2012

The Spruce Revisited

August 15, 2012
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The clubhouse at Formby spreads warmth not just spiritually but literally. According to all British meteorologists we can expect one hell of a storm by 3 o’clock this afternoon. We go through the classic rituals. No head covers, fluttering towels or unnecessary clutter in the bags. As icing on the cake we say hello to […]

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In the Ryder Bar at Southport & Ainsdale

August 14, 2012
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In 1933 and 1937 the Ryder Cup was held at Southport & Ainsdale. In 1933 Walter Hagen was captain of the American team which lost 5½ to 6½. In 1937 Walter Hagen was again captain, and this time with Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead in the team won 8 to 4. Today the […]

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West Lancashire 1976

August 13, 2012
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Outside the pro-shop hang wonderful black and white photos of heroes that have made  an impression at West Lancashire. This is a links course that has been used for a long time as one  of the most used local qualifying courses for the British Open in this region. In 1976 Nick Faldo, Bernard Langer, Ian […]

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Stableford at Wallasey

July 18, 2012
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In 1930 Bobby Jones won the qualification tournament for the British Open at Wallasey by shooting a 77. He won The Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool. He won the Grand Slam. As usual this week the members give us a serious warning about the rough before we go out. A tough opening stretch among the […]

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Finding Religion at Hoylake

July 17, 2012
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Wirral. Hoylake. Royal Liverpool. Just as we have all week, we are warned about the rough by the members, the Club starter and the neighbouring pro. The grass is high. Wonderfully high. It’s like having the rolling sea around us as we make our way to the 2nd hole. We see some flags sticking up […]

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Conwy – Return Ticket, Please

July 16, 2012
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We head off to Wales to play Conwy, which was founded by a number of members from Royal Liverpool in 1890. We wait for our tee-off time in the bar while it pours down outside. One after the other the members come in after the 10th hole and pronounce judgement on the day’s indescribable weather.   […]

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Birkdale with the Pros

July 15, 2012
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“The rough is the worst for 30 years,” we hear on the putting green. At the same time Bubba Watson and Jeff Ogilvy drive off from the 1st – a friendly practice round before the Open. An hour later it’s time for LINKS75. “Are you Bill Haas?”. We look dumbfounded when his caddie for the […]

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Leasowe as a Starter

July 14, 2012
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We begin with True Links. Leasowe – neighbour to Wallasay. Already at 11 am, the first members begin to register scores from the day’s round. We seek good advice – “Keep away from the rough”. Advice that proves to be more accurate than expected. The bartender tells us that it has been raining for months […]

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