Handicap Convenor - Alistair Todd

How long have you been a member at Longniddry?

I spent the summer of 2007 playing lots of local courses after I moved to Edinburgh and narrowed it down to 2 courses. The speed of response from Bob Gunning sealed the deal and I joined in November 2007.

Handicap?

A very generous 19 but am working hard to get it lower. It is down from 22 at the start of the year so hopefully I can shave another couple of shots off, with more practice and a little bit more composure.

Best golfing memory?

The trip I went on to the US Masters in 2012 has to be up there. The whole operation and set-up is outstanding. I hadn’t quite appreciated how hilly the course was.

Standing behind the bunker whilst Sandy Lyle played out of at 18 in the final round when he won gives you a sense of just what a sensational shot it was to set up the win.

The only downside was that cameras were not allowed on competition days so perhaps I need to make a return trip and go to one of the practice days to get some pictures.

Favourite golf course you have ever played?

There is something about playing the Kings and Queens courses at Gleneagles that is special. The scenery is outstanding, and it just seems so peaceful.

Best shot ever hit?

Really should opt for the wedge into 12 a couple of weeks back - pin was back right and a couple of bounces and a bit of a roll into the hole for eagle.

If you could pick three dinner guests who would they be?

For a golf dinner, it would be Jack Nicklaus (for insights into the game of golf), Sam Torrance (for his tales from playing and commentating days) and Brian Barnes (to keep the drink flowing).

Away from golf, I would look for some oratory, humour and music. Tony Benn for the oratory, Chic Murray for the humour and Leonard Cohen for some musical entertainment after the food.

Favourite restaurant?

I have to say there is something special about eating at The Kitchin in Leith but over the years have eaten in many great restaurants.

Rataskaevu 16 in Tallinn deserves special mention - great food at a sensational price.

The Magnum in Albany Street is another for reasons other than culinary!

Favourite film?

I’m not the biggest film watcher though I do have an almost complete collection of Disney Animated Classics and Pixar films.

Chariots of Fire, The Producers (original version) and The Last Waltz are probably the ones I watched most often, usually when doing the ironing before we moved to Port Seton.

Favourite holiday destination?

Sheila and I have had some great holidays and some trips to the USA were really memorable. California (San Francisco to San Diego), the Deep South (Nashville to New Orleans) and Orlando with the family standout. But Italy is also a favourite.

Favourite hole at Longniddry?

We are really spoiled for choice at Longniddry but I do enjoy the 18th. A good drive will still leave a long second (for me) but on the occasions you do carry the dip and find the green it is very satisfying - as long as you don’t three putt but if you do, the bar is close by.

What clubs do you use?

I have a Cobra S3 driver and Colin has just fitted me out with the new PING G410 hybrids and irons. I have a Ram Zebra putter. I regret to say I also have a chipper but I am trying to stop using that!