In the shop we are met by the pro who asks curiously if it is we who are touring around playing all the links courses – LINKS75 delight. Spirits are high. Unfortunately the day began with a night-time assault on our rental car, which required masking tape repairs. The BBC has confirmed approaching storms on all channels. An empty, silent clubhouse means we can sneak out during members’ time. The course layout is classic – 9 out, 9in.
First green, Seacroft
The 1st whole – a par 4, 376 yards – has a tree a couple of centuries old standing guard at the green. The 3rd is a wonderfully blind par 4 with hollow between a well-placed drive and the green. We continue on and suddenly the 8th turns up. So do nightmares from Borth & Ynyslas. A fairway that snakes along a highway requires a drive that must be hit over the road and kept in the curve to follow the fairway. A shot demanding artistry of the highest links-class. One half of LINKS75 succeeds excellently, while the other’s shout of “Fore!” echoes across the ridge towards the 11th.
8th, Seacroft
The 10th is attacked with a chip for eagle before we head into the wind. The 12th – a par 3, 208 yards – is attacked with the driver and we almost make it. On the 13th and 14th we finally see the North Sea. The much-discussed storm comes howling like a Black Dog over the marshes. The 15th is a blind par 4 that requires finesse. The 17th – a par 4, 410 yards – is a links finish of rank, running along a half-pipe of burnt grass with an emerald-green green to finish. Mr J wins 1 up.
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