Notepad: What would Old Tom think?

Playing Old Course on simulator opens possibilities

Author:
Stuart Hall
Publish date:
May 2, 2018

If something looks different about Carnoustie Golf Links when the Scottish course hosts the British Open in July, then it mostly likely will be the state-of-the-art Links House clubhouse that recently opened next to the first tee.

The Links House includes a golf practice and training facility, pro shop, and contemporary bar and restaurant, The Rookery, which overlooks the first and 18th greens, along with Carnoustie Bay. Carnoustie's rich history is also told in the Heritage Area.

The facility features seven high-tech simulators with the choice of 14 different courses to play – including Carnoustie.

Carnoustie has hosted seven British Opens, the last being in 2007 and won by Padraig Harrington. Other previous winners are Tommy Armour (1931), Henry Cotton (1937), Ben Hogan (1953), Gary Player (1966), Tom Watson (1975) and Paul Lawrie (1999). Carnoustie has also hosted a Women’s British Open and two Senior British Opens.

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LEAVING ON A JET PLANE …: United Airlines apparently understands the lure of Bandon Dunes as the airline will provide nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend, Ore., from June 10 to Oct. 3.

The roundtrip flights will be offered on Sunday and Wednesday, and will arrive in North Bend at 1:38 p.m. PT and depart for Denver at 2:10 p.m. PT. United will use its Embraer ERJ-175 jet aircraft, which features a full-service cabin and seating for up to 76 passengers, including 12 first-class cabin seats.

AFTER THE POUND-ING: Golfers can be a peculiar lot at times and tend to favor one particular course architect over another. Why do some people prefer Chevrolet over Ford or vice verse when buying a car? They just do.

For those Pete Dye afficianados looking to check off their list his lone New York work, then head to Pound Ridge Golf Club in Westchester County. On a good day, it's less than an hour north of New York City. Perhaps what is most captivating his how Dye used the existing terrain to carve out a course that is annually ranked among New York's finest.

The 10-year-old course was recently ranked No. 6 on Golfweek's "Best Courses You Can Play" list for New York.

Afterward, there is no rush to return to the Big Apple. Scenic Greenwich, Conn., is a short hop away and features the Delamar Greenwich Harbor hotel. In fact, Pound Ridge and Delamar have partnered in the past to offer special stay-and-play packages.

WTGN's Alex Miceli played and stayed recently and offered this on Delamar.

“It was a luxury experience right on the harbor with yachts arriving and parking at its dock.

The rooms were spacious and comfort was clearly the focus. Dining was a great experience at L’Escale, which features a southern France influence that creates an experience for the palate.

Of course, Greenwich is a great distraction from the hustle and bustle of NYC, with the Delamar a great home base for the weekend.

Enjoy."

Making a trip even more enticing, Delamar will arrange transportation to Pound Ridge, along with complimentary rental clubs and shoes.

Stuart Hall is a freelance writer who resides in Cary, N.C.

Email: slhall514@mac.com
Twitter:@SLHall1961