Spey Valley (Revisited)

[John_Findlay]

I was lucky enough to get another round at Spey Valley GC in Aviemore on Monday and, as it was the scene of the great 7-2 Golf Monthly victory over my band of intrepid pub duffers in April last year, I thought I would share the memories once again. A couple of videos of the course .

Front 9

Back 9

I realise that about 20 forumers played the course that day last year but doubt if any of you actually saw it through the cold and rain. There was certainly a distinct lack of photos which, on one of the most picturesque courses in Scotland, says it all about the weather. Was it -1 or -2?

Feel free to regale us with your stories from the day once again. Which were your good and bad holes or your favourites.




It was a case of third time lucky for me on Monday. Not only did we get reasonable weather (about 35 fahrenheit, little wind, few specks of rain) but I had a half decent round too. An 80 off the yellow tees (6653 yds). Birdies at the 9th, 13th and 16th as well. Sad lost ball for a 7 at the 7th , my favourite hole too. Damn.

For those who haven't played the course the videos will give a flavour. It really is a cracker and one of my favourites... but set amongst mountains so open to the vagueries of the weather. Pick a good day and you will love it.

 

[stevek1969]

would love to play it again this time maybe in august when its warmer.the 18th for me as it was time for a hot shower which turned out to freezing cold as well.

a cracking course which is worth a visist.

 

[brendy]

Agreed, its a lovely course, quite a walk round if you didnt have a buggy!
Plenty of memories, one being finding my drive down the right of the 4,5 or 6th hole (cant remember which one) but it was a severe slope with heather, found my ball along with half a dozen others and struggled to get back up the hill again as it was that cold and slippery haha.

I see the snow had cleared by this trip JF!

 

[John_Findlay]

As usual, the course was in great nick, Brendy but the course was empty so we almost had it to ourselves. They've also spent a bit of money on the "clubhouse" which greatly improves the facilities. You will spot the lack of waterproofs and skis. I think they only get three sunny days a year! Damned shame. I really rate it.

 

[brendy]

Do you still get to walk past the fatties sat in the swimming pool "sunning" themselves?

 

[John_Findlay]

Yeah. 'Fraid so. That is a bit bizarre. But it is a bit classier now.

 

[19thagain]

John this video brings back so many memories, I know Heather very well after playing there!

The setting is superb and the course, as suggested with a buggy, is to die for.

Play to your handicap on this course and you are doing well with all the clubs in your bag.

Well done!

 

[thecraw]

Certainly one of the top three inland courses in Scotland in my opinion, only behind Loch Lomond and on a par, possibly slightly btter than Blairgowrie Rosemount.

Is that a fair assesment???

 

[thecraw]

John,

you loook as though your swinging the club really well at the moment.

 

[Dodger]

Craw,I certainly enjoyed it more than Rosemount,in fact I thought Rosemount was nice but not as good as I was led to expect.

Up there with the Kings as a great,fun course in incredible surroundings.

 

[thecraw]

I've not played the Kings but Spey is certainly better that the PGA at Gleneagles.

 

[Dodger]

Aye but as the saying goes,the PGA isn't even the best course in Auchterarder.

 

[John_Findlay]

I'd agree with Craw on this one. I haven't played Loch Lomond or any of the Gleneagles courses but Spey is my favourite inland course by a short neck from a few other heathland courses (Scotscraig & Blairgowrie).

In my view it only has two holes which don't get my juices flowing and those are the 2nd and 14th.

And cheers, Crawford, about the swing. At least I'm spotting the faults now and am trying to do something about them!

 

[User20205]

Cheers John. I'm starting to look forward to these video snapshots of your rounds.

It looks a cracking course, I thought you played in May?

It looks a bit different from the May we have had down here.

 

[Smiffy]

Great video John, and I would love to play the course again.
When we played it last year, I have never been so cold, wet or miserable out on the links in my life!!
After about 8 or 9 holes I could hardly feel my hands, let alone grip the club!
Brought back a few memories seeing your film.

 

[SammmeBee]

Went back last week too - much warmer this time only the wooly hat and mittens this time!!

Thought the course was great but it is a looooooooooooooooong walk - the views of the countryside are unbelievable too...