Kingsbarns

What a great way to start the tour.  The group met up last night at Rusacks, and many, including myself, took the opportunity to stroll the fairways of the Old Course and collect some photographs.

This is the view from the back steps of the hotel.

Looking up to the 18th green and R&A clubhouse over the Swilcan Bridge

The Old Course is closed for golf on Sundays, and becomes public access land.  That meant we could roam wherever we liked on the hallowed turf.  It was however quite strange to see people with prams, and walking their dogs on the most famous piece of golfing land.

After this the group was ready for some golf at Kingsbarns.

Ready to go to Kingsbarns, on the steps of Rusacks Hotel.

This morning the group met Lyndsay from the Old Course Experience, who will be assisting us over the next few days, and made our way to Kingsbarns.

The whole Kingsbarns experience was phenomenal.  We were made very welcome from the moment we arrived, and the staff were only too happy to assist us.

Having the first sunny day in the UK for 6 weeks, with relatively little wind certainly helped.

Kingsbarns provides spectacular views almost everywhere you look.

Bob Murphy & Laurie Ryan 

Lee Kidman, Matt Cleverdon, Libby McCann, Pam MacKenzie with caddy Jimmy.

The caddies play a huge part in the enjoyment of the day, and I can comfortably say that the caddies at Kingsbarns are some of the best that we have had in the UK.

A view from the 9th tee overlooking the greens on 8 and 15

It was John MacKenzie who started with some hot form, taming the course with 38 points.  Rob Sayer and Bob Murphy were not far behind with 35.  Both professionals got off to a good start early with both Matt and myself being under part for large portions of the game.  Matt finished on level par after a solid day, I however, drifted away on the back nine.

After such a great start, we are all looking forward to what will be a stern test at Carnoustie tomorrow.