Issue
1: Winter/Spring 2001 |
Lytham is held to rank alongside Carnoustie in terms
of difficulty, with the entire back nine normally played into the prevailing
wind. This poses a challenge which only the most able will meet. 'God,
that was hard' Nicklaus once famously remarked, a phrase echoed many
times no doubt by golfers of all abilities!
The setting of the course is surprisingly suburban with housing all around and a railway line flanking the entire outward nine on the seaward side. Even the dunes are in part man-made but, such was Herbert Fowler's skill in their construction, few visitors today would knowingly eye the impressive ridges at the 7th and 11th and recognize the great man's handiwork. Superb turf and fast greens make the course a joy to play and, like all great Open venues, it tends to produce great champions. Can Tiger retain his crown?
We have limited local accommodation in the 5 star Gibbon Bridge Hotel for those who would like to watch the final rounds of this year's championship. Pre-Open golf can be arranged in Scotland, Wales or England to customize an Open Championship visit to your own special requirements.