I was actually and not mentally, looking down the first fairway. Recalling that “First” is a relatively easy hole before my duel with Dornoch would really begin.
I had spent the previous day walking around the course which was ablaze with gloriously-coloured gorse which the farmers in Godzone consider to be gawdawful and have never forgiven us Scots for bringing and planting a wee bit of Scotland in their green and once upon a time, pest-free land.
My priority on this day was to visit the scene depicted on the cover of my book, Life's Lessons Frae the Links. A view of the 8th green on a hole called "Dunrobin" which is presumably named after Dunrobin Castle, the clan seat of the Sutherland clan. A place I'd visit en route to Brora after I'd finished my duel with Royal Dornoch.
The famous par-3 6th hole ‘Whinny Brae’ came into view and the gorse surrounding the green on three sides was at its yellow-coloured best. I'd done well in planning my trip for May when the gorse is at its most colourful and scented best. Reminding me it does have sweetish smell. Something I'd forgotten while living in Godzone.