Tag: Visit Ireland

Navigating Northern Ireland

ggg127web13th September 2021Comments OffUncategorized

One of the worlds golfing mecca’s with big named golf course to play but what else can you do?

Sarah Forrest gives an account of her first experience of Northern Ireland recently.

A quick and easy flight to Belfast airport makes Northern Ireland a real option for a golf or family holiday.

Having a private tour by black cab around Belfast regaling tales, possible tall tales! of the city opens you’re eyes to what you can do whilst there. Culminating in lunch at the Drawing Room where the Titanic and many more were designed. With as much attention to detail to the food was most likely given to the ships designs, the meal was a nice break in our sightseeing day. Across the road is the imposing purpose built Titanic Belfast museum. Insights into the lives of the dock workers to the first class passenger experience was exciting and well delivered in an easy to understand, and importantly, not boring way!

Drawing Room Restaurant, Titanic Hotel Belfast

A whistle stop tour and one night in Belfast we stayed at the Ten Square Hotel. A nice comfortable 4* hotel in the thick of things and well located for our evening meal at Deanes Meat Locker. The Meat Locker is part of a trio of restaurants in a row, each serviced by their own chef, offering grill, seafood and modern European food options.

The next day, I was playing in the Pro-Am for the ISPS Handa World Invitational at Galgorm Castle. The first tournament of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere being hosted by Modest! An early tee-time meant no breakfast being available at Ten Square. What a treat to play with Cheyenne Knight of the USA, a great golfer with an understanding of the Great British humour.

Galgorm is about 40 mins outside Belfast and no stranger to big events with the Northern Ireland Open and the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. The golf course is a pretty, established parkland course, with water and trees in play, large receptive greens and a fair number of dog legs. The greens were some of the best I’ve played this year. Forward tee stats 5559 yards, par 72. Back tee stats 7105 yards par 70.

With more golf on offer our next stop was Castlerock Golf Club playing the Mussenden links course. I do love my links golf and Castlerock didn’t disappoint either with its luna landscape appeal. The River Bann waterway dissects the course at strategic intervals. Keeping the ball in play was essential whilst most of the rough was OK, in places it was hard to find the ball in the long sweeping grass. I really liked the way the fairways shaped around the natural terrain leading you forward and eager to move onto the next hole. Castlerock didn’t confuse you by showing you all of its tricks in one glance, more of a gradual ‘lull you in’. The par 3’s were of particular interest, all different and not all the highest stroke indexes ether! Couple the waterways with the luna links style play in inevitable changing weather makes Castlerock a great choice for a tough game, which, if you do master, will reward you accordingly. Forward tee stats 5879 yards, par75. Back tee stats 6780 yards Par73

Staying at the 5* Blackrock B&B in Port Stewart for a few nights meant we could try more than the usual fry-up for breakfast – and what a great selection there was. Nicola, the owner, was attentive from start to finish she even helped us with evening meal bookings and places to visit, she really did go over and above the norm to make us feel welcome. Blackrock has ocean views with further views towards Portrush beach and golf course. Instead of trying to sell every room as a bedroom and squeeze more guests in, Nicola has made the decision to give the guests a spacious relaxing experience with two sitting rooms and a balcony area to enjoy. One sitting room has an honesty box for drinks and an enviable whiskey (plus) selection for all to be enjoyed in comfort, in or out of your room.

Next stop, Port Stewart Golf Club where we played the Strand course. More of a commercial set up but with the same friendly Irish welcome. There are three golf courses at Port Stewart, with The Strand being the home of the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. As you drive into the carpark, you’ll notice the road continues to a huge beach off to your right. A drive on beach was clearly popular with locals and visitors alike. The first tee box is elevated and takes in that vista view across the Atlantic Ocean before your eyes are drawn down the fairway. The sand dunes are in play, go over if you’re brave, but I speak with knowledge, you cant go through! The fairways neatly sit amongst the high dunes scoping out the way ahead. Be prepared to climb hill and dale, but don’t forget to enjoy the views when you’re up high. Whilst the course took on more of a manicured look, it certainly wasn’t forgiving if slightly off target. We played in a 2 club wind that day. With upturned saucer greens which let the ball trickle back to your feet for the less committed golfer. A beautiful undulating golf course where you seem to be in a world of your own until you’re suddenly walking up 16 towards the club house. It did occur to me that maybe 17 and 18 had been simply added on or slotted in to make up the 18, but the par 4/5 17th and par 4 18th were no less challenging. I felt that the front nine was different to back nine with the back nine being more open space. Forward tee stats 5867 yards, par 73. Back tee stats 7094 yards Par72

Two links, both different, and one parkland course made this a special golf trip in itself, but that’s not all..

Where to eat?

Staying in Port Stewart we had dinner at Tides Restaurant, a short walk from Blackrock B&B. A family restaurant in a cafe style with views across the ocean. Eighteen Ninety Four restaurant in contrast was located upstairs at Port Stewart golf club. With out being silly prices the food was as good as fine dining. Our final choice was a bit of a random one, but a great alternative; Ocho, a Spanish tapas restaurant which was really tasty food served with atmosphere, despite being in a temporary location.

What to do when your not playing golf in Northern Ireland?

With such natural beauty all along the Antrim coast it was difficult to get it all in. A bucket list UNESCO site is the Giant’s Causeway, the short walk from the new visitor centre opened up gradually over three bays. Each bay exuding natural beauty, with the rock formations taking on the famous hexagonal shapes leading to Giants Causeway. Then you get to the final bay and its there, spread out in front of you like a dogs tongue lapping at the water. A brisk walk back up the other side of the bays left us feeling exhilarated as we looked down upon the patchwork quilt of this natural phenomenon.

Driving along the coastal route, you can’t help but notice a huge imposing building. Naturally curiosity got the better of us, so we stopped at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne just near Castlerock. Perched atop a 120ft cliff top, you can image the framed views from the large expanse of windows. Now in a derelict state, it does get the juices going as to what it’d be like to have lived in such a place.

We did a fair amount of spec sightseeing, but our final booked activity was from Ballintoy Harbour. Ballintoy is the cutest harbour you can image. It reminded me very much of the small harbours around Cornwall which I loved exploring as a kid. Ballintoy carries recent history as the scene from Game of Thrones. Maybe I should be ashamed of this, but I’ve never seen Game of Thrones!

But I have been, seen and experienced Ballintoy in the best way possible – by Ocean Kayak. Great fun as we set off and out of the cutest harbour in history into the open water with the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge as our destination. Easy paddling, wind and current with us, it didn’t take too long until we reached the rope bridge suspended between two huge rock faces. Currently closed due to covid, we were at peace as we gently kayaked into the small beach underneath. Ambling across the narrow beach, Kayak in tow, we set off to return to Ballintoy.

That’s when the fun started – the nice wind, gentle current and easy paddling going over was reversed, the wind had got up, there was even spots of rain – and it was tough – I mean really tough for someone used to wielding a golf club at best and tapping on a key board at worst! Grit and determination set in, and with bitesize strategic landmarks to conquer, we made it back safely. Blisters on both thumbs and a huge smile told the story. However, watching me ungainly disembark from that Kayak was a sight to behold, my legs had gone wobbly and I flopped out like the proverbial beached whale!

A loaded hot chocolate and a quick dash back to Belfast airport to catch the plane home finished off our trip to Northern Ireland. What a place!

Loads of memories, tick lists achieved and more to show you on youtube.

More inspiration needed?

Check out www.ireland.com/golf

Sarah Forrest is a 12 handicap golfer who is a member at Cleeve Hill GC.

Sarah is the Travelling Lady Golfer

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D – Donegal

ggg127web16th February 2021Comments OffUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Reviews – Z to A

I am showcasing one golf club a day across GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order. Full write up and more images can be found on http://golfgurugroup.blogspot.com.

Donegal Golf Club

Murvagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Does this golf course have it all?

From dead bodies to ancient food storage. From ocean side golf holes to mountains views and Forests.

Founded in 1959

As a nine hole course closer to Donegal on land called Tullycullion. Hole 13 yards bears the name of the former sight as it is in view from the 13th green.

Often referred to as Murvagh, Donegal golf club moved it current location in Murvagh in the early 1970’s. Eddie Hackett designed Donegal with 2 loops of nine holes taking inspiration from Muirfield. Not out and back as some 18 hole courses, but an inner and outer ring of nine holes each.

Eddie Hackett

Is known for saying “I find nature is the best architect, I just try to dress up what the Good Lord provides.” Going from hole number 13 a par three and the shortest hole on the course to hole number 14 a par five of 504/565 and the longest hole on the course. Testimony that Eddie Hackett did indeed within the the natural canvas as presented to him.

The par 3, 5th is their signature hole, called Valley of Tears. I wonder how it earned that name! It may be the lack of fairway, target golf is very much in order for this hole! That said the green is quite large but come up short and there is a deep bunker to catch you out. Statistically this is also the hole that has highest number of hole in ones on the course, so a mixed bag for sure.

The original design

Has had some tweaks from Pat Ruddy who is still engaged to offer advise as needed. Ruddy has lengthened holes and done some remodelling on others, but largely the layout remains as it was from Eddie Hackett’s original design.

My opening gambit of ‘does the course have it all’ is demonstrated with its location on the Murvagh peninsular. Located near Murvagh beach, with its blue flag status, adds to the drama and contrast of the Bluestack Mountains. Ditches dissect the course in places and there is also woodland to encounter. Add the obligatory bumps and humps as if an oversized mole has left its casts of yesteryear, now grassed over. All this is in play at some point or another.

The history of the site belies it’s short history as a golf course. The 17th called Souterrain hides a series on underground chambers. Whilst not entirely sure what these chambers were used for, it is likely they were used for food storage. Other theories were to take refuge when under attack.

The first green

Was unearthed as a burial site for some unfortunate sole who’s remains were found during excavating the course in the 1990’s. This unique location also lends itself to stories such as the hole number 6. A par 5 493/514 yards with its views of The Hassons. A location in the 18th century where Irish Emigrants boarded the ‘coffin ships’ bound for a better life in the Americas.

Hole number two a par 4, 377/466 yards is the only hole that faces West, into the prevailing wind. With bunkers in play on the approach there is no let up if that wind is blowing. As you would expect the wind does come into play as it swirls around. Having the inner and outer ring does afford some level of respite on the back nine, but not a lot on the day I played!

No such story in Ireland

Would be complete without fairies or leprechauns usually whilst enjoying a pint of the black stuff. Hole number 11 is called Fairy Rath. A Rath is a ringfort, often associated with fairies and leprechauns. It has been speculated that one such ringfort existed just before the green on the 11th. Now a big dip to catch the ball on the approach. I could have used some of the infamous ‘luck of the Irish’ with my approach shot which didn’t land on the green but in the swell giving myself a tricky recovery shot.

Hole number 8

Has been voted the best Par 5 on the West Coast of Europe. It’s elevated tee and deep swells add to the drama of the blind shot to an elevated fairway.

Darren Clarke, 2011 Open Championship winner and member, states that Donegal is ‘one of my favourite courses in the World’

And who am I to argue!

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E for Enniscrone

E – Enniscrone

ggg127web15th February 2021Comments OffUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

I am showcasing one golf club a day across GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order. Full write up and more images can be found on http://golfgurugroup.blogspot.com.

Enniscrone Golf Club

Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Enniscrone also spelt Inniscrone, officially named Inishcrone is in County Sligo on the North West Coast of Ireland. Forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, this small tourist town is a big attraction for golfers too.

Starting from humble beginnings.

1918 marked the beginning

Of Enniscrone Golf Club. In 1922 medal competitions were held over three Enniscrone locations; Barta, Kilcullens Field and Scurmore Hotel varying from 9 to 4 to 6 holes respectively. In 1930 a nine hole layout was established on flat land at Barta and the course opened to membership for a fee of £1. Forty eight members joined when it opened on St Patricks Day 1931.

In 1933 a greenskeeper was employed with his horse drawn fairway mower. In 1947 a new clubhouse was built at a cost of £400. Due to war, emigration and economic depression Ireland experienced a down turn and by 1959 there were only 14 club members. In the sixties with the building of Bellacorick power station and the Moy drainage scheme bought in much needed new blood. By 1969 membership had built back up to over one hundred.

Livestock roamed the course

And the members wandering eyes were turning towards the dunes with dreams of an 18 hole links course. In 1970 Eddie Hackett was drafted in to design the course. Working alongside the committee, holes were designed with the dunes to blend into the natural terrain. In 1972 12 miles of fencing was purchased to keep the animals at bay. The first ball was driven by Eddie Hackett in August 1974. Gaining such accolades as “an undiscovered gem of a links.” By 1999 Enniscrone was ready for the next chapter in its evolution. Donald Steel was commissioned to reroute the course directly into the Dunes. He added 6 more holes and turned some of the original layout over to the new nine hole course, Scurmore. The clubhouse had an extension and the new course was re-opened in 2001.

The 18 hole course is called the Dunes measuring 5723 to 7029 yards. Labelled as a dune land course, its look is more akin to the moons surface. With huge dips and hollows being dominated and overshadowed by the dunes, some of the highest in Western Europe.

When you’re sat in the clubhouse

And it is blowing a hooley out there, you might be forgiven for thinking, maybe tomorrow. But there was no tomorrow for me, it was that day or no day, and I was not going to miss out on playing Enniscrone!

It took a few holes to get into the swing of things, literally! Dog legs, elevated greens and those dunes surrounding a punch bowl green – and that was only on the first hole.

The whole course

Was in such amazing condition. Tee boxes were like islands of vibrant green amidst the long swaying grass. A dot to dot of tee boxes heading in the direction of the fairway and putting surface in the distance.

Whilst the dunes have been noted as some of the highest, the dips added to the drama and depth of the dunes too. Most likely remnants of the ice age, those swells must have been deep icy ponds before receding to create the natural crators of today.

Stunning views over Killala Bay, the Moy Estuary and Bartragh Island one way. In stark contrast are the wild and rugged Nephin and Ox Mountain ranges. There is always something to look at when playing Enniscrone.

Hole number 12

Is the hole that always sticks in my mind. I was starting to get used to the near perfect fairways, the short cut greens where the ball may, or may not, stay up. But nothing prepared me for the 12th. I recall standing there thinking blimey, if I miss that I’m into a whole lot of trouble!

Called Cnoc na gCorp translated means the Hill of Hunger or Hill of Bodies. I was determined not to be a casualty of this beautiful hole. Despite it luring me into its green, carved out of the side of a sand dune! A par 4 of 262/347 yards SI 16/3. The exit off the tee was much more thought provoking from the back tees than the forward ones.

But the shot to the green was the same challenge. A huge swell in front of the green before your eyes are drawn up to the green. Seamlessly moving from a fairway, to the apron to the green was a trick of the eye as you weighed up your approach shot. It has to be said, I’m not one to over think things, so I just hit it to the green after a less than perfect drive. To my shock it ended up on the dance floor.

Other holes had almost split level fairways, pot hole bunkers and the inevitable lunar links feel. The bunkers, were often quite deep and occasionally in multiples of 2 or 3 across the fairway at an angle offering little respite with any wayward shots. They often complimented the other side of the fairway which might challenge you with a deep swell or high dune.

Playing Enniscrone was a delight, and yes I did enjoy the Irish hospitality at the 19th too!

F for Flamborough Head

G – Galway Bay

ggg127web13th February 2021Comments OffUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

I am showcasing one golf club a day across GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order. Full write up and more images can be found on http://golfgurugroup.blogspot.com.

Galway Bay

Renville, Oranmore, County Galway, Ireland.

There is something quite familiar about Galway Bay, and until recently I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. Then it came to me! Every year we sing about Galway Bay along with the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl in the classic Fairytale of New York!

Arriving at Galway Bay

I genuinely had no idea what I might expect, I don’t always like to research where I’m going so it doesn’t cloud my personal judgement or generate any preconceptions. So I didn’t know if this course was a links, parkland or heathland.

I was playing some of the courses along the Wild Atlantic Way with a few other journalists when we stopped at Galway Bay. A warm welcome was upon us in no time in a bustling modern clubhouse having a quick warm up before playing. When I say warm up, I mean drink in huge coffee cups, not on the driving range!

Ready to play

We set off up hole one and back down hole two, before moving away again from the clubhouse. This time in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean. Whilst being so close to the Ocean, it isn’t a links course. It is a good strong parkland course laid out to enjoy the sea views as well as the sea breeze.

Former Ryder Cup player and Snr British Open winner, Christy O’Connor, Jnr is the golf course designer. His plan was to create a course in tune with nature, whilst accommodating golfers of all abilities. A man with a plan, he drew from his vast experience as golfer. With the rugged Galway Bay as the backdrop, trees bunkering and water hazards were finely tuned to give us the golf course of today.

I recall the putting surfaces to be consistently good.

That in itself can’t be an easy task bearing in mind its location and the ever changing wind direction. Playing the eleventh hole a par 4 333/423 yards, SI 2/3 was good fun with its drive over water to a dog leg left. Bunkers aplenty and the clubhouse in sight.

But turn back away again to take on the 12th, a great hole playing quite differently from the forward and back tees. 384/469 yards SI 14/1 and a par 5 forward, par 4 back tees. It is a hole to bat cleverly and play for position. A dog leg right as it drops down the hill to the green with the Atlantic in front of you as you take on the water to the green. This hole is often featured amongst the top 18 holes in Irish golf. With views to the Burren, Co Clare; one of six nations parks in Ireland, the Aran Islands, Connemara and Galway City.

There were a few holes

Where the back and forward distances differences were quite large, with the par threes, being a little more even for distance on the front nine. With water featuring over 10 of the 18 holes, maybe that’s one of the reasons?

My game that day was a bit up and down, a few blobs then pars, with the back nine giving me some points back after a very lack lustre front nine! But I loved the feel of this club, playing a great parkland golf course with its natural beauty was a bonus after the welcome received in the clubhouse.

Nine miles away is Galway, City of the Tribes and the Cultural Heart of Ireland. And the heart of a good night out too!

H for Hankley Common

M – Mount Juliet

ggg127web7th February 2021Comments OffUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabet order. It is my ode to some great and in some cases, unknown golf. Full write up’s can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot or on golfgurugroup website under the Travelling Lady Golfer tab.

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I.

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Mount Juliet

Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

Wahoo another great parkland course, who’s relative newness doesn’t detract from it being a fantastic play and location just an hour and half from Dublin.

This beautiful Irish country Estate extends to approx 500 acres with the River Nore shaping its very existence as it dissects the 180 acre golf course.

Completed just 30 years ago

In 1991 Jack Nicklaus was called in to give it his signature treatment. This basically means he got involved and visited the sight personally before coming up with this little gem of a course. It has to be said, at first glance, I would not have said it was a Golden Bear design. I can usually tell if a course is one of his, but this one was tricky for me to pin point its designer.

Mount Juliet is fun to play, it’s takes in the established estate and works with the mass of water to bring that in play too. Hole 4, par 4 292/404 yards is a tight driving hole which seemed to narrow in the middle before opening up to the shot to the green. Or so you think, in fact the entrance to the green is also narrow. Water sits to the right of the green too, making it on in 2 is quite a challenge!

It was one of my first experiences of a Nicklaus course, and I recall at the time being impressed by the splodge bunkers, I now know are a trait of his. Typically in play for the drive, the bunkers became less attractive as the round went on!

Water and bunkers

Do play a big part of the design of Mount Juliet. There are around 80 bunkers. Five lakes were also constructed to come into play over 6 holes but this does enhance Mount Juliet’s natural and unique beauty. It is little wonder it was voted best Parkland Golf Course in 2008 and 2010 and more recently the same from Golfers Guide to Ireland.

The 16th, a par 4 335/452 yards is a strange one. A slight dog leg from the back tees but playing straight from the forward tees. Out of bounds on the left. The inevitable bunkering more likely to catch the back tee players. Then this little splodge bunker in front of the green. Nothing weird about that, right? Behind the green is where you feel as though you’ve playing a desert course. A very large expanse of sand which almost envelopes the green itself. In fact if that desert bunker wasn’t there, with it being out of bounds behind it, I guess it does save the golfer a little?

Measure 7,000 yards

It has been built to stage championship golf. The Irish Open was meant to me played here last year but wasn’t due to Covid. With many a top golfers already given the opportunity to play Mount Juliet, I’m sure it won’t be long until it hosts another punchy event soon.

It is a number of years since I played Mount Juliet. I often wonder about changes that might have happen to improve the course and whether those changes actually have improved it. It seemed pretty special to me when I played there!

But what of its name?

Several changes in name for the estate have included Waltons Grove and Kendals Grove, depending on who owed the Estate at that time. But as we all enjoy a good love story, it was the Earl of Carrick who named it Mount Juliet after his wife, Lady Julianna Butler, aka Juliet.

Hotel accommodation is also available on site.

N for Newport

R – Rosapenna

ggg127web2nd February 2021Comments OffUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I. It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland. Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab. So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.

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Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort

Rosapenna, Sheephaven Bay, Downings, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 PN73, Ireland

What does your mind conjure up when you think family run golf resort?

Are you struck with fear that there a once beautiful haven has little investment made into the property or golf course? The rooms are a bit too homely with animal hairs being a major feature. Not to mention that musty or cheap cleaning fluid smell as you enter your standard box blue print room which could be anywhere in the world? Well if that the case, forget it as Rosapenna is nothing like that!

When I reflect on Rosapenna

I remember the home comforts; from the friendly check in to the freshly baked cookies in a jar in your room. The warmth and comfort of the bed in the generous sized authentically decorated rooms. It’s a fine balance between a family run hotel and a home. I think the Casey family at Rosapenna have hit the nail on the head with their perfectly located hotel overlooking Sheephaven Bay.

I arrived at Dublin airport and picked up a hire car. Whilst a good three and half hour drive to Rosapenna. Passing into and back out of Northern Ireland before reaching my final destination on the northerly tip of Eire was a great experience. Whilst I did enjoy my drive, you can also fly into Belfast at just over two hours away or Derry just over an hour away

Irelands home of golf since 1893

With the original links designed by Old Tom Morris and revisions from Harry Vardon and Harry Colt. The later addition of another golf course, Sandy Hills, in 2003 was designed by Pat Ruddy. With some softening of the design being done by Beau Welling of Quinta do Lago (North) fame.

Marked differences in the two designs of the two complimentary courses are Old Tom routed his course around the dunes. Whereas Pat Ruddy went straight through them, presumably where the name Sandy Hills comes from?

I didn’t play the Old Tom Morris Links, only Sandy Hills, so this is the focus for this article.

A modern links designed in by Pat Ruddy and Frank Casey (Snr) in 2003.

Built to lend a test to any golfer

Clever tricks of the eye are often in play as the course looks narrow from the tee yet, the landing points carved out of the dunes are surprisingly achievable. With Marram grass lining the fairways keeping the ball in play, is essential for a round of golf the you can hang your head high at the 19th. Some of the greens have been cut into the dunes or on elevated plateaus for added interest and testing of ones golf nerve.

Tightly mowed fairways

Slick greens and some elevated tees. This course has been built to expand to its maximum length of 7255 yards. But of course, you don’t have to play the back tees! Just elect to play from the tees that work best for you to enjoy this new style links course. Most of the holes run North to South, along the dune ridges and in parallel to the front nine of Old Tom Morris links. Creating a sense of seclusion with the Muckiest Mountain as the backdrop.

I recall playing down the fairway, just going about my business hitting the ball. I looked up and saw the view of the beach and bay spread out in front of me. It was a breathtaking moment to stop, reflect and enjoy, before being rudely dragged back to tackling that little white ball again!

Take a few days to enjoy Rosapenna, play its golf and just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding you. If you need a little more encouragement, this 800 acre estate on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Donegal Coast also offers health and wellbeing centre and a billiard/card room. Of course the usual putting green and driving range are available to use too, to get you into the golf mindset before having it blown by playing one or both of the championship courses.

In summary, there was a certain ‘newness’ about playing Sandy Hills but this enhanced the overall experience when playing such a beautiful course.

I hope to return one day and play the Old Tom Morris course and have another go at Sandy Hills now it has matured a little more. And of course to get another batch of those wonderful cookies in my room whilst I sit and enjoy the view over Sheephaven Bay.

S – Southerndown

T – The Island

ggg127web31st January 2021Comments OffUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

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The Island Golf Club

The Island Golf Club, Corballis, Donabate, Co Dublin, Ireland

Founded in 1890, The Island GC is one of the first twelve golf clubs in Ireland. It’s the third oldest in Dublin, predating Portmarnock by four years. Despite its name The island is not on an island but on a spur of land with the sea on three sides. For the first 100 years of the clubs life, even up until 1973, access to the golf course was via boat, across the estuary from Malahide. In the early days golfers would be dropped off for their round of golf. A large red and white disc hanging on the side of the clubhouse, was the signal to the boatsmen to collect the golfers for their return. If the weather became inclement the only way back was around the inlet. Whilst today this poses no problem, back then it was a long and arduous journey. In fact The Island is now only 15 minuets from Dublin Airport by road today.

Described as the definition of Links golf, The Island is one of the finest links courses with Fred Hawtree, Eddie Hackett and more recently Martin Hawtree having stakes in its evolving design.

It is true to say that when I played The Island, I played the old design, so I will endeavour to give you a brief synopsis of the redesigned front nine. The back nine was always the stronger of the two, so largely remains unchanged.

Mackenzie & Ebert

Were appointed to look at elevating the plan of the front nine to match the back. As luck would have it Martin Hawtree had built an extra hole, the 19th. So incorporating this into the new design, the weaker 8th and 9th have been shuffled along to give us the course today. The creating of new sand dunes was not taken lightly. The objective was to recreate natural dunes in the places the new design needed. Analysis was done on the existing dunes and with careful planning the building was undertaken to achieve such a task. It has been said that the new par 3 fourth hole will become one of the best short links holes anywhere. These works were completed last year (2020).

As the course is naturally nestled between some of the highest sand dunes in golf which is a test in itself for golfers. With the introduction of the new front nine, leaves me wanting to go back and play The Island again …. and again.

Standing on the tee

On a reasonably sunny but cold day, I was blown away by the sheer natural beauty of this golf course laid out in front of me. As if large historic worms had burrowed around the fairways, leaving mounds now over grown with long grasses. The scene were something akin to a lunar landscape. The fairways also carried the tame version of those earth worm mounds. Which added to the drama of the course, especially when the sun was shining and shadows created. I do recall playing with the water on the right hand side, hitting a cracking shot which went slightly right towards the water and towards the OOB. But I was feeling quite smug thinking, thats good, I’m safe. But I didn’t find that ball, I was mortified as I saw ‘exactly where it went’, but obviously I didn’t! I became an Island victim, by not taking this course seriously enough!

I loved playing on the greens at The Island, thinking how smooth (and fast) they were, they are a pleasure to play on.

Who would have thought that in 1887 four men and a boat could have had the foresight to build a golf course on this beautiful peninsular. Created by a syndicate of ten wealthy men negotiating a lease on the land and offering up to five clubhouses in the early days. Mens membership tickets were admitted in 1896 with women’s membership tickets being admitted the following year. The syndicate model was passed down until 1952 when the syndicate of that time handed over the entire interest in the club to its existing members.

A true traditional members golf club with nice friendly people to greet you.

U for Ullapool Golf Club