Stepping off our Mercedes shuttle in front of The Carrick’s clubhouse I have a good feeling about today and after meeting Ewan, the Assistant Head of Golf, who shows us to a very stylish locker room with its little indoor astro turf putting matt, I change into my golf shoes and hit the first tee... Yes I am going to be in for a very good day.
Ewan informs me this part of Scotland has had a lot of rain and so the course is very damp, and after hitting my drive I start to make my way down to the fairway and he is right it is very wet to the point where I thought it may be unplayable, but as I make the fairway I am quite surprised how good a shape it is in. I play my shot into the green grab my putter and was even more surprised to find not only were the greens in perfect condition, but running fast and true.
The second is a par 3 played over the water and the 3rd is all risk and reward, depending on how much of the lake you want to cut off on this dogleg right. I am really enjoying the Doug Carrick – who the course is named after – design especially when I get a glimpse of Loch Lomond to the left of the 5th hole. But standing on the tees of both the 7th and 8th holes gives you goosebumps, they are both great holes and especially the 8th from its elevated tee.
Top: Looking down on the 15th and Loch Lomond. Above LtoR: 8th, 10th and 13th holes
The Carrick is the only course that is played basically on two continuants with the Lowlands nine being on one tectonic plate and the highland nine being on another. The start of the Highlands nine couldn’t get off to a better start after some alcoholic refreshments from the submerged boat!
The 10th fairway and green are framed perfectly and with views out to Loch Lomond on your right it really is a great start to the back nine. The par 3, 14th hole is the signature hole played from an elevated tee with views out to the Loch, but for me I loved the 13th hole, it really is a great risk and reward tee shot and standing over my ball looking into the green which is surrounded by red fir trees with the glens and hills as its backdrop and the mist hiding the summit of the hills just adds mystique to the hole.
The finishing run of holes give you a good chance at finishing well and clawing back some of those dropped shots, but no matter how good or badly you played, I am sure like me as you walk off the 18th you cant wait to tee it up here again.
Above: Looking down on the par 3, 14th hole with Loch Lomond as a stunning backdrop
