Golf
The view from the 5th tee
Willie MacMillan
pedestrian greens mowers, with two ageing Ransomes Certes in the shed for back up. Fairways are mown using a John Deere 3235B five gang fairway mower, and a set of old trailed gangs is used for cutting the rough. Two tractors - a Kubota and New Holland - are used to tow the gangs and for transporting materials.
When David finds the time, he catches up with other essential works, such as controlling rabbits, thinning out gorse plantations and making topdressing using local beach sand and seaweed. In the winter, he spends much of his time servicing equipment.
During our course walk, we made our way to the 5th, where we caught up with Willie who was cutting the green. After a quick chat, we moved on to Jim Cooper’s favourite hole, the 11th, which he describes as one of the “best holes in golf ”. I have to agree; it is a 232 yard, par 4, with spectacular views from the tee. We then walked a few more holes to
David Scullion
take more pictures and view the course from different aspects. The condition of
TWENTYQuestions
Well, eighteen actually! Jim Cooper - be happy and content, he’s making bacon rolls!
Who are you? Jim Cooper, Club Master at Dunaverty Golf Club.
Family status? Married with three kids.
Who’s your hero and why? Clint Eastwood - great actor and producer.
What is your dream holiday? A tour of Japan.
What annoys you the most? Not winning the lotto!
What would you change about yourself? Nothing.
Who wouldn’t you have liked to be? Hitler.
Favourite record, and why? Forever Autumn from War of the Worlds.
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? Bev, my better half.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Faint.
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? A harp - easy on the ear.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Be happy.
What’s your favourite smell? My bacon rolls.
What do you do in your spare time? I play golf and take walks with Bev and the dogs.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Humourous, happy, content.
What talent would you like to have? Lower handicap.
What makes you angry? Speeding motorists.
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? Hanging for sadistic serial killers.
the course was excellent. Four greens have to be protected from
free roaming cattle, using sturdy electric fences. However, removing cow pats from the fairways before mowing remains a time consuming task!
The course is a haven for wildlife, with an abundance of birds, flora and fauna; and there’s even a chance of sighting an otter to add to a truly memorable experience.
As you may have gathered, I was very
impressed with the course, and the way it is being managed by such a small team. Materials and budgets are next to nothing. David does get some support from Keith Martin at Machrihanish Dunes, who sharpen mowers and gives advice when needed, and Bobby Mathieson at Machrihanish Golf Club. To be able to work in such a beautiful location must be a privilege, and you can see why both Willie and David have spent most of their working lives looking after a very special jewel amongst Scottish golf courses.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156