151 - Parkland Perfection...

Loch Lomond was the setting for the Scottish Open last weekend and what a setting? Anyone who has spent time in that part of the world will tell you just how beautiful it is and the Loch Lomond Golf Club looked magnificent, even in the occasional squall that raced across the course.

From the pristine fairways to the challenging greens the course was inviting the players to attack it while the magnificent parkland setting in the shadow of the Scottish Highlands was an absolute dream for the BBC production team covering the event. From just about any angle the place looked perfect.

The hardy crowds watched politely and respectfully as the players battled the against the changing weather conditions in what turned out to be an intriguing tournament. The course played differently each day as the wind changed direction making every hole a new challenge.

There were oohs and ahhs as Darren Clarke and Edoardo Mollinari jousted for the lead as the likes of Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and YE Yang fell by the wayside, unable to cope with the challenge LLGC provided – not the ideal preparation they no doubt hoped for ahead of the British Open at St Andrews.

Eventually Mollinari took the title with a three shot lead over likable Clarke who can take some comfort in knowing his performance earned him a place at the British Open this weekend.

Although golf originally started with links courses I much prefer parkland and LLGC is one of the very best out there, to me it is an example of my perfect golf course. Tree lined fairways hugging the shores of a loch with deep bunkers protecting the greens and rough that is actually rough.

If I had a decent lottery win I would scour Scotland for a large piece of loch side real estate (preferably with an imposing Georgian manor house in situ) and draft in a designer who can create my own piece of perfection. It may need to be a Euro Lottery win come to think of it.