Mulligan’s 20Q&A Spotlight Interview +
Newburgh at Ythan is a championship golf course located on the stunning Aberdeenshire Links Coast, the same stretch of land where Donald Trump wants to build his new golf hotel and resort. Originally a 9-hole golf course, Newburgh on Ythan was expanded in 1996. It is a large links course with a 9-hole closure that needs a precise shot from tee to green.
Mark Sinclair is the Newburgh Club Captain at Ythan Golf Club and there is no better person for a unique insight into this championship golf course.
1. What is the best hole on the course?
18th – Previously the longest Par 5 in Scotland and is still considered by many to be one of the best closing holes. A real tester if you have a score going!
2. And the worst? (or the hole members would like to change the most)
There are no bad holes, but some changes are required on hole 6 and we have development plans.
3. What’s the most remarkable shot you’ve ever seen played here? (or heard about)
I have heard many stories about gentlemen having to take a driver at the 148yard for the 3 16th! Yes, sometimes it can get windy!
4. What is the most remarkable round you have seen played here? (or heard about)
Last October, a scratch player shot 67 on our championship tee field. The field plays 6423 yards and that day it was 5 ° C. That was very impressive.
5. What is the most deceptive hole? (looks benign but can trip you up)
Definitely the 1st. He measures 385 yards and is a par 4. However, he is uphill and generally windy and plays more like 450 yards. Most players accept a 5 any day.
6. What is the most important part of your game to bring here? (driving, irons, putting, recovery shots, etc.)
It is highly recommended to hit it directly and not try to hit it big. Otherwise, bring lots of balls when the gorse calls for you!
7. Is the course popular with women?
Yes, we have a very active women’s section with many single figure handicappers. They meet on Wednesday nights.
8. Which of your younger members shows the most promise?
Jack Moir is 11 years old and plays 16.
9. Does the CSS tend to be above with, agreeing with, or below with?
Our Par is 72 and the CSS is mostly 72 or 73 and very occasionally 74.
10. Which green can lose the least?
To the right of the second or before the eighth greens, both spell trouble. Losing the ninth on either side usually means lost ball.
11. Which green is the hardest to hit?
The sixth green has three levels
12. What feature (tree, water hazard, bunker, etc.) would you like to remove? (like the Eisenhower tree on the 17th at Augusta National).
Out of bounds to the right of 17
13. Who is the most famous person, not a Tour golfer, who has played here?
The crown prince of Siam. Donald Trump is also an honorary member.
14. Which member has accomplished the most in golf?
Paul Lawrie is an honorary member and supports our Junior program for which we are very grateful.
15. If money were not an issue, what would you change about the course?
We have a professionally written long-term development plan and this would be expedited if money weren’t an issue.
16. Honestly, do members view visitors as a necessary source of income or do they welcome them warmly?
We pride ourselves on our relaxed and informal atmosphere and visitors are welcome with open arms seven days a week.
17. Do visitors usually leave 18 with a smile or frown?
Definitely a big smile.
18. Which hole course is the most difficult to get around?
7 to 12.
19. Where should you take advantage to get a good score?
3 to 6 and 13 to 15
20. Which would you say are the strongest? the one with three, four or five?
In threes. Tres 3 is a great achievement for any level of golfer.
Article produced by Mulligan + Find. Clue. Play golf