Castle Stuart thoughts

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NWJocko

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Meant to post this earlier and don't want to intrude on the the other thread.

Those that played the meet, or have just played the course, what do you make of it? Easy/difficult for the pro's? Long/short (again more from a pro's point of view)?

Also, further down the line do you think it has the potential for a new Open course? In terms of the access, infrastructure and gubbins that comes with hosting an Open (space for spectators, media centre, tents, accommodation etc)?

Would be nice to spread the Open (Sandwich apart) around the UK coastline a bit more, a fairly narrow band of the country covers all (again, Sandwich apart) the courses on the rota.
 
Personally I think it will be pretty easy for the pros.

I've played it from the whites (6553 yards) and the greens (6153 yards) and it's pretty wide off the tee from both with little rough to speak of. Having spoken some of the green staff last month that's the way they want to keep it, apparently, to attract your average golfer to the course. Yeah there's room to extend the course to more than 7400 yards for the pros but the ball runs well on those wide fairways so it's not a problem for them. Add to that a few short par 4s and good greens and I think it'll be a birdie-fest.

Could you get 40,000 a day there? Probably not but no worse than Kingsbarns. A good Scottish Open venue in my mind but not an Open Championship one because of the narrow road in and lack of space for spectators on the course.
 
John is pretty spot on with his course assessment as I too found it very wide open and again I think the pros may well rip it apart.

As it for being a future open venue, I can’t honestly see it. The same questions were asked of Kingsbarns when it opened and ten years down the line nothing has happened, although the course does make up the rota for the Dunhill each year. I honestly believe that since Hoylake and Turnberry are now back on the rota that the R&A feel they have enough courses to host the open.
 
I think that the pro's will have a field day around there. It is an absolutely great course but for them probably quite easy.

As for the Open, no. It does not have the traditional look, and is unfortunately too new.

However, for the Scottish Open, it is perfect. The pros can get used to links style conditions, boost their confidence for the Open, and most of all it will provide stunning television.

1 final thought for the caddies. I wouldn't fancy lugging those bags between the 12th and 13th. They will earn their pay this week!
 
Something like 18 under will win it, they may have narrowed the fairways of course for the pros to make it harder.
Mixed weather forecast which may get the breeze up hopefully.

In terms of an Open venue I would want to see a Northern Ireland venue get the nod before any new ones in Scotland but apparently they have the logistical issues that Castle Stuart would have.
 
I thought it a great course and a good challenge - for amateurs. I'd love to play it again - only a lot better.

For a pro, too many birdie opportunities - I don't enjoy watching birdie fests, unless it's one of 'ours' stuffing our transatlantic cousins.

I can't see how they will get the galleries on the course - especially the firth side holes - unless they moor some barges and erect bleachers on there.

getting there is going to be hectic, not a lot of alternative routes; so leave early
 
Putting the tees back 50 yards plus on each hole will make the difference.
I reckon 14-16 under will be doing well especially if the wind gets up.
 
Looks exactly how I remember it too.
That 11th still lives in my mind as I went long and never found the ball. Great course and the camera shows it.
 
First time I've seen it and I must say it look spectacular!

As many of the posts said it does look "playable" for us mere mortals aswell with the wide fairways.

Bet there was some 3 putts at the forum meet looking at the greens was there.......

Great venue and rewarded with a great field this week aswell.
 
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