2010 Open Adventure

Final Dinner, Guinness Storehouse. Tuesday 27 July

2010-07-30T02:45:00.000-07:00

Our final dinner and trophy presentations took place at the Guinness Storehouse. An icon in Ireland, the Guinness Factory seemed a perfect conclusion to a wonderful tour. As Dean arrived in the coach to collect us for the final time, he was met with traffic chaos and parking difficulties due to the Adam Sandler movie premiere next door. The red carpet was rolled out for Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock and Salma Hayek. After some frustrated discussions with the local constabulary, we headed off to the final destination. It was here that the group farewelled Dean, who had been outstanding in his ability to get us around safely, on time, and in great spirits. Thanks Dean, we really value your contribution.

Upon arrival at Guinness, we realised that the "famous" people were stalking us. First it was the Queen, then Graeme McDowell, now half of Hollywood. The "blue'" carpet at Guinness was not for us, but for the movie premiere afterparty. needless to say some of us were quite keen to get a look at that. This meant that the top levels of the storehouse were closed down, and restricted our ability to tour around. As we entered our private room, we were greeted by thomas, who was there to teach us how to pour the perfect Pint. Everyone who attempted this, did very well, and it was good to see some of the girls get involved.

We had a quick look around downstairs prior to getting ready for our entrees.

We enjoyed a brilliant meal, of which the dishes carried a Guinness flavour. The quality of the meal was outstanding, and the service was great.

On to the trophies. Our "Eveready" award went to Mr Eveready himself, Laurie Ryan. Laurie played all additional rounds along with wife Anne, but was always the first to be up for something else. Either out for dinner, or off to the pub for a drink. We thought this to be pretty impressive for a 73 year old bloke, put us younger ones to shame.
The "Change of Currency" award went to David Hill. This award was based on the biggest improver once landing on Irish soil, or where the currency changed. (currency changed toward the end of the Irish leg) David seemed to like the Guinness enhanced air, improving by around 60 stableford points.
Our Irish leg was takn out by Graeme Hiscock. Graeme played consistently once on Irish soil, taking this title narrowly on 174 points.
Rae "The dark horse" Biggart was our overall runner up. Rae but together a very consistent all around tour, and fought out the title in the final group today.
Rae's efforts were not quite enough to eclipse "The Bisector" Geoff Vincent. Geoff either played to or beat his home handicap on 6 of the 9 included rounds. A feat that is very impressive as a first time tourist. A master of the 180 straightey, the bisector earned his nick name with his fairway finding prowess. From what I have heard, he was looking for a lesson after one of his drives nearly missed a fairway at County Down. Great effort Geoff, well done.

THANKYOU EVERYONE.

We had an absolutely wonderful time, and have strengthened friendships with many people. We all have special memories that we take away from our time here.

Thanks to the participants: Laurie & Anne Ryan, Jeff & Nola Faure, Alan & Lorraine Mance, Ian & Debbie Gutteridge, Rae Biggart & Libby McCann, Geoff Vincent, Patrick Carlisle, Graeme Hiscock, Michael Merrett, Tony McLean, David Hill, Katryna Economou & Coralie Cazaly.

To Matt Cleverdon for soldiering on whilst I was injured.

To Dean Barber for an outstanding job as driver, and companion.

To Greg Gilson for all your work in organising the tour.

And to all followers of the blog, I hope you got some enjoyment out of tracking our travels.

We look forward now to taking on the US Masters in 2011.

Goodbye. Justin.

The European Club. Tuesday 27 July

2010-07-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

The European Club is owned and run by the Ruddy family. Pat Ruddy is a renowned golf course designer in these parts, and a built this course south of Dublin. It is run by his son and daughter, and they were very helpful to our group.
As we arrived we realised that pressure from other groups would not be a problem today, the coach was the only vehicle in the car park. They have a preference for steel spikes but will allow soft spikes. Quite different from home.
The boys at County Down said that The European Club is harder than County Down from the championship tees. This struck some fear into everyone, as County Down was tough. The European Club has hosted the Irish PGA for the past 3 years. They did not do it again this year. The reason behind this was that the course was too difficult in the lead up and lead out for all other guests. This photo is of Matt searching for his eighth lost ball of the day on the 13th, in the cut back rough!!!!! I would hate to see it at championship length. Apparently the fairways were like ribbons. Harrington still managed to get it around in sub par scores to win.
One feature here is the bunkering, in particular the bunker faces. Every bunker has railway sleepers lining the walls. This gives great definition off the tees and fairways, but makes players very wary when in one. You definitely need enough loft, otherwise a strong ricochet will result. Just ask Coralie!
No Americans here to assist us into 5 hour plus rounds, the rough did that for us. Dean and myself spent the day in a cart again, and came in quite handy at times as additional ball searching participants.
It is a quite spectacular course, with many holes either having views of the Irish ocean, or running alongside it.
A tremendously difficult way to finish the golf side of our tour. Lorraine Mance handled the conditions very well securing a win with 42 points. Well done Lorraine.

Portmarnock. Monday 26 July

2010-07-30T00:17:00.001-07:00

Tiger Woods and Stewart Cink use Portmarnock as their warm up course prior to the Open Championship. This speaks for the true links style of this course.
This course played very differently to all others thus far. It was hard and fast, and provided players with the challenges of determining a correct landing position.
Joey, the club pro was, aside from flogging course guides to everyone, very helpful and he explained that his son was fortunate enough to play with Stewart Cink during his practice round. The young fella was beaming from ear to ear as we questioned him about what it was like. It truly is a great game that we play.
We stretched the rounds over 5 hours again, thanks to our American friends traveling at snail pace in front. They were "AARRSOME!!!". We all enjoyed the hospitality of the club for lunch. Libby McCann took the title today, well done Libby.

Royal County Down. Sunday 25 July

2010-07-29T23:48:00.001-07:00

Royal County Down is the highest rated course on our tour, and one that was looked toward with great anticipation and expectation. I had not played in Ireland in an attempt to make it around this great course. This was a big day for us, leaving early from Portrush, to travel to Newcastle.
From the moment we walked into the golf shop we were treated like members. The staff there, Brian and Rory were amazing, and very knowledgable about golf and Kingston Heath. It was nice for the members to hear these boys raving about our course, not asking if it was in England like some of the others had done.
We all had a lovely lunch in the clubhouse, and made our way around to the first tee. Unfortunately the turning demands of a golf swing were too much for my ankle, and I only managed to play 2 holes. I walked the remained of the front nine with my group, then retiring to take up my role as official photographer, and liaison officer. This was the course that I had been waiting for nearly 12 months to play, and the stupid horse fly ruined it!!!
Here we caught up with Captain Neil Cathels, and President Rob Gyngell as they were playing a little earlier. The course was magnificent, yet difficult, with many blind shots. There was a common theme as the players finished. Amazing.
Tiger Woods shot 83 the first time he played here. So no surprise that it took us close to 5 hours to get around.

Graeme Hiscock won the day after some fine play. To assist Dean and the coach logistics our friends in the golf shop have helped us delay our starting time at Portmarnock tomorrow. This mean that everyone has the time available for breakfast also. We reloaded ourselves onto the coach, and with some very excited discussion about the day and the course we commenced the long trip down to Dublin. The discussion stopped after about half an hour, and a look around the coach saw many sets of closed eyes. Eventually we arrived in Dublin very ready for bed.

Dunluce Castle. Saturday 24 July

2010-07-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

The dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle stand on a black basalt stack, 30 metres high projecting out of the North Antrim coast between Portrush and Bushmills.
The castle as we see it today dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The outer walls date back to the 14th century. The castle was home to the MacDonnell family in the 1500's and 1600's.
Walking around the ruins you see buildings both on the mainland and on the basalt stack. It would have been a majestic place in it's heyday.The history of such a place just draws you in. 14th century buildings? Nothing like this in Australia.

Don't see this in Australia either. A drive in Gospel session. Unfortunately we were to be at County Down on Sunday so had to miss the session. Bugger!!!

Portstewart. Saturday 24 July

2010-07-26T15:47:00.001-07:00

Portstewart has what many regard as the best opening hole in Ireland. As we had not seen windy conditions for quite a few rounds, the wind provided quite a test for many.
The course in places was spectacular, and was quite difficult. Tight lies, penal rough, and Americans made for a 5 hour round.
There were some great scores in the tricky conditions. Jeff Faure and Tony McLean tied on 41 points. Jeff won on a countback. Jeff credited his win to some emergency swing surgery from Matt on the first tee.

Bushmills Distillery Saturday 24 July

2010-07-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery in Bushmills. This is the worlds oldest licenced whiskey distillery. The distillery was founded in 1608!!!!
On our tour we learned the differences between Scotch and Irish, (outside of the additional e in the Irish version) how the distillation process differs. We viewed the barrel room where 22 thousand whiskey filled barrels are ageing. The barrels are always pre used prior to their arrival at Bushmills. What they have previously been used for will assist in the flavouring process.

Some have been used for bourbon production, some for wine and some for port. These flavours assist in generating the variety of flavours in the whiskeys.

Royal Portrush. Friday 23 July

2010-07-23T16:50:00.001-07:00

A beautiful day greeted the players at Royal Portrush. This course is in the world top 15, and is the only Irish course to host an Open Championship in 1951.

This is a brilliant course, and I am shattered that I could only watch as everyone else played.

This is a view at the green of the 5th hole. An incorrect club selection here could land you in the Atlantic Ocean.
This is Dean our coach driver. Dean and I wandered around in a cart taking photos today. The scores were not quite as hot as has been the case in the past few rounds. The winning score was very impressive though. Ian Gutteridge was the victor with 42 points.
Portrush is home to some magnificent golfers. Patrick (Paddy) Carlisle was born here. His father won one of the area's major events in 1942 and Paddy was delighted to be able to see the trophy and his fathers name in the records.

This above is not Paddy. This is Graeme McDowell, 2010 US Open Champion. Graeme grew up here and played his early golf at the Rathmore Golf Club, which uses Portrush's second course the Valley as it's links.

Graeme was in town today for a celebratory dinner at Rathmore, and also had a book signing as a fund raiser for the club.

In my non golfing state I was able to con Dean into driving me the 800 metres or so to the Rathmore clubhouse. I purchased the book, and got our Open flags signed as well.

Yes I did invite him to come play the Heath in case you were wondering.

I guess the day was not all bad for me in the end.

We are heading down the road to visit the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, and Portstewart Golf Club tomorrow.

Travel Day Giants Causeway. Thursday 22 July

2010-07-23T16:26:00.001-07:00

Here we are at the Giant's Causeway. There are 40,000 hexagonally shaped basalt columns at this piece of coastline. The columns are believed to be created by volcanic activity approximately 60 million years ago, give or take a few days.

Although if you agree with Gaelic folklore, then the Giant's Causeway, as the name suggests, was caused by Giants. Legend has it that the Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner.

One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him.

To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him so he could pretend that he was actually their baby son. In a variation, Fionn fled after seeing Benandonner's great bulk, and asked his wife to disguise him as the baby.

In both versions, when Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Therefore, Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Finn.

The "causeway" legend corresponds with geological history in as much as there are similar basalt formations (a part of the same ancient lava flow) at the site of Fingal's Cave on the isle of Staffa in Scotland.
From the causeway, we headed on another 9 miles to our destination of Portrush.

Travel Day Carrick - A - Rede. Thursday 22 July

2010-07-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

You may remember me mentioning a sore ankle. Well there is good and bad news about this. The good news, I am not as unfit as i thought I was. The pain was not from playing golf on an under exercise ankle.

The bad news, I have a serious infection caused by a bite from a horse fly. My ankle and foot swelled up and became very painful. Thank god for having three doctors on tour. many thanks go to Anne & Laurie Ryan and Michael Merrett for their assistance, and drugs!! Although Michael did mention that he does not bulk bill!!

This means that I have to miss the 2 rounds at Portrush and most likely Portstewart.

As you can see in the photo i was required to have my leg iced and raised as long as possible.

It was with great amusement to many that the ferry had too many stairs for me to climb, and I was required to use a wheelchair. Many thanks to Rae and Matt for capturing images of this for future reference. Bastards. They also found it quite amusing that I was parked at the "Wheelchair Only" table on board.

After a very smooth ferry ride, we landed in a cold and misty Larne, Ireland at approximately 12.30pm. We are in a Irish registered coach traveling north into Northern Ireland, this caused Dean our driver to make a few joke about getting there alive. We stopped for some lunch, and without being firebombed we continued along to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. There is some amazing coastline in Northern Ireland.

My ankle wouldn't allow me to venture down to the bridge, and I will endeavour to pluck some shots from one of the touring party and place them on here.

These shots are from the surrounding area.

The limestone cliffs here were mined, and there is a large lime kiln built here.

After a look and a bit of a rest, and still no firebombs, we headed up the coast to view the Giants Causeway.

Turnberry Dinner. Tuesday 21 July

2010-07-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

The Scottish Leg came to a close with our group dinner in Tappie Toorie, in Turberry's clubhouse.

Our Scottish leg winner truly deserved the title. Geoff Vincent (nicknamed the Bisector due to his ability to bisect the fairway from the tee) was clearly the most consistent of all and claimed the prize with a combined 148 points.

A lovely dinner was had by all. We now look forward the the Irish leg of our journey.

Turnberry Ailsa. Wednesday 21 July

2010-07-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Turnberry, symbolised by the lighthouse, is an amazing place. The hotel is absolutely first class. And the golf course is even better.

All players in the group came off the course raving about its beauty, condition, design, and level of challenge.
What a tremendous way to finish the Scottish leg. A few brave souls returned to the course again in the afternoon, to attempt this piece of beauty again. They were minus myself as I was suffering from a sore ankle.

Michael Merrett dominated the field at Turnberry, taking the chocolates with a brilliant score of 47 points. This was a 72 off the stick. Great job Michael.

Royal Troon. Tuesday 20 July

2010-07-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Royal Troon has been the biggest disappointment of all courses so far. I think that based upon the quality of the more under rated courses we were expecting a great deal from Troon.

Most people found it to be a little uninspiring. A lot of the holes seemed similar, and were not too memorable.

The condition let it down considerably also.

There was a lot of snow earlier in the year, and the fairways were still struggling with the effects from that.

Tony McLean proved to be the top performer of the day, taking the prize with 43 points.

Prestwick. Tuesday 20 July

2010-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Prestwick was the first of our optional rounds. Those who took the option to play were not disappointed, and felt that it justified the early start.

Prestwick hosted the first Open championship in 1860 so it was fitting that after having viewed the 150th anniversary event at St. Andrews we played here. Prestwick has hosted the open championship an amazing 24 times, the last being in the 1920's.

As we arrived at the club, we were greeted by our former president, Peter Dakin. Peter has been over watching the Open as well. He tagged along with Matt and myself for the round.

Everyone is off to Royal Troon this afternoon.

Western Gailes. Monday 19 July

2010-07-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Western Gailes. We are now on the West coast of scotland, and after a quick practice session, clinic and shopping session at the North gailes driving range we arrived at Western gailes.

The members enjoyed a lovely lunch in the dining room, and as is the custom with golf professionals and their rights at some old fashioned clubs, we ate in the bar.

As lunch took place, the rain strengthened.

This is a very traditional / behind the times club. Women are only allowed on certain days and times as visitors and there are no female members.

This means that there are no women's tees or women's cards. The women play from the "forward tees".

Upon arrival at the tee, the ancient starter briefed the group, and addressed the group as "gentlemen". Not even an acknowledgment of the women. Quite amazing in this day and age.

The course runs on a very narrow piece of land between the sea and a railway line. These limitations mean that hosting of events is impossible. Even though the course itself could warrant being on the Open rota.

The field started in pouring rain, which lasted about 8 holes. Matt impressed his playing partners with a great score of 69. But it was Laurie Ryan who took the title on the day with 42 points.

After the game Dean loaded us onto the bus and we headed on to the Turnberry resort which will be our home for three days.

Day Four. British open St Andrews.

2010-07-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

What a great performance from Louis Oosthuizen, champion golfer for 2010. Being the 150th anniversary of the first open at Prestwick in 1860, the R & A present Louis with not only the Claret jug, but the champions belt. The belt was the original prize for the winner, prior t o the Claret jug. A very special prize indeed.

Many believed that pressure from behind may have caused Louis to falter, but showing great signs of mental strength he pulled away from the field extending his lead out to 7 shots at one point. he eventually prevailed by 6 strokes.

Congratulations also to Waverley Golf Club pennant player Jin Jeong, who performed superbly to take out the Silver medal for top amateur. Jin finished on 4 under par after a fantastic eagle at the final hole.

Jin gained a start in the Open after his recent win in the British Amateur, held at North Berwick.

Security was much tighter today, and although my mobile was confiscated, I still managed to sneak the small camera in.

On to Western Gailes tomorrow and the day finishes in our next home for a few days, Turnberry.

North Berwick. Saturday 17 July

2010-07-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a spectacular golf course. We were greeted by one of the strongest winds that I have ever played in. Luckily it was in to our face and pushing towards the ocean for the first 8 holes. A lovely introduction to links golf!!!

With the ocean comes a beach. The beach at North Berwick is a water hazard, so you may play the ball back from down there. Unfortunately quite a few of us were required to do so. Yes I was, as was Matt.

The spectacular sight of Bass rock was evident for the majority of the day. When the caddies were questioned on why the rock possessed such a luminous white colour, we were all expecting a reply that involved the rock material. No the reason is "all the bird shit". Apparently there has always been a very large Gannett population that perch on the rock. The colour has grown as the "coverage" has grown.

A stone wall runs through the course and is quite a feature.

Here on hole 13, the wall runs down the left side of the fairway. But runs down the right side of the green. This is a brilliant little hole, and the wall posed problems for a few.

This is the view after the round, sitting in the bar watching round three of the open.

Three players scored 36 points today. Very impressive considering the difficulty of the first eight holes. The winner on a countback was Debbie Gutteridge. Well played Debbie.

Day Two. British Open. St. Andrews

2010-07-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Goosebumps, Goosebumps, Goosebumps.

As the coach weaved through the streets of St. Andrews a silence fell over the bus as we all knew the worlds finest would be shortly entertaining us!

The feeling was humility as we strode into the ground of St Andrews. It is quite amazing as you walk in to see the famous 18th / 1st fairways.

Due to some great driving by Dean, our St. Andrews local coach driver, we were able to access the course right at the 18th green. Apart from being the perfect introduction to the course,this access point also meant that we avoided the bag scanning and camera confiscation site at the carpark. This was very important as it allowed the ability (with sneaky teamwork) to take some photographs.

The pitching of Ernie Els, the driving of Alvero Quiros and the all round game of Louis Oosthuizen provided some amazing sights and left us with lasting memories.

Reasonably priced merchandise tent enabled the Open Adventurers the chance to grab some souvenirs for loved ones. A one hour weather delay was most unexpected and the first delay from strong winds since Royal Birkdale in 1998. This break in play let us all catch our breath from the world class play.

We will add some video footage that we were able to capture at the chipping green, when a more sturdy internet connection allows.

Day One. Edinburgh & Musselburgh Links

2010-07-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Well it has all started, we are in the UK. What a beautiful city Edinburgh is. So much history, the buildings are magnificent.

No the scots didn't actually roll out the marching band for us, the Queen of England is in town for the week and this was for her.

After some jet lag discouraging sight seeing in the morning, we made our way to our opening event at Musselburgh Links.

This is a group photo of all the tour just prior to setting out on our hickory club challenge.

We contested 9 holes on the links, the oldest known course in the road. The course weaves in and out of a horse racing track. The race track is only a relatively new addition to the site having been created in 1816!

We were met by the club secretary / manager Robin, who clearly loves this place. His information regarding the club history and his tips on using the equipment was very well received.

We were all provided a set of clubs consisting of a Brassie (2 wood), a cleek (3 iron), a mashie (5 iron), mashie niblick (7 iron) a niblick (wedge) and of course a putter. We also used a replica gutta percha golf ball, similar to what was used in the period of these clubs.

We were instructed to swing smoothly as the torque in the hickory shafts is a lot higher than the shafts we use today.

We were also told not to be tentative as the clubs are strong and will not break. As evidenced by the photo, this is not quite the case.

I (Justin) managed to break my brassie on the last hole. Fortunately I found both the clubhead, and the ball.

This was a very enjoyable, and educational start to the tour, and got us in the mood for Friday.

Tour Map & Itinerary

2010-07-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY 15 JULY: The tour commences with 9 hole "Hickory Challenge" at Musselburgh Links.

FRIDAY 16 JULY: British Open Round Two. St. Andrews Golf Club.

SATURDAY 17 JULY: Golf at North Berwick Golf Club.

SUNDAY 18 JULY: British Open Final Round. St. Andrews Golf Club.

MONDAY 19 JULY: Travel from Edinburgh to Turnberry, playing golf at Western Gailes on the way.

TUESDAY 20 JULY: Golf at Prestwick early AM for those who were keen, Golf at Royal Troon in PM for all.

WEDNESDAY 21 JULY: Golf at Turnberry Ailsa (Open course) in AM. Replay of this in PM for the keen ones.

THURSDAY 22 JULY: Travel day. Travel from Turnberry to Troon, then from Troon by ferry to Larne in Northern Ireland. From Larne we travel to Portrush with some sightseeing at "The Giant's Causeway" & "Carrick a Rede" on the way.

FRIDAY 23 JULY: Golf at Royal Portrush (Dunluce links) in AM. Golf at Royal Portrush (Valley Links) for the keen ones in the PM.

SATURDAY 24 JULY: Golf at Portstewart Golf Club.

SUNDAY 25 JULY: Travel from Portrush to Newcastle and play golf at Royal County Down. From RCD we then travel to Dublin.

MONDAY 26 JULY: Golf at Portmarnock Golf Club.

TUESDAY 27 JULY: Golf at The European Club. Final dinner to end the tour at the Guiness Factory in Dublin.

WEDNESDAY 28 JULY: Participants depart.