Strathpeffer - Friday 19th August
Today we were at the start of THE NC500 MGPT TOUR 2022.
Third Stop:
STRATHPEFFER SPA GOLF CLUB, SCOTLAND
Playing on one of the finest links golf courses in Scotland is a must for your golfing calendar, especially as we are so close to other distinguished links in the area, such as Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn.
Strathpeffer is a remarkable fine mature well established 18 hole parkland golf course with stunning panoramic views from the upper reaches of the Cromarty Firth to the mountainous terrain of the West.
The opening hole provides a breath taking challenge with the green nestling far below you and tucked into the corner and a burn to cross.
A unique feature of Strathpeffer is four par 3 holes in a row to get you up the hill and into the upper plateau. Each par 3 has its own challenge with the first of them across one of the ponds. The 5th, the shortest at only 123 yards is daunting.
Once safely negotiated the course opens up with interesting holes from 7 through 9, all three have difficult approaches to elevated greens.
Once you reach the highest part of the course let your mind wander to the famous names that created this gem and appreciate the Open Winners who have tramped these fairways.
The 10th is a beautiful hole across a pond with magnificent backdrop into a saucer green which you miss at your peril.
The 11th another par 3, long and fraught with danger in particular a pond on the right waiting for your power fade one you clear the bog.
Two short par 4’s follow but position off the tee is vital and the percentage shots to set up birdie chances and caution is the watchword for both.
Some relief comes at the par 3 14th which is the last of the seven par 3’s but be warned there is rough all the way to the green.
The 15th is tricky and the second shot will be blind with “out of bounds” lurking behind the green. Take time on this tee to enjoy the views down to the Cromarty Firth. Two comfortable par 4’s follow which offer up chances to get some shots back before you reach the 18th. It may not be too long and it is downhill but if you take it on you need to be straight as “out of bounds” runs all the way down the right and there is a severe slope waiting on the green.
Best shot was Alan Forrest who nearly made a hole in one on the 3rd today!! Also the hole in one hole!! Well done!!
Well done to Andy Duke who put it to 2ft on the 1st hole, after his second shot, long par 5! Very impressive!!
Best dressed today was Alan Forrest who looked like he was working for loud mouth.com!! Amazing!!
WHS Leaderboard:
1st - (Golf Escapes Holiday)
2nd - (4-ball Voucher)
3rd - (£200 MGPT Voucher)
4th - (£100 MGPT Voucher)
5th - (£50 MGPT Voucher)
Longest Drive:
Kyle Macdonald (£30 MGPT Voucher)
Nearest The Pins:
3rd - Will Lammond (£30 MGPT Voucher)
4th - Ian Gwilliams (£30 MGPT Voucher)
5th - Alan Forrest (£30 MGPT Voucher)
6th - John Pirie (£30 MGPT Voucher)
Best Dressed:
Alan Forrest (£30 MGPT Voucher)
