Best Golf in Scotland

Looking for the best golf in Scotland?  Well, the Ottawa East daily newspaper recently ran a feature on "Scotland - The Home of Golf" . . . . and didn't mention The Dragon's Tooth Golf Course at all?!?

http://www.emcottawaeast.ca/20110623/sports/Scotland+-+The+Home+of+Golf

Yes, it spoke of the joys of the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Muirfield but the reporter didn't sweep his eyes up the West Coast of Scotland to Oban, Fort William and rest on Ballachulish!  Or perhaps he DID, and he found something that he didn't want to let others know about.  Maybe he wants to keep the gem of The Dragon's Tooth Golf Course a secret all to himself.  It may be he loves the quiet calm, the peace of the place.  He, like others, values the ability to just turn up and play.  Maybe he loves the fantastic location, nestled at the foot of 3,000 metre mountains, with the sea almost in touching distance.  Perhaps its the challenge of the 9, demanding holes.

Whatever, when the connoisseurs of golf are in the Glencoe area of Scotland, we see them at the Dragon's Tooth Golf Course, and they are always very welcome.   

Scottish Segway Centre Opens

After the months of meetings, planning and talk about Segways and setting up The Scottish Segway Centre, it was really good to see the Segway UK van pull up the drive at Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course.  And to witness the first of the fleet of seven Segways come down the ramp.

Not only a sense of relief that something was happening at last, but also a feeling of real excitement; we were about to ride a Segway!  Eleven of us had gathered to be part of this moment, and all were eager to see a Segway first hand – and to get on one and to glide away just asap. The group comprised the three Directors of Glencoe Activities Limited (the company acquiring the Segways), plus two members of the Vertical Descents team (the company that will operate the Segways) and David Lawrence (Head Greenkeeper)/Robert Morrison (Assistant Greenkeeper), along with Fiona and Glenn from the Club House and Pete from SeaXplorer.  Pete was joined by another local, Jonny Henshaw and the two of them will hopefully become the core of a wider team of Segway Guides.

As David from Segway UK rolled the first Segway off the van, conversations dropped and the group grew quieter.  They closed in to take a closer look and then fell silent as David began his introduction.  First, a quick overview of the technical bit – not really much to say; few moving parts, lots of hi-tech wizardry and all easy and simple to maintain.  Then, on to the ride.  Well, the glide really, because “you glide a Segway .  Relax, loosen those hands, stand straight.  Press gently on the toes and the Segway goes forward.  A little pressure on the heels, and the Segway slows”. 

WOW!  What a sensation!  Stepping up on the Segway is slightly un-nerving at first, but it’s quick to get balanced and once grasped, seems to come instantly every time.  And it’s extraordinarily true, this really is “like nothing you have done before!”.   Something in between floating on air on the one hand, and sense of freedom of riding a bike on the the other.  As one glides away, with the silent platform below, there’s a feeling of liberation, anticipation and pleasure.  Somehow it bubbles up as a smile of pleasure “Ah! There’s the Segway Smile”.

We made a video of David’s first tour with us, and it’s here onYouTube.  A memento for us of the memorable arrival of Segways at the fledgling Scottish Segway Centre, and perhaps a useful introduction to those who will come to Glencoe, to experience the fun of a Segway Tour for themselves.

Highland Golf renaissance with Barclays Scottish Open Golf at Castle Stuart

It's good to see the growing excitement and hype around the upcoming Barclays Scottish Open.  Castle Stuart seem happy with the support they are getting from all quarters. Grant Sword says "The response from everyone we have approached for help in staging this event has been overwhelmingly positive" - and Castle Stuart have indeed approached lots of people, and done so much pro-active engineering behind the scenes.

Even Highland Council get strong praise for their active support!  Certainly, the recent announcement of £33k of financial support from the Council will be well received; given the likely visitor numbers, and the huge worldwide exposure, this seems a wise marketing spend.  Inverness City should benefit hugely, and the City Fathers + Councillors are working to ensure the place is smart and attractive for tall the visitors.

The event is likely to have a "wash" that spreads right across the Highlands - bringing economic benefit now, and in years to come.  And who knows, the really discerning golfers will come South to The Dragon's Tooth Golf Course www.dragonstooth.co.uk and find the hidden joys of true, rural Highland Golf that lie just south of Fort William!!

More goodies on Highland Golf Course

It was a warm welcome yesterday to new arrivals at the Dragons Tooth Golf Course on the Scottish West Coast.  Yes! skipping up the drive to this renowned Highland golf course were two electric carts.  They seemed excited to be arriving at their new home, and certainly had taken some trouble to look smart, spick and span for their arrival.

After their long trip to Lochaber, Norris and Dorris appeared a little overcome by the journey - and the impressive setting of their new home at this superb Highland golf course.  The wonderful fairways stretched away in the distance, and the glistening bunkers twinkled enticingly in the sun.  But Norris and Dorris were tired, and we pictured them resting up peacefully in their new bedroom.

These two will grace this understated and relaxed golf course near Fort William - already raising eyebrows across Scotland because of the quality of the play and the facilities on offer - and further enhance the reputation of The Outdoor Capital of the UK as the place for sport and adventure of every type.

For information on meeting Norris and Dorris, please visit www.dragonstooth.co.uk

Nature Trail Quest at Dragons Tooth Golf Course

The Dragon Monkey Nature Trail Quest moved a leap forward recently, with the arrival of an impressive sign that overviews the golf course, and the beautiful parkland trail around it.  The trail is the brainchild of Margaret Boyd, who masterminds a charitable project to encourage social interaction between the generations and in particular, engage senior citizens in the life of their local community.

There are a whole range of actions underway, but one very tangible development is this nature trail. The signpost features the wonderful gentle walks in the area, and highlights some of the natural features of the locality.  Visitors are invited to enter a challenge to identify wildlife, flora and fauna in the course of the ramble. And who knows?  There may well be a sighting of that illusive Dragon Monkey.

The last recorded sighting was in early December, when a pair of the little monkies were seen scuttling across the snowy fairways in search of shelter. They normally venture onto the course looking for stray golf balls, and seem to prize these as possessions in their lairs.

But back to the Nature Trail Quest.  The walk begins at the Club House of this renowned golf course in the Highlands of Scotland. The golf course is near Glencoe, just 12 miles south of Fort William - right in the heart to the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Once you've enjoyed a remarkably good coffee in this part of Scotland, and a fresh bacon roll, it's off for a stroll.  There's a quizz sheet to accompany the trail, and lots to do and see along the way. More details at www.dragonstooth.co.uk

Oh, and watch out for the Dragon Monkey.

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