After three years of writing and research there is every possibility that my golfing travelogue, Golf in the Wild, will finally get into print during 2014. This is one of the photographs that will appear in its pages – the beginning of a round at one of my favourite courses in the book, Traigh.
As I wander around Traigh golf course looking for the honesty box, two Phantoms explode the silence overhead and disappear south in the blinking of an eye. Higher still, passenger jets scar a clear blue sky with vapour trails. There is no escaping the modern world; there should be no forgetting the past. Eventually a friendly local turned up to take my money and open up the clubhouse – I could go to the first tee with a clear conscience, at least in matters related to green fees.
For an idea of how this wonderful small course sits in the landscape, see this earlier post.
I have a question for non-UK based followers. Does the following mean anything to you?
If Alfred Wainwright had combined an eighteen handicap with a passion for speed, these are the golf courses he might have played, these are the roads he might have travelled. If Alan Bennett had gone along for the ride, these are the stories he might have told.
Regardless of your interest in golf, I would appreciate your feedback – it seems unlikely that either Wainwright or Bennett was ever tempted to take up the game 🙂
northumbrian : light 
I love that b&w photo, very atmospheric. I’m not into golf but I wish you all the very best for your publication. 🙂
Many thanks on all counts.
I’m afraid that I’m completely ignorant of golf and of the two gentlemen you mentioned. However, that doesn’t take away from the intriguing excerpt and photo. The honesty box system in the UK astounded me when I was there. I’m not sure that would work in many other countries. Do you have a publisher for your book?
No publisher I’m afraid Julie – I was persuaded to try but gave up fairly quickly, I don’t take rejection well 🙂 I am going to self-publish with the limited ambition of recovering print costs.
Thanks for the feedback – the fact that you have not heard of Wainwright and Bennett is useful to know. Wainwright is famous for his pictorial guides to the Lakeland Fells which may be of interest if you ever come back to the UK – http://wainwright-walks.co.uk/
A true piece of art great image
Many thanks for your very generous comment – I can only find it in myself to agree 🙂
All the very best with publication – very exciting! Yes, I’ve heard of both and have a Wainwright guide to somewhere, Bennett of course, but then I grew up in Northern Ireland and lived in England for 8 years or so. I’m not perhaps representative of those living abroad in relation to your question. I used to play golf too in my 20s but my temperament didn’t quite suit the game then – would love to have another go now that I’m calmer 🙂
Many thanks Safia, much appreciated – ‘exciting’ and slightly worrying 🙂
Thanks for completing the poll – I think the other “both” vote was also from Ireland. I am not expecting many international sales so no great issue but the results did confirm my suspicions even if the numbers are not statistically significant. Have a great 2014, Robin.
Good luck with your travelogue!!
Many thanks – at the stage where I am not sure if I have written a masterpiece or a load of rubbish 🙂
I’m sorry to say that I know neither name. Good luck with your book though.
Many thanks, much appreciated – knowing that neither is known internationally is actually helpful. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Well, here is the tough thing about that, it may just be me.
Not at all – according to the poll, you are part of the near 70% majority….you are not alone 🙂