LINKS75 heads to England and begins its countdown. Number 71. The Isle of Man, perhaps best known for its mighty, classic TT-race – which is being held at the weekend. On the island there are 8 golf courses but only one LINKS75-course, Castletown. The course has had new owners for only a year but they plan to restore Castletown to its glory days. Next to the course lies a hotel well past its prime but in pole position and discussions are on-going between the course’s and the hotel’s owners. A new clubhouse, sparsely decorated in American east coast- style has been built and we have our breakfast overlooking the 1st and 18th fairways. Clubs-for-hire of forgiving character stand ready by the 1st tee. The course had been laid out on a three-edged headland with play towards the sea on three holes, rough, cliffs, gorse and heather. Bunkers have character with steps leading down into the waiting sand. After a short start the pace picks up. The 3rd – a par 5 – has three bunkers on guard at the entrance to the green. The 4th – a par 4 – dogleg left, has gorse close to the swing – classic links, sighting marker – pleasure rises. In the clubhouse we have seen a gigantic framed picture of the 5th – “The Road Hole” – the road to the clubhouse to the right, with the sea below. Our ball bounces on the road but stays within the courses boundaries. Two more bounces into the members slope to the left and we move on making a simple par.
Road Hole, Castletown
The sea follows us no matter where we turn – to the right – SEA, to the left – SEA, straight ahead – SEA. The wind is waiting at a distance. We can, all alone let the white gold take the paths that suit us best – at least for the moment. We head up-hill on the 8th – a classic par 3 with the sea to the right. On the 9th – “Hog’s Back” – we drive towards a classic links ridge – Rye’s 4th comes to mind. Suddenly, the air feels thicker. The 11th – a 446-yard par 4. We drive with everything we have got.
Greenbunkers att no11, Castletown
The next stretch turns back before reaching the top – views everywhere. The sky darkens. The finish. The 16th – a 185-yard par 3 – has a number of grassy mounds in front of the green. A wonderful par 3 that requires knowledge as well as courage. A few steps towards the edge of a cliff and we are on the next tee. A howl of delight echoes around the course – a truly remarkable view, which we have waited for for 16 holes – a classic cliff-hanger. We sacrifice a drive to the golfing gods. “Gully”, a par 4, 421 yards over rocks, gorse, and heather. A gigantic ravine in front of us with the sea below, and beyond that a fairway formed by islands of rough and grassy contours. Links75 class. Wrap up this hole and give it to us for Xmas. The 18th – sighting marker towards the clubhouse and an approach over the sea. With a beaming smile we head for the clubhouse’s leather sofas and a Guinness before heading for Douglas before the roads are closed in honour of the weekend’s race.
English
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