Friday again brought us together at breakfast, and we enjoyed our wonderful “hot breakfasts to order.” Today we only had a 20-minute commute for our late morning tee time at Castle Stuart. The course is only 20 years old (young by Scottish standards), and renowned Gil Hanse co-designed this pristine and amazing waterfront land. Let’s just say, it was a pleasure from start to finish.
As we approached the course, we saw the most beautiful, large white clubhouse, looking just like a cruise ship on the bay. Upon arrival in the front circle, we were warmly greeted, our gear was organized, and they prepared our clubs for one cart, one caddy, and two trolleys – top-notch!
While in the pro shop, we picked up a few ball markers, even a shirt and sweater, and were greeted by their Director of Golf. He is married to an American, and we discussed the Solheim Cup finish. He was so excited that his daughter loved everything about it – and wanted to go play golf afterward!
We hit some balls on the nice driving range, chatted with the friendly starter, and then were off for this newest challenge! What a place – the layout, the deep bunkers, over half the holes are on the water or cascaded above but still with waterscape! It was a treat to actually see the Castle Stuart on the par-3 #4. The course is tricky and the wind was constant. The contoured greens were very slick, and we must say, it was quite the walk! A few times a cart would have been nice going up hills and across dales to the next tee, but we enjoyed every step.
One of my wishes for the week was to have a day so warm and pleasant, that I would get to wear a golf shirt with NO LAYERS on top of it. We got my wish – the temps rose to 75 degrees and the sky was clear and blue!
Erika really handled the deep bunkers well as she lofted her irons so sharply and quickly. Janis was booming drives on most holes, just really outstanding, and Val seemed to enjoy the par 3’s on the back nine. First, on #11, she nearly made a hole-in-one as I captured it on video, and even better, on #17, Val made the longest putt of the trip thus far: a 56-footer for a birdie 2 on the huge, incredibly rolling green! We all screamed!
Following this most enjoyable round of golf, our driver Ken brought Laurel back to meet us at the Castle Stuart clubhouse. The five of us had post-game chatter over Guinness and Black Isle beers and a few snacks while we sat overlooking the Moray Firth! Before we left, Val went back to the pro shop to pick up a Westie headcover for her Mom. It would go nicely with the gifts we had purchased for them in St. Andrews.
Yes, we highly recommend Castle Stuart, a near-perfect day!
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