Summary: Robert Thompson, founder of canadiangolfer.com and Ian Andrew, one of the most outspoken golf architects in the business talk over their recent golf trip to Scotland. Interestingly the itinerary was packed full of lesser known Scottish golf experiences aligned to some topical golf courses the gents just had to visit. Be ready for a very interesting and resourceful guide from two leading professionals in the golf business. Below is a summary of the trip. Ardgowan Hotel Both agreed an excellent location to walk onto the Old Course and around the Auld Grey Town T: +44 (0)1334 472970 W: www.ardgowanhotel.co.uk Old Course St Andrews & Redesign Ian has never been one for not passing comment on historical course reconstruction which he is so passionate about.This section of the episode (6mins) Ian boldly suggests the work of Winter 2013 should not have been done. Lundin Links Golf Club A good start for a trip near St Andrews to warm you up for a week of golf. T: +44 (0)1333 320 202 W: www.lundingolfclub.co.uk Elie Golf House Club - The Surprise of the Trip Both noted Elie as the highlight of the trip from a golf experience and architectural point of view. 'If you miss Elie, you miss something special. These places are where you feel links golf.' (Ian Andrew) 'It ranks up there with the best Scottish links I have played. The vistas, playing in and out of town and the golf offered, was as good as any holes we played during the trip.' (Robert Thompson) T: +44 (0)1333 330301 W: www.golfhouseclub.co.uk Crail Golfing Society Golf as it was. A very spectacular run along the coast early on. It is short and quirky. Again a good start for a golf trip in St Andrews. T: +44(0)1333 450686 W: www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk Eden Course - St Andrews - The Old Course Sibling Ian talks at length of his love for this fantastic golf option at The Home of Golf. He notes it like a similar experience as playing the Old Course. 'As an architect it was an educational experience to see the colt greens. if 27 is your limit, play 9 at Eden! Read Co-host Graylyn Loomis' Eden review here. Royal Aberdeen (Scottish Open 2014 Venue) Both agree that the front 9 is an unforgettable set of holes. You get through 9 holes and you can't help but say wow. Ian is really looking forward to watching the world's best tackle the links at Balgownie for the Scottish Open and believes the players will love it. If the wind blows from a mix of directions it could prove a formidable and memorable tournament. T: +44 (0) 1224 702571 W: http://royalaberdeengolf.com/Home.aspx *Murcar Golf Links is also touched upon and will be featured in an upcoming episode ahead of the Scottish Open on the podcast. Trump International Scotland Stay & Play Ian Andrew noted it as the best site he had ever seen. While he missed the ground options for the windy days that aside the routing makes it one of the best courses ever built. Robert echos these sentiments but noted that he'd prefer if Donald Trump was reserved in telling the world this, let the golfing community decide! The accommodation at the onsite MacLeod House was 5 Star luxury and enjoy by both. T: +44 (0) 1358 74 33 00 W: www.trumpgolfscotland.com Fraserburgh Golf Club (Scotland's Biggest Secret?) 'Thirteen as an architect was mind blowing. This will make it into my future work. That to me is when the experience is at it's greatest.' (Ian Andrew) It was the first time on the trip that the holes went in all directions. Both agree this was another highlight of the trip and a must play in Scotland for classic links golf. T: +44 (0) 1346 516616 W: http://fraserburghgolfclub.org/index.html Accommodation - Culloden House Near Inverness this stunning building had the gents drinking Scotch late at night. T: +44 (0) 1463 790461 W: http://cullodenhouse.co.uk/ Castle Stuart Golf Links A great course, the detailing of dunes, concepts and play ability to enjoy the golf course.
