Loch Lomond

The weather forecast today finally said something other than rain or showers.  It even mentioned the word sunny.

These are the ruins of Rossdhu Castle, the home of the Colquhoun Clan, built in 1457.  They are situated behind the 18th green.

The castle was replaced by Rossdhu House, the Georgian mansion built by Sir James Colquhoun in 1772.

This is Rossdhu House.  It has been restored by the Loch Lomond Golf Club, and is now used as the clubhouse, and as a luxury hotel for members and guests.

David Brown pictured here warming up on the range, prior to our game today.  (Note that David is using a driver here)

One of the practice putting greens between the driving range and the first tee.

The practice chipping green next to the first tee.

As we teed off, the temperature dropped and the skies became grey again.  This is the approach to the 1st hole.  There had been a lot of rain here over the past few weeks, and the ground was quite wet underfoot.

The stone wall that runs across the 2nd fairway, and defines a change in elevation.

As we look across to the 4th green, that is joined to the 2nd green on the left of the bunker, it starts raining. Heavily.

It was pouring as we reached the tee of the par five 3rd.

The approach into the 3rd hole.

The 3rd green, located beautifully next to Loch Lomond.

Looking back down the 3rd hole from the green.  It had stopped raining at this point.

The tee shot from the par four 4th hole.  Now remember David Brown's driver on the range, it was about this point in the round that he began using Rob Acquroff's, claiming that he had left his behind somewhere. Hmmmm.

Loch Lomond was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, and opened for play in 1993.  I think Weiskopf liked the idea of fairway trees (or sky bunkers), there is this one here on the 4th, and there is another one on the 7th.

The beautiful par three 5th hole, heading straight back towards the Loch.

The area in front of the tee on 5 is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  This means that there is either plant or animal / insect life that is not to be disturbed.  If your ball goes in here, it is lost, and you play another from the front of the tee without the penalty for a drop.

A view of the 5th green looking into Loch Lomond.

My playing partners today, Sharon Marks, Janet Guppy and Michael Merrett, on the par five 6th tee.

Quite a few local spectators out watching today.

The approach into the 6th green.

More spectators on the par four 7th hole, in front of Rossdhu house.

It was not the only wildlife on the course today.  Here we see the very rare Merrett's Ferrett.  A special kind of divot taken on wet Loch bank golf courses.  They are quite large, and have a propensity to rest on their owners head.

The other fairway tree on the 7th hole.

Some of the accommodation that is available, behind the 8th tee, overlooking Loch Lomond.

The par three 8th hole, being overlooked by the majestic Rossdhu House.

The tee of the short par four 9th hole.

Looking back down the 9th fairway.

The difficult par four 10th hole creates an impressive start to the back nine.

The hazard that crosses the 10th, and runs up the left side.

The long par three 11th.  Rated number 18???  Not sure how they manage that, but it is far from the easiest hole on the course.

The rustic shack overlooking the back of the 11th green.

The view from the par four 12th tee.

The par five 13th hole.  Essentially the par five version of the 10th hole.  Water across and to the left of the fairway.

Looking back up the 13th from the green.

This is a great hole.  The short par four 14th gives you two options.  Either play safe down the left where the fairway is, or take on the green over the water.

Michael (minus ferrett) took on the green, and his 3 wood finished 10 feet from the pin.  He is pictured here attempting the eagle.  Alas it was not to be, and a birdie had to suffice.

The par four 15th, from the tee.

Sharon Marks driving from the 15th.

Janet Guppy driving from the par five 16th.

The little burn that runs across the front of the 16th.

More SSSI in front of the par three 17th hole.

Looking from the 17th green across to the 18th green.

Looking down the par four 18th hole.

The 18th green, with the ruin of Rossdhu Castle, and Rossdhu House both visible.

This is the men's locker room.  A pretty comfortable place to prepare for your round.  One man (not from our group) was sleeping on the couch before we went out to play!  I don't have a picture of the women's room (no surprise) but am told that it is equivalent in creature comforts.

Rossdhu House in all it's glory this evening.

Member's enjoying their dinner in the private library this evening.

John Mackenzie handled the changeable conditions the best this afternoon, claiming the men's prize with 37 points, and it was this woman

Casper the Friendly Ghost (Janet Guppy), who took the women's prize, then celebrated by running around outside the lodge in her bath robe.  Well done John and Janet.

Tomorrow we regrettably leave this fantastic place, but we are making our way to another fantastic place in Gleneagles.  No golf tomorrow, so the post will be about the facility.

No sign of David Brown's driver either..... some further investigation is warranted.  Witnesses will be called to the stand tomorrow to present their case.