Of course, the first thing that comes to mind for anyone dreaming of playing golf in Ireland is
Spectacular seaside links courses surround the island, and so they should,
Because they are the best in the world. A name like Ballybanion,
Carne, Waterville, Lahinch, Tralee, to name just a few, have become
Irish links golf is as synonymous with Irish beer as Guinness.
However, if you have the time, there is much more to enjoy golfing in Ireland. back
Play some links courses and head no more than a few miles inland
From the dune-lined coast, there are hundreds of exquisite
Park courses await you, such as the famous Adare Manor and The K Club.
Both have hosted or will host Ryder Cup matches. But there is
There are many, many lesser-known park golf clubs, especially in
The “sunny southeast” of the country. The southeast has plenty of sunshine and a mild climate
The weather is better than anywhere else in Ireland, but that certainly doesn’t rule it out
Cold, wind and rain are common phenomena in Irish golf.
My wife, Gale Donnelly, and I chose to rent a country cabin for a month
In that area near New Ross, between Waterford and Wexford, Hope
The conditions are excellent and there is plenty of competition on lesser known local courses.
Because there are still a few sessions I want to play before
After settling into the cabin we flew to Shannon Airport near Limerick,
Drive to the quaint town of Tralee on the southwest coast. forward
“I’ve never been here,” said Arnold Palmer, who built his course there in 1984.
Through a piece of land that would be perfect for a golf course.”
The links experience on the front nine was mediocre, but here comes the course
Magically live on your back and ride up and down wild dunes and through
Nooks and crannies, blind shots, long range, perfect doglegs and
Beautifully contoured greens. Palmer said: “I probably designed the first
number nine, but God must have designed the latter number nine.” We know who is
A better designer.
Waterville Links, dating from 1889 but redesigned by Irish designer Eddie
1973’s Hackett and Sir Nick Faldo’s 2006 revival are both classics. if only
These courses can all be held when the sky is blue and the sun is shining
The sun was shining, the wind was gentle, and the speed never exceeded 20 miles an hour. not to be
case. We played in blustery, cold weather with all the clothes we had on.
Brought it, our waders on top, plus a fleece hat layered over the golf ball
cap. Not that interesting, but, after all, this is Ireland and part of Ireland
Links golf adventure.
Old Head Golf Links is built on a towering peninsula.
Stretching southward into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, it is surrounded by steep cliffs
1000 feet into the icy ocean below. Not a real link as it is built on
Rocky soil, not sand, but it’s one of the most spectacular courses in the world
world. I’ve had two setbacks in my playing career before – once because of an injury, and once because of
Dense fog – so I was happy to have a sunny day. It’s windy and quiet.
Cold, but let’s not be picky. holes cascading up and down along the edge
This headland opens onto a magnificent bay and stunning views. down
Below, puffins, gannets, fulmars and guillemots circle gracefully over the sea.
The foaming sea. The course is walking only and I’m glad
The caddy, who tried in vain to coach my shot. He said: “Young man, be gentle”
Shout loud enough to be heard above the harsh wind. I smiled quietly,
Because this was the first time in over 50 years that anyone had called me “boy.” mine
The ball, never interested in taking advice, swells in the breeze,
Turning towards the sea, it was never seen again.
It’s time to head east to our country and settle in for a month
Quiet Irish life. It’s almost like coming home and unpacking for the last time
Our trip was 30 days. Our “home” at Warren Farm Inn
(warrenfarmIreland.com) Being in the small village of Whitechurch is perfect.
Patricia Knight and her husband Roger transformed
The outbuildings were converted from stables to cottages about 30 years ago. land has
Has been in Patricia’s family for hundreds of years. Our cabin has two
Bedrooms and all the amenities we wanted. Life is great! It’s time to play
Some golf balls.
To prepare for this trip, I studied all the courses in one hour
Driving (this is tight, totally tight left-hand drive
Narrow and winding country roads, not very suitable for bicycles). “Falter
(Welcome) Ireland”, published through Tourism Ireland (www.ireland.com)
The wonderful annually updated booklet ‘Golf in Ireland’ lists every
courses in the country, along with all relevant contact information. all
The course has a website so it is easy to gather all the necessary information
Tourist travel information, availability. Rates, off-road vehicle (trolley) rental, etc.
The closest ‘home’ is New Ross Golf Club in County Wexford, so we
Thought this was a perfect place to start. Like many retroactive Irish courses
Their origins date back to the first three decades of the 20th century (similar to
Curriculum Building Boom in the United States), NRGC was built and improved in 1907
over the years. Originally 9 holes, expanded to 18 holes and redesigned
Designed in 1995 by Irish golf legend Des Smyth. Its multiple doglegs eventually formed
Navigating through giant pine, oak and beech trees requires precise shooting
Avoid punching holes in trees.
Borris Golf Club in Borris, County Carlow has absolute charm
It has videos on its website, so even though it’s a 9-hole course, we thought
It will be fun to play. Each hole has two full sets of tee boxes, extensive
Creative and divergent, making the last nine very different
experience. No. 4/13 is actually two different par 3 holes, one is a downhill hole and the other is
Others. Although most long holes are straight, they point upward and
Cross the central ridge and take multiple blind shots through the ancient mountains
Pine trees guarding the fairways. After the tour we visited the charming
Watch Team USA’s second round game at Joyce’s, a very friendly bar in town
Open with the bartender and other patrons while enjoying a pint
Guinness, then dinner at the very upscale Clashganny nearby
Go home and enjoy a fine dinner.
Many of Ireland’s lesser-known courses host “open matches” where visitors can play
Maybe be able to participate in various tournaments with members. I registered
Attend the ‘Champagne Scramble’ at the County’s Enniscorthy Golf Club
Wexford. In many ways, the pitch is similar to Boris –
The undulating fairways are set among tall trees, but the holes are set fairly
Unique. The forward line started 3-4-3-5-5-3. It started 5-5-3 from behind. all
The remaining holes are all par 4s. The competition atmosphere is friendly and fun
Finally comes the inevitable pint and “slainte (slancha)”.
Waterford, the world-famous home of crystal, the oldest city in Ireland
Built by Viking raiders in the 900s, there are several excellent courses and none
This is played by Norwegians. Maybe some of them if they have
The need to rape, pillage, loot and burn could have been replaced
Caused by highly contested side bets, broken and thrown clubs, etc. waterford
The golf club is a parkland course jointly created by master designers and Open
Champion Willie Park, Jr. in 1913 and James Braid in 1935.
The fairways are undulating and the parkland layout is tricky, but great for golfers to play
Visiting golfers. On the other hand, Fesslag Golf Club is a resort
Built on the grounds of a former manor house and opened in 1993, it definitely caters to the needs of visitors
Wide, wrinkled, sloping fairways, huge greens and
There are occasional ruins from the 1700s, when the manor still existed and now
The hotel is in full swing. Maybe a pot of tea and a scone
in conclusion?
If there’s an Irish Park stadium that flies under the radar, it’s Bunclody
Golf and fishing club in east County Wexford dubbed ‘hidden’
Gem”. Not that it’s hidden, but often overlooked to the benefit of all
Ireland offers wonderful seaside links golf courses. by steep hills and
The River Slaney flows gently, BG&FC is modern (2009)
Jeff Howes’s masterpiece, making the most of everything the land has to offer
if. The winding fairways open and close like turnstiles,
Emerald green hides in pockets of woodland, there must be fairies there
Residential, perfectly located bunkers combine to create golf magic. a tall one
The tree in the middle of the 15th fairway only adds to the fun. The 18th hole is
Until now, there was an elevator above Riverbank Line 17 that would lift walkers up to
Next tee. The beautiful clubhouse and fine dining provide the perfect
Finish.
Two seaside links courses await to end the trip. european club is
Pat Rudy’s illustrious career as Taoiseach reaches peak
designer. See “Sex and Golf” in the previous travel section to see what I got up to
Comment.
Tough and gritty Arklow golf course doesn’t get the respect it deserves
When it comes to discussions about Irish seaside courses. Located along
Located on the coast between nearby heavy industrial busy ports and large quarries
While operating, it can be difficult to find your way as you navigate curves and paths
A sharp turn through the working city of Arklow. But once you
Arriving at the balcony of the clubhouse, the view is filled with wind
Sand dunes and ocean. These holes wind back and forth in the low dunes,
Go to the beach to play the almost obligatory “road hole” and then crawl back
to small plateaus where greens can be perched on hillsides and hidden
between trees. And greens, oh, greens! i have never seen
Every green on and around the course is a raging cauldron
Swaps, drops and runs. Yet somehow, there are multiple flag positions
On every surface, be prepared to repel all but the most accurate shots. along
Putting requires sat nav to line up. A “good” shot on a rock-solid green
Often ends up well beyond the putting face and requires more care
Approach by taking the ball over the open front. fairway
In good condition, belies the hard sand underneath
All real links. Fast runs and wild unpredictable bounces are the order of the day
Often leaves me scratching my head most of the day wondering where
Every shot ends. In 30 mph winds I often hear my old man
The caddy’s advice: “Kid, keep the ball low!”
Sidebar:
Beauty: On this unforgettable trip, we didn’t
Once you see a house or other building along the fairway (other than the clubhouse).
We didn’t see any billboards on the roads. We saw very few pickup trucks
Trucks, even though this is agricultural country we often
Encounter huge tractors even on limited roads! This is
Ireland. Cherish it.
Shoes: I only brought a pair of Sqairz golf shoes for the entire trip.
Although they may seem surprising, as claimed, they provide the most stable
The most comfortable golf platform I have ever encountered.
Waterproof and has excellent traction on wet grass, I usually hit better
When I put them on.
Shade: Although the sun does not shine often, it often does
The bright gray Irish sky made me squint. I brought a pair
Very lightweight Tifosi Fototek photosensitive sunglasses that I carry with me everywhere
Not very dark, getting slightly lighter and darker as conditions change
Perfect for 90% of your time golfing and driving in Ireland, except of course
When it rains. The daylight hours in June are from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, so
Thankfully, night driving is rarely necessary.
