LINKS75 catches Calmac’s flagship to Brodick. We cross Arran’s high country to the west coast – Blackwaterfoot. Twelve legendary golf holes have been laid out at Shiskine. Since 1896 people have been enchanted by the weather and landscape that exists between the high country and the sea. We report to the pro-shop and make ourselves ready. The 1st hole – one of four par-4s – faces the sea, where parts of the left-hand side disappeared in the storm of 1991, and sets the tone. The 2nd has a characteristic burn in front of the green creating more excitement.
Shiskine, Crows Nest
However, just like at the top of a rollercoaster ride – things are really about to take off. Next is one of the links world’s most renowned holes – or more accurately eagle’s nests – the Crow’s Nest – has its green placed on a cliff’s ledge, with sighting marker. Enormous LINKS75 heart – pure joy – euphoric. A hole that really makes an impression. LINKS75 lays up for birdie but is denied by hole-pockmarked green. The 4th takes you from the eagle’s nest back down again.
Shiskine, no4
The 5th – a par 3 – is an original from 1896. On the 6th – a par 4 – facing the sea, we are reminded of the 18th at Waterville before bravely hitting out among the grassy, VW-beetle contours. The sound of the sea and the scent of kelp heighten Links75 senses to the max and are taken to an even higher level on the 7th – a blind par 3 with a wonderful signal announcing free play. The 8th – a par 4 – “Hades”. LINKS75 passes through the gates of hell and lands its white gold directly on the green and makes its putt for eagle – touché! The 9th is the 12-hole-course’s only par 5 – and what a par 5 – is a nugget in this 12-hole goldmine, with a wonderful burn and a classic uphill approach to the waiting finish. The 10th – a par 3 – takes us down towards the finishing stretch. The 11th is an extremely demanding par 3 even without wind with a gigantic dip in front of the green. The 12th, the finishing hole, is a short par 3. We gaze back down the course. Links75 delight is enormous – what an experience. We head off up the 1st again – 24 holes.
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