The renovated DCC is a treat to play, not a far cry from the old layout. The majority of approaches remain the same, the biggest adjustment for golfers being to master the shapes and slopes of 18 attractive new greens. The par-5 14th, lengthened by 37 metres with a new green site, is one hole which looks materially different, due to the burn guarding the right side of the fairway, crossing in front of the green. Tee shots will be directed towards a narrow neck in the fairway between bunker and burn, and the closer to that neck you get increases the risk of trouble. Cautious play should ensure an easy par, so it’s essentially a birdie hole only for those of adventurous spirit or the skill to launch long, high shots. No 15 has been reduced to a short 3 (123 max), when previously it was the longest 3 (177). Being so short does limit the possibility of good golfers coming unstuck, either in a deep front bunker or deep swale behind the green. At No 18 the changed angle of the green has improved this short 4, as has the removal of the “hedge” left of the fairway. Golfers will be tempted to drive down the left side, but too far left means a ball ending up on a steep slope with an awkward stance and no sight of the pin.
