Thank You UK Clubs!

[Clambake]

With all planning done for a return trip to Scotland in May, I would like to give a big thank you to all those clubs who welcome us visitors and understand that exclusivity and denying access to non-members is outside the spirit of golf. Living in the US, the "Top Courses" lists are dominated by clubs who keep their doors closed to all of us normal golfers, keeping their little property sacred for their members and rare guests. But those of you in the UK show little such snobbiness.

 

Most of us can only dream of ever stepping foot onto a place like Augusta, Cypress Point, or Pine Valley, at least without risking a trespassing violation. Yet we can easily play places like Royal Dornoch, Prestwick, Royal Troon, North Berwick, Carnoustie, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Lahinch, Ballybunion, and so many, many more. And when you walk in their doors, you're greeted like a welcome guest and not like some questionable interloper who dares intrude on their haven. Even Skibo Castle is accessible, and the notoriously snooty Muirfield has visitor openings like a muni if compared to its US counterparts.

 

You understand what this game really should be, and I only wish your example was followed here in the US. So thank you for letting us all enjoy your wonderful courses, and I will drink a little toast to your generosity after each round in your delightful area!!!

[Hawkeye77]

I admire your spirit, but you know it's a little more complicated than that over there - some need the tourist $, some courses may have clubs that are private but are owned in a different way, population differences/demographic differences/course maintenance and other cost differences, and on and on.

 

Friendliest place I've ever been and going back myself, but I don't kid myself that Royal Dornoch and Augusta National/Pine Valley/Cypress point are apt comparisons except for a lot of real differences other than just being "snobby". Different circumstances/different culture.

 

 

[milesgiles]

I’m not sure generosity is quite the word I’d use for the top 20 uk courses who want an average weeks wages for a round of golf.. but the sentiments are appreciated!

Remember, US incomes are higher and the exchange rate is in your favour right now. For a handful of courses here, and quite a few stateside, money is a complete irrelevance, they simply don’t need the revenue, so they keep them fully private. If I had my way, I’d exclude the least accessible clubs from any discussion of top courses..