Irvine Bogside
Yet more railways; this is a tricksome and stretchy course that seemed to suffer the most from the wind perhaps because the course is set quite high for a links course.
There are quite a few blind shots. Some say this frees up a real swing without concerns for the troubles ahead. Others reject them as being entirely gimmicky. However a lot of links courses are made memorable by the odd blind shot. I believe that it is a tradition best honoured in its breach then in its observance. As ever reconnaissance is invaluable so prior, or local knowledge, is a significant advantage here.
I rather like the holes cramped by the railway; they forced decisions upon the architect to make do with what they have. The 4th hole is a short part four with the green alongside the rails perhaps 50 feet above the fairway. Not easy to club with a determined wind. Another ball on the tracks. The 5th also a short par four makes use of the dramatic contours where you fly it to a blind green. The next is a long blind tee shot and a view that reveals all the way to Troon. This is the only place you have views of the sea. Another blind shot to the next green.
There are only two par threes and one par 5 so this is the land of the relentless par four
A lot of heathery, heathy, parklandy holes follow interspersed with the dramatic, blind, green at 14 and then a great closing stretch of three holes. Firstly, an upturned saucer green par 3 of 157 yards followed by a heavily undulating 17th alongside a greedy railway line and a fun closing hole into the wind.
Irvine is a cradle for the winds and has enough length despite this. I would prefer fewer blind shots and I am not entirely convinced by it’s links credentials. It is used as an Open Qualifier but were I in that fortunate position I would prefer to prepare myself for Troon at Western Gailes. This is a tough course that will give anyone 365 days of competitive golf. They have beautiful traditional locker and club rooms reminding one of its proud history and tradition.
