My First Experience Of A Major Venue

[Spoff]

Good morning all, I spent the weekend away with family at Lytham and family weekends being what they are I managed to escape for a brief time and found myself walking through the gates of Royal Lytham St. Anne’s.

Only got to spend fifteen on the grounds but have to say it was an amazing experience – the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up as I walked to the pro shop, I bought a ball marker, I think I am turning into a Jackdaw!. The guy in the pro shop was more than happy to spend a few minutes chatting about the course and some of the preparation work being done for the open.

I’ve not been playing long and have always said I want to play a major course before I am 40, that leave just short of nine years to get a handicap and make sure it is no higher than 21.

Just before I left I stood looking over the first hole, the wind was strong but I imagine it was nothing more than a breeze compared to what it can be like there!!!

Has anyone played it?

 

[Smiffy]

Haven't played it but watched the Open there in 1996 when Tom Lehman won it.
I think that must have been the hottest day of the year, we were scorched just sitting there and I'd hated to have been playing that day.
The course looked a monster.
I've played a couple of Open venues, have never been so nervous as I was teeing off the 1st at St Andrews.

 

[Fyldewhite]

I'm sat at work right now about 5 mins walk from the clubhouse at Royal Lytham. It's certainly a tough track, especially when the rough is up in summer. It's the only course in the area I haven't played but there's no way I'm stumping up the £100+. They have gone to town on alterations on quite a few holes and seem to be able to pick bunkers up, move them 30 yards and make it look as though they've always been there. Should get a game or two when I'm Captain of our club 2011

 

[Spoff]

The 2012 Open there will come too soon for me, but the next time it is there I have told my five year old I will take him.

(he was with me yesterday and was suitably under whelmed)!!!

 

[thecraw]

I love the feeling you get playing places like Turnberry, Royal Troon etc. The 8th at Troon is probably the place where I really got the "willies". Its such an iconic hole and boy did it hit home while standing on the tee. Just knowing legends such as Palmer, Nicklaus, Watson, etc have also stood possibly even on the exact same spot gave me goosebumps!

Machrihanish is the same for me just because of the remoteness and history.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The opening tee shot at St Andrews should be one of the easiers at there is plenty of room but it isn't so easy standing there and feeling yourself physically shaking. No hiding place and a question of taking a deep breath and trusting the swing. Fortunately I made reasonable contact and hit it fairly straight

 

[stef92]

I haven't played it but i hope to soon with a family friend. But I know exactly what you mean about the hairs on the back of your neck.

I played at Carnoustie last year and it was simply amazing!! I loved every minute even despite the mid july Scottish "Sunshine"!

Honestly if you can get your handicap down and you will not regret that small fortune you hand over! By the 2nd Tee it is worth it and so long as you have a decent round you will feel like you robbed them.

Put it this way, I played Carnoustie last year, 1 Open Course, this year I am playing at Royal St George's and Royal Liverpool, in the next 2 weeks! With hopefully another one planned for the Summer!

Once you have got the handicap sorted, post me a message and I would gladly go round with you on your first Open Round.

 

[Imurg]

I too have yet to play a Major course.

One day.....


Trouble is they're all links!!!