Trump int'l / Carnoustie, April/May 2016
- Thread starter Liverbirdie
- Start date
HDID Kenny
Challenge Tour Pro
Epic trip guys well done on organising can't be easy, the courses were all great each with their own demands an all with testing weather. Murcar was a pleasant surprise didn't expect it to be what it was....tough, nice to get out and share a few beers. My golf was as I expected TBH all over the place, highlight being 29 pts on Trump Saturday with 4 blobs 2 coming on 17 & 18.
Trump, Castle Stuart & Kingsbarns are not Scottish Links courses they are manufactured for visitors (mostly American) therefore I don't get the 'wrong grass' comment! St Andrews Old, Carnoustie @ Leven Links are traditional Scottish links.
Once again thanks to all for making it a great trip, here's too the next one :thup:
Trump, Castle Stuart & Kingsbarns are not Scottish Links courses they are manufactured for visitors (mostly American) therefore I don't get the 'wrong grass' comment! St Andrews Old, Carnoustie @ Leven Links are traditional Scottish links.
Once again thanks to all for making it a great trip, here's too the next one :thup:
stevek1969
Money List Winner
The grass for Trump was all imported from a turf field in Ireland not far from Migillan Point in Northern Ireland ,passed it a few times on the way to the Foyle Ferry going to Ballyliffen.
IanG
Tour Rookie
...and the tail end charlies are still coming in....
Home now after a splendid & relaxed final 18 here with Chellie & her +1.
As you can see the weather was good albeit a tad blowy in keeping with the rest of the trip.
I'd like to reiterate my thanks to the herculean efforts made by the organisers who made the whole thing run so smoothly. From making the first payment to the end of today. everything has been handled with efficiency and a smile. Maybe you guys should go into business doing this for a living!
I enjoyed all the courses despite the challenging conditions. Sadly I seemed to have left my meagre golf skills at home somewhere but hey ho. Region3 and his pals Andy and Nigel deserve special mention for watching me nob it round on two days in a row. But actually the worst slow play we 4 saw was in the restaurant on Friday night!
Speaking of food, the best of the bunch for me was Cruden Bay who served up a seriously good lunch at a decent price. The raspberry goes to Trump who are just taking the mick with their prices.
Surprise of the trip for me was how much I enjoyed Murcar despite the hailstones. Great varied track, very friendly club and excellently presented - no doubt benefitting from the Scottish Boy's being held there a few weeks back.
Trump is the most arresting golf course I've ever seen and it was a real treat to play it twice. All the holes had their place and you felt you had the course to yourself at all times. It is still maturing and the fairways, while carpet smooth did not have the best surface for hitting shots. (I know this is a bit rich following my hacking around for two rounds !). For me the mega long 18th is a disappointing bit of willy waving which is not in character with the rest of the course. Glorious looking off the tee, but nearly 600yards off the forward tees into the prevailing wind is daft. Despite that I came off my first round at Trump euphoric, thinking is was the best course I'd ever played, but I've calmed down now and it has dropped back down the rankings a bit.
Carnoustie, which I've never played before, is sublime. I think you could play there every week for a year and still be learning the course. Biggest relief of the trip was playing Carnoustie and realising that every tee was right next to the previous green and not 500 yards along a manicured lawn a la Trump - no wonder it took us over 5 hours each day. Great tough par three's too. Carnoustie is certainly in my top 3.
So a great trip all round and I look forward to seeing what the lads, if they have the stamina, might serve up for us in 2018.
Home now after a splendid & relaxed final 18 here with Chellie & her +1.
As you can see the weather was good albeit a tad blowy in keeping with the rest of the trip.
I'd like to reiterate my thanks to the herculean efforts made by the organisers who made the whole thing run so smoothly. From making the first payment to the end of today. everything has been handled with efficiency and a smile. Maybe you guys should go into business doing this for a living!
I enjoyed all the courses despite the challenging conditions. Sadly I seemed to have left my meagre golf skills at home somewhere but hey ho. Region3 and his pals Andy and Nigel deserve special mention for watching me nob it round on two days in a row. But actually the worst slow play we 4 saw was in the restaurant on Friday night!
Speaking of food, the best of the bunch for me was Cruden Bay who served up a seriously good lunch at a decent price. The raspberry goes to Trump who are just taking the mick with their prices.
Surprise of the trip for me was how much I enjoyed Murcar despite the hailstones. Great varied track, very friendly club and excellently presented - no doubt benefitting from the Scottish Boy's being held there a few weeks back.
Trump is the most arresting golf course I've ever seen and it was a real treat to play it twice. All the holes had their place and you felt you had the course to yourself at all times. It is still maturing and the fairways, while carpet smooth did not have the best surface for hitting shots. (I know this is a bit rich following my hacking around for two rounds !). For me the mega long 18th is a disappointing bit of willy waving which is not in character with the rest of the course. Glorious looking off the tee, but nearly 600yards off the forward tees into the prevailing wind is daft. Despite that I came off my first round at Trump euphoric, thinking is was the best course I'd ever played, but I've calmed down now and it has dropped back down the rankings a bit.
Carnoustie, which I've never played before, is sublime. I think you could play there every week for a year and still be learning the course. Biggest relief of the trip was playing Carnoustie and realising that every tee was right next to the previous green and not 500 yards along a manicured lawn a la Trump - no wonder it took us over 5 hours each day. Great tough par three's too. Carnoustie is certainly in my top 3.
So a great trip all round and I look forward to seeing what the lads, if they have the stamina, might serve up for us in 2018.
PNWokingham
Journeyman Pro
There was a post of GCA on this - i think they messed up as they overseeded everything (doubt the greens) with the wrong grass to help get it open quicker - not sure of the variety (rye??) but they are now having to do the same with fescue to try and get it firmer and faster - I suspect it wil take a few years to get where it should be. Wish i could ave been there though as it does look the muts
There was a post of GCA on this - i think they messed up as they overseeded everything (doubt the greens) with the wrong grass to help get it open quicker - not sure of the variety (rye??) but they are now having to do the same with fescue to try and get it firmer and faster - I suspect it wil take a few years to get where it should be. Wish i could ave been there though as it does look the muts
We wish you'd been there Paul so that Stu could have drinking a buddy that could keep up with him...:rofl:
PNWokingham
Journeyman Pro
I can do a good job of drinking buddy with Stu - until he has walmed up and I have fallen over - need to then tag someone else to takeover
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
There was a post of GCA on this - i think they messed up as they overseeded everything (doubt the greens) with the wrong grass to help get it open quicker - not sure of the variety (rye??) but they are now having to do the same with fescue to try and get it firmer and faster - I suspect it wil take a few years to get where it should be. Wish i could ave been there though as it does look the muts
Paul I found this on the site, quite interesting what has been said:
No judgment can be made while the course is in its infancy but one wonders if the owner will strive to get the course brown and crusty, fast and firm once it matures? To do so will require a change in the mix of rye grass and blended fescues that is presently utilized tee to green. Though rye provides a shade of green that contrasts beautifully against the dunes, its playing characteristics are a bit too sticky to provide the bouncy-bounce playing conditions that makes links golf its thought-provoking best.
davemc1
Journeyman Pro
I can do a good job of drinking buddy with Stu - until he has walmed up and I have fallen over - need to then tag someone else to takeover
You don't tag with stuey, you tap out....
richart
Major Champion
Stu drinks ?I can do a good job of drinking buddy with Stu - until he has walmed up and I have fallen over - need to then tag someone else to takeover
He told me he was 'half a shandy man'.
Odvan
Journeyman Pro
Been home a couple of hours now.
Wont thank Pete, Birchy and Alan 'Basil' Partridge as that goes against our code, they'll think I fancy em otherwise
What an epic trip, from Wednesday last week at Newburgh hosted by the wicked Hobbit straight through to Glenbervie today, hosted by the gracious Kenny. Many thanks to both :thup:
Murcar is getting a lot of plaudits and rightly so, it's a real beaut but Cruden was also something special, including the nine hole course which deserves a mention in itself.
Trump, I loved - Richart reviews very well, it was an absolute pleasure to be there in those surroundings from start to finish and soaking up each hole was a must. I was very grateful that we were returning for a second go and without the wind I don't think the walk would have been as much of a wee negative for some but yeah, it was a relief to play a course on Monday whereby the tee boxes were next to the last green!!
Which brings me onto Carnoustie - I get it!! What a course, what a course. In my infancy for top course experiences but blimey if ever a place demands course management, this is it. Just a wonderful, wonderful place to play. Ask me which of the two I'd go back to if I had the choice...Carnoustie all day long.
Jim/Darren, a real pleasure to meet and play with you guys for the first time and fantastic to see you both ripping your fellow PPs to shreds (me included) after only a few holes of meeting :thup:
The day I get all serious about events like this, shoot me (just don't give Glyn the gun as he'll only hit me below the knee cap...)
ACE :clap:
Wont thank Pete, Birchy and Alan 'Basil' Partridge as that goes against our code, they'll think I fancy em otherwise
What an epic trip, from Wednesday last week at Newburgh hosted by the wicked Hobbit straight through to Glenbervie today, hosted by the gracious Kenny. Many thanks to both :thup:
Murcar is getting a lot of plaudits and rightly so, it's a real beaut but Cruden was also something special, including the nine hole course which deserves a mention in itself.
Trump, I loved - Richart reviews very well, it was an absolute pleasure to be there in those surroundings from start to finish and soaking up each hole was a must. I was very grateful that we were returning for a second go and without the wind I don't think the walk would have been as much of a wee negative for some but yeah, it was a relief to play a course on Monday whereby the tee boxes were next to the last green!!
Which brings me onto Carnoustie - I get it!! What a course, what a course. In my infancy for top course experiences but blimey if ever a place demands course management, this is it. Just a wonderful, wonderful place to play. Ask me which of the two I'd go back to if I had the choice...Carnoustie all day long.
Jim/Darren, a real pleasure to meet and play with you guys for the first time and fantastic to see you both ripping your fellow PPs to shreds (me included) after only a few holes of meeting :thup:
The day I get all serious about events like this, shoot me (just don't give Glyn the gun as he'll only hit me below the knee cap...)
ACE :clap:
Jimaroid
Journeyman Pro
A few more thoughts and highlights as they occur to me...
On Cruden Bay, I've never been made as welcome in a clubhouse anywhere as well as that. As I arrived relatively early and on my own, every member of staff made an effort to speak to me and made me feel welcome. The food was great, I had brunch and dinner there and both were generous, well prepared and well priced. Special mention to the bar and club managers who both wanted to have a chat for no reason other than to make me feel at home. It's a small thing but Cruden Bay win my award for best service. They topped it all off with a wee bottle of whisky on the 1st tee and it came in very handy when my game fell to bits. Considering it was a "free" souvenir I was amazed to find it was a pretty decent drop too.
On Murcar, I found it pretty much the hardest round of golf I've ever played. Even after our abandoned round and starting again following the passing of the hailstorm, there was no respite from that bitter wind at any point. The front 9 felt like an entire 18 holes with no shot ever going more than 150 yards. I'd love to play there again in better weather, there were some great holes that were spoiled by the unusual northerly forcefield of wind.
On Trump International, so much has already been said positive and negative. It's a wonderful experience and has to be seen to be believed. The thing I enjoyed the most? Well, I could spend all my days in the short-game practice area and be a happy man; it's the best practice facility I've seen. The course is immature yet mostly immaculate, I think the greens could be faster and better but it is still early in the season and can forgive that. There are a couple of overly tricked-up holes but it is stunning and worthy of all accolade. It's a triumph of modern course design and in no way traditional - which I think is a good thing mostly. The elephant in the room, and the only significant negative for me really, is it's inescapably linked to Donald Trump and I'm really torn between the man and the facility he's helped put together.
On Carnoustie, a place of legend that I have fallen in love with. It's a vintage wine, dusty and murky in its external appearance but reveals itself as a rich and velvety experience to savour in every way. A perfect balance of risk and reward. I went in a lot of hazards on the outward 9 but at every point knew that it was my mistake and I never felt unfairly treated, I took my penalty and was still in play with a chance to scramble a save. It really made me think about every shot I played and at no point did I think it was unfair. I loved how the course moved me around in the wind, one hole I'd be knocking a driver as low and safely as possible and the next I'm allowed to unleash a high fade looking for as much wind assist as possible. It was a proper links course with perfect greens and I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to go back.
On Cruden Bay, I've never been made as welcome in a clubhouse anywhere as well as that. As I arrived relatively early and on my own, every member of staff made an effort to speak to me and made me feel welcome. The food was great, I had brunch and dinner there and both were generous, well prepared and well priced. Special mention to the bar and club managers who both wanted to have a chat for no reason other than to make me feel at home. It's a small thing but Cruden Bay win my award for best service. They topped it all off with a wee bottle of whisky on the 1st tee and it came in very handy when my game fell to bits. Considering it was a "free" souvenir I was amazed to find it was a pretty decent drop too.
On Murcar, I found it pretty much the hardest round of golf I've ever played. Even after our abandoned round and starting again following the passing of the hailstorm, there was no respite from that bitter wind at any point. The front 9 felt like an entire 18 holes with no shot ever going more than 150 yards. I'd love to play there again in better weather, there were some great holes that were spoiled by the unusual northerly forcefield of wind.
On Trump International, so much has already been said positive and negative. It's a wonderful experience and has to be seen to be believed. The thing I enjoyed the most? Well, I could spend all my days in the short-game practice area and be a happy man; it's the best practice facility I've seen. The course is immature yet mostly immaculate, I think the greens could be faster and better but it is still early in the season and can forgive that. There are a couple of overly tricked-up holes but it is stunning and worthy of all accolade. It's a triumph of modern course design and in no way traditional - which I think is a good thing mostly. The elephant in the room, and the only significant negative for me really, is it's inescapably linked to Donald Trump and I'm really torn between the man and the facility he's helped put together.
On Carnoustie, a place of legend that I have fallen in love with. It's a vintage wine, dusty and murky in its external appearance but reveals itself as a rich and velvety experience to savour in every way. A perfect balance of risk and reward. I went in a lot of hazards on the outward 9 but at every point knew that it was my mistake and I never felt unfairly treated, I took my penalty and was still in play with a chance to scramble a save. It really made me think about every shot I played and at no point did I think it was unfair. I loved how the course moved me around in the wind, one hole I'd be knocking a driver as low and safely as possible and the next I'm allowed to unleash a high fade looking for as much wind assist as possible. It was a proper links course with perfect greens and I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to go back.
richart
Major Champion
Now would I do that to a mate ?Thanks for not mentioning my 7 putt................
grumpyjock
Tour Rookie
From reading all the comments, it looks like you all enjoyed the trip north. Was in Dundee over the weekend but did not have the chance to visit you all at Carnoustie on Monday morning. If the ankle had been better I would have loved to accompany you on the trip.
Enjoy the memories and savour the moments.
Enjoy the memories and savour the moments.
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
Yesterday was my 5th time round Carnoustie and the course just gets better every time. It really is a superb test of golf!
D
Deleted member 17920
Guest
Val
Ryder Cup Winner
What was the scores on the doors? Who took the jug home?
Odvan
Journeyman Pro
Hardest course I have ever played.
my game didn't suit Carnoustie
Nor did your meltdown. I just wished an 'independent' could have witnessed it
Rlburnside
Challenge Tour Pro
Good to read all your comments about your trip, having played Trump it brought back some good memories of the best course I have played.
That must of took some organising respect to those concerned.
Must try and play Carnoustie after the comments on here.
That must of took some organising respect to those concerned.
Must try and play Carnoustie after the comments on here.
Birchy
Money List Winner
Well what a great trip, will sleep well tonight! Thanks to everyone for making the trip, seeing everyone having a ball and meeting new friends from all over the country makes all the hard work so worthwhile.
The courses we played we absolutely excellent, really enjoyed all of them.
Starting off with Newburgh last Wednesday with Hobbit hosting was a great way to kick it all off. The banter was brutal before we even hit a ball, lovely course which I didn't know even existed until Brian invited us! Had every type of weather ever recorded during the 18 holes which made the course look like a xmas card in the end!
After waking up overlooking the course at Cruden I could tell it was gonna be special. The variety of holes, elevation changes and views make it an absolutely fantastic experience. That par 5 on the front 9 that dog legged left was a great hole! Loved that despite making a balls of it.
Murcar was another fantastic layout which we didn't really get the full feel for due to the brutal conditions. I thought Cruden was a better course but having had to walk the front 9 with my head down so it stayed attached I would like another go! 8 points front 9 and 20 back summed it up for me.
Trump international, well what a place! Such a special layout and capable of being the best course in the UK. The whole place is geared up for everything from a group like us to a tour event, it's got something for everyone. The biggest letdown for me was the greens, I thought they were nowhere near quick enough and very fluffy. Still a very young course with potential to get to the top but not ready yet.
Carnoustie is a masterclass in course design. Every hole has you on your toes and you have to plot your way around and it forces you into mistakes by clever design rather than trying to smash the hell out of the ball. You can see why this place hosts the open and has been a great course for donkeys years. The greens were superb, these are like what trumps greens should have been, very smooth and very true which made it an absolute pleasure to putt on. If you can't putt on them there is no hope for you.
All in all I loved every minute and really enjoyed meeting loads of the forum members that I hadn't already met. Enjoyed the company of all and would quite happily spend another 18 holes chasing that white ball around with anyone who attended.
Until next time I wish everyone well and hopefully I will get a games with some more people over the season :thup:
The courses we played we absolutely excellent, really enjoyed all of them.
Starting off with Newburgh last Wednesday with Hobbit hosting was a great way to kick it all off. The banter was brutal before we even hit a ball, lovely course which I didn't know even existed until Brian invited us! Had every type of weather ever recorded during the 18 holes which made the course look like a xmas card in the end!
After waking up overlooking the course at Cruden I could tell it was gonna be special. The variety of holes, elevation changes and views make it an absolutely fantastic experience. That par 5 on the front 9 that dog legged left was a great hole! Loved that despite making a balls of it.
Murcar was another fantastic layout which we didn't really get the full feel for due to the brutal conditions. I thought Cruden was a better course but having had to walk the front 9 with my head down so it stayed attached I would like another go! 8 points front 9 and 20 back summed it up for me.
Trump international, well what a place! Such a special layout and capable of being the best course in the UK. The whole place is geared up for everything from a group like us to a tour event, it's got something for everyone. The biggest letdown for me was the greens, I thought they were nowhere near quick enough and very fluffy. Still a very young course with potential to get to the top but not ready yet.
Carnoustie is a masterclass in course design. Every hole has you on your toes and you have to plot your way around and it forces you into mistakes by clever design rather than trying to smash the hell out of the ball. You can see why this place hosts the open and has been a great course for donkeys years. The greens were superb, these are like what trumps greens should have been, very smooth and very true which made it an absolute pleasure to putt on. If you can't putt on them there is no hope for you.
All in all I loved every minute and really enjoyed meeting loads of the forum members that I hadn't already met. Enjoyed the company of all and would quite happily spend another 18 holes chasing that white ball around with anyone who attended.
Until next time I wish everyone well and hopefully I will get a games with some more people over the season :thup:
