Playing in a warzone at Moray

Posted by Jamie on 7 August 2010 | 1 Comments | Tags: , , ,

Well, not a warzone per se.  Not at all, actually.  The warzone reference is to the RAFâ??s Lossiemouth air base right next door to Moray Golf Club; to the dozens of jets that shot over us during our links adventure.  Theyâ??re a very impressive sight.  And deafeningly loud beasts too.  If I was a Taliban foot soldier Iâ??d be quaking in my boots... But Iâ??m not.  I just marvelled at their power.


There are plenty of other things to marvel at at Moray.  Like the clever design of Tom Morrisâ?? Old Course, which we were fortunate enough to play.  Or itâ??s immaculate condition.  Or the views across The Moray Firth to The Black Isle.  Or the stunning clubhouse overlooking the links.  Or the Turnberry-like lighthouse perched on the horizon behind the 11th green.  A veritable symphony of inspiration, tempered only by overzealous seagulls that would sooner peck your eyes out than help you find your ball.  Ruthless sods.

My heart sank a little when we arrived at the pro shop 1 minute before our tee off time, only to find a retired-looking German fourball taking a few agricultural practice swings.  One of them shanked a driver straight into the heather.  Oh God, I thought, this is going to be a long day.  (Our own fault for cutting it so fine, mind you).  Fortunately we got through Zee Germans on the 5th just as the frustration was starting to bubble.  They were gracious enough although we had to politely ask if we could come through.  Had I not intervened we may still be out there playing now, a couple of days later.  Germans have now been added to the puregolf2010 Risk Matrix.

With a new burst of enthusiasm I managed to roll in a few putts â?? an achievement that owes more to Morayâ??s greens than to my putting.  Theyâ??re carpets.  An absolute pleasure to putt on.  I met the Head Greenkeeper in the office afterwards; apparently theyâ??re like that nearly all year round!  If thatâ??s true the members are a lucky lot indeed.  I remember playing on winter greens as a youngster, and let me tell you they were nothing like those croquet lawns.  



On the par 3 6th a Tornado zipped right past my ball as it descended onto the green.  I didnâ??t check the card, but wonder whether thereâ??s a local rule to deal with Obstruction By Fighter Jet.  Suppose not.  I also wonder whether the pilots look down nervously as they approach the runway, to see whether any idiots are teeing up and taking aim.  Suppose not.



The character of the links at Moray is very bonnie.  More understated than yesterdayâ??s Dune Monster: Cruden Bay.  Plenty of gorse within range and, almost worse still, heathen Heather sitting patiently at the fairwayâ??s edge, waiting to swallow anything thatâ??s round and white.  We liked the bunkering too, which is not over the top but youâ??re certainly aware of it.  The pots are really the courseâ??s main defence â?? in tandem with the wind â?? so theyâ??re suitably difficult to get out of; in most cases you can forget about advancing your ball anywhere near the green.  If youâ??re prudent enough to stay out of them though, Morayâ??s pretty playable.       



Itâ??s also a place where you spot all sorts.  Down the closing stretch we found ourselves behind an eccentric looking older gentleman, dressed to the 9s in waterproofs (it wasnâ??t raining) and carrying a pencil bag probably owned by his great-great-great-grandfather.  Approaching the 18th tee we came across a group of guys probably our age or similar, wearing jeans and football shirts.  On the clubhouse patio were very distinguished looking ladies suitably made up, donning their Sunday best.  And then there were Zee Germans...

Steve Crane the Secretary was also a delight to deal with.  Most are, but Steve was particularly hospitable â?? something that certainly makes a difference when youâ??re at a different club every day.  Visit Moray and Iâ??ve no doubt you would receive the same warm welcome; itâ??s that type of place.



Thanks to Steve and to Moray GC for having us â?? a lovely experience.

JP

P.S. Doust you better have that cheque book (or check book as you say) at the ready â?? I had a putt for 1 under on the last but had a painstakingly close near miss.  Itâ??s coming though...     

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Comments

  • Hi JP,
    My son that lives in NYC sent me your Pure Golf blog. You could not have picked a better name for your trip. You have described Pure Golf at it's best. Non-golfers can't understand how we golfers can play any where and with complete strangers, from different backgrounds, countries,and from different monetary
    status and get along quite well. It stems from our love for the game and it's long history. Now that I have access to your site I can't wait to get back and review it from the begining.

    Keep it coming,

    Joe

    Posted by Joe DuCharme, 09/08/2010 2:26pm (3 years ago)

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