The Links Thread

Whilst I'm disappointed with the direction of flow of prices - and the increasing lack of access to these courses for Golf Ireland members. I'm still looking forward to the new projects - definitely most interesting since St Patrick's in Rosapenna. In theory good golf courses in the south east should do well - massive increasing population in south east , but It will be interesting will they pull tourist away form the traditional route. I guess build it and they will come. Can imagine Brittas could play a part in a sort of East coast run of top links / courses.

But it will be interesting how all this works out.

Them images show the sleepers gone anyway.

Whilst I loved the European - and I'm not a fan of change for change sake - I genuinely do believe many aspects of the facilities and course - did need a rethink and refresh. Even the sleepers themselves were noticeably deteriorated the last time I played. I found the course too harsh and difficult to play at times - I also found grass length inconsistent and course condition variable. 18 alone - needed a new hole. Also the first run of 7 holes were simply too difficult as as opening run on a course - and the last 6 have a fairly different style to the front 9.

Anyway - I'm looking forward to it - If I get out somehow. When I went down and Pat Ruddy was there - he hardly wanted to charge and often gave me a book or something if he seen your enthusiasm for Links Golf.

Curracloe is another really interesting one - absolutely stunning part of Ireland , but it is not a place that would come to mind - to make you think, it needs a golf course. I'm looking forward to that one. But I'm hoping it is one - that has a sensible rate again for Golf Ireland members. Maybe we will be loaded with golfers from all over the world all the time. But it is hard to see how all these routes and options for tourists are all tying together. I don't think I ever met one American in Wexford - going there 30 years. But - with high end stuff - it is build it and they will come. Some of the Donegal Ideas are absolutely nuts on the face of it - Carne was completely illogical. So maybe to pull these things off - you have to have a vision or blind ambition past the capability of 99.99999 % of people out there.

It is easy to say - that won't work - who would give them that - who do they think they are - sure that is off the wall. 25 years ago if you went to Enniscrone or Dooks or Carne and said one day this will be swamped with Americans - and will be a global dream destination for all the golf writers and influential "you tubers" (who did not even exist) . You'd be told to go up the road have a good seaweed bath - a fish and chips - then about 6 pints and calm down you lunatic.

Someone said 2027 ....but yes all courses need maturity..as in a few years ...

Any Links course changes I've seen made have taken at least 2 summer seasons - at least. Depends on location - weather - grass type.

But if you look at likes of Rosapenna St Patrick's - I still felt it was unstable and in poor conditions 3 or 4 years into it.

I don't think Links courses ever settle in as quickly as people hope. Budget - staff and materials are all key variables. I'd actually go slightly against what you said - and I find Links courses are actually harder to mature and be solid. Normal grass grows way faster.

If any of the courses mentioned above are in perfect condition by 2029 I'd be amazed.

Look how long Portmarnock Links has taken to come right and is it truly there yet ?