Can't Miss Courses?

hrigsby2

Hello everyone:

First post here, but it's an important one for me! I'm an international student from Clemson University in South Carolina and I'm studying Landscape Architecture (with plans to become a Golf Course Architect). I'm studying at UCD in Dublin for the semester and golf is basically my number one concern (as well as passing classes, and maybe a few beers along the way ).

The question I am posing here is what are the courses that I must play before I leave? I'm playing a round most every Thursday, but I'm also up for a few weekend trips to various parts of the country for multiple rounds.

The catch is, I have no car and not a lot of money for accommodations, so I'll be doing a lot of work in locales rather than being able to freelance around and play all over the place in one weekend. That said, I'll do what it takes to get myself to these courses. Luckily, however, there isn't much of a budget on the golf itself. I'm trying to do things economically (weekdays, student rates, winter rates, etc.) but I'm only here for sure right now and I want to play the courses that I should.

So far, I've played:

- Corballis in Donabate (to get my feet wet in links golf before I dove in).
- Headfort in Kells (studio project is on this course).
- Royal County Down (must play, and the price was right, playing again in May).
- Portmarnock Hotel and Links (not a bad price and a good course on short notice).

I also have a round booked at Old Head in Kinsale.

Other than that, my list thus far includes a trip to the West Coast to play:

- Ballybunion
- Lahinch
- Tralee

and a trip South to play:

- European Club
- Druids Glen

And then single courses:

- Carne
- Island
- Portmarnock
- Waterville
- Portrush
- Lough Erne
- Ardglass
- Carton

If possible I'd like to group these into sets of 2 or 3 but I know a lot of them are isolated. I'm based in south Dublin so that may help with the planning aspect.

Basically, my question is what courses should I play before I go home (I have 4 months) and what would be the best way to group them together?

The list I have is just my pseudo-informed thoughts. I'm not against adding or subtracting courses from this (matter of fact I want to, that's the point!)

I'm leaning heavily towards links courses unless it's an incredible parkland course because after Headfort (which I enjoyed) I realized there isn't a huge difference between parkland courses here and what we have back in the States, so I don't want to spend too much time in that realm (but I'm not against a few rounds).

So, sorry for the long post, but thanks in advance for any help/insight/opinions that you can provide!

Cheers,

Hunter

hrigsby2

Oh, and if anyone knows Scottish courses very well, throw in some insight there as well please!

I'm planning on Muirfield, St. Andrews, Cruden Bay, and some more right now, but I haven't done near as much research there. I'm going for a week next month to play, but I think I may start in Edinburgh and head south to stay away from the harsher weather (unless there is good reason to go north instead). So any and all insight is welcome and appreciated!

FixdePitchmark

Enniscrone
Mount Juilet.

Looking at that list. Any chance you are Donald Trump's son ?

Enjoy. Well done maximising your time.

Keep us informed on your trip in a Hunter S Thompson manner.

Kevinmarkham

Without a car it'll be a bit difficult to get to places like Carne... but if you're going there then Enniscrone has to be on your list. You could also head to Sligo town and play Rosses Point and Strandhill in the same day. Strandhill may not make many bucket lists but I wrote this blog about it the other day so take a look. You've also got Donegal/Murvagh and one of my favourites - Narin & Portnoo, although it may be too remote for you to get to.

Other links - you will be ordered by many on here to play Donegal's Ballyliffin (2 courses)... and if you're going that far then Rosapenna's two courses (one is the Old Tom Morris) and Portsalon sit across the bay. At the moment, Paul McGinley is adding touches to Portsalon, a course that dates back to 1891.

Practically next door to Ballyliffin is North West Golf Club. This was one of the four founding members of the GUI (as it is today). It's worth a look to see what the ravages of time and erosion have done to a links course.

Next to Royal Portrush you have Portstewart - one of the greatest opening salvo of holes on the island, and next to that you have Castlerock.

Nearer Dublin you have Baltray (aka County Louth). It's one of the more divisive courses, in that some say it's brilliant while others don't understand what all the fuss is about.

On the west coast you have Doonbeg... or that Trump name as it's now called.

South of Dublin, on the way to The European, is Arklow. It's a links that drifts into parkland for the closing holes.

I understand what you're saying about parklands (here's a link to comments made by Bruce Selcraig in the run up to the Ryder Cup at the K Club) and I'd have to add Mount Juliet (sorry Fixd) and Killeen Castle to that 'avoid' list - both Jack Nicklaus courses. But for history, you could visit Royal Curragh (an hour west of Dublin) - now recognised as the oldest club in Ireland. Golf first played there in 1851. I'd also suggest Carlow GC. It's a classic with much detail dating from 1899.

Scotland - not played much there (and mostly further north), but play Carnoustie. It's an education and it's lethal.

Enjoy your 4 months.

Dr_Colossus

Personally I'm more of a parkland fan so in addition to the ones mentioned above I'd include:
Concra Wood
Palmerstown House
Macreddin
The Heritage
into the mix if you get the opportunity. I understand your reasons on focusing on links however so perhaps try an inland links type course such as Carlow which is class regardless of the category.

hrigsby2

Awesome! Just as I figured, this is going to become an extensive list really quick, but of course everyone has their favorites.

No no, not a Trump, but when golf is the number one priority expense wise for a few months, it becomes a lot easier to rationalize the spending. Especially if I can run through a lot of them on student/winter rates. It is hard to balance the desire to play these courses in their prime condition vs. playing them when it's cheap, but I think with the links courses it's a safer bet because of the sandy soil and ability to drain. Headfort was really soggy when I was there a few weeks ago because of all the rain, but Portmarnock and Royal County Down, with the exception of a few bunkers, were in good shape.

The car aspect is a bummer. I was actually looking into buying a really cheap junker car for a few months and then selling it back but the U.S. to Irish license conversion, paired with the insurance made it impossible. If my American insurance covered me here I would have gone for it. I also can't rent because I'm 22. Of the few companies that will let me rent, one wanted 260 Euro for 4 days while they would have wanted 66 Euro if I were 25. Unrealistic. I was looking at spending an estimated 300 to 500 Euro just to buy a car for 5 months and sell it back before I go home.

I'd like to get up to Rosapenna. I've done a bit of work on that property through an internship so it would be cool to see it in person.

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! Feel free to keep them coming or nix some of my current ideas!

FixdePitchmark

I have to say , you are the most sensible 22 year old I have ever come across.

You'd put the Irish students to shame.

Best of luck. A tricky one.

A few of us here play links golf and will keep you in mind.

indabunka

I will organise a complimentary round for you as my guest at Royal Curragh, Ireland's oldest golf course. From an architectural point of view I'm not sure if it will be of any benefit except to appreciate a course that remains very close to the way it was laid out over 150 years ago. You play every point on the compass and unless your a monster hitter you generally get to use every club in the bag.

pcasso

For booking green fees I don't know if your are aware of a couple of booking websites that give you decent rates, usually at set tee times
http://teetimes.ie and http://golfnow.ie

Greenore in Co Louth is another very old course which may give you an insight into early course design in this country.
While sometimes called a links the terrain despite being right on the sea resembles heathland more in my opinion.

Golfgraffix

Not exactly related but if you are looking for a few days of work experience on the course architecture side, let me know.

Right now we have 3 projects with Nicklaus, Palmer and Norman. You would get very good insight to how each one has a different approach to CAD.

J

dar_cool

Why don't you come along to the outing next Saturday in esker hills. I'm sure you could get a lift off one of the lads from Dublin.

Ronney

I'm sure UCD have a golf society/club. You'd probably find some like minded students there and one might even have a car

Senna

Golf Course Architect, why couldn't I have done something cool like that:(

Sorry nothing else to add

hrigsby2

Ronney wrote: »

I'm sure UCD have a golf society/club. You'd probably find some like minded students there and one might even have a car

There is. I'll see what I can do. I went to the little club and society convention but they weren't there so I haven't followed up yet.

Golf Course Architect, why couldn't I have done something cool like that

Sorry nothing else to add

It is a fun career path! Just difficult to get into.

Not exactly related but if you are looking for a few days of work experience on the course architecture side, let me know.

Right now we have 3 projects with Nicklaus, Palmer and Norman. You would get very good insight to how each one has a different approach to CAD.

J

I'd definitely be interested! I'll shoot you a PM tomorrow. Thanks for the response.

I will organise a complimentary round for you as my guest at Royal Curragh, Ireland's oldest golf course. From an architectural point of view I'm not sure if it will be of any benefit except to appreciate a course that remains very close to the way it was laid out over 150 years ago. You play every point on the compass and unless your a monster hitter you generally get to use every club in the bag.

That would be great! I'll send you a PM as well.



Thanks again for the replies and help. I'm building up a solid list here. Is Carton House a "can't miss course"? I'm interested because of my project at Headfort and the similarities between the historical aspects of the properties, but I'm not that well versed in the courses themselves.

PARlance

I would say Carton should definitely be on your list. We got out today for €30 on golfnow.ie. Dublin bus goes right past the place too (not sure of the bus number).
Two great courses, might be good to see an island type links, Monty, to compare to the real ones on your list.

For those reasons I think it's an "can't miss" option.
Monty is in really good condition at present.

Drop me a PM if you fancy a game in March, I'll be off work for a few weeks and can do the driving.

mike12

Think you are right to play as many links courses as possiable the new parkland courses are just copies of American courses so nothing new for you there.
Hard and expensive to play a lot of the links courses but the north west is definitly the best value but hard to get too without a car.
Seapoint is a course you could play the same day as Baltray.
When you play Portrush u may as well stay up there for the rest of the week and play Portstewart and Castlerock.
Maybe look at getting in a couple of the 3 day classics while you are here. Ardglass, Kirkstown Castle and RCD have one in april.
Did you look at hiring a car in the north they may have different rules, u could get a but to Belfast and go from there.

hrigsby2

mike12 wrote: »

Think you are right to play as many links courses as possiable the new parkland courses are just copies of American courses so nothing new for you there.
Hard and expensive to play a lot of the links courses but the north west is definitly the best value but hard to get too without a car.
Seapoint is a course you could play the same day as Baltray.
When you play Portrush u may as well stay up there for the rest of the week and play Portstewart and Castlerock.
Maybe look at getting in a couple of the 3 day classics while you are here. Ardglass, Kirkstown Castle and RCD have one in april.
Did you look at hiring a car in the north they may have different rules, u could get a but to Belfast and go from there.

I'll definitely look into it, but I think it's a pretty universal rule really...insurance problems. I can understand it between the ages of 15 and 18...but I've been driving for 7 years now in the U.S. and I drive a car that has 315 HP...I think I'll be okay! But it is what it is. I wish I could have worked out the junker purchase but it seems like there's no real affordable outlet there either.

I definitely think the way to go is to make weekend trips out of some of the further distances and stay in local hostels. I haven't actually looked into the planned events but I will for sure. The bus system is definitely great, but it's moderately expensive and difficult to time. A car would have been well worth the money I would have lost in the transaction but not much I can do about it but make friends or take buses!

Ronney

hrigsby2 wrote: »

I'll definitely look into it, but I think it's a pretty universal rule really...insurance problems. I can understand it between the ages of 15 and 18...but I've been driving for 7 years now in the U.S. and I drive a car that has 315 HP...I think I'll be okay! But it is what it is. I wish I could have worked out the junker purchase but it seems like there's no real affordable outlet there either.

I definitely think the way to go is to make weekend trips out of some of the further distances and stay in local hostels. I haven't actually looked into the planned events but I will for sure. The bus system is definitely great, but it's moderately expensive and difficult to time. A car would have been well worth the money I would have lost in the transaction but not much I can do about it but make friends or take buses!

Get yourself a usit/isic card for discounted bus and train tickets

hrigsby2

Ronney wrote: »

Get yourself a usit/isic card for discounted bus and train tickets

I have one! I always tell the computer that I'm a student when buying bus tickets out of Dublin, but does the ISIC card get you a bigger discount or is that it?

Ronney

hrigsby2 wrote: »

I have one! I always tell the computer that I'm a student when buying bus tickets out of Dublin, but does the ISIC card get you a bigger discount or is that it?

Wont get you any more discount than the student rate, Inspectors especially on the trains will charge you the difference if you cant produce it to back up a student ticket (may have changed slightly, few years since I was a student)

You could solve your transport costs by doing what this guy did

http://www.amazon.com/Course-Called-Ireland-Search-Country/dp/1592405282

Good book to read

also this is a great guide/history lesson on irish links

http://www.amazon.com/Links-Heaven-Complete-Journeys-Ireland/dp/1888132027

mike12

Hi,
So anyone leaving Dublin and heading to a links course for the next 4 months is going to give hrigsby2 a lift. Do you have a handicap? Some of the opens may be the best way to go. The European is €40 for the open each week good way to save a few quid.
The Island is a must play if you haven't played it already.

BigChap1759

Concra Wood
County Louth(Baltray)

I would highly recommend buying "Hooked" by Kevin Markham, it gives a review of every 18 hole course in Ireland. Kevin is a regular contributor here so I'm sure he'll give you his favourites as well.

hrigsby2

I've got a tentative connection at the Island, so I'll definitely make it out there. Anyone who is going to play, send me a PM! I'm always up for a round and I'll throw in some gas money (petrol money? )

Is there a good bookshop in Dublin to visit for these titles? Or should I try the Amazon route? Just a bit tentative about online shopping in a foreign country although I'm sure it would be grand (took me a second to realize I just said "it would be grand," oh boy...) seeing as I do have an address here now.

I actually just finished the last book that I brought for the trip so I'm up for a bit of reading!

Kevinmarkham

Ronney wrote: »

also this is a great guide/history lesson on irish links

http://www.amazon.com/Links-Heaven-Complete-Journeys-Ireland/dp/1888132027

Best book on Irish links, no question. You can find it cheap in plenty of bookshops. It was in my local for 2.99 for quite a while. Crazy money for a book that good. One of the authors (Phinney) was behind the documentary (or Thriller, depending on your point of view) You've Been Trumped... now essential viewing for anyone heading to play Doonbeg.

hrigsby2 wrote: »

Is there a good bookshop in Dublin to visit for these titles? Or should I try the Amazon route? Just a bit tentative about online shopping in a foreign country although I'm sure it would be grand (took me a second to realize I just said "it would be grand," oh boy...) seeing as I do have an address here now.

Hodges & Figgis on Dawson Street is your best bet. A good golf selection. Amazon.co.uk ship to Ireland, no problem, and often have free shipping offers on. Or else I can hook up with you somewhere and donate a copy of my book to your cause!

Ronney

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Best book on Irish links, no question. You can find it cheap in plenty of bookshops. It was in my local for 2.99 for quite a while. Crazy money for a book that good. One of the authors (Phinney) was behind the documentary (or Thriller, depending on your point of view) You've Been Trumped... now essential viewing for anyone heading to play Doonbeg.



Hodges & Figgis on Dawson Street is your best bet. A good golf selection. Amazon.co.uk ship to Ireland, no problem, and often have free shipping offers on. Or else I can hook up with you somewhere and donate a copy of my book to your cause!

On the Links Of Heaven, try get the new updated edition circa 2007. Green fee prices etc. might have changed a bit.

I have the original 1996 edition (signed by the author )and most of the green fee prices listed would convince anyone to quit their job tomorrow and travel round playing. eg Portmarnock listed at £40-60 (punts) compared with the €150-200 they charge now

yaboya1

PARlance wrote: »

Dublin bus goes right past the place too (not sure of the bus number).

66. It's a fair walk from the entrance to the pro-shop though!

hrigsby2

yaboya1 wrote: »

66. It's a fair walk from the entrance to the pro-shop though!

Yup. Took a tour of Maynooth for a class the other day. The chapel there is absolutely stunning. If you haven't seen it and get a chance...check it out.

PARlance

yaboya1 wrote: »

66. It's a fair walk from the entrance to the pro-shop though!

He's a student, he should be chancing his arm and jumping onto the 11th without a green fee

FixdePitchmark

PARlance wrote: »

He's a student, he should be chancing his arm and jumping onto the 11th without a green fee

When you are young you don't feel a walk - Howth Dart Station to Deer Park Shop - that is a walk for golf.

Unless , you haven't had a sleep in about 3 days - that would be more likely for a student.

hrigsby2

See the key is to just amble along and stare longingly at the cars as they pass. You Irish are nice people and someone is bound to stop! I made it about a kilometer of the walk from the nearest bus stop to Corballis (I think it was like 3km total) and had already turned down one ride before I caved to offer number two.

I also am a firm believer that one of the best conversation starters in Dublin is making a bus transfer in city center with a golf bag in tow. People love that.

Dublin Spur

another vote for Enniscrone - epic

joeguevara

How about cruit island. See review here: http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?id=356

Might be difficult to get there though, but an immense course.

hrigsby2

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Best book on Irish links, no question. You can find it cheap in plenty of bookshops. It was in my local for 2.99 for quite a while. Crazy money for a book that good. One of the authors (Phinney) was behind the documentary (or Thriller, depending on your point of view) You've Been Trumped... now essential viewing for anyone heading to play Doonbeg.



Hodges & Figgis on Dawson Street is your best bet. A good golf selection. Amazon.co.uk ship to Ireland, no problem, and often have free shipping offers on. Or else I can hook up with you somewhere and donate a copy of my book to your cause!

No need good sir! Went to Hodges Figgis today and picked up your book. I've got no problem supporting your work. So far so good as I've read through the introduction and the courses I've played. It's kind of a "I've heard of it, let me look it up in Markham's book" kind of setup, but I'll probably just read it straight through like a novel to be honest!

I've got my map of Ireland to pin on my wall, and now I just need to find some dang pushpins so I can start mapping out the courses I want to play and gauge how I can tie them together. Tried to go pick them up today after my GNIB experience but all the likely stores were closed.

Kevin, if you're ever available to play another round on one of these courses you've rated, let me know! That would be an offer I'd take you up on for sure.

I searched for the other books ya'll listed, but I was told they were no longer in print and I'd have to find them used or get them in an E-book format. I'll check on Amazon and see what I can do.

FixdePitchmark

hrigsby2

I'm loving your posts.

I'll bring you to any course you pick on east coast. Another lad on her pm'd me and said same.
We have a 3 ball or 4 if Kevin joins.

When I was your age in US. They couldn't do enough for you.
karma returned.

hrigsby2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

hrigsby2

I'm loving your posts.

I'll bring you to any course you pick on east coast. Another lad on her pm'd me and said same.
We have a 3 ball or 4 if Kevin joins.

When I was your age in US. They couldn't do enough for you.
karma returned.

That would be awesome! The hospitality here has been unreal. Any favorite courses?

I think tomorrow I'm going to take an early bus south and give The European Club a call. They don't seem to have an online booking system like most courses and it'll be about an hours walk from the bus stop to the course so hopefully I can get ahold of them before I start that journey.

If not, I'll probably stay on the bus for a few more stops and play Arklow. Their time sheet seemed wide open when I checked this evening so it should be good to go if I can't make The European Club work. Should be a good day either way!

Ronney

Tell them your studying Golf Architecture down the European, Pat Ruddy the architect/owner is usually about for a chat

fullstop

Ronney wrote: »

I'm sure UCD have a golf society/club. You'd probably find some like minded students there and one might even have a car

UCD golf society was run terribly when I was there,lucky if you got 3 outings a year. I was going to say I could hook you up with a pretty cheap round in Killeen Castle, but I see it's on the "avoid list" as per Kevin.

FixdePitchmark

hrigsby2 wrote: »

That would be awesome! The hospitality here has been unreal. Any favorite courses?

I think tomorrow I'm going to take an early bus south and give The European Club a call. They don't seem to have an online booking system like most courses and it'll be about an hours walk from the bus stop to the course so hopefully I can get ahold of them before I start that journey.

If not, I'll probably stay on the bus for a few more stops and play Arklow. Their time sheet seemed wide open when I checked this evening so it should be good to go if I can't make The European Club work. Should be a good day either way!

The European is well worth playing - but worth waiting for a lift that you will get here.

Arklow is a great course and in town. Go for it.

Kevinmarkham

hrigsby2 wrote: »

No need good sir! Went to Hodges Figgis today and picked up your book. I've got no problem supporting your work. So far so good as I've read through the introduction and the courses I've played. It's kind of a "I've heard of it, let me look it up in Markham's book" kind of setup, but I'll probably just read it straight through like a novel to be honest!

Kevin, if you're ever available to play another round on one of these courses you've rated, let me know! That would be an offer I'd take you up on for sure.

Trust me, you'll disagree with some of the reviews - which is no bad thing! And let me know which ones they are.

Happy to get a game in. I'm out of action at the moment, but Arklow and The European are within easy reach for me and I can help you avoid that 1 hour walk!

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

hrigsby2

I'll bring you to any course you pick on east coast. Another lad on her pm'd me and said same.
We have a 3 ball or 4 if Kevin joins.

Yep, count me in

fullstop wrote: »

I was going to say I could hook you up with a pretty cheap round in Killeen Castle, but I see it's on the "avoid list" as per Kevin.

Sorry - not that I don't like the place, just that it's Nicklaus and I don't think it will show hrigsby2 anything he hasn't seen, or can't see, in the US.

hrigsby2

I think im going for the hour walk today! Im young and it's early so I think I'll get there alive and kicking. 40 euro for European Club seemed a good deal.

But if anyone just happens to be driving by me on my way from Jack Whites Crossing to the European Club and is feeling generous you let me know!

mike12

They are very good in the European if you explain your story i reckon Someone will come out and give you a lift in, for €40 it is super value and it would be great in you got to talk to Pat Ruddy. It is a super course as well. Enjoy

Anatom

Happy to spot you a round in Palmerstown House if you like some weekend. Its not a million miles from Dublin either and is on the main M7...

hrigsby2

Totally worth the walk this morning! The way I see it is it's all about your outlook on things...someone drove by and slowed down to ask me where I was going and they were astounded that I was walking that far and said, "You know you're still a good ways away from there right?" My response was, "Yes sir, but I'm a lot closer than most people are today!"

If I were told, "Look here, you have a free day today, and you've got a chance to play a world class golf course, the only thing between you and that round is 6 kilometers," I hope I'd get to walking 10 times out of 10!

But in all seriousness, what a class golf course and incredible environment. Everyone I met, from the lady running the Pro Shop to Pat Ruddy were so hospitable. I would put that facility into the world class conversation any day of the week.

ForeRight

Did the course ear you up? It's savagely tough yet I love the place like no other.

FixdePitchmark

hrigsby2 wrote: »

Totally worth the walk this morning! The way I see it is it's all about your outlook on things...someone drove by and slowed down to ask me where I was going and they were astounded that I was walking that far and said, "You know you're still a good ways away from there right?" My response was, "Yes sir, but I'm a lot closer than most people are today!"

If I were told, "Look here, you have a free day today, and you've got a chance to play a world class golf course, the only thing between you and that round is 6 kilometers," I hope I'd get to walking 10 times out of 10!

But in all seriousness, what a class golf course and incredible environment. Everyone I met, from the lady running the Pro Shop to Pat Ruddy were so hospitable. I would put that facility into the world class conversation any day of the week.

Listen hrigsby - when I said I want you to be Hunter S Thompson like , I was sort of joking, but you keep this up , and you will have a book at 22.

This is almost Forest Gump like now.

Joking - but your positivity is a reminder to all - that this life, is literally what you make of it

Not , sure if you have played The Island ?

But that is one we could play our 4 ball ?

hrigsby2

ForeRight wrote: »

Did the course ear you up? It's savagely tough yet I love the place like no other.

It was a test, that's for sure. I lost two balls that I would have sworn I could have placed down to the foot in the deep grass. I shot an 86 on the regular 18. Probably 6 of those strokes were lost on the greens though...they were true and receptive, but just a bit slow for my typical game. I just couldn't get putts to the hole and I put myself in a few situations where I had an 8-10 footer left for par rather than a tap in that I should have had. The course is tough, but I thought it was fair. I may not have told you that if you'd asked when my ball was in one of the bunkers...but I'll say it now! .

The waterfront holes, and the way the routing shows you the next waterfront hole as you walk off of the green, but pulls away for a hole or two and brings you back was thrilling to me. I also felt like it was a thought provoking layout, mostly due to bunker placement. Those things are beasts, and I found myself checking the course guide on every shot and playing to spots a lot more than attempting to "power over trouble," as it usually wasn't worth it to go that route.

Listen hrigsby - when I said I want you to be Hunter S Thompson like , I was sort of joking, but you keep this up , and you will have a book at 22.

This is almost Forest Gump like now.

Joking - but your positivity is a reminder to all - that this life, is literally what you make of it

Not , sure if you have played The Island ?

But that is one we could play our 4 ball ?

Haha, I'd like to think I have a bit more going on between the ears than 'ole Forrest. . But it is true...and I think that's what keeps this game so close to my heart. It's so easy to get wrapped up in all that goes on in our everyday lives and forget how lucky we are and how incredible it is that we are given the opportunity at life that we have. I'm sure those thoughts can manifest themselves in different ways for different people, but I think it's important that we all find what makes us appreciate the little things!

I haven't played The Island yet. When I was walking to Corballis from the nearest Dublin Bus stop I got a ride from a nice lady who gave me her name and said to call up to The Island and she'd get me set up there, but I'm up for anything!

FixdePitchmark

Ok- em, well you seem to have better contacts in The Island than I do.

If she can set you up , great.

I'll drive you out - Kevin and and another on here will play,

You do need to play The Island. (no doubt)

hrigsby2

Tentative contact to say the least, but I'll see if it pans out. I'd say either there or Baltray would be my two picks (from my limited knowledge). And The Island is much closer for Kevin. If that works for everyone then I'm in. Hell, I'm in regardless! Guess we need to see what dates are best for everyone and then go from there.

FixdePitchmark

hrigsby2 wrote: »

Tentative contact to say the least, but I'll see if it pans out. I'd say either there or Baltray would be my two picks (from my limited knowledge). And The Island is much closer for Kevin. If that works for everyone then I'm in. Hell, I'm in regardless! Guess we need to see what dates are best for everyone and then go from there.

Yes - I't would be much easier to go to The Island - not to mention that I think , kevin would go to The Island 9.5 times out of 10 , before Baltray.

Kevinmarkham

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Yes - I't would be much easier to go to The Island - not to mention that I think , kevin would go to The Island 9.5 times out of 10 , before Baltray.

Maybe 9 times out of 10. 9.5 is pushing it!
I did enjoy the Inside the Ropes trip to Baltray last year - that stretch of holes on the back 9 is magnificent, but there are a few too many holes that are tame by comparison. But a great education in links golf as you go from bumpy and exposed to rolling and surrounded.

If we can agree some sort of date, I can contact the club as well and we can figure out who is getting the best deal!

TrapperChamonix

hrigsby2 wrote: »

Tentative contact to say the least, but I'll see if it pans out. I'd say either there or Baltray would be my two picks (from my limited knowledge). And The Island is much closer for Kevin. If that works for everyone then I'm in. Hell, I'm in regardless! Guess we need to see what dates are best for everyone and then go from there.

How long are you around for?
I would leave playing The Island for a while as it is currently playing off mats and you won't get the right appreciation of the course from them. I think mats finish some time in March but can't remember when. I'll try and find out this weekend.

If its closer to Easter, I'd bring you out. Kevin and FD as well.