Group leader of a party of four
We contacted Alun in July of 2023 about a trip to Scotland for a small group of friends. Some of us were planning to celebrate milestone birthdays and others were focused on the “bucket list” of golf in Scotland. The goal was to play some of the Open Championship courses, including the Old Course. We had contacted other operators but, after one call with Alun, we knew we had the right fit!
Alun suggested hotels, vehicle rental companies and devised a plan that would work with flights to/from the NYC area. Once we identified the basic plan, Alun worked with us to arrange North Berwick, Muirfield, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie as our “rota” for the trip. We were hopeful to secure a 4 ball at St. Andrews while avoiding the massive expense other operators had quoted. He was very clear about the plan for achieving a tee time at the Old Course through the ballot, including detailed instruction on how it could be done, and what our odds were. He suggested mid- to late April as the best chance of success and advised that this is also the least rainy part of the year. We took his advice and trusted the process. Well, he was right on all counts! The weather was unbelievable and he was successful in securing a “ballot” for us at the Old Course! He worked daily to get us into the ballot and, once secured, then had to revise the remaining dates of our itinerary. We could not have had a better outcome!
The weather was brisk at North Berwick, with a bit of rain, just enough for a true seaside links experience, but the sun shone through, and we had an absolute blast! One of us drove the green on 18 and converted the birdie putt, delighting our caddies and celebrated with a beer in the club house, which was provided as a part of the “member for the day” treatment. North Berwick is not to be missed! Muirfield was next. We were treated incredibly well by the staff there and let very welcomed. We had a sunny day, with more wind than the prior day, but the caddies were brilliant and truly helped make our day more special. Then Carnoustie! The wind was fierce, cold and biting to begin with a 9am tee time. But, the sun broke out again and soon we were removing layers and marveling at the opportunity to play on this historic course! Imagine hitting a little fade down “Hogan’s Alley” and smashing a wedge over the famous burn fronting the 18th green (Jean van de Velde’s demise in ‘99)? We did it! Amazing day, especially since we knew that Alun had secured our 4 ball at the Old Course the next day!
St. Andrews is an amazing place. From the 1st tee in front of a large gallery, to the massive double greens, Hell Bunker, the famous tee shot over the Old Course Hotel, the Road Hole bunker, and of course the Swilcan Bridge were all better than expected! We have literally hundreds of photos and terrific stories. Two of our group smashed tee balls on 18, leaving short irons to the green which, upon hitting, met with applause from the patrons at Rusacks and those watching from the surrounding sidewalks and 1st tee. No birdies, but solid pars which were still celebrated more there as well as at the pub later. FYI – Don’t miss a chance to have a drink or lunch at the Jigger Inn adjacent to the Old Course Hotel or hit the pub at Dunvegan which is just up the road! We also recommend the Hotel du Vin, which is an easy walk from the Old Course. Great staff, restaurant and pub! Alun made it all happen! Plus, the next 2 days at Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie. Kingsbarns is a gem. We can’t wait to watch the pros play it during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this coming October.
We played all 3 courses and truly can’t decide if there’s a favorite, they’re all incredible and very different. That morning, Kingsbarns met us with a 3-club wind. All day! Was it hard? Yes, but it was dry and the caddies again managed to get us around with great skill and a few very funny comments. A small wager on the longest tee shot and closest approach shot netted me a few “quid” which was shared with my caddy! Pro tip: the view from the lounge upstairs is incredible!
Our final round was played at Dumbarnie. While this is a newer course, it is impressive and visually stunning. We asked every caddy over the preceding days whether they knew of the course and had played it. To a man, they said they had and that they loved it. It is a magnificent and super fun layout.
OK, I may be biased since as a 10 handicap, I shot my lowest 9 hole score ever, breaking par on the front side, and followed that with a 3 over back nine. Career round! The caddies made the day so much fun and the starter sent us off with a “relaxed” feeling due mostly to the shot of Loch Lomond whisky to start the day. We had lunch there as well and everything about the place was top shelf.
We all agree that when we return, hopefully soon, we will use Alun to organize it. Ireland may be next! Slainte Mhath!