Day 11: Carnoustie in all kinds of weather!

This was the day central to this whole trip, our reunion with Kerr whom we met last year and whom we kept in touch with all year. It’s goofy, but golfing friends always have something to talk about! Kerr is a local and a member at Carnoustie, so today we would be his guest. Thank you, Kerr!

That’s the good news. The dubious news was that the weather was going to change a lot. Just like the other day, four seasons in one day. Today “was meant to be” (Scottish lingo) just a little “wet” which meant that we all carried our “waterproofs.” We didn’t have to wait long to put on jackets and pants, either as it started coming down just after the first hole. This is me before putting on the gear.

Two hats, long underwear, thick dance stockings over tights, and a cashmere scarf for a lovely day of summer golf in Scotland!

John and Kerr looking a bit more summery!

We started off on number 1 looking slightly uphill at a shot that has to carry the burn (man made river) 90 yards in front of the tee but not go in it again on the left or right where it curves around. A good shot clears everything. A pull or slice gets into trouble. Up here, over there, into a bunker, out of the bunker, close to the green, chipped it in! All done. Curtesy.

This begins Hogan’s Alley, where at the 1953 Open, Ben Hogan put his drive between the bunkers and out of bounds stakes every day, birding the hole each day. On the final day, he had a fever and didn’t want a playoff, so he birdied the 18th for a clear win.

Carnoustie is just wonderful. Each hole is unique. Each green, a different shape. Should you run it up or land and roll back? Is there a backstop or bunker to catch a short shot? And despite the look of the bunkers, the only trouble is if you’re deep in, looking straight up the reveted face. Kerr had a couple of those and made it out beautifully by just powering through with a 60º. It’s hard to advance those shots more than a few yards, but you’re out!

The problem with any championship course is getting out of position. If you’re in the rough, you have a compromised shot. If you’re in the fairway, even hitting short, you still have a good chance to chip it up close.

At the halfway house, a giant crow landed on John’s bag as he was putting out—no chance for a photo. The same crow has some skills, though. While we were getting drinks, he unzipped Kerr’s bag and pulled out something shiny. Soon, dodads were flying everywhere, and we were all running to pick up his things and rescue our own bags. The crow didn’t follow us, but good luck did. Hit, bounce, roll. And off we went to play holes with names like: John Phillip, Southward Bound, Whinns, and The Spectacles. Each hole with names, so memorable!

The 10th, South America, on the left, and the 11th, John Philip, on the right. I just love the way the burn wraps between them.

After golf, we had a drink at Kerr’s club across the street (there are a few satellite clubs that are considered Carnoustie members) and then went our separate ways to meet again for dinner.

John is pretending to fall into the huge Kilroy was here shaped bunker… #13 Whinns. Luckily, none of us went in it this year!

Hole 17, Island, because the Barry Burn wraps around it, making it feel like an island.

Huge and shallow. And the hot tub on the left was just perfect for soothing the golfing muscles!

John, Patti, Morna, and Kerr, a fun party of good friends!

In the meantime, I tried out the pool and spa. The best was the hot tub and quiet room—complete silence and semi-darkness to calm your spirit. Just lovely (and something that our usual B&Bs don’t have!)

We had dinner in the hotel, sitting next to the window so we could watch players come in from the 18th. The rain had stopped, so now came the wind, blowing players up the fairway and into all kinds of trouble as they worked to finish their rounds. Our lovely dinner lasted 3 hours and ended with tomorrow’s golf plans.

Until tomorrow, when the weather shall be— cold, a bit wet, and gray all day. Hooray!