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Always enjoy coming here, but was caught out by the slower greens than normal, three putting the first four greens in a row for an outward 40. The inward nine began with another four straight bogeys, which by now did not really matter. However, I managed to birdie both the 17th and 18th to finish two strokes outside the CSS, up .1 again.  My playing partners were nephew Billy and Robert Malcolm, New Club, St Andrews. Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris and later redesigned by James Braid the course is set on beautiful wooded heathland. The terrain is almost ‘links’ like with undulating fairways lined by Scots Pine and lovely views towards the Angus Glens. With very little walking between green and next tee, generous fairways and excellent greens this compact course is easily completed in 3 ½ hrs and can be tackled twice in a day quite comfortably.  Tel: Secretary: 01307 463773 or e-mail: info@forfargolfclub.com

Alistair Campbell (Dullatur) and Ken Harper (Palacerigg) were my fellow competitors at another golf course I had not played before. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised with both the layout and condition of the course. I played reasonably well and had seven pars on the front nine. The second nine however, cost me a few strokes as I started and finished with two bogeys for a net 72, yet again missing the Buffer Zone by one stroke. As I completed my round late in the evening I did not use the clubhouse facilities and am unable to give any opinion on these. However, the golf course was enjoyable and I will be back next year.

Yes, it’s me and my nephew again, this time at Dunning Golf Club for the Senior Open. How did we do, well not very well actually. For what appears to be a spacious and shortish nine hole golf course, the sloping greens were very tricky if you missed on the wrong side. I did manage the two nines in 39 and 36 for a net 69, which was five strokes outside the Buffer Zone. The good news was that we did not get wet, my nephew, Billy, only lost four golf balls and I got a “2” worth £22.50. We both enjoyed the day and I will be back on the 6th August for their Gents Open along with John Docherty, also from Stirling.  Telephone 01764 684747, as there is no full time staff available your call, on occasions, may not be answered.

Another fantastic golf course, Ladybank in Fife, a final qualifying venue for the Open Championship seven times, counting 2010.  My playing partners, John Peebles from Alyth and Duthie Douglas (in the blue shirt) from Forfar. This was an unusual day for me as it actually rained a few times and I was made to wear my waterproofs. Despite the rain, which was heavy at times, I played well on the first nine, carding eight pars and a solitary bogey at the second hole. The inward half proved not as easy, for although I parred five of the nine, I double bogeyed the 11th, 16th and 18th and finished with a net 73 to miss the Buffer Zone by one stroke. Well worth a visit, you will not be disappointed. Contact details for the club: Tel: Secretary: +44 (0) 1337 830814   Clubhouse: +44 (0) 1337 830725

Not our best showing as both my nephew and I failed to make the start we were hoping for, bogeying the first three holes on the way to an outward six over par 43. Unfortunately, we did not improve on the inward nine, despite birdies at the 12th and 13th, finishing with a score of 42 after disasters at the 15th and 17th. Not the best defence by defending champions, but probably not the worst either. Duddingston is almost flat, although the many trees and some tricky holes make it a challenge to even the better players. Usually in nice condition and with excellent greens you really have to give it a try. Special Offer on Monday afternoon green fees. Save 40%… only £25 per person (until 30th September 2011). Please contact the Professionals shop on 0131 661 4301 to book a tee.

Playing partners Simon Smith, on my right and John McQueeny ready to begin our round at Gleddoch Golf Club.

This, unfortunately,  was not my best golfing experience, mainly due to the putting surfaces and fairways being unlike any other course I have played this year. While the weather was hot and sunny and the views excellent, the actual condition of the greens were slow, and at times uneven, making what should have been a memorable experience a disappointment. While I did not score well on the outward nine, despite three threes on my card, I took even more shots on the inward half, scoring a gross 82 to miss the buffer zone with ease. The course is quite hilly and at times has you wondering if it is ever going to level out. Some of the holes are well designed and make use of the uneven terrain, but this is one course I shall not be returning to. The clubhouse was as good as any, while the staff were efficient and helpful. The photo opposite shows the view of the 18th Fairway from the Tee, and unless you are a long hitter, do not consider carrying the trees at the corner, they are further than you think. However, if you like to make up your own mind about a golf course then please do so, after all, this is only my opinion based on the conditions on the day. Tel 01475 540704 or e-mail: golf.gleddochhouse@ohiml.com

This photograph is looking from the Lounge back up the 18th fairway, the green is to the left. Unfortunately I have no photo of me and my playing partners as the lady who kindly offered to take a few must have actually had a few (only kidding). Anyhow, she managed to press the wrong button several times and my playing partners had left before I noticed the mistake. It was a very hot and sunny day when my nephew and I arrived. The clubhouse was very nice and worth a visit on its own. But the greens were superb, very smooth, very fast and very unreadable. I three putted five greens while my playing partners three putted at least the same if not more. The fairways were themselves in good condition, so other than the fact that we could not read the greens we had no excuses.

The photo on the left is looking towards the clubhouse from the 18th Green, a lovely setting indeed. We had a good day out and enjoyed the whole experience. Definitely worth a visit, but as stated on their web site, “not suitable for beginners” which could be due to the putting surfaces. To book a round contact Bernadette Giefer, the Club Manager on 0131 447 6974 or e-mail: clubhouse@mortonhallgc.co.uk

What a lovely course. I still cannot believe that I didn’t score much better than I did. I hit the ball as good, and as straight, if not better, than I have ever done, yet looking at my score I am bewildered. Two pars to start, then I missed the the 3rd and 4th greens from under 100 yards and failed to get down in two. I did manage a par at the 5th, but at the 6th hole, having less than 60 yards to the flag, I managed to hit the ball so heavy that it barely reached the bunker in front of the green. I was in shock, obviously, because I then bogeyed the 7th, 8th and 9th for an outward 40, six over par. My playing partners John MacKinnon and Douglas Gorman from Windyhill must have been bemused by my efforts which looked to continue as I bogeyed the 10th, again after missing the green, this time with a sand iron. Then as if by magic I made par figures at the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th. I was on a roll and began to believe that I could make the buffer zone. However, a poor drive at the 16th saw me finish in the left rough, from where I hit a great shot right over the pin and, unfortunately, right over the green from where I made a six.

At this point I managed to hold back the tears and went on to par the downhill 17th. But life, and especially golf, can be cruel, and a final bogey at the 18th saw me miss the buffer zone by one stroke. However, there is always good news, and the good news here was that my nephew Billy won the competition and secured his second win of the season. Yes, the course was fun, and I will be back.  Another gem to test all levels of golf, and if you haven’t played here then: Telephone: 01505 872139 or e-mail: secretary@kilmacolmgolfclub.com

Weather a bit wet, but no wind. My nephew Billy and I were joined by Bertie Scott from West Linton and we had an enjoyable round. I started my round with a par at the first followed by a Two at the second, which won me a tenner (£10). I then went bogey, par, bogey before completing the front nine with four pars for an outward one over par 36.  The inward half saw me drop four strokes in the first three holes. I rallied with two pars, then bogeyed the 15th and 16th, before finishing with two par threes at the 196 yard 17th and 230 yard 18th for a gross 76, net 70, which was good enough to win the Scratch Prize in my age group. I also won Nearest the Pin at the 17th, and Bertie won his age group with a score of 95 less 24 for a net 71. The course was in good condition and I’m looking forward to my next visit at the end of July.

The clubhouse was well laid out, clean and tidy in all areas, as you can see from the photograph opposite, and there was plenty of space for members and visiting parties. The food was of good quality and the service was to our liking. We were made to feel welcome during our visit and we would recommend the course to anyone who is looking for somewhere different. Contact details – Tel: 01968 660970 or e-mail secretarywlgc@btinternet.com

It has been a long time since I played here, hope the weather is better.

Well I got my wish, the weather is hot and sunny with a gentle breeze. My playing partners for today are my nephew Billy, and David Anderson from Blairgowrie Golf Club.

Two easy pars to begin my round was followed by three bogeys then three pars. At this point I felt good and after a nice drive at the ninth I found trouble to the right of the green and managed to conjure up a bogey six. The inward half was okay despite a few bogeys and I found myself only one over fours after the seventeenth. A good drive at the eighteenth left me with a chance of reaching the green in two. The safe shot I felt was a cut as there was no trouble on the right, but after catching the ground I hit the shot straight left into a horrible lie about ten yards from the green, pin high. A thump with my wedge moved it to within four feet of the green from where I putted, poorly as it turned out, and after missing the putt for a par was home in 39 for a net 72. Although disappointed, my objective had been obtained, and for the second round in a row I was in the buffer zone. I only hope that the weather continues to improve along with my golf. Yet another course you must play, and with a choice of clubhouses you cannot go wrong. The food and service were quick and the staff were very pleasant and helpful. I will definitely be back next year. For an outing it is perfect, as you can also play the Ashludie course, which is a gem. There is a Package Price of £79.00 (Monday to Friday) until the end of October 2011 which includes coffee and bacon roll on arrival, soup and sandwiches at lunch, evening meal, plus a round of golf on both the Ashludie course and Monifieth Medal course. Day Tickets can also be arranged with prices reflecting visitors requirements and party size. Contact details are – Golf Manager: 01382 532767 or secretary@monifiethlinks.com