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Now into May and the weather is still pretty miserable. Both my playing partners and I struggled with the gusting winds and pace of the greens although I did manage a magic two at the 11th hole.

Still waiting to hear what this was worth? The good thing was that I finished in the buffer zone, so didn’t go up .1.

Anyone wishing to book a tee time can do so on-line. Just log into their web site at: www.drumoiggolfhotel.com

 At last the 2013 Season has arrived, although it still feels like Winter.

While the weather was overcast, cold and damp during our round, our playing partners provided us with copious amounts of warm banter and dry wit. The golf produced by our foursome was a blend of excellent iron play which invariably missed the target, and fine putting skills which always ensured our partners were not left out.  The banter continued over a well earned beer and lunch and we would like to thank our playing partners Peter McIvor and George Hamilton for making a day to forget, a day to remember.         If you wish to organise a round or enter one of their Open Competitions then send an email to : carnwathgc@hotmail.co.uk   

Unfortunately this was cancelled due to heavy overnight rain. Fortunately we found this out prior to setting off and agreed by telephone to enter next years event rather than seek a refund.

Further Opens at King James VI, Barassie, Prestwick St.Cuthberts and Charleton were plagued with rain or high winds and so our season ended on a low. (Luckily, not to much of a low, or else it would have been flooded by all the rain.)  All we can hope for now is a dryer and warmer season in 2013.

Next day  we visited Hayston Golf Club which was founded in 1926 amid raging contoversy that split the town of Kirkintilloch and it’s community. It all came about because of ‘the demon drink’. In 1921, after a poll of the 12,000 population, it was decreed that all the pubs in Kirkintilloch be closed and that the town should become ‘dry’. Considering that there were 14 pubs and 15 churches, the publicans had plainly been living on borrowed time! Naturally this news did not please the members of Kirkintilloch Golf Club who liked nothing better than visiting a hostelry for a dram or two after their exertions on the course. Faced with such a fearful loss of amenities, an extraordinary general meeting was called to vote on plans for a new clubhouse and an application for a liquor licence. The motion was narrowly defeated and the disaffected members promptly agreed to form a breakaway club on leased land only a stone’s throw away, but just over the county line in Stirlingshire. Thus Hayston Golf Club was born. To add a piquant note, the licensee Tom Pate, was also the club master, the equivalent to today’s secretary and was a lifelong friend of James Braid. So Braid was asked to design the course, returning on many occasions to fine-tune his original design. What’s more, Braid refused to submit an account on the grounds that it was a personal favour! However, Tom and the members would have none of that and finally forced Braid to accept the grand sum of £5.00 (approx US$7.00).

Unfortunately it rained for the duration of our round and we both returned N/R’s. As this was our first visit to Hayston the weather made the experience slightly disappointing, although the course stood up well, with a fine net 67 by club member Alex Irvine winning on the day. As usual, we enjoyed the company and made use of the bar and restaurant facilities. Perhaps return next year depending on what else is available.

Mention Glenbervie and a vision of the late John Panton is instantly conjured up. This legendary Scottish Professional, was known to have played golf with my uncle Andrew in and around Pitlochry where they were both born. Like John, my uncle Andrew also served in the second world war, but unfortunately was killed in 1943 serving as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery. John went on to make Glenbervie a household name in the 1950s and 1960s after he became their professional in 1946. During his career he represented Great Britain and Ireland in three Ryder Cup Matches and competed 13 times for Scotland in the World Cup. Having often played at Glenbervie I felt I was in with a chance of making the prize list but was sorely disappointed.

Long time since I’ve played here but it was another first for my nephew Billy.  The              photo opposite is The Captains’ Lounge, steeped in history, going back over one hundred and fifty years. The clubhouse itself is due for an upgrade as the photo below reveals. Only kidding, this is in fact a photo of the 10th Green.  The conditions on the day were breezy, if you were a member, or very gusting if a visitor, which we were. The strong winds made it difficult to judge distances and the slick greens required some Blue Tack attached to your ball if you wanted it to stay on the green when putting with the wind. The day was enjoyable, if not for the golf, our playing partners made it fun and the service in the clubhouse was up to the standard you would expect from this part of golfing lore. To arrange an outing or friendly four ball – Tel: +44 (0)1368 862317  or Email: secretary@dunbargolfclub.com

Our first visit to Ballumbie Castle, lovely clubhouse with views looking out over the golf course. Not the longest course in the world but has a few quirky holes like the 10th where a burn snakes across the fairway followed by a large pond which cuts into the fairway at driving range. The pond goes all the way to the green making this 360 yard hole very much a risk or reward hole. The 11th hole is a 212 yard par three with water and out of bounds on the left, again all the way to the green, a par here is a very good result, but unfortunately not for me on this occasion. Only one over par at the turn I started back, par, double bogey (ouch), and dropped three more strokes over the closing holes for a gross 75 which won me 2nd Gross Prize of £35 in my age group.

Still feeling a bit sore our next port of call was Pitlochry where I struggled both with the hills and my swing. Eight over par after eight holes was not a good sign, while the back nine saw me par only the 16th, 17th and 18th for my worst score of the season, missing out on the scratch prize by no fewer than six shots, and a handicap prize by at least nine strokes. While the company was enjoyable and the catering excellent, this is one club to which I will not return (unless new knees make it possible), but as I always say, try it for yourself, it might be your kind of course. To give it a try, contact by Email: info@pitlochrygolf.co.uk or tel: Clubhouse: 01796 472 334 | Pro Shop: 01796 472 792

These were next on our agenda, but unfortunately I twisted my back and was unable to compete at Kilmacolm while Williamwood was cancelled due to flooding.

This is another super golf course with the only undulations on the greens, very easy to walk and a must if your looking to play 36 holes.

First impressions were very good and our coffee and filled rolls hit the mark. Although there had been a small shower earlier the sun was shining when we teed off. However, the first three holes saw us plagued with midges if you strayed close to the trees and was the main reason I bogeyed the 2nd and 3rd holes. From then on I searched for my playing partners golf balls from the safety of the fairway. Thankfully a light breeze began to blow and the midge problem was solved. My golf also improved as I scored 3, 3, 3, 4, 2, 4 to reach the turn in 33, one under par. Two bogeys, six pars and a birdie at the 17th saw me cover the back nine in a one over par 37 for a gross 70 and a prize winning net score of 65.  Club facilities were as expected, first class.  Well worth a visit so call the Secretary on +44 (0)1389 765 995 or e-mail the secretary at:  secretary@dumbartongolfclub.co.uk