The Links Thread

That 9th one is class -
Also first looks like some slope up.

Feck ya - looks like I'm heading back to the most inaccessible course in Ireland.

And Boards, at last, hit a Links.

Was a great day in Portmarnock Links - a joy to play golf at that level for that price. The question remains, for how long will we get a links course at this level at that price in Dublin. Sadly , you feel, it is short lived. Keep it quiet - don't tell them. Or at least, keep an Open going for the locals please.

There are many great links - when you step up on that first tee - it gives you a feel you are in for something different. It is a feeling hard to describe, love, pleasure, nervousness, relaxation, release.

The first on the links - is a classic drain hole, flat par 4. From an elevated tee you have a great view of too much. A hard hole, as you can drive too far and hard also, as with an iron you are too far back, leaving a very difficult 2nd. The bunkers around the green are so well designed that trouble awaits, an even slightly leaked mid iron, a double awaits. Bang - you are in a round from the off - tested from the first walk. I wish I could fade on demand is what you are thinking after you step off with a 5. 1 down.

Anyone who loves their links - loves what Langer did in the Irish Opens, he won by basically record numbers in the Irish Opens in Portmarnock and Royal Dublin - he destroyed the Links courses on the east coast at The Irish Open - in the rather benign 84 and 87 summers. I was too young, but was told about them and his extraordinary play , this was before his putter troubles. He infamously practiced in Corballis when he was here. So you can see why he is linked to a Links on the east coast of Ireland. Disappointingly , he never won The Open Championship - perhaps the best links player, not to have done so

So for links lovers - it is class when you get a day with just enough wind - little or no rain - and enough time to take your time. It was a hard place for someone to start playing a game - that people say is a different game.

It was slow , but to be expected, on a tough championship level course in winter conditions. Some holes seem a bit unfair in a way - you are literally inches from a birdie or bogie - many greens are very elevated with 10 to 20 feet drops - up and downs can be quickly 3 shots.
The short par 3s have your card in their hands.
The rough is cut back - and with ok play you can finish with the one ball .

Some fantastic links holes like 2 and 3 and 7 and 8 and 9 and 10 and 15 and 16 and 17 and 18 and that is a lot of ands.

The great thing about Portmarnock Links is the variety of holes - from flat, to part blind, to doglegs, to dune holes. It has a little surprise around the next 90 degree corner.
There is a calm towards an ending 4 hole storm - the rest on the flat, is much needed rest.

Sadly - the stunning Portmarnock Beach , never fully comes into view , this has a hidden advantage , as you are greatly sheltered from the wind at the coastal holes. The only sense of life outside, is the sound of the sea. You feel remarkably isolated , considering how close you are to a populous village.

We can complain, rightly so at times. About our Irish weather. But a friend of mine is 3 feet under snow in US and loves his golf. To be in mid February and have a dry square divot pump out of the ground, is a joy in winter Ireland. Just that links feel. Sound, class if your that way inclined.

The greens are fearsome at times - most players not use to playing putts at that pace downhill in winter. A thing you need feel for. You almost need your putting designed for it. Summer must be incredible.

So the work continues on the course, I hope that carpet is a temporary thing (fake grass). Is practical - but just feels wrong on a links.

When we hit 16 - a hailstone cloud gathered - it was fearsome looking. The only blue was just above home over 18. We were hammered making putting impossible and comical.

17 is a fantastic par 3 - a good 6 or 5 iron and again 1 foot either way from joy or to another shot, you have never seen or practiced before.

18 - is a great finishing hole , almost a simultaneous happiness to be done and sadness that it is over. It leaves her mark in your mind to come back.

A sign of a great course , is a course that never gives you too much , a course that demands you put the time into her. It will give you something at some stage. But, you need to get to know her more first.

A bit harsh by me on grass perhaps.
I'd rather walk on that than an uneven worn path.
Many an ankle sprained on a bad path.

Just not use to it.

Links lads can be a bit......
A bit ....

Dealerz wrote: »

....a bit up their own grass paths?

Very much agreed.

You are very good at the hole in ones and the one liners, Dealerz.

What course is that lads ?