by Gordon DalgleishJanuary 22, 2012
Championship Course at Carnoustie
The Championship Course at Carnoustie has been host to the British Open on seven occasions, most recently in 2007 when Padraig Harrington won in a playoff over a gallant and deeply disappointed Sergio Garcia. Ben Hogan won here in 1953; it was his only appearance in the Open but he left a unique legacy for his play on No. 6 named thereafter as “Hogan’s Alley”. Carnoustie is considered by many to be the most challenging layout in the rota due largely to its demanding finish: No. 16 – 248 yard par 3; No. 17 – 461 yard par 4; No. 18 – 499 yard par 4. Ironically it was club member and local accountant James Wright who in 1930 designed the famous finish. His improbable stamp on one of the world’s most respected golf courses is found in the company of James Braid’s major redesign of 1926; Old Tom Morris’ extension to eighteen holes in 1870; and the original layout by Alan Robertson in 1850. Carnoustie is presently ranked World 21 by Golf Magazine.
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by Gordon DalgleishJanuary 20, 2012
The Turnberry Resort and the Ailsa Course are found on Scotland’s west coast in South Ayrshire. Designer Mackenzie Ross is credited with restoring the course to championship standards when it re opened in 1951 after World War II when the property was converted to an RAF airfield and hospital. Ailsa has staged The Open Championship on four occasions beginning in 1977 with the legendary showdown between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus remembered as the “Duel in the Sun”. Watson’s weekend of 65-65 clipped Nicklaus’ 65-66. They both birdied 18 on Sunday; Nicklaus from 40 feet… Watson from 3! The 2009 British Open was more of the same – remarkably including the same but 59 year old Tom Watson – who came within an eyelash of becoming the oldest major champion in golf history. A visit to Turnberry would include regional clubs like Royal Troon, Prestwick, Western Gailes, Machrihanish and impressive Machrihanish Dunes; plus very often St Andrews for a west coast / east coast combination.
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