Looking out to the North Sea down the first hole at Balgownie (image by Cal Carson Golf Agency).

US Walker Cup captain Jim Holtgrieve has an

advance look at Balgownie for 2011 match

The Americans have started their preparations for next year's Walker Cup match at Royal Aberdeen (September 10-11). Already named as captain of the United States team, Jim Holtgrieve, 60, of St Louis, Missouri, is on a scouting visit to the Balgownie links this week.
Holtgrieve, who won the 1981 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, played on three consecutive winning USA Walker Cup teams – 1979, 1981 and 1983.
Here are some notes from Jim's diary:
"Everything went very well the first day (July 23). I got to the St. Louis airport early and it was a good thing as the flight was rescheduled to leave earlier.
"I made it to Edinburgh 20 minutes late at 8:10 a.m (July 24). My luggage arrived (clubs most important and intact), I went through customs, got the rental car and I was off. I am driving so I made a couple of wrong turns (they drive on the wrong side of the road) and finally arrived in Aberdeen.
"I was too tired to play so I took a small nap and then drove out to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club to see the course for the first time. It is simply awesome. Golf in Scotland is magnificent. I met the pro and took some pictures.
"Later, I went into town from the golf course (trying to learn my way around town). I tried to find a place that the team will be able to enjoy a decent burger and wind down.
"I then returned to the hotel, The Marcliffe, an outstanding establishment. This is probably where the team will stay, according to Niall Farquharson, the chairman of the 2011 Walker Cup Match.
"Sunday (July 25), I went back to the golf course and teed it at 10 a.m. It is a wonderful course that will take some time for our team to learn. There are a number of blind tee shots. I lost two balls and fired 78 from the blue (back) tees. Not bad for a first time.
"This will be a great experience for 10 young men from America.
"The second day of our visit entailed some sightseeing outside of Aberdeen. My wife, Kristine, and friends Rich and Cindy Weis went to visit the Crathes Castle. It was a great experience and a terrific education about old Scotland.
"We then went to work and began to mark and measure Royal Aberdeen Golf Club's course.
"Kristine, Cindy, Rich, and I walked the first four holes measuring, driving distances to specific bunkers. Unfortunately, the rain came and halted further examination of the course.
"Rich and I will return today (July 27) and finish this process. We are going to golf at Royal Aberdeen this afternoon at 4. It remains light until 10:30 p.m.
"All the Scottish people have been so kind to us. We are very grateful for their kindness and hospitality.
"I am confident that this will be a tremendous experience for the men who participate in the 2011 Walker Cup Match for the USA at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club."