I have a soft spot for Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club since I first played it in 1981 in a European Tour event.
The competition was then known as the Haig Whisky Tournament Players Championship, eventually won by the late great Brian Barnes, who puffed and drank the sponsor’s product around the golf course!
Dalmahoy is just 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and the famous Princes Street.
There are two fine courses here, one of which was designed by James Braid to Championship standards, there is also a short course, driving range and every facility you can think of to make this a premier golfing destination.
Back to 1981, I recall the Championship was a great event on a great course. Players were imported from around the world to play, one of which was David Graham, the Australian, who was drawn with my friend and colleague Bill Longmuir.
The two golfers were introduced to each other on the first tee. Bill, at the time was sponsored by Fred Olsen Ltd and the company was plastered all over his golf bag. On waiting to play his second shot on the first David Graham walked over to Bill, saw the name on the golf bag and commented: “What does the Ltd stand for after your name Fred?”
A true story that has been told many times on the European Tour.
Since then many great events have been hosted at Dalmahoy including the Ladies Solheim Cup, a match played biannually between a Great Britain and Ireland team and the USA, a parallel to the Ryder Cup.
I have returned many times since my first visit 1981. Dalmahoy not only represents excellent value but provides the perfect location for a pleasurable stay in the wonderful city of Edinburgh.
Nigel Burch PGA Golf Professional
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