Highland Golf Course Open Day

Ballachulish Golf Course Celebrates with Biggest Ever Party

The Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course near Fort William celebrated its 10^th Birthday on Monday 4^th June with a massive Garden Party, enjoyed by over 300 visitors.  The sun shone for the day, as local residents and visitors from across Lochaber descended onto the estate to enjoy all that was on offer.

The day had started at first light, with early risers arriving ahead of the crowds to enjoy the free golf on offer.  The party moved into full swing from 2pm. when the organisers, Glencoe Activities, started the “tasters” of six different activities – from Segway rides to trips out on the Loch by fast boat.  The afternoon developed into a happy medley of young and old getting to grips with “crate stacking”, archery and gorge walking.  Paul Mills, owner and captain of the SeaXplorer Rib commented “It was a stunning day out on the loch, and our series of short, sharp thrill rides gave a sample of fun of a rib ride to over 100 breathless visitors!”

It was Head Greenkeeper David Lawrence who seemed to attract the biggest – and the noisiest - crowds. The youngsters queued up all afternoon for his celebrated tractor rides and the bouncy castle emptied each time the kids got sight of the returning convoy, coming over the brow of the nearby hill.  “It’s so good to see so many people enjoying the golf course” said David “and as I’m driving around all day, I’m able to see how our new 9 tees are being played.  We’ve just opened up a full 18 tees, as this 10^th year sees us move from a 9 tee course to an 18 tee one.  The new 9 tees have been two years in the making, so for me personally, it’s actually a really important day”.

With so much going on throughout the day, there was never the less an eager anticipation for the billed flypast of “Two Queens on a Segway”.  They may have arrived late, but it proved worth the wait, as two royal “look-a-likes” glided into view mounted on two Segways.  They swept across the 9^th Hole and circled the crowed, with a corgi in tow and a royal wave of the hand.  Was it coins that got thrown to the children, or sweets? And were these true royalty or the Directors in drag?  These must be questions that are left to hang, in a day that gave so many the chance to try new activities and get answers to longstanding questions on “what’s it like to . . . . ?”.

Highland Golf in Scotland or Hungary . . . or both?

Not golf in Fort William this, but golf in Hungary.

Perhaps one Highland Golf Course should twin with another? But what would be the point?

Would it be like a town deciding to twin with a town in another country? For economic, social and political reasons? Glencoe Scotland, for example, was recently toying with the idea of reaching out to Glencoe America. There could be good reasons for these very different communities to "twin" - after all, one was named after the other and there are clearly some common roots.

But should a West Coast Golf Course near Fort William link with a golf course in Budapest? Well, it could be an idea. Respective members might enjoy golf breaks in each other’s territory. And the Budapest Highland Golf Course has a linked academy . . . could the Ballachulish golfers get even better with a little tuition from their European neighbours? And there's the opportunity for golf competitions and perhaps a Scottish Open followed by a Hungarian one?

There might be something to learn in social marketing for the Scots. After all, the facebook site for Highland Golf in Hungary has three times the membership of its Scottish counterpart. www.facebook.com/pages/Budapest-Highland-Golf-Club-Academy/109264872432420?sk=photos#!/pages/Budapest-Highland-Golf-Club-Academy/109264872432420?sk=info&closeTheater=1

And some of its social activities do look a little more sizzly than the things that go on off the golf greens in The Dragons Tooth Golf Course Club House near Fort William. Perhaps Scotland could import some ideas - and playmates - from Hungary? www.dragonstooth.co.uk/club_facilities.php

Well, these questions must hang for the moment. But it may just be that we should extend the hand of friendship, and go out and explore.

Segway comes to Scottish Highlands

Segway Personal Transporters are coming to the West Coast of Scotland!  A Fort William Golf Course is to introduce this novel form of travel in April, 2011.  The Dragons Tooth Golf Course recently announced the news that is has partnered with Glencoe Activities and tours for up to six people will be offered on the stunning Scottish estate near Ballachulish, in the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

Glencoe Activities is already a leader in adventure pursuits in Lochaber, and offers many of the outdoor experiences that make OCUK so famous.  "This is an important development for tourism in the Highlands of Scotland" said golf Director Laurence Young "the Segway PT's will be offered to our golfers, as well as to visitors for guided tours."  The Scottish Segway Centre will be based 10 miles South of Fort William, and is expected to entice visitors from as far afield as Glasgow, Oban and Inverness.

Vertical Descents are to manage the Segway Tours, and Director Ben Starkie said "Vertical Descents have a strong reputation for high-adrenalin adventure. Now it's time to offer something a little more gentle! Segway PT's are just amazing fun for all the family - and even grandpartents fall in love with them.  It's an experience like no other!".  Details of all the Scottish Activities offered by Vertical Descents are at
http://verticaldescents.com/verticaldescents-scotland/home/lochaber-fort-william/segway-tours/

More information at www.dragonstooth.co.uk/page.php?id=2311

New Team at Highland Golf Course

Today's the day!  Glenn and Fiona are installing themselves in the Club House Bistro at the Dragons Tooth Golf Course near Fort William.  They are taking over the Club House operation from 1st March, and open the doors on Friday 4th with new menus, a warm welcome and the best of Highland Hospitality.

The Bistro is a busy place, and is very much at the heart of this renowned gem of a Scottish Golf Course.  Superbly set between mountains and loch, the 9 hole parkland course is located between Oban and Glencoe.  It's not just the golf that is special - visitors and locals alike enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Club House and find the fresh coffee and free wi-fi quite compelling! Chef Glen has a repuation for using fresh highland produce and celebrates the natural cooking of Scotland.  http://www.dragonstooth.co.uk/