AS MY golfing odyssey has ended, I think it fitting to recommend my Best Five clubhouses.
ROYAL BIRKDALE, Lancashire: In terms of architecture you'll either love it or hate it. Built in 1935, it reflects the Art Deco style of its day. Sitting in the lounge, sipping a wee refreshment and looking out of the large, tinted windows at the 18t
h hole on a summer's evening is one of golf's most enjoyable experiences.
CRUDEN BAY, Aberdeenshire: In my previous Best Five lists I rated Cruden Bay as the finest modern clubhouse in Scotland, combining all the facilities you would expect with a stunning position above the championship course and St Olaf links. As with Royal Birkdale, the pleasure of sitting in the lounge and taking in the view is quite sublime.
ROYAL WEST NORFOLK, Norfolk: I am including RWN for its sheer eccentricity. Access to the men's locker room is through the main room, which is about 60 feet square and bordered by dark wooden lockers. The furniture, set on a wooden floor, consists of huge circular tables with a selection of old but comfortable chairs. The "bar" is nothing more than a small hatch in a corner and the overwhelming choice of drink in the summer months is Pimms.
THE CARRICK, Dunbartonshire: The emphasis is on style and luxury – reflected in the prices, but that is only to be expected. The level of service matches these expectations and the slightly less formal attire which The Carrick allows its house staff is in keeping with the ambiance of the club.
BALTRAY (Drogheda), Co Louth: I have selected Baltray for the warmth of the welcome that each and every visitor receives there. The clubhouse itself is comfortable and offers the full range of facilities but the extra special feature is that you are made to feel at home here. Irish hospitality at its best.
The full article contains 317 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
