From Jim Hardie
(the man who fixed up Sir Bob Charles'
tour of the North-east and North links)

Spoke with Sir Bob (Charles) last night. He phoned me from London, and he was "raving" about Castle Stuart (the new course about to be opened between Nairn and Inverness).
He said he would be very surpised if it did not win the best new course accolade for 2009.
Sir Bob was full of praise for the hospitality at all the courses/clubs he visited and played at, and was very impressed with how everyone went out of their way to accomodate him and Lady Verity.
It appears that plans for next year are already "in progress", with Castle Stuart and Boat of Garden appearing "on the list" !!
Looking forward to playing a few rounds with Sir Bob (pictured above putting on Cruden Bay's 18th green) at Clearwater when I return to New Zealand in November to escape the Scottish winter and enjoy the New Zealand summer.

Jim Hardie