Already on the road in to Luffness we experience joy. A ball on the fly turns up by the side of the road – a slice, a huge hook or just a shot following the wind. It is blowing really hard – 3 clubs. LINKS75 takes up its normal stance, coughs powerfully and asks for medical exemption. The clubhouse has a minimalist spike bar – more like a closet – on the one side normality, on the other Wonderland. We have a coffee and then head straight into the grip of wind and weather – a warm westerly wind. There is an ongoing medal tournament teeing off so we wait for the last pair to head off. The course has been played before but left few traces. Expectations are low. Already on the 2nd hole, a par 4, positive vibes begin – newly-sodded bunkers of the highest class. The 3rd is a par3 into the wind and the group in front use drivers. The 4th, a par 5 into the wind with reefed sails and diesel motor into the green , feels long – incredibly long.
Clubhouse, Luffness
Across the road to the 6th, becalmed amongst the gorse and spring-green grass it is really warm. An elevated 8-iron to a defenceless green. The 7th is straight up towards Gullane’s hill. LINKS75 smacks its drive over the green – Dustin here we come! On the 8th, from the hill down slope, we bend and sway our drives out over the playing field and restricted green surfaces. The hole seems endless – is that really the green over there? Our course guide isn’t sufficient we need an orienteering map of greater precision. After the 9th we rest on a nearby bench – even the frogs have been blown inland from the sea. It necessitates three hands to reset the flags. We hit completely new shots – putting and chipping with our aim long from the hole, hoping to be blown in. Clear blue skies. The Firth of Fourth meanders back and forth. We persevere and force ourselves to reach the finishing line. The course, nevertheless, continues to welcome us with open arms, a smile and says “Hi”. We are left with no choice but to enjoy the situation. This is so good. Classic links golf – just like a bookmark in Donald Steel’s book of golf. The 12th – Luffness – is a wonderful par 4 with newly-sodded cross bunkers that demand your attention.
12th, Luffness
Minimalistically good. On the 14th an invisible wind picks up our drives – one to the right, one to the left. We search in the knee-high, winter-old rough without success. New balls please! Once we get to the green the course again reveals its best side – wonderful slopes and undulating green. Our frustration turns to joy. We turn round and finish with the wind behind us. The 17th – 340 yards – is reached with a faded drive. the wind is suddenly our friend. The course finishes with a pat on the back and we smile and promise to meet again- persistence triumphs.
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