Our tee time was 10:10, and we were scheduled to play with Janice from the pro shop, but sadly, Janice has recently developed two bad knees. She said neither of them felt up to the game. Plus, she’d forgotten and was scheduled to work today! So, it was just us on our own today (Scottish saying). Something that has really changed in the Highlands is the sudden change in popularity. There were full-sized tour buses in the little Brora Golf Club parking lot! Shock and horror. I’ll take the blame. I’ve obviously told too many friends about the wonders of this lovely links course, and the word has spread. So, please don’t tell your friends!!
We were on the first tee swinging away at the appointed time just as another couple and their caddie were coming up behind us. We didn’t stay to chat. Tee times are on a schedule, so we just hit and walked. Later, we found out that they were Scots, transported to Florida. Every time I looked back, they were looking for lost balls, a problem we didn’t have at all today, thankfully.
The course hasn’t changed in the 8 years since we last played it with Johnny! Still, I couldn’t remember any former pin placements. Ha ha! One hole had a strong memory though. #3 when I was surrounded by cows and ran into a bunker to have my picture taken. And then there are the knee-high fences that encircle every green to keep the sheep and cows out. On our first trip here with Johnny in 2014, there was some discussion about whether or not the fences were electrified. Johnny guessed not, so I grabbed on hard to pull my trolley under- Zaaap! followed by loads of laughter!!
This round, the animals posed nicely for our photos. Sheep scratched on a bench, long-horned Highland Cows blocked our way, and more sheep surrounded John twice! I do admit to still being intimidated by the very long horns of the cows, so I waited for the caddie behind us to escort me through a huge herd—thank you!
Game-wise, we both did well. Lots of good shots and sure putts—though many of those toward a wrong break from lack of course knowledge. The sand in these bunkers is fine and heavy. John looks forward to our next game—with a caddie— in hopes of a lesson.
I loved the number of times that because of the tees, our tee shots ended up together, and often our next shots were together as well. One warning to future travelers, however, is that this course is full of blind shots. You often don’t know where to go from the tee box or even where the green is. Hint 1: Buy the course guide; it really helps. Hint 2: The tee boxes are aimed at the fairway. If it’s a blind shot, they’ve given you a post or pole to aim at. Hint 3: Use a range finder. Distances are distorted in flat, overcast light.
After the round, we hung out in the elevated restaurant (gorgeous), watched a few players finish, and a bit of the Women’s AIG Open on TV. Then off to something new—what? Another distillery!
Clynelish Distillery hadn’t quite opened last visit, but now it is big and gorgeous. We had a private tour and a tasting, which we both packed into tiny bottles for later since the driver is not allowed to drink at all—Scottish law. Our guide was fabulous. We loved not being part of a bus tour!
The rest of the evening was spent, hanging out in the bar, writing, reading, and sharing the day’s photos. See below. Good night.