New Golf Season - High Hopes?

[Hibs90]

Absolutely. No way Ted Scott or Billy allow that.

However, he had a 2 foot putt for par and blew it. Same on 16.

It's mental, nothing else now. He won't win another because he can't get out his own head.

I left St Andrews Absolutely gutted but that was worse. I don't know how he recovers.

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Yup, the club choices on 15 and 18 required a strong caddie.

The two putts were a disgrace however also.

I'm not buying all this Bryson niceness and joking around. His PR team must be in overdrive.

[He's here!]

Just retire man. What a total choke job. 2 up with 5 to play and still only needed a 2 footer for playoff and he totally bottled it.

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Bit harsh. It's clearly become a near unsurmountable mental pressure for him after 10 years without a major. Not many of us would be able to handle that in the intensity of top level individual sport. It's telling that he carries more of an aura in the team environment of the Ryder Cup.

Aside from the nightmarish short putt misses, I'd say the way he bolted for his private jet without congratulating the winner was his biggest folly of the day. I get that facing the media might have been a step too far given the state he'd have been in, but leaving the way he did was poor form.

[Smartie]

Bit harsh. It's clearly become a near unsurmountable mental pressure for him after 10 years without a major. Not many of us would be able to handle that in the intensity of top level individual sport. It's telling that he carries more of an aura in the team environment of the Ryder Cup.

Aside from the nightmarish short putt misses, I'd say the way he bolted for his private jet without congratulating the winner was his biggest folly of the day. I get that facing the media might have been a step too far given the state he'd have been in, but leaving the way he did was poor form.

I agree - I think he needs to be better than that.

[Just_Jimmy]

Yup, the club choices on 15 and 18 required a strong caddie.

The two putts were a disgrace however also.

I'm not buying all this Bryson niceness and joking around. His PR team must be in overdrive.I agree. I think he's utterly fake.

I'm so gutted for rory. It's like the hibs of golf, so much potential and so many times he breaks your heart.

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[He's here!]

I agree. I think he's utterly fake.

I'm so gutted for rory. It's like the hibs of golf, so much potential and so many times he breaks your heart.

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He's way better than being the Hibs of golf. Consistently competing with the elite and four majors to his name. Hard to feel too sorry for him. Yesterday came down to nerve and he simply couldn't hold his. Bryson's bunker shot at 18 was worthy of winning any tournament. Sandy Lyle-esque. All credit to him.

[blackpoolhibs]

I could see the nerves getting to him with those short putts, The pressure of not winning for so long, and the greens being as difficult as any greens in the world, but club selection from the tee was just amateur from him or his caddie.

Stupid beyond belief at the par 3, and the last hole, even someone as sheite as me at the game knows that course management is as important as driving long or trying to force things.

Shocking from someone as experienced as him.:rolleyes:

[Hibs90]

For those who think he should’ve stayed behind to shake Brysons hand.

I presume you thought the same and gave the same criticism to every other guy who’s lost a golf tournament on tour when they’ve disappeared shortly after their round?

[He's here!]

For those who think he should’ve stayed behind to shake Brysons hand.

I presume you thought the same and gave the same criticism to every other guy who’s lost a golf tournament on tour when they’ve disappeared shortly after their round?

It wouldn't be an issue if he'd not been in contention right up until the final shot. Nobody missing the cut or finishing down the field, long before those in contention finish, is likely to hang around, but when you've been trading blows with the eventual winner until the 72nd hole you don't bugger off in a huff without saying well done to the winner. Common courtesy.

[BroxburnHibee]

It wouldn't be an issue if he'd not been in contention right up until the final shot. Nobody missing the cut or finishing down the field, long before those in contention finish, is likely to hang around, but when you've been trading blows with the eventual winner until the 72nd hole you don't bugger off in a huff without saying well done to the winner. Common courtesy.

I wasn't surprised to see him leave. He got pretty upset when interviewed last year and if had hung about then the media would've been all over him.

I see he's taking a few weeks off now.

[He's here!]

I wasn't surprised to see him leave. He got pretty upset when interviewed last year and if had hung about then the media would've been all over him.

I see he's taking a few weeks off now.

I'm not referring to him skipping his media duties, just the fact he didn't have the good grace to say well done and shake hands with the guy who pipped him to the title. For a vastly experienced professional golfer it shouldn't have been beyond him. It was pretty childish, no matter how gutted he was feeling.

As I said, hard to feel too sorry for him. It's not as if he's still striving to win his first major, plus he's walked away with another two million dollars as runner-up.

[greenlex]

I'm not referring to him skipping his media duties, just the fact he didn't have the good grace to say well done and shake hands with the guy who pipped him to the title. For a vastly experienced professional golfer it shouldn't have been beyond him. It was pretty childish, no matter how gutted he was feeling.

As I said, hard to feel too sorry for him. It's not as if he's still striving to win his first major, plus he's walked away with another two million dollars as runner-up.
Two wrongs don’t make a right and BDC isn’t making a big thing about it. I recall BDC doing similar over in Europe in one of his brief infrequent forays over here when he choked. In his defence he was much younger but I’m sure he couldn’t care less. I’ll bet most players won’t either. They’ll all have been there at one time or another at a tournament and can probably relate to doing that in a tournament but can only imagine chucking away a major in those circumstances.

[He's here!]

Two wrongs don’t make a right and BDC isn’t making a big thing about it. I recall BDC doing similar over in Europe in one of his brief infrequent forays over here when he choked. In his defence he was much younger but I’m sure he couldn’t care less. I’ll bet most players won’t either. They’ll all have been there at one time or another at a tournament and can probably relate to doing that in a tournament but can only imagine chucking away a major in those circumstances.

What do you mean by two wrongs?

[greenlex]

What do you mean by two wrongs?

BDC left a course on the European tour a few years ago after messing up I think the 18th to hand a win to I think it was Matt Wallace. IIIRC he was actually playing with him and there was no handshake. Nothing. Just off he went.
Like I said he was a very young pro at the time.

[AugustaHibs]

West links for me today.

First time, anything I should know?

[patch1875]

Up north for a few days so managed to sneak the clubs in the car.

Played Aylth today nice course fairly short but few tricky holes.

[greenlex]

The Cheff ����*�� is a machine. Good week for Bob too. A nice 310k in the hip pocket and up one place in the world rankings and three places in the fed ex cup standings.
still think he should have played memorial instead of coming home for a few days after his win. He could be now on a couple of weeks in Oban before The Scottish and the open and also be further up both rankings.

[greenlex]

West links for me today.

First time, anything I should know?
Did you like it? The holes that make it different are the holes I don’t like.

[AugustaHibs]

Did you like it? The holes that make it different are the holes I don’t like.

Magnificent. Back 9 could be the best anywhere imo.

[greenlex]

Magnificent. Back 9 could be the best anywhere imo.
:greengrin Ironically the back nine contains those two holes I don’t like. :greengrin:greengrin

[Smartie]

I was on a trip up to Kirriemuir last week - which I thoroughly enjoyed. Not that long so ideal for a group of fairly mixed abilities.

There are quite a few excellent but fairly uncelebrated courses up in that part of the world.

[He's here!]

Did you like it? The holes that make it different are the holes I don’t like.

Are we talking Perfection and Redan at North Berwick here?

[greenlex]

Are we talking Perfection and Redan at North Berwick here?
No idea what they’re called but no 13 ( the one with the wall) and no 16 ( the one with the daft green). I know Redan is the par 3 15th and possibly one of the best par threes you are like to play. Copied all over the world.

[greenlex]

Are we talking Perfection and Redan at North Berwick here?
No idea what they’re called but no 13 ( the one with the wall) and no 16 ( the one with the daft green). I know Redan is the par 3 15th and possibly one of the best par threes you are like to play. Copied all over the world.

[hibeg]

The Cheff ����*�� is a machine. Good week for Bob too. A nice 310k in the hip pocket and up one place in the world rankings and three places in the fed ex cup standings.
still think he should have played memorial instead of coming home for a few days after his win. He could be now on a couple of weeks in Oban before The Scottish and the open and also be further up both rankings.

Was good to see Bob in a marquee group for the first time thisThursday/Friday, pity he missed the cut :rolleyes:
Putter let him down big time.
Hopefully he can now get home, prepare for the Scottish and the Open, and rise in all 3 ranking lists.

[greenlex]

My golf is seriously bad. 👎

[Dalianwanda]

Woohoo..i’ve been terrible since i got back playing after an 18 year gap. Playing once a week doesn’t really help. I had a target of getting to 12 by the end of the year but down to 11 this weekend.

I’ll not play for rest of year 😅

[greenlex]

Woohoo..i’ve been terrible since i got back playing after an 18 year gap. Playing once a week doesn’t really help. I had a target of getting to 12 by the end of the year but down to 11 this weekend.

I’ll not play for rest of year ��
Well done. Get out there and you’ll be down to single figures at seasons end. :thumbsup:
I’m not playing nearly enough and making any old excuse for not doing so. For anyone that knows me that is unheard of. Time booked for sat morning in the medal but I’m not there yet. Played once (very badly) in about 5 or 6 weeks during peak season. Unbelievable.

[blackpoolhibs]

From the heady heights of playing off 7 a couple of years ago, i hurt my back putting my clubs in the car and it's never been right since.

I'm off 11.7 now down from 12.5, i've slowly regained a little form and could feel myself improving.

Got a day at Carrus Green tomorrow, and would you believe it my back is playing up again, not quite as bad as before, but last week i went round Staining lodge near Blackpool in 74, and was looking to have a good go at winning with my bandit handicap. :boo hoo:

[patch1875]

I’m 14 just now challenge is to go single digits at some point.
Been working on getting rid of my slice off the tee this season and seems to be getting there so getting a bit more distance.

Playing Merchants on Saturday.

[Smartie]

I'm only getting my third game of the year so far next Monday - playing Thornton.

First game was very promising, second was dreadful.

Hopes aren't high re my form, but spending a whole Monday somewhere other than at work sounds delightful.

[greenlex]

I'm only getting my third game of the year so far next Monday - playing Thornton.

First game was very promising, second was dreadful.

Hopes aren't high re my form, but spending a whole Monday somewhere other than at work sounds delightful.
Worst day in the course trumps the best day at work every time. :agree: Enjoy.

[AugustaHibs]

Gullane invitational on Saturday and boat of garten on Sunday. Hope the weather maintains!

[BroxburnHibee]

Lanark on Sunday in the Golf in Scotland. My short game is a shambles so not very hopeful

[Golden Bear]

Played Dunbar this morning on a picture perfect day. The course was in absolutely magnificent condition.

👍

[AugustaHibs]

Played Dunbar this morning on a picture perfect day. The course was in absolutely magnificent condition.

👍

Played in late may. Possibly the best greens I’ve seen in Scotland.

[BSEJVT]

So lucky to be a member at Dunbar.

We moved to Haddington in June 2018

We were getting some work done in the house in the September

Guy doing the work said he had just joined Dunbar with no waiting list!

Put my name down in the September got in March 1st following year.

Waiting list has been closed for years now.

Getting into Dunbar so quickly almost makes up for fact that the workman was terrible and landscaping needed redone after 2 years :-(

[blackpoolhibs]

From the heady heights of playing off 7 a couple of years ago, i hurt my back putting my clubs in the car and it's never been right since.

I'm off 11.7 now down from 12.5, i've slowly regained a little form and could feel myself improving.

Got a day at Carrus Green tomorrow, and would you believe it my back is playing up again, not quite as bad as before, but last week i went round Staining lodge near Blackpool in 74, and was looking to have a good go at winning with my bandit handicap. :boo hoo:

If you can go to Carrus Green i would highly recommend it, lovely course and a great clubhouse, great food and brilliant raised view of the 18th green. :top marks
Came 2nd with 36 points, scrambled round in what i'd say was awful golf, just my driving was any good with the odd great putt. Managed a lot of pars with some awful iron shots to the greens that missed, but managed quite a few chip and runs up to the flag.

The winner had 39 off a handicap of 20, and i've just drawn him in the club knockout. :rolleyes:

Having the rest of the week off now before playing the match next Monday.

[greenlex]

Having not broken 80 all year this happens yesterday:faf::faf::faf:28108

[blackpoolhibs]

Having not broken 80 all year this happens yesterday:faf::faf::faf:28108
:thumbsup::top marks

[Golden Bear]

Having not broken 80 all year this happens yesterday:faf::faf::faf:28108

Well done Sir.

The infernal game is enough to drive us all to drink.

😆

[greenlex]

Well done Sir.

The infernal game is enough to drive us all to drink.

😆
You are not wrong. 😂😂

[FitbaFolkKen]

Been a tough season, up from 7.3 to 10.6 in the last three months.

Then got my first hole in one yesterday [emoji471] [emoji1634]

Some game….


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[greenlex]

Another good showing from Bob this week. Up five places to twelve in the fed ex cup rankings and 640k richer. Must be up.place or two on the world golf rankings too. He was no16 in the world.

[Golden Bear]

Been a tough season, up from 7.3 to 10.6 in the last three months.

Then got my first hole in one yesterday [emoji471] [emoji1634]

Some game….


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Many congrats!

⛳️👏🍻

[Golden Bear]

Another good showing from Bob this week. Up five places to twelve in the fed ex cup rankings and 640k richer. Must be up.place or two on the world golf rankings too. He was no16 in the world.

He's undoubtedly improved as a golfer since he decided to base himself in the States. Better climate, better facilities and easier access to the top coaches. Personally I think he should reconsider his intention to move back to Scotland at the end of the year.

[greenlex]

He's undoubtedly improved as a golfer since he decided to base himself in the States. Better climate, better facilities and easier access to the top coaches. Personally I think he should reconsider his intention to move back to Scotland at the end of the year.
I agree but I suppose whatever makes him happy is probably best. No point in having all of the above and being miserable. Up one place to No15 in the world after the weekend. More chances again this weekend and a similar display will comfortably see him into the final day at Eastlake. He’s probably done enough already being honest.

[FitbaFolkKen]

Many congrats!

⛳️[emoji122][emoji482]

Cheers…. The Rosemount course at Blairgowrie beat me up today so normal service is resumed.


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[greenlex]

Cheers…. The Rosemount course at Blairgowrie beat me up today so normal service is resumed.


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There’s worse places to be beaten up by to be fair

[hibeg]

I agree but I suppose whatever makes him happy is probably best. No point in having all of the above and being miserable. Up one place to No15 in the world after the weekend. More chances again this weekend and a similar display will comfortably see him into the final day at Eastlake. He’s probably done enough already being honest.

He will easily qualify for the tour championship, incredible for his first season
Money is insane for the last 2 events
Even if fe finishes last in the BMW, he will pick up 60k and I’m sure I read somewhere that last place in the tour final still picks up 500k.
If he can end the season in the top 10 in the rankings then he gets more bonus money.
I think Scottie had made nearly 30 million in prize money alone this season

[greenlex]

Went to the range tonight. It’s nearly always an hour and about 110 balls or so. Start off poorly then eventually finding some sort of groove. Tonight though right from first ball almost every one straight out the middle. (one shanked 8 iron to be fair). Right through the bag did not miss many. So much so instead of trudging off after an hour absolutely knackered I left early with plenty balls left to hit. No point in being knackered when it wasn’t going to get any better than relative perfection. :greengrin Will I take it to the course over the weekend? Not a chance. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Hibs90]

Up in nosebleed territory after dropping 4 shots off the hc last month or two. Down to 12 from 16.5 at the start of the year after and broke 80 a couple of times. It's nice to finally make some progress after a couple of years stagnating.

Top 100 wise.

The Old Course
Muirfield
Dornoch
Carnoustie
Kingsbarns
Castle Stuart
Trump Intl
Cruden Bay
Gleneagles Kings
Machrihanish
Nairn
St. Andrews New
Brora
Elie
Rosemount
Fidra
Dunbar
Gullane 2
Fraserburgh
St. Andrews Jubilee
Leven
Dirleton
Monifieth
Kilspindie
Crail Balcomie
Roxburghe
Blairgowrie Lansdowne
Fortrose
Musselburgh
Tain
Glen
Cragielaw
Gullane 3


Made some pretty good progress this year. Been a good golfing year :thumbsup:

[Golden Bear]

Up in nosebleed territory after dropping 4 shots off the hc last month or two. Down to 12 from 16.5 at the start of the year after and broke 80 a couple of times. It's nice to finally make some progress after a couple of years stagnating.

Top 100 wise.

The Old Course
Muirfield
Dornoch
Carnoustie
Kingsbarns
Castle Stuart
Trump Intl
Cruden Bay
Gleneagles Kings
Machrihanish
Nairn
St. Andrews New
Brora
Elie
Rosemount
Fidra
Dunbar
Gullane 2
Fraserburgh
St. Andrews Jubilee
Leven
Dirleton
Monifieth
Kilspindie
Crail Balcomie
Roxburghe
Blairgowrie Lansdowne
Fortrose
Musselburgh
Tain
Glen
Cragielaw
Gullane 3


Made some pretty good progress this year. Been a good golfing year :thumbsup:

Well done you. My golf season has been hampered with various health issues and I'm only really starting to get back to competitive golf now.

[greenlex]

Played Dunblane for the first time yesterday. A few funky holes on it and a bit scruffy . Not surprising given the weather. Every par three tough.,
Didn’t score. Not content with just bogeys they had to be doubles. All 7 of them.

[BSEJVT]

Got down to 6.6 yesterday at age 62 but it’s going to be harder to get much lower as counting scores are now pretty consistent having gradually got rid of all the outliers

Been as low as 5.5 but that was 45 years ago under very different regime

I wish I knew as much then about how to manage my way round a course as I do now

[AugustaHibs]

Castle Stuart and Nairn this weekend. Can’t wait.

[greenlex]

Castle Stuart and Nairn this weekend. Can’t wait.
Never played Nairn but Castle Stuart is excellent. It’s gonna be some golf destination when the other course opens.

[frazeHFC]

Castle Stuart and Nairn this weekend. Can’t wait.

Jealous. Lived in Nairn for a while and was a member at Nairn Dunbar (loved it) but because of my postcode I could have played Castle Stewart cheaper and because of my Dunbar membership I could have played Nairn cheaper. Unfortunately at the time I wasn't enjoying my golf so never bothered. Would love to play them now.

[frazeHFC]

Finally after over 10 years of struggle I'm playing better and getting some confidence. Broke my mental block of breaking 80 multiple times competitively so back down to a hcap of 8 for the first time since I was 17 after sitting at double figures for over a decade until the start of this year.

Moved to East Lothian so joined Haddington. Enjoying getting out 6.30am before work for a quick 9 holes a few times a week.

[greenlex]

Finally after over 10 years of struggle I'm playing better and getting some confidence. Broke my mental block of breaking 80 multiple times competitively so back down to a hcap of 8 for the first time since I was 17 after sitting at double figures for over a decade until the start of this year.

Moved to East Lothian so joined Haddington. Enjoying getting out 6.30am before work for a quick 9 holes a few times a week.

I like Haddington as a course layout. No two holes the same, a fair test and I regularly play one or their two or three opens every year. The pro Scott is a top guy too.

[frazeHFC]

I like Haddington as a course layout. No two holes the same, a fair test and I regularly play one or their two or three opens every year. The pro Scott is a top guy too.

Yeah been saying the same re. the layout. Like how each hole is isolated from the rest and unique. Quite a short course so birdie opportunities if hitting it well off the tee but plenty trouble and bunkers within driving range makes it a good challenge.

[Golden Bear]

Oh well, I got round without any shanks today which is an occasion to behold. I shot 79-6=73, Rome wasn't built in a day but at least it's a start after my lay off.

[greenlex]

Oh well, I got round without any shanks today which is an occasion to behold. I shot 79-6=73, Rome wasn't built in a day but at least it's a start after my lay off.
:thumbsup:

[BroxburnHibee]

Sad news to hear The Hirsel has shut its doors and declared bankruptcy.

[Golden Bear]

Sad news to hear The Hirsel has shut its doors and declared bankruptcy.

Very - and from what I hear there's little chance of a viable solution.

Hirsel is/was a decent enough course but was always susceptible to flooding and I know it was closed on numerous occasions over the summer.

Pat Nevin was a keen member there.

[greenlex]

Sad news to hear The Hirsel has shut its doors and declared bankruptcy.


Very - and from what I hear there's little chance of a viable solution.

Hirsel is/was a decent enough course but was always susceptible to flooding and I know it was closed on numerous occasions over the summer.

Pat Nevin was a keen member there.
Played it for the first time about three years ago. Followed that up with another couple of visits the following years. They did a three day golf festival I was a fan of. Nice wee layout with tricky wee scoreable holes on the original nine hole layout, even though not a fan of a blind par threes and some tough holes on the newer holes. Real shame.

[Golden Bear]

Played it for the first time about three years ago. Followed that up with another couple of visits the following years. They did a three day golf festival I was a fan of. Nice wee layout with tricky wee scoreable holes on the original nine hole layout, even though not a fan of a blind par threes and some tough holes on the newer holes. Real shame.

I wasn't a fan of the 4 holes when you "cross the road" - probably because I've never played them very well. 😆

[greenlex]

I wasn't a fan of the 4 holes when you "cross the road" - probably because I've never played them very well. 😆
Tough holes. You certainly had to golf your ball. I never either. :greengrin

[AugustaHibs]

Trip back to the states planned for next year. Looking forward to getting back to Baltusrol and Philly cricket on the east coast and San Francisco golf club, cal club and MPCC on the west.

Merion and Cypress Point are new to me and can’t wait to try them out.

[Dalianwanda]

Managed to get down to 11 from 16 at the start of the year. Happy with that as i’m only out once a week and being on the atlantic coast we can get som pretty whacky weather. When i lived in Scotland i got down to 7 but was playing nearly every day. 11 or 12 is fine although when i started playing again after 16year gap didn’t think that was gonna be possible.

[patch1875]

Father in Law has finally invited me again to play the Burgess been a while but can’t wait.

[patch1875]

Played Turnhouse yesterday. Really enjoyed it lots of interesting holes and all very different.

Probably going to look for a new course to join next year this definitely goes on the list.

Great clubhouse also.

[greenlex]

Played Turnhouse yesterday. Really enjoyed it lots of interesting holes and all very different.

Probably going to look for a new course to join next year this definitely goes on the list.

Great clubhouse also.
A good few Hibs guys in there. Including .net guys.

[greenlex]

I think that’s me finished for the year. Back in the spring. Didn’t play anywhere near the amount of golf I usually do. I even didn’t play a medal final at my home club on Saturday and passed a trip down to Turnberry yesterday. No idea what the hell is wrong with me. I’ve certainly lost my mojo.

[Just_Jimmy]

I think that’s me finished for the year. Back in the spring. Didn’t play anywhere near the amount of golf I usually do. I even didn’t play a medal final at my home club on Saturday and passed a trip down to Turnberry yesterday. No idea what the hell is wrong with me. I’ve certainly lost my mojo.I've not played as much this season either. 90% of that has been the pish weather and welcoming a new daughter.

Hopefully get more in next season.

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[greenlex]

I've not played as much this season either. 90% of that has been the pish weather and welcoming a new daughter.

Hopefully get more in next season.

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Congratulations. :thumbsup: I’m sure most of my indifference is weather related.

[Godsahibby]

After not playing much at all this year i have really got the bug again, weekend away in Spain will do that to a man. When I get back out in the sideways rain I will remember why I didn't play much!!

I left Dunbar this season as i just didnt get the chance to play as much as I wanted to down there, moved away for a few years and even being back in Edinburgh it was still a real effort to get some golf in. Been looking at courses more central to Edinburgh to get back playing more regularly. Duddingston looking like a good offer just now.

[BSEJVT]

After not playing much at all this year i have really got the bug again, weekend away in Spain will do that to a man. When I get back out in the sideways rain I will remember why I didn't play much!!

I left Dunbar this season as i just didnt get the chance to play as much as I wanted to down there, moved away for a few years and even being back in Edinburgh it was still a real effort to get some golf in. Been looking at courses more central to Edinburgh to get back playing more regularly. Duddingston looking like a good offer just now.

I am a member at both Dunbar & Duddingston & Craigielaw.

Following the appointment of a new GM, Duddingston has been much better this year and I am very hopeful that progress made will continue next year.

However as with all parkland courses winter golf is challenging condition wise.

Duddingston has just gone onto Preferred Lies with optional mats throughout course, I would imagine mats will be compulsory if we get any sort of wet weather.

Duddingston is a great summer course, IMHO the best layout by quite a distance of City of Edinburgh courses, but I will be honest enough to tell you that I have extremely limited appetite for winter golf there and will play Dunbar even of mats for the months they are in force in preference.

[Godsahibby]

I am a member at both Dunbar & Duddingston & Craigielaw.

Following the appointment of a new GM, Duddingston has been much better this year and I am very hopeful that progress made will continue next year.

However as with all parkland courses winter golf is challenging condition wise.

Duddingston has just gone onto Preferred Lies with optional mats throughout course, I would imagine mats will be compulsory if we get any sort of wet weather.

Duddingston is a great summer course, IMHO the best layout by quite a distance of City of Edinburgh courses, but I will be honest enough to tell you that I have extremely limited appetite for winter golf there and will play Dunbar even of mats for the months they are in force in preference.

Thanks for the comments mate I appreciate it. Winter golf in Edinburgh is pretty limited one of the reasons why the offer isn’t that appealing.

Agree with you about the layout it’s great for mixing up rounds, managed to get a couple of rounds there over the summer.

Still got some friends down at Dunbar so hopefully can get a game or two over the winter.

[patch1875]

You would be better off taking Edinburgh’s council winter membership and finding somewhere in the spring.

I’m at deer park which is a struggle in the winter looking for a winter membership elsewhere to hopefully get some decent golf in.

[Hibs90]

It's slim pickings around East Lothian/Edinburgh for memberships on the links courses. Waiting lists galore everywhere.

I've heard a rumour about Monktonhall apparently in some sort of financial trouble, asking members for some help. Real shame if so. Must admit, two years on the bounce I played in their open and the condition of the course was extremely poor.

[Golden Bear]

It's slim pickings around East Lothian/Edinburgh for memberships on the links courses. Waiting lists galore everywhere.

I've heard a rumour about Monktonhall apparently in some sort of financial trouble, asking members for some help. Real shame if so. Must admit, two years on the bounce I played in their open and the condition of the course was extremely poor.

I heard talk that the members of Winterfield Golf Course in Dunbar are looking into the feasibility of taking over the running of the course from East Lothian Council. Given the demand for golf in East Lothian I don't think they will be short of members should it come about.

[BroxburnHibee]

It's slim pickings around East Lothian/Edinburgh for memberships on the links courses. Waiting lists galore everywhere.

I've heard a rumour about Monktonhall apparently in some sort of financial trouble, asking members for some help. Real shame if so. Must admit, two years on the bounce I played in their open and the condition of the course was extremely poor.

Rumours are true

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/open-qualifying-venue-warns-members-of-closure-threat-4814293

[He's here!]

I heard talk that the members of Winterfield Golf Course in Dunbar are looking into the feasibility of taking over the running of the course from East Lothian Council. Given the demand for golf in East Lothian I don't think they will be short of members should it come about.

Dundee's only municipal course Caird Park to close:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yd35dz3l4o

It was always very well used back when we stayed in Dundee, but that was a good number of years ago now.

[Golden Bear]

Dundee's only municipal course Caird Park to close:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yd35dz3l4o

It was always very well used back when we stayed in Dundee, but that was a good number of years ago now.

That's a shame, hopefully pressure can be put on the Council to reconsider the decision.

I've heard that the Winterfield members at Dunbar have voted overwhelmingly to take over the Management of the course from East lothian Council.

[blackpoolhibs]

Does anyone have a centre shaft putter?

Putting is the worst part of my game, ive changed putters a few times, had a few putting lessons, but i'm still sheite.

My mate has one and he's decent, i tried it and it seemed more sensible hitting the ball with the shaft being right behind the ball.

I did seem to put better with it, but only had it for 10 minutes or so, i just wondered if anyone else has one and whats their opinion on it?

[BSEJVT]

It's slim pickings around East Lothian/Edinburgh for memberships on the links courses. Waiting lists galore everywhere.

I've heard a rumour about Monktonhall apparently in some sort of financial trouble, asking members for some help. Real shame if so. Must admit, two years on the bounce I played in their open and the condition of the course was extremely poor.

Heard that up to 50 of their members havent paid the requested levy and 75+ have intimated decision not to renew

Nearly 30 have already joined Duddingston

Captain & Vice Captain have apparently resigned

Hard to see it surviving

[gordie18]

Heard that up to 50 of their members havent paid the requested levy and 75+ have intimated decision not to renew

Nearly 30 have already joined Duddingston

Captain & Vice Captain have apparently resigned

Hard to see it surviving

Yes there have been some resignations, possibly over their decision to scrap the joining fee to lure new members! Subs for a full membership this season just short of £1200! There is better options for less money out there


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BSEJVT]

Yes there have been some resignations, possibly over their decision to scrap the joining fee to lure new members! Subs for a full membership this season just short of £1200! There is better options for less money out there


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tbh they need members urgently and will have to do anything they can to encourage folk to join.

Leaving because of scrapping joining fees seems to me like hastening the inevitable and makes no sense, you have paid yours and wont get it back and will likely need to pay another one at any new course.

There cant be many courses in the area without joining fees now as for most demand far outstrips supply and may have either huge or closed waiting lists, so there is maybe a market for them to tap into.

I don't mind Monktonhall once a year as there are some decent holes and would be sad to see it go.

Duddy will go to well over £1200 this year too but is an infinitely better course than Monktonhall, but is also far far too expensive for what amounts to 5 months decent golf.

Those of us who were lucky enough to join East Lothian clubs before the most recent boom can consider themselves very lucky or extremely prescient.

I hear Scotscraig are in difficulties with legal disputes with their lifetime members over there being charged fees once again and there is talk of their being purchased by Kingbarns owners.

Prestonfield are also apparently feeling the draft as are many more of the non coastal borders clubs.

[gordie18]

Tbh they need members urgently and will have to do anything they can to encourage folk to join.

Leaving because of scrapping joining fees seems to me like hastening the inevitable and makes no sense, you have paid yours and wont get it back and will likely need to pay another one at any new course.

There cant be many courses in the area without joining fees now as for most demand far outstrips supply and may have either huge or closed waiting lists, so there is maybe a market for them to tap into.

I don't mind Monktonhall once a year as there are some decent holes and would be sad to see it go.

Duddy will go to well over £1200 this year too but is an infinitely better course than Monktonhall, but is also far far too expensive for what amounts to 5 months decent golf.

Those of us who were lucky enough to join East Lothian clubs before the most recent boom can consider themselves very lucky or extremely prescient.

I hear Scotscraig are in difficulties with legal disputes with their lifetime members over there being charged fees once again and there is talk of their being purchased by Kingbarns owners.

Prestonfield are also apparently feeling the draft as are many more of the non coastal borders clubs.

I think most of the parkland courses around here really suffer from wet conditions in the winter, last time I played at Prestonfield it was like a swamp with flags!

I’m with you, as an ex member at Monktonhall I like to go maybe once or twice a year for a change of scenery, I’m just wondering how much they are going to charge me as a “members guest” going forward


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BSEJVT]

I think most of the parkland courses around here really suffer from wet conditions in the winter, last time I played at Prestonfield it was like a swamp with flags!

I’m with you, as an ex member at Monktonhall I like to go maybe once or twice a year for a change of scenery, I’m just wondering how much they are going to charge me as a “members guest” going forward


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No doubt re Parkland courses, in the last year after spells of wet weather in the winter I played both Royal Musselburgh & the Roxburghe and neither should have been open.

I am not renewing at Duddy this year as I simply can't stand winter golf there.

Even after a very dry autumn it was very soft and muddy and greens have got some sort of fungal disease.

Golf is getting very expensive and counter intuitively it is bringing the premium courses like Archerfield that can still be joined (i.e. have no waiting lists) but have all year facilities much more into the conversation.

[Golden Bear]

I hope it's not a sign of things to come but yesterday I was looking at a possible entry for a Seniors Greensomes Open at Goswick GC in Northumberland. The entry fee was £95!( £47.50 per head)

The prize fund was not great either so it's a case of nice course but on this occasion no thanks.

[BSEJVT]

I hope it's not a sign of things to come but yesterday I was looking at a possible entry for a Seniors Greensomes Open at Goswick GC in Northumberland. The entry fee was £95!( £47.50 per head)

The prize fund was not great either so it's a case of nice course but on this occasion no thanks.

I think courses are finding every way they can to raise revenue just now, I fear that a lot more courses will go to the wall and that golf will be far pricier on those that remain through demand and supply.

There was strong evidence before Covid that more and more courses were struggling but the rigors of Covid isolation turned that on its head temporarily

Climate change and the fact that greenkeepers can no longer just dump whatever cheap chemical they wanted on courses to resolve a myriad of issues has made course maintenance far more intensive at a time where costs are driven up by a real shortage of folk wanting to get into the industry driving up wages.

It's the perfect storm and when those burgeoning members / waiting lists start to drop and income falls then the fertiliser will really hit the fan.

I have just joined Archerfield as for what it offers it's no longer as relatively expensive as it comparatively once was

By the time I give up Duddy and Craigielaw I will be about £20 PW worse off for infinitely better courses and facilities and experience and year round playability

I am pretty sure there will be growth potential in the underlying debenture over the next few years

[AugustaHibs]

Just received my welcome pack from lundin GC. Can’t wait to get started! The winter work they’re doing looks like it’s gonna take the course up a couple notches.

[greenlex]

1st time with a club in my hand today at Archerfield since 1st September. It really is a nice place to play your golf.

[Speedy]

Played Dunblane for the first time yesterday. A few funky holes on it and a bit scruffy . Not surprising given the weather. Every par three tough.,
Didn’t score. Not content with just bogeys they had to be doubles. All 7 of them.

Really fun course. Agree on the par 3s. One of them I was about a foot from making the green from tee, rolled off the bank and ended up with about an 8 😂

[Gatecrasher]

I got my first ever Birdie yesterday, I felt like a real golfer for a minute. I still failed to break 100 though :idiot:

[BSEJVT]

I got my first ever Birdie yesterday, I felt like a real golfer for a minute. I still failed to break 100 though :idiot:

Well done you

If you can do it once ........

The difference between golfers isn't so much improving their good shots, its closing the gap between their good and bad shots

[Smartie]

For a while I used to play with 3 goals - to break 90, to keep 7s off the card and to get a birdie.

Never managed to get all 3, would be a big ask now.

It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to golf again though. I’ll definitely not be able to play a lot but a wee bit more than recent years would be nice.

[BroxburnHibee]

I got my first ever Birdie yesterday, I felt like a real golfer for a minute. I still failed to break 100 though :idiot:

Small goals and it will come.

I had my best round of the winter last week. Scratch 76 net 63 no double bogeys and no 3 putts makes a massive difference :greengrin

[greenlex]

I got my first ever Birdie yesterday, I felt like a real golfer for a minute. I still failed to break 100 though :idiot:
:thumbsup:

[Gatecrasher]

Thanks everyone, I just go out there to defeat myself and my best score. I'm trying to limit the bad shots and blow up holes, I just get myself in stupid situations some times :hilarious

[Golden Bear]

I got my first ever Birdie yesterday, I felt like a real golfer for a minute. I still failed to break 100 though :idiot:

Well done, that's something else you can tick off.

Golf is a frustrating game to say the least , nobody has ever totally mastered it and nobody ever will.

You only need to look at the Professionals and see how their form can vary so much from day to day. It's a never ending challenge and that's what makes it the game it is.

In the meantime - ENJOY!

[FifeHibs]

Just received my welcome pack from lundin GC. Can’t wait to get started! The winter work they’re doing looks like it’s gonna take the course up a couple notches.

is their still a waiting list at Lundin

[Itsnoteasy]

I got my first ever Birdie yesterday, I felt like a real golfer for a minute. I still failed to break 100 though :idiot:

I'm sure there's a stat that 90% of golfers fail to score 90 or less.

[Greenbeard]

I hope it's not a sign of things to come but yesterday I was looking at a possible entry for a Seniors Greensomes Open at Goswick GC in Northumberland. The entry fee was £95!( £47.50 per head)

The prize fund was not great either so it's a case of nice course but on this occasion no thanks.
That is steep - but if there is a demand then you can't blame clubs for putting up their Open entry fees. Some popular Opens you need to be poised at the ready the very minute entries open in order to get booked before it fills up.
I started playing Seniors Opens just before Covid. At that time most were £10-15 entry fee, with the odd one at £20-25. The most cost effective way to play other courses. These days, however, it's rare to get one under £20 and the "bigger" courses are up to £35-40. Mind you it's usually still very good value when you compare with their standard visitor fees. What's also a pain is that more clubs seem to be switching to an online entry system which means you can only book one space at a time, meaning you can't book three spaces in order to play with your buddies. Maybe a consequence of some suspected jiggery pokery with scores?

[BroxburnHibee]

If you're looking for a decent open to enter then I'd recommend Paisley. Cracking golf course

[Greenbeard]

If you're looking for a decent open to enter then I'd recommend Paisley. Cracking golf course
I always try to avoid going further west than Livingston and creeping into Weegieland. Dunbar and Kilspindie are two favourites. Played Crail last summer - first time in 35 years when I had a memorable round - but my much anticipated return round was totally spoilt by the incessant loud whine of engines from the nearby Raceway circuit. It was like playing the whole round with a plague of mosquitos right in your earhole. Maybe we were unlucky with the wind direction that day but I won't be going back.

[greenlex]

If my body holds up I’m planning on throwing myself at golf this season. Didn’t play as much as normal last year.

[Gatecrasher]

Well done, that's something else you can tick off.

Golf is a frustrating game to say the least , nobody has ever totally mastered it and nobody ever will.

You only need to look at the Professionals and see how their form can vary so much from day to day. It's a never ending challenge and that's what makes it the game it is.

In the meantime - ENJOY!

Thanks, I vary from hole to hole a lot of the time and the smallest thing can make such a huge difference.


I'm sure there's a stat that 90% of golfers fail to score 90 or less.
Found this

According to the National Golf Foundation, 55% of adult golfers can break 100. Only 29% of adult golfers report an average score of 90 to 99. This is much lower than the numbers provided by the USGA and is generally considered to be more accurate.

https://www.golfstorageguide.com/how-many-golfers-break-70-80-90-100/

[Smartie]

Anyone played much yet this year?

How are the courses looking after the winter?

This is the time of year I start to think about getting back out again.

[Greenbeard]

Anyone played Kingsfield near Linlithgow? Heard today it is an excellent 9-holer with 6 greens staff! £30 for 18 holes on a weekday, £20 for Seniors. Not sure if these are winter rates but it sounds VG value.

[greenlex]

Anyone played Kingsfield near Linlithgow? Heard today it is an excellent 9-holer with 6 greens staff! £30 for 18 holes on a weekday, £20 for Seniors. Not sure if these are winter rates but it sounds VG value.
Haven’t played it but it has some very good players playing their golf there so I would think it will be very decent.

I use the driving range there which has trackman bays and it has enhanced my golf game no end.

[Gatecrasher]

Anyone played much yet this year?

How are the courses looking after the winter?

This is the time of year I start to think about getting back out again.

I have played a few times in West lothian, I think the courses are in much better condition than last year. I don't think this winter has been as bad.

[Smartie]

Anyone played Kingsfield near Linlithgow? Heard today it is an excellent 9-holer with 6 greens staff! £30 for 18 holes on a weekday, £20 for Seniors. Not sure if these are winter rates but it sounds VG value.

I played it a few years ago. A couple of my mates became members there when it opened although one of them has since moved on.

Good course, well maintained. I think they made drainage a priority when building so they could keep it playing optimally as much of the year as possible.

Downsides - only 9 holes. When I played it, it still felt a bit like a new course, not sure how different it will feel now that it’s had time to mature. It didn’t have a clubhouse then and felt a bit like a 9 holer tagged onto the driving range so had the feel of a practice facility rather than a club - may bother some more than others.

The holes were good though. A couple of tricky, long par 3s iirc. Course was immaculate when I played. My mates who were members became active members of the club straight away and spoke highly of the other members, really liked being members there, liked the people. And as has been said above, the driving range facility is first class.

[Hibs90]

I dropped from 16 to 11 last season. Have put in a bit of work over winter to try get down to single figures. A +8.5 differential at Gullane today leaves me with one more sub +10 round to take me to single figures and my 2025 goal knocked out already. The next challenge will be to maintain and try and improve on that throughout the year. I have only played 3 times this year so was nice to get out and see some evidence of the work I've put in. Not sure playing with traditional blades is helping me to be honest and I might need to switch to something a bit more forgiving in the irons and today could have been even lower.

[patch1875]

I have played a few times in West lothian, I think the courses are in much better condition than last year. I don't think this winter has been as bad.

I’m a member at Deer Park. Agree probably been in better nick this winter but DP has been closed a lot of the time due to weather or storm damage.

Playing Harburn tomorrow as we might switch there from Deer Park also I’m probably going to join Leven to get another option and better golf through the winter.

[patch1875]

I dropped from 16 to 11 last season. Have put in a bit of work over winter to try get down to single figures. A +8.5 differential at Gullane today leaves me with one more sub +10 round to take me to single figures and my 2025 goal knocked out already. The next challenge will be to maintain and try and improve on that throughout the year. I have only played 3 times this year so was nice to get out and see some evidence of the work I've put in. Not sure playing with traditional blades is helping me to be honest and I might need to switch to something a bit more forgiving in the irons and today could have been even lower.

That’s really good going. Single digit is my aim currently 14 but slowly creeping down. I think a bit more distance on my drives will help, short game is fairly good but feel I struggle to get onto longer holes in 2. Going to have a driver fitting soon so will see what comes of that.

[greenlex]

I’m a member at Deer Park. Agree probably been in better nick this winter but DP has been closed a lot of the time due to weather or storm damage.

Playing Harburn tomorrow as we might switch there from Deer Park also I’m probably going to join Leven to get another option and better golf through the winter.
Enjoy Harburn. My home club for the past 35 years. Don’t play over the winter as I hate mats so no idea what condition it’s in but over the summer the course has been in great nick the last 5 years or so. Best in 35 years.

[Carheenlea]

I hope it's not a sign of things to come but yesterday I was looking at a possible entry for a Seniors Greensomes Open at Goswick GC in Northumberland. The entry fee was £95!( £47.50 per head)

The prize fund was not great either so it's a case of nice course but on this occasion no thanks.

For our annual Aberdeen weekend trip for 8 of us this year I’ve got us three rounds of golf and two nights hotel with breakfast for £185 pp

Hotel - Holiday Inn Express £76

Fri - green fee at Scotscraig on way up £58 (discount for 4B after 12 noon)

Sat - Peterhead Open £25

Sun - Montrose Open 4BBB Pairs on way home £25

Thankfully there is still good value to be had in Open competitions, and even the Scotscraig green fee is semi reasonable and makes for a very affordable weekend trip.

£185 wouldn’t get you 9 holes at some courses!

[greenlex]

For our annual Aberdeen weekend trip for 8 of us this year I’ve got us three rounds of golf and two nights hotel with breakfast for £185 pp

Hotel - Holiday Inn Express £76

Fri - green fee at Scotscraig on way up £58 (discount for 4B after 12 noon)

Sat - Peterhead Open £25

Sun - Montrose Open 4BBB Pairs on way home £25

Thankfully there is still good value to be had in Open competitions, and even the Scotscraig green fee is semi reasonable and makes for a very affordable weekend trip.

£185 wouldn’t get you 9 holes at some courses!
I like Scotscraig. Good old fashioned course. Enjoy.

[Golden Bear]

For our annual Aberdeen weekend trip for 8 of us this year I’ve got us three rounds of golf and two nights hotel with breakfast for £185 pp

Hotel - Holiday Inn Express £76

Fri - green fee at Scotscraig on way up £58 (discount for 4B after 12 noon)

Sat - Peterhead Open £25

Sun - Montrose Open 4BBB Pairs on way home £25

Thankfully there is still good value to be had in Open competitions, and even the Scotscraig green fee is semi reasonable and makes for a very affordable weekend trip.

£185 wouldn’t get you 9 holes at some courses!

That's a great deal Mr T.

👍

[blackpoolhibs]

Had a bit of a bad winter with being poorly and a bad back, so not played since end of October.

Started back on the 3rd of March and off my handicap of 7, hit 88 then 86, but last 2 rounds of 80 and 79 is getting back to normal.

Have a target this season to try and get down to 5, i doubt it if i will make it, but i do like to have a target each season and a challenge, something to aim at.:greengrin

We have a few senior opens we are going to this season, Preston and Clitheroe that i can remember at the moment, both are under £30 and both very good tracks. :top marks

[greenlex]

Good to see Min Woo Lee has got rid of the Jambo and got a good Irish lad on the bag. I’m rooting for him at sawgrass after Bob of course.
As an aside I hit my first balls of the year in practice today. Not too many but relatively decent which is a worry.

[greenlex]

The world has really been turned upsides down and lost the plot. Scottie Scheffler is chucking clubs around and shouting the odds at himself.

How many times does McGinley want to say Giddy in a broadcast?

[blackpoolhibs]

Rory really does make things difficult for himself at the most crucial of times, 3 strokes to play with, with only 5 holes to play, and he's having to go into a playoff today in the players. Hope he wins,but it would not surprise me if he buggered it up again, so much talent, but does not seem to be able to get the job done enough for the positions he gets himself into.

[hibeg]

Rory really does make things difficult for himself at the most crucial of times, 3 strokes to play with, with only 5 holes to play, and he's having to go into a playoff today in the players. Hope he wins,but it would not surprise me if he buggered it up again, so much talent, but does not seem to be able to get the job done enough for the positions he gets himself into.

Agree. Short putts missed over the last year has cost him big time. Hope he gets over the line today
As an aside another top ten for Bob Macintyre which is good going

[BroxburnHibee]

Rory really does make things difficult for himself at the most crucial of times, 3 strokes to play with, with only 5 holes to play, and he's having to go into a playoff today in the players. Hope he wins,but it would not surprise me if he buggered it up again, so much talent, but does not seem to be able to get the job done enough for the positions he gets himself into.

His lack of a proper caddie yet again cost him on 16. He doesn't need to hit driver their He could easily get there with 3 wood off the tee. Driver brought all the trouble into play.

He could do with getting Foster on his bag but he won't

[greenlex]

Agree. Short putts missed over the last year has cost him big time. Hope he gets over the line today
As an aside another top ten for Bob Macintyre which is good going

Bobs picked up just shy of 1.2 million dollars in the last two weeks. Decent work if you can get it.

[blackpoolhibs]

His lack of a proper caddie yet again cost him on 16. He doesn't need to hit driver their He could easily get there with 3 wood off the tee. Driver brought all the trouble into play.

He could do with getting Foster on his bag but he won't
:agree: The daft thing about that is he's wonderful with a 3 wood, why wont he get a proper caddie, it cant be money, it must be ego?

[hibeg]

Bobs picked up just shy of 1.2 million dollars in the last two weeks. Decent work if you can get it.

Just shy of 10m in 61 official events, hasn’t missed many cuts since early last season when acclimating
I see he is going next week to the DP Tour in the Far East , he does some travelling !

[Golden Bear]

3 hole play off now underway. Mcilroy will be favourite but I'd like to see JJ win the title. He seems a quiet unassuming guy and if he does win then it will totally change the path of his career.

[greenlex]

3 hole play off now underway. Mcilroy will be favourite but I'd like to see JJ win the title. He seems a quiet unassuming guy and if he does win then it will totally change the path of his career.

Clumsy putt on 16 there whilst in the box seat from Rory there.

[greenlex]

Peekin at Rory’s bag there did Spaun no favours. I was actually shouting at the telly at Rory he had too much club but a wee three quarter swing was just the job. That’s gotta be job done.
Mind you imagine walking out today knowing you’ve bagged 2.75 million even if you chop it round the three holes.

[blackpoolhibs]

Played the first 2 holes perfectly, and Spaun has been poor, Rory's to lose now.

Although after that put, what do i know?:faf:

[greenlex]

Driver at the last and just smash it up there. Doesn’t matter if it’s in the trees.

[greenlex]

He won’t have an easier play off.

[Golden Bear]

The dreaded 17th hole more or less finished JJ's challenge.

He maintains he hit a solid shot but was caught out by the wind and really that was that.

[greenlex]

First game in a while and possibly the worst golf in about 40years.

[Hibs90]

Alright chaps.

I have won a three ball with a member at North Berwick West Links in a charity auction, with the date to be arranged, hopefully in the summer. It's worked out at £200 per person, which is still around £90 cheaper than rack rate I believe. I don't have anyone for the other two spots at the minute so if anyone is interested please send me a PM.

If not allowed I'll delete this post but thought I'd offer it out. :aok:

[Donegal Hibby]

Brilliant 😃👏…

https://youtu.be/5VDHVCa7zA0?si=KbTxa5QkVyAvwJCP

[Hibrandenburg]

Holidaying up north this year. Contacted the local golf course who sorted out my 16 year old with an overseas membership for £30. Means he can play as much as he wants for nothing. Not bad for a club that charges £115 a round in high season. Really grateful to the club secretary for sorting this out. They'll make a few quid off me but at least I can relax about the boy's golf addiction bankrupting me.

[Golden Bear]

I'm still struggling to come to terms with the fabled "World Handicapping System."

I'm an auld relic playing from a six handicap and the chances of me winning a prize in a competition are almost zero.
I'm no longer good enough to pick up a scratch prize and with the number of members playing with HUGE handicaps then the handicap prizes are also well out of reach for me.

Under the previous system I always enjoyed the personal challenge of trying to save "point 1" in order to prevent my handicap from increasing but that incentive is no longer there.

In addition, we'll all know that some folk are submitting a load of scores for handicap purposes only in order to inflate their handicaps, wait until there is a prestigious competition, then come in with ridiculously low scores.

So really, I'm wasting my cash on competition entry fees and social bounce games are now more my cup of tea

Grrrr!

😠

[BroxburnHibee]

I'm still struggling to come to terms with the fabled "World Handicapping System."

I'm an auld relic playing from a six handicap and the chances of me winning a prize in a competition are almost zero.
I'm no longer good enough to pick up a scratch prize and with the number of members playing with HUGE handicaps then the handicap prizes are also well out of reach for me.

Under the previous system I always enjoyed the personal challenge of trying to save "point 1" in order to prevent my handicap from increasing but that incentive is no longer there.

In addition, we'll all know that some folk are submitting a load of scores for handicap purposes only in order to inflate their handicaps, wait until there is a prestigious competition, then come in with ridiculously low scores.

So really, I'm wasting my cash on competition entry fees and social bounce games are now more my cup of tea

Grrrr!

😠

Yep it's so easily open to abuse. Not sure what the solution is but I'd abolish general play scores to start with.

[BSEJVT]

Yep it's so easily open to abuse. Not sure what the solution is but I'd abolish general play scores to start with.

It's an interesting one, I agree entirely that general play scores should not be permitted.

We are now at the stage where those that submit a score every time they play criticise those that don't for not having representative handicaps

I come from an era where you had to put on your big boy pants every month and shoot a score on that given day

How folks handicaps aren't coming down in general is a mystery to me as without that pressure that this is your chance for the month, it must be easier.

There's no doubt that folk don't have the same view they once did, I have always striven to get my handicap as low as I can as more than anything I think that's a measure of the best golfer you can be, but a lot of folk I know want their handicaps as high as they can to have a chance at winning something.

I think they are deluding themselves if they think that that's winning, unless of course they have tried like a bear on each and every shot they have played in every single round that has contributed to their present handicap.

Don't get me started on the changes to course and playing handicaps

All of a sudden I am giving guys at Dunbar 4 more shots than I used to even though our handicaps have remained broadly static

It's a waste of time as Golden Bear says entering much.

One other thing I have found is that in yesteryear those of say 24 were truly terrible golfers who could do very little

That's not the case anymore

A guy at Archerfield won a recent medal by 4 having taken 44 putts of a high handicap!

[greenlex]

9 times out of ten I will play a counting round. I do it unless the weather is pretty bad. (Usually don’t even play to be honest)
I’m of the it gives a more representative of your ability at any given time school if you do it most of the time. I qualify that by saying I play most Friday evenings during the summer with three work colleagues with a regular rotation over our 4 different courses. Harburn, Ratho Park, Baberton and Royal Mussleburgh. I also am fortunate enough to have a decent network of friends over some very good courses over the central belt both parkland and links. Add in Golf in Scotland events and I’m fortunate enough to play fairly regularly with a golfing society over high end venues. All these games are more than just bounce games and can more often than not get very very competitive. I caveat that by saying I didn’t play nearly as much as usual last season.
I am very much of the get as low as I can mindset rather than the other way and don’t understand the high to win mindset. Cheating plain and simple.
There must be a mechanism to flag the bandits abusing the system but probably no appetite to address it.
I have been as low as 5 after a purple patch over a good few weeks but I’m getting on a bit now and after a poor couple of years or so am up at 9 (I think). Couldn’t compete at 5 and 7,8,9 has been the default for the last 30 years or so.
This season so far the least said the better. Anyhoo I’m away to peg it up this afternoon. Enjoy your golf as best you can is the answer.

[blackpoolhibs]

I play monday wednesday and friday with a good bunch of lads, we have our own little society.

We have a scoring system between us that says if you score over 36 points, your handicap comes down point 2 if you are under 10 handicap, point 3 11-20 and point 4 21 and above.

You get point 1 back if you score 33 or under.

My official handicap with the WHS is 10.6 and i put a score in every time i play, yet my handicap with my friends is 6.9.

There are certainly players who manipulate the handicap system, when i was at another golf course society, the amount of times i heard players say i need to score worse than an 85 to go up as an 84 was my 20th score on the list was shocking.

I dont know the answer, but like others, my games now are 99% against friends in our society who are being deducted much more fairly in my opinion with our system.

[Greenbeard]

Agree the WHS system is too open to abuse, indirectly acknowledged by the R&A given their pronouncement earlier this week. Read a post not so long ago from someone saying they were no longer going to play open scrambles because net 48 was the winning score in his last comp.
The other issue that bugs me is that course ratings appear to have been determined by one single visit by two folk and I understand that courses are reviewed c. once every 10 years. Surely there is now enough data collected to assess how accurate a course's rating is. Do players from that club generally score well or poorly when playing elsewhere? And vv, do visitors to the course score well or poorly?

[Golden Bear]

https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/campaign-ra-combat-whs-cheating/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJxwohleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpWLDSAz8wD0 NtoWp3756FucJOxCqXiZgOWb9RfPMXXW8UU8lcJ3pP7zV8yc_a em_Blz-H_yps4cFAr5Q5fJH3w

Talk of the devil!

[patch1875]

Anyone play with a mini driver?

Been looking at the TM Brnr for a while and they seem to be in fashion as a few pros seem to carry them now and other manufacturers are bringing one out.

Driver has always been my weak point these are shorter and feel like a 3 wood with more distance and hopefully control, the shorter the club the better I hit!

[I'm_cabbaged]

Agree the WHS system is too open to abuse, indirectly acknowledged by the R&A given their pronouncement earlier this week. Read a post not so long ago from someone saying they were no longer going to play open scrambles because net 48 was the winning score in his last comp.
The other issue that bugs me is that course ratings appear to have been determined by one single visit by two folk and I understand that courses are reviewed c. once every 10 years. Surely there is now enough data collected to assess how accurate a course's rating is. Do players from that club generally score well or poorly when playing elsewhere? And vv, do visitors to the course score well or poorly?

Won the scramble at my club yesterday with a 52, definitely no cheating on our handicaps going on, just luck that we never had bad shots all at the same time.

[blackpoolhibs]

Anyone play with a mini driver?

Been looking at the TM Brnr for a while and they seem to be in fashion as a few pros seem to carry them now and other manufacturers are bringing one out.

Driver has always been my weak point these are shorter and feel like a 3 wood with more distance and hopefully control, the shorter the club the better I hit!

I have a 3 wood stiff shaft on a ping G410 driver head. It seems much easier to hit and my driving has improved no end with that combination.

Obviously not as long, maybe 10-15 yards shorter but i'm much straighter and in play most of the time now.:greengrin

[AugustaHibs]

Few months into my membership at lundin. Can’t seem to get to grips with scoring round the place! I’m an 8hcp and I’m struggling to break 85. When the wind blows it’s so so tough and it just seems so narrow!! Anyone got any tips for taming this beast?

I play gullane 1 a lot and find that a far easier course, both off the white tees.

[BSEJVT]

Few months into my membership at lundin. Can’t seem to get to grips with scoring round the place! I’m an 8hcp and I’m struggling to break 85. When the wind blows it’s so so tough and it just seems so narrow!! Anyone got any tips for taming this beast?

I play gullane 1 a lot and find that a far easier course, both off the white tees.

Welcome to my world!

I joined Archerfield at Christmas and am suffering the same particularly round the Dirleton

I am off 6.6 usually pretty straight and not prone to big numbers but here and to a lesser extent Fidra can't keep one or two off my card per round.

Also a member at Dunbar which doesn't cause me any such problems other than the very odd trip over the wall at the 7th trying to bite off too much.

[patch1875]

I have a 3 wood stiff shaft on a ping G410 driver head. It seems much easier to hit and my driving has improved no end with that combination.

Obviously not as long, maybe 10-15 yards shorter but i'm much straighter and in play most of the time now.:greengrin

Did consider this for my driver. See what happens as I’ve bought a mini driver 😃 will give it a hit at the range to see if it’s any better.

[Golden Bear]

I played in a Seniors Open Scramble on Tuesday when the winning score was an astounding 21 under par which is the equivalent of 15 birdies and 3 eagles.

Further words defy me.

🙄

[Dalianwanda]

I’m only playing once a week but weathers been hard and we’re a links course so little chance of scoring well. First 4 rounds have been handicap counters so up to 11.5..Hopefully weather behaves and my irons get to where my driving and putting are but cant expect too much if i don’t practice :-) If i can get to 10 again at some point i’ll be happy enough.

On a positive the course is in immaculate condition, greens are perfect.

[Dalianwanda]

I’m only playing once a week but weathers been hard and we’re a links course so little chance of scoring well. First 4 rounds have been handicap counters so up to 11.5..Hopefully weather behaves and my irons get to where my driving and putting are but cant expect too much if i don’t practice :-) If i can get to 10 again at some point i’ll be happy enough.

On a positive the course is in immaculate condition, greens are perfect.

[blackpoolhibs]

I played in a Seniors Open Scramble on Tuesday when the winning score was an astounding 21 under par which is the equivalent of 15 birdies and 3 eagles.

Further words defy me.

🙄

That is just cheating, they should be named and shamed. :rolleyes:

I've not long got home from my fourth day running at playing. 79 Monday, 83 tuesday, 80 Wed and 81 today.

I am happy with my game but could putt better, supposed to play tomorrow at 09.15, but my whole body aches from my ankles to my neck. I'm saying I wont play in the morning, but I know come 7am when i wake up, i will be like a young puppy bouncing out the door.:greengrin

[Greenbeard]

I played in a Seniors Open Scramble on Tuesday when the winning score was an astounding 21 under par which is the equivalent of 15 birdies and 3 eagles.

Further words defy me.

🙄
One of my issues with scrambles is you could have a scratch golfer playing alongside three high handicappers and other than 9 drives, the scratch golfer can effectively be playing off a decent handicap. However that would not account for a net 21 under par!
I have never seen it used but I gather there is a scramble format whereby whichever player's shot is chosen, that player does not play the next shot, only the other players in the team. Sounds like a format which is less open to abuse.

[blackpoolhibs]

That is just cheating, they should be named and shamed. :rolleyes:

I've not long got home from my fourth day running at playing. 79 Monday, 83 tuesday, 80 Wed and 81 today.

I am happy with my game but could putt better, supposed to play tomorrow at 09.15, but my whole body aches from my ankles to my neck. I'm saying I wont play in the morning, but I know come 7am when i wake up, i will be like a young puppy bouncing out the door.:greengrin

Yip, up and ready to play through the pain.:greengrin

[BroxburnHibee]

One of my issues with scrambles is you could have a scratch golfer playing alongside three high handicappers and other than 9 drives, the scratch golfer can effectively be playing off a decent handicap. However that would not account for a net 21 under par!
I have never seen it used but I gather there is a scramble format whereby whichever player's shot is chosen, that player does not play the next shot, only the other players in the team. Sounds like a format which is less open to abuse.

My club Turnhouse used that format for our opening day comp. They called it a Florida Scramble.

I wasn't that keen on it if I'm honest but can understand the thinking behind it.

Net 52 won on the day

[Hibs90]

Few months into my membership at lundin. Can’t seem to get to grips with scoring round the place! I’m an 8hcp and I’m struggling to break 85. When the wind blows it’s so so tough and it just seems so narrow!! Anyone got any tips for taming this beast?

I play gullane 1 a lot and find that a far easier course, both off the white tees.

Having a similar issue at my new club Craigielaw this year. I was off 10.2. Now risen to 11.

88, 86, 95 (I found every bunker on the course that day), 82, 92, 86.

It has been very hard to adjust. Maybe our previous courses are easier. Although that 82 was fairly decent I suppose.

[greenlex]

Having a similar issue at my new club Craigielaw this year. I was off 10.2. Now risen to 11.

88, 86, 95 (I found every bunker on the course that day), 82, 92, 86.

It has been very hard to adjust. Maybe our previous courses are easier. Although that 82 was fairly decent I suppose.
Craigielaw. Don’t go chasing pins. Middle of the green every time. You’re only two putts away from par.

[Golden Bear]

Having a similar issue at my new club Craigielaw this year. I was off 10.2. Now risen to 11.

88, 86, 95 (I found every bunker on the course that day), 82, 92, 86.

It has been very hard to adjust. Maybe our previous courses are easier. Although that 82 was fairly decent I suppose.

I played at Craigielaw on Thursday and found it really tough even although I was striking the ball well.

Very hard ground conditions made it difficult to hold the greens from any distance.

They have great off course facilities though!