Condition of SW courses?

Rick Vaughn

Greetings,

I'm an American visiting Ireland for two weeks, starting next Friday. I'll be spending 6 nights in Killarney, 2 nights in Dingle, and 6 nights in Dublin. I'm planning on playing pretty much every day if possible, and I was wondering about the condition of courses in the southwest, specifically Ballybunion (Old and Cashen), Lahinch, Tralee, and Waterville (already booked tee times for my Dublin stay). I have called the courses relatively recently, and they all said to call back when I got into country as I'll be playing as a single over that stretch of my trip. I believe both Lahinch and Ballybunion were considering closing their courses due to a rough winter, does anyone have any further information about the recent condition of courses in the region? Lahinch told me if they were open that I would have to lift my ball from the fairway and play off a piece of turf or mat I carried myself.

I was also planning on playing Dooks and Ceann Sibeal. I may play one of the Killarney courses since I'll be staying in town, though I'd prefer to keep to the links. Any other courses in Kerry or nearby counties that I left off this list that I should play? Is Doonbeg worth the drive/ferry from Killarney (I'd rather play Lahinch)? I've heard mixed reviews, would be interested in an Irish viewpoint as I have heard it's Americanized.

For the time I'm in Dublin, I've booked times for two (my brother is joining me) at European Club, County Down, Baltray, the Island, and Portmarnock, I assume these courses are all in playable condition? I know I have to pull my ball to the side of the fairway at Baltray. I'm sure there are other great courses in the area but these were the courses that I was most interested in based on multiple sources, hopefully I made some good choices.

Really excited to see the country and play some links golf. In the states, we only have a few real links courses, I've played Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes in Oregon as well as Chambers Bay in Washington, and it's my favorite type of golf. I'm from the Pacific Northwest and don't mind playing when it's cold/rainy.

jimjo

Rick Vaughn wrote: »

For the time I'm in Dublin, I've booked times for two (my brother is joining me) at European Club, County Down, Baltray, the Island, and Portmarnock, I assume these courses are all in playable condition? I know I have to pull my ball to the side of the fairway at Baltray. I'm sure there are other great courses in the area but these were the courses that I was most interested in based on multiple sources, hopefully I made some good choices.

Yeah you pretty much picked the best links courses on the east coast of Ireland. In County Down you won’t have to play off the side of the fairways like in Baltray. A lot of lads on here played the European club at the start of the year and I dont think they had any restrictions put on them and the course was in great condition. If clubs aren't doing deals, most of them will be, cheaper winter rates, you should definitely bargain with clubs. In our celtic tiger days it was frowned upon to bargain but times change! There all expensive but yet very good courses so hope you get value for your money.

Some lads on here would be better advising on courses in the south.

Enjoy your trip!

Rick Vaughn

Yeah, the winter rates are generally pretty good, especially compared to the summer rates. Only outlier is Portmarnock at 120 euros. Plus the dollar is coming back on the euro, so it's not quite as bad as it seemed a few months back.

Do the courses still play fast in the winter? I'm trying to decide which clubs to bring, drivers of different lofts etc. I'm assuming the links courses will drain well and the ball will still run out even in the winter. I've been told to keep it low and out of the wind. At most of the courses in my neck of the woods, everything plugs in the winter, and it's all carry, though courses like the Bandon courses still play fast in the winter. I'm planning on playing links conditions despite the season, as it looks like the rainfall is pretty constant from month to month in Ireland.

Miley Byrne

Hi, I played the Cashen in Ballybunion about 3 weeks ago. It was in great condition but we weren't allowed play off the fairway. Had to move to ball to the side. It was the same story on the Old Course. One hole was closed on the Cashen. It was a par 3, the 14th I think. There were 2 holes closed on the Old Course. Not sure which holes as I didn't play it. Still enjoyed the round though and the greens are in great condition. Maybe by now all the holes are open and the fairways might be in play though.

I haven't played Doonbeg, but I've played Lahinch a couple of times and couldn't rate it highly enough. If you like links golf, you'll love it there.

Daithio9

Rick Vaughn wrote: »

Greetings,

I'm an American visiting Ireland for two weeks, starting next Friday. I'll be spending 6 nights in Killarney, 2 nights in Dingle, and 6 nights in Dublin. I'm planning on playing pretty much every day if possible, and I was wondering about the condition of courses in the southwest, specifically Ballybunion (Old and Cashen), Lahinch, Tralee, and Waterville (already booked tee times for my Dublin stay). I have called the courses relatively recently, and they all said to call back when I got into country as I'll be playing as a single over that stretch of my trip. I believe both Lahinch and Ballybunion were considering closing their courses due to a rough winter, does anyone have any further information about the recent condition of courses in the region? Lahinch told me if they were open that I would have to lift my ball from the fairway and play off a piece of turf or mat I carried myself.

I was also planning on playing Dooks and Ceann Sibeal. I may play one of the Killarney courses since I'll be staying in town, though I'd prefer to keep to the links. Any other courses in Kerry or nearby counties that I left off this list that I should play? Is Doonbeg worth the drive/ferry from Killarney (I'd rather play Lahinch)? I've heard mixed reviews, would be interested in an Irish viewpoint as I have heard it's Americanized.

.

Hi Rick,
You have all the best courses in the south west covered there, I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip and hope your get reasonable weather for your stay.

I played Ballybunion (old) recently and it's in great shape, although all the fairways are out of play and you'll have to drop your ball to side of the fairways it won't affect your experience too much. The fairways are also out of play on the Cashen course and Tralee. Afaik Waterville is the same as is Dooks (although they give you the option of playing off mats in Dooks or dropping to the side of the fairway).
Unfortunately I don't know anything about Ceann Sibeal this time of year but a quick phone call to the club should see you right, if you have time to play Ceann Sibeal it's definately worth a visit as the location is amazing and the drive from Killarney through Inch and Dingle is very scenic.

If your playing Lahinch and Doonbeg I'd recommend you stay overnight locally in Co. Clare and play the two course and afterwards move on to Killarney/Dublin.

With regard to other course in Kerry, seen as your staying in Killarney I'd definately play Killeen and Mahony's point (both Killarney golf club and Killeen is the venue for the Irish Open this year to be held in August).

Overall the conditions of the courses in the southwest are fair considering the harsh winter, but for the last few weeks it has been very dry and underfoot conditions atm are very good and for the most part the greens are good but slow (that's to be expected this time of year).

ThunderCat

I played Royal County Down last week and the course was in great condition. The fairways are all open and you will not have to play from a mat or from the side of the fairway. The only difference between playing there now compared with the summer is that for this time of year they only give you one tee box to play from and that is usually pushed up close to the womens tees. From the womens tees, the course plays 6243 yards so id say that from the gents tee box the course plays around 6400 yards. It really is a magnificent golf course. Many people rate it as the best in the world. You will have a great time regardless of how you play, but a word of advice for RCD - you are in serious trouble if you stray from the fairways. The fairways are generous but it is the most punishing course ive ever encounted if you stray from them.

I played Baltray in December and paid the winter rate, but all the fairways were open. Maybe you should contact them again to double check. Also a very nice course by the way.

The Island is a cracking course as well but im almost certain you will have to play off a mat/side of the fairway there.

On all of the links course you will not encounter mud balls or plugged balls and the fairways always run fast due to the sandy soil underneath. Dry as a bone all year round.

Whyner

Too jealous to comment.

Myksyk

You'll be travelling a lot if you want to come up and play Doonbeg and Lahinch. Lahinch is a great course but I have always really enjoyed Doonbeg and you certainly won't be disappointed if you play it. It's worth going just to play that 500-yard first hole (love that hole). Don't know if either are requiring not playing off the fairway. frosty weather here these last few days and this is keeping courses closed so have a look next week and the long range weather forecast on www.met.ie.

PS I'm only a little jealous as I'm off to Portugal early in the morning for four days of golf!!

L.O.F.T

Rick Vaughn wrote: »

I was also planning on playing Dooks and Ceann Sibeal. I may play one of the Killarney courses since I'll be staying in town, though I'd prefer to keep to the links. Any other courses in Kerry or nearby counties that I left off this list that I should play? Is Doonbeg worth the drive/ferry from Killarney (I'd rather play Lahinch)? I've heard mixed reviews, would be interested in an Irish viewpoint as I have heard it's Americanized.

I'm from the Pacific Northwest and don't mind playing when it's cold/rainy.

I think the trip to Doonbeg will be worth it, its one of the most scenic courses you will encounter and its well worth the ferry from Tarbert. Killarney Golf and Fishing Club will host this years Irish Open so it might be worth playing as its quality and your already staying in Killarney.
One of my points would be to bring plenty of balls and gloves as the pro shops on site can be very expensive compared to the USA and include two sets of raingear and plenty of Under Armour second skins etc to enjoy those rounds where the weather is going to be nippy to say the least

L.O.F.T

Myksyk wrote: »

PS I'm only a little jealous as I'm off to Portugal early in the morning for four days of golf!!

you lucky B****rd:D

madds

Some great courses on your itinerary there Rick. Here's hoping the weather is kind to you and you brother.

One course I've heard rave reviews about is Concra Wood which is located in County Monaghan a little less than a 2 hour drive north west of Dublin. It's open about 18 months but as you will see from the website it's a fine layout with a semi-links feel to it. You could include this one on your way to/from County Down.

I haven't played it yet but there are some on here who have and would be better placed to recommend it.

Kevinmarkham

Hope you have a good trip over, Rick

As others have said, you've got the main courses sown up. If you're based in Killarney you're going to be doing a lot of driving, and Irish roads aren't the best, so give yourself plenty of time.

If you're looking to choose between Doonbeg and Lahinch, you have to consider new vs. old and, as you pointed out, how Americanized you like it. Doonbeg is a great adventure but the clubhouse experience is very pimped up; Lahinch is the classic links version.

Daithio9 recommended Killeen and Mahony's Point courses at Killarney GC. I'd agree with Killeen, but would suggest you give Mahony's Point a miss. It's only worth it for the final three holes. If you want to try something a bit different, check out Skellig Bay, next to Waterville. Excellent views and you're surrounded by traditional dry stone walls.

If you want to see some photos of the different courses:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/


In Dublin, you've got the main courses covered as well, but Royal County Down is a comfortable two hour drive north, so suggest you get there early to soak up the atmosphere.

No idea on the mats situation. Most of them will probably be asking you to lift and drop or take the mat (horrendous things). It really shouldn't make any difference to the experience.

No doubt you are google-mapping everything, or planning on hiring a car with Sat-Nav, but some of the clubs are not that easy to find or are further than you think. Tralee for example, is a fair bit outside the town and down a mass of windy roads. Even The Island can be tricky.

LOFT is spot on with the gear to bring with you. Clubwise, if you're a five wedge man, then leave a couple at home. Unless it gets really wet, you'll be considering a putter from 30 yards in some cases. Keeping it low is the name of the game, but if you get a mild day, you'll have no problem firing at the pins.

And should the worst happen and one of your courses be closed, you could try Rosslare in the south east corner. An unheralded links.

Enjoy - and when you come back the next time, try the North West.

Myksyk

By the way Rick, Kevin won't plug it but you should buy his book 'Hooked' which reviews every course in Ireland - a great companion read and should help you make up your mind.

powerfade

Hey Rick, played Waterville 3 times in the last couple of weekends and the weather has been beautiful, as nice as Summer, no wind and rain, so probably nicer than Summer. We've had a couple of really cold patches of weather so the rough is pretty short and course is playing as easy as you will get it. Placing on fairways but no issue playing off them, greens in good condition but obviously the couse is not as as pristine as in Summer but still in good shape. All comps there at the moment are off the green tees, but play off the whites to give you a better feel for the course, oh and enjoy the 11th, my favourite hole in golf

Rick Vaughn

Thanks for the input, all! I appreciate the opinions. I have heard that balls can be very expensive, I have stocked up on ebay in preparation. I will also plan on leaving the lob wedges at home. I picked up a 16* Adams hybrid to keep it low off the tee and out of the wind on the shorter par 4s.

Regarding driving, I've been using AA Ireland's online trip planner to try to estimate time of travel, as their estimates seem longer (and probably more realistic). My parents traveled to the southwest a few years back and warned me in advance. Driving a stick shift lefty will also be an experience I'm sure. Most of my drives to courses should be within 90 minutes or so, except for Royal County Down from Dublin and Lahinch from Killarney.

As far as Doonbeg goes, I think I will skip it if I can play Lahinch, as I will be based in Killarney, and if I play Lahinch that will be a long day of travel with the ferry crossing etc, don't think I'd do it twice. I'm traveling with my wife and in-laws (non-golfers), and that would probably be a day where they drop me off at the golf course while they check out the Cliffs of Moher and other sights in the area. The idea of staying in Clare and playing Doonbeg/Lahinch is certainly a good one, but we have a place booked in Killarney already, and relatively inexpensive. If I were going on a pure golf trip with buddies instead of wife/in-laws, I would have included both on my itinerary and stayed in Clare.

I'd love to play the courses in the Northwest (Carne, Rosses Point, Murvagh, Enniscrone etc) and others in Northern Ireland (especially Portrush), but it's just not feasible in a two week trip.... I thought it would be better to have a few bases. Looking forward to hanging out in Ireland as much as the golf. I'm glad my wife understands my golf obsession!

heavyballs

Rick,i'm sure there are some guys on here that would gladly play with you if you're on your own