Isle of Skye, Sconser, 9 holes
We had such a positive response and welcome from Iain and Ally, Secretary and Captain respectively, that I was not surprised that this club is making the most of a difficult economic situation. Local sponsors are a lifeline when foreign visitors are staying away. We met John the young greenkeeper who has been doing a great job. Green keepers can’t make the scenery but given the machinery and time this course will go up and up in estimations. All the raw materials are here.
We were introduced to many members, donations were made to the cause and I even met my new hero who won the Askernish Open with a round of 70. We walked away with some £100+, mugs and fantastic memories. Thank you for supporting Alzheimer’s Society. So many of you have personal stories where Alzheimer’s has cut a swathe through life. Raising money at this difficult time has not been easy for charity or club so plaudits for all those who persevere and so many are unpaid volunteers. A BIG THANK YOU
We played a loop with Iain and Ally one new to Skye and one familial returnee. Concise swings and low ball flight are the ticket here. It must be bracing in the wind but the views are suitable recompense when it is quieter. We eventually saw the tops of the mountains and hillsides and miles of seascape. The first hole takes you down to the water’s edge and the second along the ragged shoreline on your left towards the quarry, two sturdy holes to start before climbing back up and across the hillside. The sixth tees you off with the water on your right over the melancholy stones. All unmarked but marking children lost to a pandemic many years ago. And all the while Covid cases were rising again in Portree.
A long par 3 follows up the hill and then two twisting final holes one down and one uphill. Both guileful and tricksome. There is great variety to be had here and as ever the wind is the protector of it’s reputation with small greens and tactical shot making essential. We had a quietly competitive game with honours shared but all the praise to this plucky club. Many thanks for your company and your generosity.
