Played the course on a surprisingly windy morning, and it was a challenging experience similar to being on a coastal links. The uphill par-5 14th required three exceptionally good shots to reach, and then you’re faced with one of Gowrie’s trickiest greens with its slope running down from back to front. The greens are a feature of the layout — together with the distinctive fairway and greenside bunkering — and run at a perfect pace. I enjoy the way the weather can change so swiftly in the Midlands. Sunny and windy in the morning, then a wind switch in the afternoon and a mist descends on the course. The experience of playing and staying at Gowrie for two days is magical. I love the golfing memorabilia in the clubhouse lounge.