More Confessions of a Weekend Golfer: The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Marvin R. Shanken
From the Print Edition:
David Caruso, Jan/Feb 2007

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Unfortunately, Scotland had enacted an indoor no-smoking restriction, which put a big crimp in everyone's style. And there was lots of complaining, as this was the first year of the new law. In fact, when I checked into my room at the Old Course Hotel, there was a warning notice that said I would be subject to a £150 fine (about $300) to clean the room if they smelled smoke. (I took a picture of the notice because it really pissed me off.)

The foursome of Jean Engelbrecht of Engelbrecht-Els Wines, the pro Hendrik Buhrmann of South Africa, Van de Velde from Bordeaux and me.

There were many memorable highlights for me. One was going to a lecture to hear Mike Horn, an incredible explorer who had just gotten back from the North Pole, where it was 40 degrees below zero. His story and brilliant photographs were mesmerizing. How he survived is amazing. Google him. His ventures around the world are singular and death-defying.

Another highlight was the Saturday night banquet. After cocktails and an amazing fireworks display, we went in for dinner. And of course, after dinner we all moved to a balcony to puff away on our cigars. Laughing. Drinking the land's finest Scotches. And talking about our golf games. For Sunday's final round, most of us would be spectators.

Congratulations to Padraig Harrington, who shot a final-round 68 to win the tournament and $800,000 in prize money. The team honors went to Harrington and his amateur partner, J.P. McManus, an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.

If you want an invitation to the tournament, send your name, handicap and home club (which WILL be verified) to: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Committee, 15 Hill Street, London W1J 5QT, England. Or e-mail championship.committee@dunhilllinks.com. It is a long wait list.

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