There’s only one place to finish the year at – Rye. We take a seat in Darwin bar. With Charles Darwin’s armchair in a corner, donated by his grandson Bernard Darwin that was Captain twice with a 50 year interval. All Presisdent’s putters are hanging on the wall in front of us. Harry S Colt was one of the founders of the course in 1894. Rye is the very first creation of the legendary architect, he was 25 years old. Nowdays it is a very challenging par 68 that is best played during winter. the greens are being kept at the same height all year around. There have only been three Head Greenkeepers the las 100 years. We arrive at 10ish. A month before the next President’s putter is decided. We have been here before and get to choose tee. We decide on joy, yellow. 1st hole, the only par five of the course, takes us alongside one of two dunes. There we meet the first of five one-shotters. Someone have said that the hardest shot at Rye is the second shot at the par 3s. 4th hole – one of the toughest tee shots in the linksworld. Against an oval height that constantly shakes of the ball, if it hits the green. The green is not easy either. 5th hole once again a one-shotter with a raised green. 6th – A blind tee shot above the second sand dune against a crossing fairway. Then 180 yards left to another raised green, accompanied by a few scattered bunkers. 7th is one of the best one-shotters in the Brittish linksworld – the definition of Links75 class. Simply wonderful. Par!
7th green, Rye
9th is up on the dune, its gable facing the clubhouse. Nine wonderful holes. Hole 10 & 11 moves from the clubhouse alongside some unexpected gorse and water, with the harbour in the background. 12th is a classical links – across a road and fluttering grass at the sides. 13th, a creation from a parallel universe. Par 4 – against the sand dune – two marker posts in combination lead the way towards the green and a split fairway. Mr L 6/5. 14th once again a par 3 of a very high calibre. 15th & 16th are two wonderful holes where we once again pass the dunes, one at a time. 17th is the very last one-shotter and also the longest. 18th, finish of majestic Links75 class. Above the dune, against the clubhouse and a second shot that should be carefully considered.
18th fairway, Rye
Rye – a great links.
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