Ill start today’s write up with a fact.  If you type in Duddingston Microsoft Word then puts that red squiggle under the word to say potential miss spelt word.  If you right click on it you get the word Puddingstone.  Has anyone ever used this word before?  Can you put it into a sentence?  I’ve had a think and I’ve managed to come up with a sentence.  I could take out my 6 Iron and knock a ‘Puddingstone’ past Stu’s driveJ

Ok the golf.  First of all many thanks to Alistair MacLean and Duncan Ireland the Secretary for giving us access to the course.  We started early on a lovely Sunday morning at 6.30 so we would not get in the way of members. Stu was a bit worse for wear (too any B-rits) being sick in the trees at the side of the car park (sorry Duddingston boys a liability!) – This made out for a long day for Stu who eventually carded 101 blows.  I on the other hand was bright eyed and bushy tailed and thoroughly enjoyed the test of golf Duddingston has to offer.

Highlight of my round was the 12th hole a challenging par 4 up hill with bunkers well placed on the left of the fairway and a sloping green from back to front. I failed to birdie the par 5’s which was a first for me however did not do much wrong and carded a reasonable two over 74.  Stu……highlight was the par at 15 apart form that the poor guy did struggle and I know he was a bit gutted he was ill as he would have thoroughly enjoyed the course.  However there is no doubt we will play there again soon as it is a fantastic course.  We would encourage you if your reading this and you have not played it to get down there and play.

Signature hole is awarded to 11.  This is purely my choice and not Stu as he can’t remember itJ.  The 11th hole is Stroke Index one on the card but for me is just such a great hole.  You have a challenging drive from up high down to a reasonable size fairway that then sweeps to the left as you hit your approach.  The green sits into a backdrop of trees with a bunker to the front right.

One last thing I would like to say.  If you are in Edinburgh and looking for some quality golf equipment or golf advice/lessons please go to Alistair and his assistants Tom and Ali down at Duddingston.  I have known the guys for a while especially Alistair as back in the day when he took the Lothian’s Youth team Alistair was my coached me for a couple of years each winter.  Al in fact taught me how to draw the ball (boring fact for you) but appreciated at the time as it allowed me to increase my distance off the tee!  Anyway get down there the golf equipment and service is great and Stu and I are never out of there spending our salaries.

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