Love of the links revived by Scottish Open switch

ISN'T it heartening to hear people talking excitedly about links golf again now that the Barclays Scottish Open is heading to Castle Stuart this summer? It often takes something like that to jolt people about the wonderful array of courses on their doorstep, as I was reminded myself last week with a visit to Lundin Golf Club on the Fife coast.

In addition to the fact it was in great condition for somewhere that had been under snow and ice for a good few weeks, the home of the East of Scotland Open is a perfect example of how length alone shouldn't be the barometer when judging a layout. From start to finish, it is an enjoyable test of golf and it is no surprise that courses like Lundin are so popular with visitors from around the world.

The same certainly goes for other venus like Nairn and Nairn Dunbar and a golf festival being held in the Highlands town in April will surely prove to be an enticing appetiser for the big event along the Moray Firth coast around three months later.