Category: 2 star (Page 6 of 7)

23. Auchterderran. 15th July 2015

July 16, 2015 / Moly McMillan

Good value golf on an interesting little course.

Summary: £10 for 9 holes, £12 for 18. Par 33. Value (out of 5) – 3

Nice views from Auchterderrans 6th green

Although Auchterderran golf course, located in the Fife village of Cardenden, was established in 1904, in many ways it feels a younger, less mature course. It is one of 7 courses managed by the Fife Golf Trust which was established in 2011 to take over Fife Council’s directly managed courses. This is becoming a common practice by Local Authorities in Scotland to manage golf courses.

The devilishly difficult long par 3 5th, “Burma Road”

It’s a nice layout in the space available, with a good mix of holes. This is a course for all, with some are pretty straightforward holes, but the 3rd, 5th and 8th are potential card wreckers that will challenge the low handicap player.

3rd green looking down fairway

The long par 3 5th, at 241 yards, called Burma Road, is a very tough par 3, which for most golfers should be played as a 4. It has a small green, and out of bounds down the left. A bogie 4 is a good score in my book. Another tip, which I did not follow (meaning 2 lost balls) was playing safe on the 8th, which has a narrow gap at driving length. Given another chance I would have played a 7 iron off the tee.

2nd green towards adjacent water (not in play on course)

The course is maintained by volunteer members and therefore the condition is not great, but then again the price is very reasonable, so it still represents good value golf. The fairways in particular need a lot of work, but the greens were good and true.

The people I met were very friendly. It’s worth a game, if you have an hour or 2 to spare on your travels.

Key Facts

Course Type: parkland

Full Green Fees:

Par 33 (0 par 5, 6 par 4s, 3 par 3s)

Distance (yellow) 2318 yards

Moly’s Gross score:

Moly’s Auchterderran 9 hole scorecard – 46

20. Wee Braids. 3rd July 2015

July 7, 2015 / Moly McMillan

Wee Course – Massive Views

Summary: Midweek £22 (round) £12 (9 holes); weekend £23.25/£12.50 . Par 33. Value (out of 5) – 3

Detail:

Edinburgh views beyond the 6th green of the Wee Braids Course

The “Wee Braids”, sometimes know as the “Princes Course”, is a 9 hole golf course run by Edinburgh Council. It is on Braids Hill, on the south side of Edinburgh, accessed from the city via Morningside Road. It shares the hill with several golf courses, although it is the highest one, perched on top, which makes for quite magnificent views of Edinburgh and the Forth Estuary. Indeed, it’s worth starting any Edinburgh holiday with a round here to orientate you to the city and area: with the many restaurants and cafes of Morningside there is plenty to do for non-golfing partners.

Approach to 1st at Wee Braids

It’s a very tricky little course, with several of the tee shots and approach shots being blind, therefore its especially difficult if you only play 9 holes without any local knowledge as I did – plus it was not accessible from my golfshot mobile application, my trusty golfing companion.

5th approach at Wee Braids

The course itself, was in good condition. It is part parkland, part heathland on the upper slopes, with very dry fairways and greens, making for great difficulty getting your ball to stay on the greens.

The first 2 holes are difficult, being uphill, with the first being the SI 1 hole, and the second played through a thin channel to a very small green. The blind drive on the 5th is a particular challenge if the wind is off the left.

Wee Braids 8th green

The 8th, played through an avenue of trees, demands a straight drive; my recompense for hitting into the trees was finding about 5 balls, but not my own!

I had a bad start with an 8 at the first, then after some steady holes, a 7 and 8 and the 7th and 8th respectfully, made for a fairly miserable 50, versus the par 33.

Nonetheless, a nice little course, well worth a visit.

Key Facts

Course Type: parkland/heathland

Green Fees:

Round (18 holes):
Weekday (£16.50 (concession) £22.00)
Weekend (£17.35 (concession) £23.25

9 holes:
Weekday (£9.00 (concession), £12.00)
Weekend (£9.35 (concession), £12.50)

Par 33 (0 par 5, 6 par 4s, 3 par 3s)

Distance(white) 2390 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 50

Moly’d Wee Braids Scorecard – 50

14. Kinloss Country; 9th April 2015

June 3, 2015 / Moly McMillan

Young “American” style parkland course close to Findhorn Bay on the Moray Coast

Summary: £20 (18 holes); £12.50 (9 holes); £30 (day). Par 68. Score 90. Value (out of 5) – 2.5

Detail; Kinloss Country is a bit like the proverbial Curate’s Egg – “good in parts”. It is an unusual parkland find on this links laden Moray coastline.

The difficult par 3 third, with sweeping views to the North

It has a very unusual start of 3 par 3s, the first 2 of which are very straight forward; indeed if you don’t pick up a scorecard, you might be forgiven for thinking you were on a par 3 course.

But things get better with the 3rd played downhill with sweeping views, with challenges ahead on the 5th and 7th two of the more difficult holes.

12th hole – with lake in front.

The 12th hole, most likely characterised as the signature hole, has a manufactured lake in front of the green, so make sure you take enough club.

The course was in reasonable condition when I played with special note for the good condition of the fairways and bunkers. The course is quite open to the elements though with the 11th being aptly named “Windy Hills”.

15th – A bit of a Pig!

In fact, please take heed of the hole names! Although I must admit the 15th hole, a bit of a pig, should be renamed.

I played pretty steady throughout, and shot 90, despite having two 8’s on the back 9.

I was also caught out at the 17th, called “Carnoustie Twist” – needless to say I found the hidden green side bunkers!

17th “Carnoustie Twist”

Kinloss Country also has a nice little clubhouse with reasonably priced food and drink; the staff were also particularly friendly.

I wouldn’t go out of my way to play again, but it is a nice holiday venture and is close by the wonderful Findhorn bay, an ideal spot for a nice pub meal or picnic.

Findhorn Bay, close to Kinloss Country GC

Key Facts

Course Type: Parkland

Green Fees: 18 holes £20, 9 holes £12.50, Day £30 (All week)

Par 68 (2 par 5, 10 par 4s, 6 par 3s)

Distance(white) 5321 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 90

Moly’s Kinloss Country Scorecard – Gross 90

13. Rothes; 8th April 2015

May 23, 2015 / Moly McMillan

9 hole course in the heart of the Speyside Whisky Trail – suggest you play before you tipple.

Summary: £20 (18 holes). ; £15 (9 holes) Par 35. Score 48. Value (out of 5) – 2.5

Detail; This is a nice course especially if you are holidaying in the highlands and just “fancy a game”. Although potentially classed as a “highland” course, its has a typical “parkland” feel, without any of the characteristic heather found on other highland courses.

The course sits to the North above the village of Rothes, and is close to many of the local distilleries which make up the famous “whisky trail”. Indeed, it’s just a couple of miles from “The Macallan”, often cited as one of the great single malts.

As to the course, it is on a fairly exposed bit of land, so check the weather forecast for the wind and rain forecast. A north easterly wind in particular, which is what I faced , makes the first 2 holes up a slight hill very formidable, with out of bounds done the left. My main tip is to forego length on the first 2 holes and get it on the fairway.

The fine 3rd hole, probably the course signature – beware the hidden ditch

The 3rd hole, the first played downhill, is one of those holes that is more difficult from the yellow tee (played as a par 4), rather than the white tee (played as a par 5). Watch out for the hidden ditch which will catch a well hit drive from the yellow.

The fairways and greens were well kept and in good condition for the time of year. There is a nice clubhouse with bar and snacks available.

My main gripe with Rothes is the relatively expensive cost of just wanting to play 9 holes – £15 versus £20 for 18 holes. I think these highland course depend on the holiday golfer for

The short 6th – one of the better birdie opportunities

income and often holidaymakers just want to have a 9 hole round. Perhaps a fee around 60% of the full fee is more appropriate.

Nonetheless, don’t let that put you off playing, between visits to the local distilleries. It has some lovely open views of the countryside to make your round enjoyable.

Key Facts

Course Type: Parkland

Green Fees: 18 holes £20, 9 holes £15 (All week)

Par 35 (1 par 5, 6 par 4s, 2 par 3s)

Distance(yellow): 2472 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 48

Moly’s Rothes Scorecard – Disastrous start an understatement!

Category: 2 star (Page 6 of 7)

23. Auchterderran. 15th July 2015

Par 33 (0 par 5, 6 par 4s, 3 par 3s)

20. Wee Braids. 3rd July 2015

Par 33 (0 par 5, 6 par 4s, 3 par 3s)

14. Kinloss Country; 9th April 2015

Par 68 (2 par 5, 10 par 4s, 6 par 3s)

13. Rothes; 8th April 2015

Par 35 (1 par 5, 6 par 4s, 2 par 3s)

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