As Major Haversham’s Lieutenant for Social Media, I was recently deployed across the pond on an extended mission to Scotland and Ireland. In between all of the Posts, Tweets, and ‘Grams, I also gathered intel on new Golf and the Good Life experiences to share with my fellow Minions in the Planning and Concierge regiments back at HQ. Here’s a sampling of the new – or at least new to me – discoveries that I made along the way.
The Machrie
I hopped a ferry to Islay to pay a visit to The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links as well as, of course, a few distilleries. The golf course is fresh off a multi-year reimagination that completely transformed this once enigmatic links. On a beautifully sunny day I enjoyed the pristine conditioning, enormous fairways, and green complexes which present a variety of choice. There’s only 5 bunkers on the entire course, and none past the 7th hole. And then there’s the sea… It’s ever present, especially on the outward nine, and the views are incredible. Simply put, The Machrie just might be the best thing since Castle Stuart. When combined with the exceptional hotel and the famous distilleries of Islay, it’s a truly perfect pairing of Golf and the Good Life.
Carrick-a-Rede
Just a short drive from a Royal Portrush, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is a daredevils delight. The stroll across the wobbly bridge is a rather short one, but the sight of the waves crashing far below is sure to get the heart racing. Once across, the view down the Antrim coast and over to the Mull of Kintyre is sublime. On a sunny day, consider packing a picnic, but do get there early: the rope bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
Carnoustie Golf Centre
The hospitality at Carnoustie has always been first-class, but it’s even greater now thanks to a new Golf Centre which debuted just before The 147th Open Championship. The new links house features an expansive pro shop and locker room facilities, as well as a breakfast kiosk for the pre-round bacon roll. Players can also warm up on state of the art simulators programed with the opening hole at Carnoustie, giving the unique opportunity to tee off the first before you go out and tee off the first. The highlight of the links house for yours truly, however, was The Rookery restaurant, where I enjoyed a fabulous plate of Dover Sole overlooking the historic links.
Cairnryn Ferry
The desire to check both Scotland and Ireland in one trip is quite common, but the logistics can sometimes be a challenge. I decided to trade the airport hassle this double would typically require for a stress-free ride aboard the Stena Superfast ferry from Cairnryn to Belfast. Thanks to a £5 upgrade to the Hygge Lounge onboard, I watched the world sail by for a couple of hours from the comfortable confines of a leather recliner. To say it beats an encounter with Ryanair or Easyjet is certainly an understatement.
Jannetta’s Gelateria
The truest sign of quality when it comes to ice cream shops is a perpetual queue out the door. Jannetta’s Gelateria in St. Andrews not only checks that box, but it even has a landmark street sign one typically associates with places like the cathedral or St. Andrews Castle. If you make the walk down to the end of South Street, do not be discouraged by the length of the line. It moves fast and is worth every minute of the wait.
Drift
On a sunny afternoon in East Lothian, I decided to hike the beach from North Berwick down to Tantallon Castle and in the process discovered one of the coolest cafes I’ve ever visited. Drift is located on the edge of the clifftop and is smartly constructed of two repurposed shipping containers. It also features stunning views of Bass Rock and possibly the finest Guinness Chocolate Cake in existence. If you find yourself on the A198 between North Berwick and Dunbar, stop. You’ll be glad you did.
Shiskine
Amongst all of my ferry-hopping was an overnight trip to the Isle of Arran to visit the 12-hole links known as Shiskine. You read that correctly: 12-holes. Shiskine is a wild ride set in the shadows of the Drumadoon cliff. There’s 7 par-3s, numerous blind-shots (including 3 on the aforementioned par-3s), and a coastal setting among the most picturesque in Scotland. The 3rd hole, known as Crow’s Nest, is sure to be unlike anything else you’ve ever played, and is by itself worth the ferry ride to Arran.
Royal Portrush 7th & 8th
In order to accommodate the infrastructure needed for the 2019 Open Championship, Royal Portrush has spent the last few years overseeing a variety of changes to the Dunluce Links. Most notably, a pair of new holes – the 7th & 8th – which made their debut at the end of last year. I am happy to attest that the new holes both look and play as if they’ve been there forever. I will also certify that even the best players in the world will want to avoid the new Big Nellie bunker.
What Golf and Good Life discoveries did you make during your travels this year?
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