Holes:  Bob Coleman won both #3 & #11.

Even/Plus Points Club:  Hall +6, Dunlavy +4, Chas V. +4, Clark +3, Chas J. (E)

75 & Below Score Club:  Clark 70, Hall 74

Golf Quote:  "Golf, like measles, should be caught young, for, if postponed to riper years, the results may be serious!" - P.G. Wodehouse

Quota Increases:  Dunlavy+1, Hall +1

Quota Decreases:  Kossmann-1, Moosman-1, Purschke-1

Quotas:  Aholt 29 * Blackwell 31 * Clark 34 * Coleman 29 * Cozzo 27 * Crow 32 * Curran 29 * Curtis 31 * Dister 26 * Dunlavy 27 * Eckelkamp 36 * Eggert 31 * Eichelberger 33 * Fortner 30 * Gildehaus 29 * Hall 28 * Herrick 27 * Hoemann 34 * Johnson 30 * Kavanaugh 27 * Kossmann 25 * Loyd 23 * Miller 22 * Mitchell 27 * Moosman 27 * Morris 24 * Nealis 23 * Parmentier 32 * Purschke 24 * Sharma 31 * Stoehner 25 * Triplett 30 * Viox 27 * Voss, Chas 27 * Voss, Colby 32 * Voss, Dean 34 * Zastrow 33

And they call the wind Mariah🎼

On a day when Gale force winds and tough pin placements forced two team into a total of -42 Charlie "the bear" Voss took charge. tying the front with the "other Charlie", he proceeded to tie the back, win total, and carry his team of Bob and Rich to a team trifecta. Bob stuck it close on #3 and greg won closest on 11.........................Increases Voss, Chas +1 Decreases Clark -1 Coleman -1 Eichelberger -1 Hall -1 Moosman -1 Purschke -1 Quotas Aholt 29 * Blackwell 31 * Clark 34 * Coleman 29 * Cozzo 27 * Crow 32 * Curran 29 * Curtis 31 * Dister 26 * Dunlavy 26 * Eckelkamp 36 * Eggert 31 * Eichelberger 33 * Fortner 30 * Gildehaus 29 * Hall 27 * Herrick 27 * Hoemann 34 * Johnson 30 * Kavanaugh 27 * Kossmann 26 * Loyd 23 * Miller 22 * Mitchell 27 * Moosman 28 * Morris 24 * Nealis 23 * Parmentier 32 * Purschke 25 * Sharma 31 * Stoehner 25 * Triplett 30 * Viox 27 * Voss, Chas 27 * Voss, Colby 32 * Voss, Dean 34 * Zastrow 33