report on my winter trip

[Dodger]

Played both Carnoustie and the Old course.I will not be rushing back to Carnoustie thro the winter as it had 3 temp greens and also the 3rd and 18th were playing as par 3's and some of the holes were played out of sync lke the 6th was our 3rd and the 3rd was our 13th...not sure why there is the need for this as they are still getting the feet over them.some tees also had astroturf on them.....all in all not a great experience despite it being a lovely day although it was windy,getting off 40 mins early by a really helpful starter(Sorry that is why we did not meet up A-F) and the greens were fine despite reports to the contrary.
Now for the Old........blew a hurricane but it was still a pleasure to play the old lady......greens were superb,no holes played from winter tees so full course played.3 of the group were playing it for the 1st time and I said to them it was a shame they had played it in such high winds but all 3 of them were grinning ear to ear afterwards they had enjoyed it so much.....'what wind?' was there remarks!

all in all a great trip but next year may look at Montrose,Scotscraig,Panmure or sumthing like that to take the pLace of Carnoustie.I played it from the back pegs last May so know just how great a course it can be but Thursday was not a great time.

 

[Marko77]

Shame about Carnoustie but suppose its a risk visiting some courses at this time of year as this is when they are doing alot of work ahead of the summer season ahead.

Highly recommend any of the other courses you mention. Panmure especially is a tough test. Monifeith is also a cracking links course in that neck of the woods.

 

[bunkered]

Dodger, do you think the old course is worth the money, never played it but i have walked it during the open and dunhill cup, only holes i like are wee par three at the loop, the one with the bunker right in front of the green and the 17th. If the course did not have all its history how would you rate it, i have heard a few of the locals saying the new is a better course.

 

[madandra]

Dodger, I think courses like Carnoustie are expected to do serious work and damage limitation during the winter months to keep the course fresh and challenging for members and visitors alike during the summer. The R&A will have high standards if Carnoustie want to remain on the Open venue list.

 

[Dodger]

divot it is worth all the money and more,a great golf course.I really do not know where the story re the new being trumpeted as the best in St Andrews comes from but for me the new is nothing great and for me the Jubilee is superior but give the old for each day till I die and I would die a happy man.

 

[birdieman]

To stand on the 1st tee at the Old Course for the first time and try to hit the biggest fairway in the world should be an easy task - it isn't.
Knowing you're following in the footsteps of the greatest golfers ever is enough for most of us. It's not a difficult course but the greens and bunkering are what makes it.
If like me you know the left side of the course better than the right it's very playable, if however you're a slicer then you could be in trouble.