So what did I miss?
Given that I, so very, very many years ago did play 5 holes before the haar halted my game it could be said I’ve played Turnberry Ailsa however according to Huggie I may have been disappointed had I finished my round.
Golf Magazine’s 2013 world ranking lists Turnberry Ailsa at 18th best, and well ahead of Donald Trump’s, Trump International Golf Links located near Aberdeen. As to “enormously overrated” Pebble Beach coming in at 7th maybe I should raise my standards and give Turnberry Ailsa a miss since there may be some messing around with the course following the news that the Donald is making changes to his most recent Scottish acquisition.
So what’s wrong with Turnberry Ailsa?
According to the gospel of John there’s, “Too many holes and features are weak (the 1st, the 4th and 11th holes), a bit silly and/or pointless (the 9th fairway and the “doughnut” bunker at the 10th) or bland (the 18th)” And I have say that based on my research he’s not alone.
Over at Planet Golf we’re told, “The 9th is a one-off hole with a blind drive played from a rocky promontory to a hogs back fairway that is almost impossible to hold. The approach must then find a green which falls away sharply on both sides… the rest of the layout is an interesting, if somewhat mixed, collection of holes. The first few along the flattened ground are a little dull…”
So what’s new?
Huggie had the pleasure of playing Turnberry Ailsa in the company of Martin Ebert, the man charged with designing the changes.
“The highest-profile changes will come at the 9th hole. Out will go the almost unhittable fairway, replaced by a 235-yard par-3 played down the prevailing wind and towards the famous lighthouse. Even better, the next hole will become a wonderful par-5 that swings around Castle Port Bay and will include the restoration of the wonderful “jigsaw piece” bunker that pre-dated the aforementioned doughnut. Completing the run after the turn will be a new and far more interesting par-3 11th that runs much closer to the jagged shoreline.”
Here’s the link to John and to Planet Golf
Quote of the Day
“Messing around with golf’s most historic and iconic courses is not something that often meets with this column’s approval. For example, the “improvements” (ha!) inflicted on the game’s ultimate monument, the Old Course at St Andrews, are nothing short of disgraceful.” – John Huggan
Given John’s approval of the changes to Turnberry Ailsa it may just mean I’ll have to dip into my pocket and pay the Donald whatever green fees I have to face.