CRUDEN BAY

After Dornoch, I was satisfied with my trip to Scotland.  Of course I
hoped that the remainder of the trip would be fantastic, but the 2
days I had spent with my golf-love were enough to fulfill my dreams.
It was hard to leave Dornoch - I could have spent more time there
easily.  What made it easier was where we were going - Cruden Bay!
Cruden Bay was supposed to be a fun course - one you would never get
tired of playing.  After Dornoch, I didn't know what to expect.

Driving into Cruden Bay, Mark seemed confused.  He expected to be able to
see the whole thing spread out in front of him, but all these
buildings were in the way - Cruden Bay had been built up.  Many small
houses, apartment buildings, etc clutter the approach to the course.
It actually struck me as very ugly.  We made our way into the
clubhouse hoping to get some lunch/breakfast as we had left Dornoch
early without much chance to eat.

The restaurant opened at 11:00, which would be in 10 minutes or so,
but coffee was available in a machine.  But walking into the
very wide restaurant you see windows upon windows.  And out the
windows lies Cruden Bay.

This is the most unusual golf course I have ever seen.  It just looks
surreal.  There are huge, high dunes separating the course from the
sea.  Below, between, and among the dunes wind stunning golf holes,
sometimes climbing high up in the dunes, then down again on the
flatlands by the sea.

The wind was really blowing this day, but no rain in sight.  We had
time for lunch, some driving range time, chipping, putting, then we
played once more.  I could get used to this playing every day stuff.
We climbed up into the dunes - I started out well, but my game slowly
fell apart.  I think this was my worst round in Scotland.  The greens
were in poor shape - some disease had struck.  That doesn't bother me
as much as some - gives me an excuse if I putt poorly.  There are
many blind tee shots and in fact, they could use a sign or two telling
golfers where the holes go.  On a par 5 on the front after our second
shots, we stand at the 150 yard marker.  3 flags are visible, one
left, one center, one right.  None look like they belong to our hole.
Huh?  The group coming up an adjacent fairway stopped and told us
where we needed to go.  Left was the answer.

After a short drivable par 4, you head up, up, up a path to the top of
the world.  If you walk up the hill to the way back tees it leads to
some great views over the whole course I am told.  I did not make the
trek, which I now regret.
  
You keep going out, out, out, until you feel you are miles and miles
away from the clubhouse, and wonder how you will ever get back as
there aren't possibly enough holes left.   There are, however, somehow
someway, as we did make it back.

I would really love to play this course again, with a little less
confusion on where we are going.  But we only played it once, then
back in the van to St. Andrews.

We arrived and checked in to the Doune house, a B&B that was fine for
our purposes, though rather small spaces for golfers.  I thought if we
get soaked we will have no place to dry anything.  But of course,
there was no rain to speak of the rest of the trip.

We grabbed a quick bite, but I couldn't stay in my seat, I headed out
for a walk - I wanted to get away and walk alone.  I didn't really
know where I was going, but I was drawn to a scene I had seen many
times - the first and 18th holes on the Old Course!  Wow, I was really
here!  I knew it was allowed to walk on the course - unheard of in the
United States.  So I ventured down the first three holes in the dark,
so peaceful, such a special place to be.  I headed back down 16, 17,
then crossed the Swilcan bridge.  As I did I saw a group heading up
the first hole - there was one tall Texan walking among them - it was
the rest of the group.  I joined them and walked again - Joe and I
stood in the Principal's nose (we were the boogers :-), and took a
picture.  See it here: http://rsgohio.com/scotland/pics/boogers.jpg.

The group went to a pub called Jiggers that adjoins the 17th fairway,
and the Old Course Hotel.  I headed for home and bed, but got
hopelessly lost and barely beat the others back.  In the morning, we
get to play golf again!  On a new course - Crail!  Two of them
actually, and the second of the Thor/Plow v Sneddon/Koenig matches
would take place in the afternoon.