Atlantic Beach is one of those courses which opened with the holes flowing in one direction, then a decision was taken to reverse the nines after several years. Seeing that neither 9 nor 18 finishes in front of the clubhouse it was an easy decision. It means that the round today ends with a short 4, just 293m from the back tees. This is in keeping with famous Scottish links like the Old Course and North Berwick where golfers can attempt driving the 18th green as they finish the round. AB’s 18th is an excellent short 4 as there are fairway bunkers and slopes to negotiate, while the green itself is hidden in a hollow. The bunkers have all been made easier in terms of playability, and AB have started removing the shale waste bunker areas on some holes. One on the left side of the fairway on No 10 has already been grassed over, and most notably the one in the middle of the fairway on No 2 which caught long tee shots. Those left of No 9 will be targeted soon.