bluewolf
Money List Winner
I thought the whole course was "American Links". Not a negative as such, but just left a slightly "out of place" feeling. The course itself was visually stunning, but just doesn't yet stand up to closer scrutiny.
Trump int'l / Carnoustie, April/May 2016
- Thread starter Liverbirdie
- Start date
FairwayDodger
Money List Winner
I'd describe it as a modern, rather than American, links. It's a different game in many ways now than when the classic Scottish links courses were first played and that's reflected in aspects of the design.
I hadn't noticed anything about the greens (other than they were surprisingly slow) but did think the fairway turf wasn't quite what you'd expect. I put it down to the relative newness of the course. But the big gripe for me was some of the bunkers. Tall vertical faces combined with flat sand is not fair. A fairway bunker should cost you a shot but if it's not plugged you should be able to expect to have a chance of getting out and that's not possible if your ball can run up to a couple of inches from a vertical face.
So, for me, a great layout albeit with a few weaker holes, but a few minor issues that I'm sure will be addressed at some stage.
I hadn't noticed anything about the greens (other than they were surprisingly slow) but did think the fairway turf wasn't quite what you'd expect. I put it down to the relative newness of the course. But the big gripe for me was some of the bunkers. Tall vertical faces combined with flat sand is not fair. A fairway bunker should cost you a shot but if it's not plugged you should be able to expect to have a chance of getting out and that's not possible if your ball can run up to a couple of inches from a vertical face.
So, for me, a great layout albeit with a few weaker holes, but a few minor issues that I'm sure will be addressed at some stage.
Junior
Tour Winner
Thanks to LQ, Birchy and LB......top top draw. A trip that will live long in the memory. Great to meet , play and share a beer with so many. Even though I'm not in till tomorrow, I'm on a proper return-to-work downer.
Murcar was a super friendly club , a real gem of a course which was tough as old boots with the wind.
Trump and Carnoustie were mind blowing. Both links but completely different courses. Trump is visually the most stunning course I have played. Not a weak hole but I do think the greens, bunkers and fairways need a bit more time to settle.
Carnoustie on the other hand was charming, subtle and made you work for your score. I could play there everyday and not get bored.
Murcar was a super friendly club , a real gem of a course which was tough as old boots with the wind.
Trump and Carnoustie were mind blowing. Both links but completely different courses. Trump is visually the most stunning course I have played. Not a weak hole but I do think the greens, bunkers and fairways need a bit more time to settle.
Carnoustie on the other hand was charming, subtle and made you work for your score. I could play there everyday and not get bored.
Val
Ryder Cup Winner
Same grass I believe used at Castle Stuart.
bluewolf
Money List Winner
I should add, that whilst the above statement sounds like a criticism, I really loved playing the course.. Comfortably in my top 5, and maybe even top 3.. I think that in 3-5 years it'll be absolutely amazing.. The facilities were also great.. :thup:
D
Deleted member 16999
Guest
I be happy if the grass on our greens were as good as the paths between the holes😃
D
Deleted member 1740
Guest
If my memory serves me right the turf at Castle Stuart still felt like turf at Carnoustie etc.
The one thing Trump needs is time to grow. It's very pleasing on the eye though.
Val
Ryder Cup Winner
I don't doubt it Stu but talking specifically about the greens. I'd need to go check but im certain I was told it's the same grass on both.
D
Deleted member 1740
Guest
Val, I've had that many conversations over this it was just a general point mate.
I'm sure Trump will mature into a great course but it'll probably take a good 5yrs I guess until it beds in properly.
Val
Ryder Cup Winner
I dont disagree at all, my comment is on D4S's comment about the wrong grass for greens on Scottish links.
It's easy to be blown away by how stunning it is on the eye when some of the holes may (I use may as i havent played it) not be as good as they look but it will mature into an amazing place without doubt.
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
Don't get me wrong, there wasn't a hole on the course that I didn't enjoy but it really should play firmer and faster. Some greens it was possible to practically through the ball at the flag and stop it dead. Links golf should not be like that.
Val
Ryder Cup Winner
Fair point but bear in mind how wet it's been up here this winter, even Carnoustie was pretty soft yesterday.
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
Indeed but it's nothing to do with moisture levels, purely too lush a grass for a links course. A very broad leafed lush green grass rather than the nice fine stuff that goes brown in summer.
richart
Major Champion
Trip was ok, with no out and out goat tracks I suppose.
Absolutely bloody brilliant ! Huge thanks to the Peter, Scott and Glyn for organising the best golf trip I have been on.:thup: Did anyone else think that Glyn reminded them of the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. Worried look verging on sheer panic.:mmm: Can I borrow your note pad for the H4H day ?
Courses were great. Enjoyed Cruden, and they really looked after us. Nice touch getting a minature whisky on the first tee. Loved Murcar even more, and I would happily be a member there. I will never forget playing the first hole there in stinging hail. When we agreed to go back to the clubhouse, I have never seen Stu move so fast. On his third pint by the time I got in. Thanks Andy for the loan of your brolley. I think we bonded for life on that walk back.oo:
Trump was visually stunning. Bunkers were deadly, and only fit to park your trolley in. The greens were variable, and not in the best condition, but the majority of the holes were just superb. It is a very long walk round though, and I have never felt so knackered coming off a course. Special mention for the paths which were as good as I have ever walked. :thup:You could hit a three wood off them, as one of my partners proved.
Carnoustie was different class though. No great views of the sea, dunes etc, out of bounds fences down quite a few holes, but a real players course. Stand on the tee, and try and plot your way round. Greens were stunning, and the fairways were nearly as quick. I loved the course when I played it before in the driving rain and wind, so knew I would love it even more playing in warm (ish) sun. The half way hut also served the best steak and gravy pie I have eaten. Thanks for the tip off Jim.:thup: Did anyone else notice that the nearest the pin marker on the 8th was from Cruden. Did Birchy half inch it ?
I think I got really lucky with the draw, well apart from Rick, for playing partners. Really top guys, and I thank you all for your great company. Good to play with Scott, Stu and Jim for the first time. Hopefully not the last.
Thanks again Pete, Scott and Glyn, and hopefully you are already sorting out the next one.:thup:
Absolutely bloody brilliant ! Huge thanks to the Peter, Scott and Glyn for organising the best golf trip I have been on.:thup: Did anyone else think that Glyn reminded them of the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. Worried look verging on sheer panic.:mmm: Can I borrow your note pad for the H4H day ?
Courses were great. Enjoyed Cruden, and they really looked after us. Nice touch getting a minature whisky on the first tee. Loved Murcar even more, and I would happily be a member there. I will never forget playing the first hole there in stinging hail. When we agreed to go back to the clubhouse, I have never seen Stu move so fast. On his third pint by the time I got in.
Thanks Andy for the loan of your brolley. I think we bonded for life on that walk back.oo:Trump was visually stunning. Bunkers were deadly, and only fit to park your trolley in.
The greens were variable, and not in the best condition, but the majority of the holes were just superb. It is a very long walk round though, and I have never felt so knackered coming off a course. Special mention for the paths which were as good as I have ever walked. :thup:You could hit a three wood off them, as one of my partners proved.Carnoustie was different class though. No great views of the sea, dunes etc, out of bounds fences down quite a few holes, but a real players course. Stand on the tee, and try and plot your way round. Greens were stunning, and the fairways were nearly as quick. I loved the course when I played it before in the driving rain and wind, so knew I would love it even more playing in warm (ish) sun. The half way hut also served the best steak and gravy pie I have eaten. Thanks for the tip off Jim.:thup: Did anyone else notice that the nearest the pin marker on the 8th was from Cruden.
Did Birchy half inch it ?I think I got really lucky with the draw, well apart from Rick, for playing partners. Really top guys, and I thank you all for your great company. Good to play with Scott, Stu and Jim for the first time. Hopefully not the last.
Thanks again Pete, Scott and Glyn, and hopefully you are already sorting out the next one.:thup:
But clubs now can't really afford to let the course get brown anymore. most top links have irrigation systems etc.
in the 10 years ive been playing and only seen one course go brown and the was Moray old a couple of years ago. that almost has disastrous consequences .
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
You missed the point Patrick, the type of grass used at Trump isn't the type that would go brown unlike any tradional links greens.
never played Trump so could not confirm what grass they have. But val said he was told its the same as CS. if so that has matured nicly and now does play more like a links in that you can run the ball up. main thing i think is these modern links are designed to look like a links but play like a parkland if that is your game... IE and American visitor
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
never played Trump so could not confirm what grass they have. But val said he was told its the same as CS. if so that has matured nicly and now does play more like a links in that you can run the ball up. main thing i think is these modern links are designed to look like a links but play like a parkland if that is your game... IE and American visitor
I hope you are right because it really does have the potential to be one of the finest courses on the planet.
2blue
Journeyman Pro
Ruddy hell Bri.... tek things steady man... get well soon cos there's a season just starting & yer needed for the 'Ol Gits at Forest Pines which will be good but can't come anywhere near these 5 days..... a very big Thankyou to the 3 wonder-guys who put together an amazing golfing experience..... it was knackering but I'm hopeful of making the next if I don't grow too old in the meanwhile.
Junior
Tour Winner
Trip was ok, with no out and out goat tracks I suppose.
Absolutely bloody brilliant ! Huge thanks to the Peter, Scott and Glyn for organising the best golf trip I have been on.:thup: Did anyone else think that Glyn reminded them of the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. Worried look verging on sheer panic.:mmm: Can I borrow your note pad for the H4H day ?
Courses were great. Enjoyed Cruden, and they really looked after us. Nice touch getting a minature whisky on the first tee. Loved Murcar even more, and I would happily be a member there. I will never forget playing the first hole there in stinging hail. When we agreed to go back to the clubhouse, I have never seen Stu move so fast. On his third pint by the time I got in.
Trump was visually stunning. Bunkers were deadly, and only fit to park your trolley in.
Carnoustie was different class though. No great views of the sea, dunes etc, out of bounds fences down quite a few holes, but a real players course. Stand on the tee, and try and plot your way round. Greens were stunning, and the fairways were nearly as quick. I loved the course when I played it before in the driving rain and wind, so knew I would love it even more playing in warm (ish) sun. The half way hut also served the best steak and gravy pie I have eaten. Thanks for the tip off Jim.:thup: Did anyone else notice that the nearest the pin marker on the 8th was from Cruden.
I think I got really lucky with the draw, well apart from Rick, for playing partners. Really top guys, and I thank you all for your great company. Good to play with Scott, Stu and Jim for the first time. Hopefully not the last.
Thanks again Pete, Scott and Glyn, and hopefully you are already sorting out the next one.:thup:
Thanks for not mentioning my 7 putt................
:rofl:
