Reminder: St Andrews Is Back! Dunhill Kicks Off

The European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship kicks off Thursday morning on Golf Channel (8-noon ET) following a massive lead-in audience and energy injection from a one-hour Morning Drive where Old Tom Morris will be fondly remembered.

Wednesday we debated different takes on a St Andrews trip. I, of course, was right.

Yesterday we talked with Josh Evenson about the evolution of golf art through the eyes of St Andrews.

Comments

[Random Fan]

Really hope Big John makes the cut.

[Stephen W]

Unless you are actively involved in this tournament (or are star struck on Z list celebrities) this is the most boring spectacle. No wonder the Scots - who know a decent championship when they see one - stay away in droves.

[Easingwold]

Personally, I never tire watching golf on these three courses, having played them. Great memories, wonderful courses.

[Pro from Dover]

If you don't like watching, don't watch and stay away. Geez.

Like Easingwold, I enjoy peeking at these events on TV from time to time. Have also enjoyed playing each of these courses numerous times. Headed back to Fife in 2016 (3 trips planned). Ironically, of those making return trips to Fife, Kingsbarns is the consensus #1 request for 're-play".....most want to make sure Kingsbarns is on the itinerary if they have been to Fife previously. TOC #2, and Carnoustie is #3. Castle, usually a one-and-done deal.

[Bernie in Tampa]

Stephen W,

So I'm assuming you would rather watch the Valero Texas Open --- such a great tournament on clearly a much greater course!!!

[ol Harv]

" Headed back to Fife in 2016 (3 trips planned)."

Tough life Pro. Do you need an assistant or a bartender for the van?

[Easingwold]

Pro, I'm planning to play the Old Course again, but I admit to wanting another crack at Kingsbarns again too. Only played it last year, what a wonderful place to play golf.

[Pro from Dover]

Harv, you are welcomed to join us, but I have plenty of volunteer 'bartenders', LOL.

Also have a trip planned to Royal Dornoch next September. Just got back from 8 days in N.I. and Ireland -- Royal County Down will exceed your expectations. Can't wait to get back there! Royal Dornoch has long been very near the top of my 'list'......but after experiencing RCD, I am afraid RD has moved down one notch. RCD lived up to its expectations!

[mark]

Weather looks just Perfect!

[digsouth]

EW, Pro, Bernie-

while I can see how it is a great pleasure to see these events on TV, I find them hard to watch, though I'm sure it is great being there. And Bernie, believe it or not the hill country courses, like the links, are much more dynamic in person than on TV. I lived 45 minutes from the Valaro, and was extremely dissapointed when it came on TV and looked so bland.

Anyway, who cares? Pro and EW, yall are blessed to play these great tracks, and Harv, you can't say you haven't been asked!

BTW, When Katherine Zeta Jones was playing, I found it easier to watch.

[jjshaka]

Fun viewing these courses in the fall...real visual treat.
Poor Ernie...that was one of the worst yippy putts I've ever seen.
Nice to see GMac playing a bit better, too.

[Abu Dhabi Golfer]

@Pro - while RD and RCD both have relatively disappointing finishes, RCD's is much worse. That is what's keeping it in 2nd place on my list.

[Pro from Dover]

ADG, to each his own. Will be interesting to see how Royal Portrush's new "finishing holes" fit. All in all, All are great links courses.

I would not turn down the opportunity to play any of the three. I have yet to see a golf course with 18 perfect holes.

[John Matthew IV]

I think this is a fun event to watch. It is my chance to see the courses without all the spectator stands.

I envy those who have played there. I literally was dreaming of doing so when my alarm went off this morning.

[Easingwold]

John, last year I drove north 250 miles to play Kingsbarns, I was part of a fourball of three Americans and myself. They played 12 courses in 16 days. Their bucket list over here if you like. I think they said the trip cost $7,000.00 each. I'm guessing Pro from Dover does tours simular ?

Each one of them told me it was an amazing experience for them.

[Pro from Dover]

A whole lot cheaper that that Easingwold!

[Jonathan]

I'll be at The Old in 3 weeks. Probably my 25th time playing it. Played Kingsbarns a few times as well. You guys realize it's now $335 to play KB sans caddie?

Dornoch is near and dear as well. Do you know next year is Dornoch's 400th anniversary??

[Easingwold]

Good on you Pro !

Jonathan, Kingsbarnes cost me £215.00 May last year. It isn't cheap for sure.

[Greg V]

One of the great secrets in golf is that the weather in the county of Fife can be wonderful for gold in late September, early October.

[Stephen W]

The courses that they play on are wonderful, no doubt of that but I think if you took a poll of most pros - who hate the usual weekly pro-am days incidentally - they would avoid it. The large purse is, of course, a large magnet particularly for those who still haven't secured their card for next season so they grit their teeth and play nice.

Anyway, as with many things, it's a matter of taste. I'd rather be out playing on my local course than watching this particular tournament.