Carnoustie

The most difficult course I have ever played was on offer at Carnoustie today.  It is never a good sign when the pro shop staff warn you about how thick the rough is, and that it will require chipping out with a wedge when you get in it.

John & Pam MacKenzie, Nola & Jeff Faure with caddies on the 1st tee.

According to our caddy, the rough has not been this long and thick since the 1999 Open.  Even in 2007 at the Open, the rough was more friendly.

A view looking back to the 2nd green from the 3rd tee.

Looking over the 5th green from the 3rd tee.

Not only is the rough thick, but the fairways are ribbon thin, and get narrower at driving distance. Throw in around 250 pot bunkers and you have the infamous Carnasty and a Cartastrophy on your scorecard.

Richard Logan successfully extracting his ball from the deep bunker on the 5th.

In 1953 Ben Hogan famously mastered the Par 5 sixth.  On all four days of the Open Championship he drove the ball into ideal position between the boundary fence on the left, and the fairway bunkers.

This was a phenomenal achievement as the gap was only 18 yards.  What makes this more special is that on each occasion Hogan deliberately started the ball over the OOB fence and faded it back into play.  The hole has been named "Hogan's Alley" in honour of his performance there.

The view from the tee on hole 6, Hogan's Alley

Did I mention the burns? Oh just another little treat to contend with, especially when you get to 17 & 18.  Anyone who thinks that the closing stretch at the Heath is tough needs to see 14 through 18 at Carnoustie.  Nearly impossible.

The burn running across the 5th fairway.

The burn that saw the demise of Jean Van de Velde in 1999.

All of these thing contribute to it's difficulty, but what a fantastic links this is.  A very stern test for all concerned today.  Rae "The Chairman" Biggart was top scorer for the day with an amazing 37 points. Congratulations also to Patrick Carlisle with 35 and Suzanne Jackson with 34 points for the second day running.

Suzanne leads the race for the Dunhill Links section heading into the final round at the Old Course tomorrow.

After two lovely days weather wise, we prepare for the worst as the forecast suggests heavy rain tomorrow.  The caddies will have their work cut out for them!!