Hole 6 was renamed Hogan's alley in 2003, the fiftieth anniversary of Hogan's Open victory.

Hole 6 -Hogan's Alley is up the left side of the fairway bunkers.

THE OPEN 2007

I learned shortly after arriving in Great Britain that what I had always called the 'British Open' is only called 'The Open' by citizens of these islands. This year's Open will be very special for me. The first time I took my clubs out of the garage on this side of the Atlantic was to travel with Maurene to Carnoustie in April of 2001 and spend three days playing the links courses of Carnoustie, a small village on the east coast of Scotland. This year, the Open returns to Carnoustie.

Playing a course in the Open rota was something I had dreamed of since I watched my first Open on television shortly after I took up the sport of golf. I have now played three. Playing a true links course has spoiled me for parkland golf, and I have certainly missed the links course at Sandwich since moving to Bath.

After arriving in Carnoustie, I went to the starter's house to arrange my playing schedule for the time we would be there. I was expecting some long convoluted process, a thorough check of my credentials and verification of my handicap. Instead, she looked at her notebook and then said, 'How would you like to play the Championship Course in a half-hour?' I was shocked. I raced back to the hotel room (overlooking the 18th green) grabbed my clubs and was soon standing on the first tee.

Those three and one-half hours flew by. To describe links golf is nearly impossible. The run of the fairways, the thickness of the rough, the depth of the bunkers, and the true and fast roll of the greens is something that has to be experienced. My most apt description is best left to my reaction when I returned to the room. Maurene could see the glow on my face and asked me how I had enjoyed my round of golf. I sat on the bed and wept! The joy I felt that day was something that can only be described as a mystical experience.

Highlight of the round was driving the ball up Hogan's alley. I drove to the left of the bunkers just as he had done in all four rounds of his Open championship. Yes, for me it was a mistake, but a very prudential one.

The reason I am sharing my feelings about Carnoustie is that I am now debating whether to attend this year's Open. I didn't attend last year (Sarah's wedding) but had attended three previous Opens and even got to share the joy of the 2004 Open at St. Andrews with Sarah. I have been visiting the R&A site, and am trying to make up my mind. Carnoustie is calling. . . anyone want to come over and go with me?