The perfect par three 10th at Aberfoyle GC, like a Faberge jewel.
I will write much more about this trip in the future, in my next book and other places, but these are our top 40 favorite holes from this year. They are presented in no particular order. As always, these choices are not based on difficulty, or alleged architectural merit, but on a somewhat indefinable quality that makes them special, memorable, and essentially Scottish. We played them all, but only walked the course at Anstruther. We played 45 holes there in 2019.
The 8th and 12th at Whiting Bay GC on the Isle of Arran
I’ve never experienced a more friendlier welcome. I could sit in that clubhouse and talk for hours. Pure island golf and the best people.
The par four 8thThe 12th, Clyde View
The 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th at Corrie GC on the Isle of Arra
You can read my story about Corrie, The Enchanted Glen, in the current issue of The Links Diary . Jake ranked it as his favorite course of the trip. It has now moved into my top 3. Ancient and sublime. Mystical and fun.
The entrance to The Enchanted Glen on the par three 2nd.The par four 3rdTC for eagle on the brilliant par four 6th, as Greg McCrae looks on.The thrilling downhill 7th
The 3rd, 6th, 7th and 9th at Shiskine on the Isle of Arran
Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club has moved into 2nd place on my rankings. It’s second for Jake, too. It’s really the perfect place to play golf.
The Crow’s Nest in a 35 mph wind is the essence of funThe 6th, the Shore Hole. Perhaps the first hole I’d pick to explain Scottish golf.The 7th. The Himalayas. I wish I you could hear the wind.One of the great short par fives in golf. The 9th.
The 4th, 6th, 11th, 13th & 17th at Dunaverty
Dunaverty is my home in Scotland. It makes me sad to leave. The friendliest people at a one of a kind golf course.
The 4th, called Dunaverty. The green site was allegedly recommended by the great James Braid.In serious consideration for the one of the greatest par threes in golf. The 6th, Arthur’s Seat. The 11th, The Cleet – from behind the 10th green on Mt. Zion. The center of the maze.The 17th is a hole that is difficult to describe. It is called The Burn. Coniegien Water attracts golf balls.
The 3rd and 11th at Iona
The machair of Iona is magical. A natural course maintained by sheep and locals who love playing golf.
I would pay green money to watch the 3rd at Iona played in a professional event.The home hole of the Iona Open. The perfectly bizarre 11th.
The 1st and 8th at Royal Aberdeen
I could be persuaded that this is the greatest opening hole in golf. I hope the club is able to save the green site. Coastal erosion is a serious problem. The par three 8th. I can’t really add much to the photo.
The 10th, 12th, 13th and 14th at the West Links at North Berwick
A brilliant stretch of holes.
The 10th is my favorite par three at NB.You have converted me to the 12th, Dr. Ralston.The Pit. When I heard Jake laughing, it made me happy.Perfection
The 4th and 10th at Aberfoyle
A hidden wee spot in The Trossachs. It’s not on your way to anywhere, but worth a short detour to play.
The par four 4th. The Scottish golf madness that I dream about.The wee 10th. Like an intricate Faberge jewel.
The 17th and 18th at The Old
Sui generis.
Greatest tournament par four in golf. The original text for strategy.Finishing in the dark on 18. Magical.
The 1st, 4th, 9th, 15th and 17th at Prestwick
The standard for traditional links golf.
A par on the the 1st at Prestwick feels like money in the bank.The 4th, looking back over the Himalayas. Pure joy to play.The approach into the 9th is my favorite shot at Prestwick.You could live 1,000 years and not solve the puzzle of the 15th.The Alps. I’ve played it 20 times now and I still feel the full weight of golf history every single time.
The 5th, 6th, 7th and 16th at Golspie
Unique and fun. Linksland-Heathland-Parkland-Linksland.
The 5th. Links perfection. It has everything.A brilliant transition from linksland to heathland. The par three 6th.The 7th. The approach is either completely blind over a ridge or the green is drivable when playing downwind. A truly great par three. The 16th.
The 1st, 9th and 13th at Brora
Braid’s elegant masterpiece in The Highlands.
The perfect Braid opening hole.Everything just feels right in the world on the 9th.The 13th, Snake, which could be the greatest short par three in the world.
The 2nd and 9th at Anstruther
Only in Scotland do you find so many places like this. This is where Jake first fell in love with my favorite country.
The par three 2nd. May their names live forever.Downhill into town on a par three (!!!) 9th. Must avoid dog walkers.
These holes were selected on the long flight home. I believe it is always good to get out the initial thoughts based on feelings. Thanks to so many great people for their sincere kindness the last two weeks. Gu ma fada beo Alba.
