What you'll find inside No.11
In No.11, Jim Hartsell discovers the joys of a small community club set amongst the rolling hills of the Trossachs in 'Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost'. We find 'What Lies Beneath' Brian Barnes' personality, quirky dress sense and that beer can. 'Coat and Tie Required' in a match played annually between Muirfield and Iona that brings an unlikely bunch together in friendship and golf. There are 52 caddies at Gullane, only 51 of them are men. Abercrombie Nisbet describes what it's like to be the only female caddie at Gullane... so far. All of this and more in The Links Diary No.11.
Coat and Tie Required
Words by Jim Hartsell
Photography by Graeme McCubbin
Around 15 years ago, Muirfield members Spencer Patrick and Paul Du Vivier - both long-time Iona holiday goers - proposed a team match between the two clubs to be held at Muirfield. There is an annual fixture between these two clubs. Imagine if the manager of Glasgow Rangers (or Celtic) showed up for a Saturday match at the pitch in Lochgilphead and subsequently invited the local football club to a friendly annual game in Ibrox Stadium. (or Celtic Park) That is what this is like.
Merely Players
Words by Richard Pennell
Photogrpahy by Matt Williamson
It is not quite the “hell mouth” trap door I had in mind, but still, the portal into the headquarters of The Stage Golfing Society is very much tucked away in the basement of Richmond Golf Club’s Palladian mansion. As the door upon which the society emblem hangs creaks open, it feels as if we are stepping into another realm in the company of the society’s Honorary Secretary, John Peters.
The Gullane Girl
Words by Murray Bothwell
Photography by Stuart Currie
There are 52 caddies who are signed up to Gullane golf club’s official caddie programme to assist these visiting golfers, enhancing their experience of golfing these great fairways. There are the core caddies, and those who are more seasonal. Of those 52, only 51 are men. This is the story of Gullane’s only girl caddie… so far.
Answering the Toad
Words by James English
Photography by Jack Ducey
One of the first things you notice at Dooks Golf Club in County Kerry, Ireland, is the club emblem. A big green toad. To the untrained eye, it can look a bit odd. A bit more witchcraft and warts, than a show of confidence from one of the ten oldest golf courses in Ireland. And the toad pops up everywhere at Dooks. In the pro shop. On the scorecard. Even perched above its own themed bar.
What Lies Beneath
Words by Murray Bothwell
Photography by Alamy
Ask anyone of a certain age about their memories of the late, great Brian Barnes and they’ll most likely focus on one of three stories synonymous with this highly talented golfer… shorts, Nicklaus or a beer can. Each is woven into their place in his prodigious life story, yet they are only the outward expressions of his talents, his personality and, at times, a complicated life both on and off the course.
Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
Words by Jim Hartsell
Photography by Graeme McCubbin
The people of these proud, smaller clubs are a large part of their charm. As a visitor, especially a foreign one, you are likely to be treated like royalty. There is genuine concern from local members that you have fun and enjoy their course. This is not something that can be faked. It is sincere and real. It is the Scottish way. Aberfoyle is the perfect example of this ancient, and still extant, way.
Oversized Baggage
Words by Reece Witters
Photography by Stuart Currie
As the departure date approaches, Winters becomes consumed by the dream of playing golf in Scotland, secretly plotting ways to make it happen. He starts monitoring sunrise and sunset times, calculating the best opportunities to squeeze in some golf. Houlihan, on the other hand, has crammed the itinerary with back-to-back meetings and conferences, leaving little room for anything beyond work.
Swing Thoughts
Words by Gary Henderson
Photography by Graeme McCubbin
"This stance doesn’t feel right. I feel a bit weird. My left leg shouldn’t be there, should it? I suppose I could literally take three seconds to re-take my stance until I’m comfortable? Nah – I’m sure it’ll be fine. Why take three seconds to salvage the round? We are here now. Just concentrate…"