Day 206 at Ravelston

Posted by Michael on 28 July 2010 | 0 Comments | Tags: , ,

Waking up in the West End of Glasgow was unexpected. But that is how we roll and we had found a new friend in Tommy and his li’l dog Sushi.  The two of them had joined us the prior night for a Guinness or two and it may not be the last we see of Tommy as looks like we may join up for a hit in the coming weeks when we next venture to Glasgow.

It was about 1pm by the time we rolled into Edinburgh where we met Jamie’s auntie Gillian who was taking us out to her 9 hole course in central Edinburgh – Ravelston. 

Gillian and Ian have had us to stay with them for a few nights already in our Scotland leg and for that we are both very grateful.  I must apologise to Ian for leaving their internet cord plugged into my mac during the day… Caused a few consternations, but the yellow cord is back in and all is well.

Gil (pictured with JP below) plays her golf at both Ravelston and Kilspindie and is a Keen Golfer like us which is great.  She’s proud of Ravelston and rightly so.  It’s a picturesque wee course that has views overlooking the city of Edinburgh, is a good layout (albeit 9 holes) and most importantly has a good group of keen members who sound like they make it a strong club.

It is a challenge too. Holes play across an undulating piece of land and when the breeze is blowing like it was today it’s a real test.  So much so that neither of us managed a single birdie today which doesn’t do the fundraising much good.

There are a couple of great views at Ravelston, particularly as you play down to greens framed by a stone wall and houses.  I thought I had sculled a bunker shot into said house at one stage but fortunately it held up… Good thing my green fee ticket came with associated insurance, valid only for one day.

Across the way is Murrayfield Golf Club and supposedly they want Ravelston’s 9 holes so they can have a 27 hole golfing establishment.  I don’t think Ravelston are so keen on the idea. And they aren’t doing so badly themselves judging by the nice wee extension on their clubrooms.

Ravelston is a great example of an inner city course that encourages people to simply get out and enjoy some fresh air and a spot of golf. And you can’t beat that.

Thanks Gil for taking us on and for looking after us (and feeding JP’s brother Connor who can eat. And eat. And eat).

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