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Slainte Mhath
by Kjell Johansson
| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1299 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2003-07-03 |
23,076,244 bytes |
70 |
6580 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
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FICTIONAL |
LINKS |
SlainteMhath.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
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LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Reviewed by Joe Turner `Loner' July 2003
A portion of his read-me:
Slainte Mhath
Fiction:
Slainte Mhath is a fictional links course located on the west coast of Scotland. A short par 70, playing 6,500 yards from the back tees, it relies heavily on the prevailing westerly and the deep grass for protection. On a calm and sunny day the player who brings his A game will humiliate the course. In a gale the course will most likely humiliate the player...
Golf has been played at Slainte Mhath since April, 1882, when ten gentlemen formed the first committee and marked out an 13-hole course. The original round was made up of holes 1 through 5, and 11 through 18. Eight years later additional land was bought to the north of hole 5, and a full 18-hole course was created. The latest redesign was made by the club's famous professional Arthur McOtter in 1948, when he moved the 6th green to its current position. The cross-bunkers on hole 18 were also built at that time.
And finally: Slainte Mhath is Gaelic for "To your health"
First may I mention the hole previews, they look like a 'caddie book', spiral binding and pencil like drawing of the holes and their respective yardages. Very clever and a pleasant change from the carefully manicured designer previews we are used to (not to take anything away from the artwork of the better previews we have seen of late) just a refreshing different approach. The tee boxes are well made and have a smooth transition to the 'rough'. The fairways with their first cut look velvety smooth as they join, this is not common with a course done in the 2001 APCD but is in the 2003 APCD, he carried a type of 'seam blending' not found on 2001 course out very well. The rough is tall grass, something to definitely to stay out of. The greens with their fringe, called first cut on this course, also has a mow pattern to the slightly rough texture, all combining into a very attractive course. The long low slung mountain pano is at times a little too pale but fitting to this type of Oceanside course. The occasional glimpses of the ocean reveal an attractive water, foam and beach combination. The constant wind-ocean sounds with the occasional birds are pleasantly quiet and give you the feeling of 'being there'. I'm certain you won't miss the bleating of the sheep on holes # 16, 17 and 18. The fairways have a slight slope and are as you would expect on a course carved out of a meadow, bumps valleys and assorted undulations that if your not cautious can lead you into the waiting arms of the many pot hole bunkers or possibly the stream that makes it's timely appearance. The fairways are medium sized, as are the greens, The greens are nicely sloped and just when you think that it's a flat easy putt it turns out to have a break that close or far cannot be ignored, very nicely done.
The elevations vary slightly, this isn't a mountain course but you will learn all to soon that the caddie is handing you the right club even though you may think your being 'over-clubbed. I would call the putting just a shade under medium in difficulty but the challenge makes this course just the more enjoyable. On hole # 8, par 4, 467y you will notice two green buildings just behind and to the left of the green. There is also an asphalt airstrip with 2 jet fighters parked, something different and an unusual but nice addition. The clubhouse is a fitting one, it looks old, weather-beaten and something you would find on a course just a few miles from nowhere.
This is Kjell's first course and from the looks of it we are fortunate to have welcomed a new 'top designer' to the links community. This course is unbelievably well done for a first-timer, he has included all the 'amenities' that most new course lack, and unfortunately some of the repeat designers leave out also. What sets it out from the norm is the challenging play, the beauty, all combined in an unbelievable small download of only 22mb, with sounds, but there aren't any trees. Even if you aren't a fan of the 'links style' of courses this is a must download. Enjoy it and try the recorded round, I did and I think you will also.
I am a player not a designer and therefore rate a course as a player for other players.
Reviewer Note
I am a player not a designer and therefore rate a course as a player for other players.
Summary :
Included: read-me, cameo, splash, hole previews and numbers, recorded round, crowds, custom tees, custom flag, path, buildings and assorted objects.
Not Included: hole signs or ball washers.
Statistical Information: par 70, 6500y, 3-sets of tee markers, 4-3 pars, 12-4 pars, 2-5 pars. |
This course is available as a FREE download.
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