Not sure about you but I am very much looking forward to a New Year!
The end of last year was very difficult for me and my family with my dad in and out of hospital fighting Lung Cancer. My heart goes out to any family going through a similar experience, it has been tremendously difficult, so I am delighted my dad seems to have turned a corner recently and hopefully he continues to improve into 2025! 🤞
With a New Year brings lots of positivity and although I still have a lot of work ahead of me with starting out on my own and even more to learn. I am all in and very eager to get things going. Despite having lots of snow around currently, it won’t be long before we are all settling down to watch the Masters, with an exciting new golfing season in front of us. For now though, we will have to make do with the driving range, how much are the golf balls! My nephews are mad for golf currently, so we are their every week!
It has been enjoyable putting a schedule of events together again, something I have missed since I left National Club Golfer back in April. Over the last 7 years, I have always thoroughly enjoyed planning and running golf events and more so have missed the competitive golfing community that enjoyed them. I look forward to seeing some of the same faces throughout this year and meeting some new. So where would I like to take you in 2025?
The 2025 Schedule kicks off at the end of April with 3 very popular venues, Dundonald Links, Western Gailes and Prestwick St. Nicholas all on the famous golfing coastline of Ayrshire. Chosen for their quality, popularity and wonderful facilities. When I first visited and played Dundonald Links there was a Portakabin for a clubhouse, now they have luxury lodges and a gorgeous clubhouse, don’t forget to look up when your upstairs! Their lodges are a joy to stay in and provide a fantastic base for you to sample first class golf in any direction. Western Gailes if you haven’t experienced it is simply outstanding, one of the most traditional, testing Scottish links and the 7th hole is one of the toughest par 3’s I think I have ever played. The clubhouse is filled with history, old school service and charm, I am told the men’s locker room is a must see with the original lockers from over 100 years ago. Prestwick St Nicholas is also a traditional Scottish links and where 4-time Open Champion, Old Tom Morris, founder and honorary member, played his golf. With breathtaking views and a little bit shorter than the rest of its illustrious neighbours but no easier, I’m very much looking forward to my first visit.
In early May we visit Fife and 3 stunning rugged coastline courses I have wanted to group together for some time. Lundin Links, The Golf House Club, Elie and Crail Golfing Society are among some of the oldest courses in Scotland and are all less than 30 mins from St. Andrews. This iconic, warm, historic town would provide you with an excellent base and if you do stay or visit St. Andrews remember to book a table at Little Italy, great food, a vibrant atmosphere and a popular hangout for talented golfers…. You never know you may meet someone that can get you a game on the old course!
The month of June is dedicated to Wales with a North and South 3-day swing. I’ve included these courses in Wales not just because of their quality but also their value for money. In a golfing world where quality golf is getting more and more expensive for all to experience, golf in Wales is quality with a refreshingly reasonable price tag. In North Wales we kick off at Conwy, home of many elite amateur championships and £20 under their green fee. The next course, North Wales is just across from Conwy and rising the ranks, thanks to course improvements over the last year. The last course in the swing is Holyhead, one of the standout courses on Anglesey and one I am keen to experience myself. Llandudno has long been a popular base and entertained many a golfing trip over the years, I would imagine it is ideally situated once again!
In South Wales, I have again waited a long time to put these 3 fabulous courses together and I am eager to see how golfers enjoy them. Running east to west along the coastline we start with a course that will always hold a piece of my heart, Machynys Peninsula. I had my highest finish there as a professional golfer when I finished 2nd. in the Welsh Open, always in immaculate condition, and a real challenge if the wind is up. Next is Pennard, renowned for being the “links in the sky”, ranked 2nd in Wales and situated on the Gower Peninsula. If the website is anything to go by it looks stunning and June should be an excellent time to experience it in all its beauty. Completing the 3-day swing and further along the coastline to Porthcawl is Pyle & Kenfig. I have heard nothing but good things about this course and I am so excited to eventually experience it, I hope you are too! With Swansea situated between all 3 courses, and known for its vibrant nightlife, I would imagine making that your base would be ideal.
To be continued in Part 2…
