Friday, July 18, 2008

Welcome to the Dal Riadas Golf Society

In 1988, we took our first trip to the world of “Links Golf”. That first trip included rounds at The Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie, Panmure, Muirfield, Crail, Turnberry, Royal Troon, Western Gailles, and Barassie. We have returned every year since, except for the year of the Gulf War in 1990. In later years trips were made to Ireland and eventually to England.

I owe my introduction to “Links Golf” to my friends from Dothan, Alabama who invited me along on one of their many trips. Don Kennington was the leader of this group. Don was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. In those early years my golfing skills were somewhat lacking, but Don never failed to encourage all members of the groups, regardless of their skill level.

Don had been a member of the Auburn University Golf Team in the 1950’s and years later he competed in the British Amateur Championship, making it to the quarter finals. A lot of rounds have come and gone since that first trip. Don is no longer with us. I feel certain he is putting together golf outings on the greatest links course of all, and at the same time smiling down at us with that wry grin that he so often exhibited. Who would have guessed that I would some day have my picture taken with the reigning British Amateur Champion, Robert Hory, which occurred at last year’s Ballyliffin Pro-Am Tournament.

It is my goal to pass on worthwhile information that that will encourage you to play and learn about this special brand of golf.
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