Ohio Golf Journal October 2019

ONE OF THE MOST DIFÚCULT %VEN WITHOUT THE STEADY rain and wind and chilly April temperatures hovering around 50 degrees, my game was no match for RCD. Old Tom Morris received the whopping sum of 4 pounds to extend the original layout to 18 holes, which were completed in 1890. Since then, renovations were made by Harry Colt between 1925 and 1927, and Donald Steel in 1997. It was on this course that I was introduced to purple heather and yellow gorse, lovely vegetation anywhere but on a golf course. The diabolical gorse grows thick and is covered in thorns, so take your penalty and move on. Get a caddy for your round here, because they seem to have x-ray vision! Ardglass was a welcome reprieve after being battered by RCD and the weather. All 18 holes have a view of the Irish Sea, as well as being challenging and fun. The daunting drive ON THE ÚRST HOLE REQUIRES A MODERATE carry over rocks, sand and a cliff which is quite a visual. The green itself is surrounded by all kinds of wickedness. The next hole requires an intimidating carry over a canyon which makes the starting holes here as visually stunning as any I’ve seen. If you get past the opening holes unscathed, you have a ÚGHTING CHANCE FOR A good score. /UR ÚNAL ROUND WAS played at the site of the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. This gem on the North Sea was designed by the great Harry Colt. It’s the only course in