Welcome to a new development here in Old Ghost land. A weekly digest of golf news, travel, stories, products and adventures. Think of it as things to know, places to play, what to buy, and where to drink Guinness.
Local Knowledge
Beyond St. Andrews: The Purest Golf in Scotland Is Hidden in the Hebrides
“Hiking miles across remote islands avoiding sheep manure and playing into sideways rain allowed us to discover the true origins of the game.” [WSJ*]
and an Irish backroad tradition rolls into small-town America [Smithsonian]
Texas Isn’t Known For Its Golf Courses. That’s About to Change.
“Is Wild Spring Dunes, near Nacogdoches, the latest product of a rural-course renaissance? To find out, we played eighteen.” [Texas Monthly]
and country clubs are getting less exclusive—and more fun [WSJ*]
Toshikazu Kawaguchi on the Romantic Appeal of Japan’s Coffee Shops
“For the bestselling author of the ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’ book series, the country’s retro cafés have a dreamlike quality, as if time has stood still.” [FT*]
and the global rise of listening bars [Salon]
How Rome’s Urban Shepherds Adapt and Survive
Legendary Fly Fisherman Tom Rosenbauer: Fifty Years at Orvis and No Plans to Stop
“The outdoorsman reflects on his long career—and explains why he’s encouraged about the next generation of anglers.” [Garden & Gun]
A Love Letter to Twilight Golf
“Twelve is an absolutely elite amount of golf.” [Mayo Monday*]
The Professional's Shop
Technically Golf Monday Shirt
Quiet Golf San Marino Pant
Angus & Grace Go Golfing Coach Jacket
SLOAT Ventile Vest
and from SLOAT’s founders, The View From Sloat Boulevard
Late Nine Ribbed Jersey Polo Long Sleeve
Iliac Timepiece Valuables Pouch
A Good Lie: The Harbour Bar
Eventually water flows to the sea. If you find yourself in Portrush, golfers naturally follow that same gravity to the Harbour Bar. "Why do so many Americans love it so much?" That was the question I heard from the barman at my hotel. My question back is: What's not to love?
The Harbour Bar is a golfers' bar in a golf-obsessed town. If you happen to find yourself there in July during The Open, then you are in for a treat. That's exactly where we watched Ryan Fox stampede to victory this summer, and it set a new standard for final-round locations. (I thought a Masters Sunday on my couch was the pinnacle, but I'm delighted to adjust the rankings going forward.)
It's not the fanciest of places or the most quaint — though it does have plenty of charm and a distinct golf energy only outmatched perhaps by the Dunvegan in St Andrews or maybe the Jigger Inn. The Guinness is correct, the music is lively, and the crowd is in the right spirit. It's a good place, and certainly worth your attention after a walk around Royal Portrush.
Though many annex clubhouse establishments exist near golf courses around the world. I suppose our mission now is to document them all. I can't think of a more enjoyable assignment. -MW
