Hooked: Ireland's Golf Courses

Doubling Down on Rory at the Masters with Your Golf Travel

2026-03-31T08:31:00.002+01:00

Rory's win at the Masters last year triggered more than £1m in free holidays for Your Golf Travel customers. It was so successful – over 1,600 golfers benefited, with bookings across 19 countries – that YGT have brought the campaign back for 2026.

Now, I apologise as I’ve posted this far too late – the promotion ends today – but I admire YGT for doubling down on a back-to-back Rory victory as well as giving golfers the opportunity to ‘win’ a free golf trip. It’s a brave move, and a smart one. Your Golf Travel sends more than 240,000 golfers each year to 3,500-plus destinations, in 24 countries. It could cost them a pretty penny, but the marketing kudos and coverage was massive last year… so imagine what it would be like this year!

Here are some more details:

If Rory retains his Green Jacket at Augusta next month, Your Golf Travel is offering those who book a YGT holiday by the end of March (and pay in full) their next trip for free*. (T&Cs apply)

Under the terms of the enterprising promotion, any golfers making a new qualifying booking before March 31, 2026, will receive the entire value of their trip back as a free credit* to use against their next booking if Rory wins the 2026 Masters.

Ross Marshall, executive chairman and co-founder of Your Golf Travel, said last year’s outcome demonstrated that the concept delivers in dramatic fashion.

“When Rory won at Augusta, it triggered over £1 million in credits for our customers. We delivered” he said. “It created a genuine shared moment, and we’re delighted to be offering golfers the opportunity to experience that magic feeling again.”

“The Masters is the week every golfer watches. If Rory goes back-to-back, thousands of golfers will have their own reason to celebrate.”

Applies to new golf holiday bookings made with Your Golf Travel between March 3 and March 31, 2026 (inclusive) with a travel date between September 1, 2026 and 31st October, 2027 (inclusive) and for which payment in full has been made, by credit or debit card, between 00.01 on March 3 and 23.59 on March 31, 2026.

For more information please visit: https://www.yourgolftravel.com/back2back

My Top 10 Golf Highlights of 2025

2025-12-22T19:31:00.005+00:00

Very much a personal selection of highlights from my year... otherwise Rory winning The Masters would be right at the top, obviously!

(Not necessarily in order.)

1 Druids Glen Video
Druids Glen asked me to produce a video for the resort’s social media channels, celebrating autumn on the golf course. It was short – one minute – but it was both an education and an exhilarating experience putting it all together. I spent two days at the course, shooting dozens of clips, editing them to the right size and adding music. There may be more to follow, in 2026, but the first one will always carry a certain pride.
During my visits I also got to see the elusive kingfisher that calls the par-3 8th hole home. It moved too fast to capture on camera or video, but I’ll try again next year.

2 Dingle and the Battle of Clubhouse Food
Golf clubs have a real challenge when it comes to clubhouse food. It’s hard to make it financially viable. I visited over 70 Irish golf courses this year, and while I didn’t eat at all of them, I ate at enough to know that while the majority serve good food, it is the rare one that serves exceptional food. And that rare one is Dingle Golf Links. The restaurant is a destination in itself.

3 Meeting Jerome Bettis
Absolutely nothing to do with golf… but because of golf I got to meet one of my American Football heroes. Jerome Bettis, nicknamed ‘The Bus’, was the full back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, from 1996 to 2005.
Fairways and FunDays looked after the Pittsburgh Steelers management team, which came to Ireland for the Steelers vs Vikings game at Croke Park. Jerome (far right in pic below) played with Ben Roethlisberger at Portmarnock and I was tasked with taking photographs of the Steelers’ day at the famous links. It was a real thrill and I got to chat with Jerome on the famous par-3 15th.

4 Front Cover
As a photographer there is nothing quite like the knowledge that you were in the right place at the right time… for just a few seconds.
After playing Co Sligo with friends, I left the bar at sunset as I wanted to get behind the 17th green, for a photograph across the sea. A teenager was preparing to take a shot, heading down 18, with the sun directly behind him. I had just enough time to snap off a couple of frames.

Not only did I get lucky with the shots I took, but after posting it on social media the Irish Examiner got in touch and said they wanted to use it on the front cover of the newspaper. It is my first front cover.

5 Making Par

I have played the brilliant Enniscrone probably 20 times, usually as part of the Atlantic Coast Challenge. The par-3 17th has always been my nemesis and, until 2025, I had never made par. Not impressive for a single-figure handicapper. Trust me, July 9th, 2025, was a major hurdle overcome.

I ended that round with 39 Stableford points and thought that on a tough day, playing from the White tees, I might be in with a shout. Not so. 47 points won it!

6 Patron’s Day at Royal Portrush
Who doesn’t want to play an Open championship course in the year it’s hosting the Open!

I was invited to play in the club’s Patrons Day. The stands for the Championship were being erected, the course was ours for the day and the sun was splitting the sky. I three-putted at least 10 times and got beaten badly at every turn, but when you’re playing a world-class course like Royal Portrush, with good people and the course in superb condition, how can that be anything but an unforgettable experience.

7 Video Reviews

My goal of posting three to four golf course video reviews a year slipped up – again – as I only managed two: Bunclody and Macreddin. Still, it’s a huge amount of fun doing the filming and putting the videos together.

Find them here:

Bunclody Review Here

Macreddin Review Here

8 Curracloe Links

I have visited the course several times over the past two years and watching a brand new golf course take shape is a privilege. I photographed it when there were still trees standing and I have photographed it several times since, as things took shape, bit by bit, and the trees disappeared. Straka and Fry are the core design team – of Erin Hills fame – with Jeff Lynch the Irish architect managing the day to day operations.

The course is going to be fascinating to play and it will be unlike anything else on this island. It opens in 2026.

9 Royal Portrush (Valley)

The second course at Royal Portrush received a major makeover by Mackenzie & Ebert a few years ago, ahead of the 2019 Open Championship. It received another big upgrade by the same designers in 2024/25, with three brand new holes added.

There are other changes, too, but when you have a links of this calibre – and very much under-appreciated, in my opinion – any changes made are going to stir interest around the world.

It was an honour to visit and play the course.

10 Druids Glen Clubhouse Frames

The new clubhouse at Druids Glen needed some serious colour to brighten up the joint. Bare walls everywhere. Now they have 14 large frames of my images across the two floors.

It’s a real buzz seeing this work displayed so prominently.

ENNISCRONE LINKS NAMED AS 'IRISH GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR'

2025-12-08T21:22:00.002+00:00

My experiences of the links at Enniscrone go back many years. Back to a time when the course started with Eddie Hackett’s two par-5s. I only played that layout once before it was transformed into the beauty it is today. And that beauty has been rewarded on many occasions, including on Friday night.

Enniscrone received the Irish Golf Course of the Year for 2025, at the Golf Course Awards, held at the Emirates Stadium, London.

The award represents another milestone for the club, which was founded in 1918 and has since expanded into 27-holes along the shores of Killala Bay.

The Dunes Championship course is one of Ireland's top links, with rugged terrain and towering dunes next to the sea.

The Dunes officially opened in 2001, after six new additional holes designed by Martin Ebert and Donald Steel were added to the 18-hole layout created by Eddie Hackett in the 1970s. As good as Eddie’s layout was, the six additional holes elevated the course to new heights.

Having received news of the award, Enniscrone's General Manager Keith O'Neill said: “We are incredibly proud to be named Ireland’s Golf Course of the Year.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team — from our staff to the many volunteers who have contributed so much over the years. Their commitment to excellence has helped shape the course into what it is today.”

Enniscrone, like so many Irish links, is making changes to improve the golf course and the golf experience. Those changes are being made by the highly regarded McKenzie and Ebert.

This is a thriller of a links and one of the biggest golf adventures on the island. It is exhilarating, it is untamed, it is brilliant. It should be played by everyone.

The Perfect Christmas Golf Gift

2025-12-06T07:37:00.002+00:00

Around now, I typically do a Christmas ‘golf gift guide’ for the Irish Examiner newspaper.

Most of the stuff on the list is Irish and most of it is focused on golf gifts, although a few stray off course.

One that definitely doesn’t is my Irish Golf Calendar for 2026. All Irish courses, all taken by me, designed in Ireland and printed in Ireland. A4 in size, it opens up to A3, comes with the big tournaments listed (amateur and professional) across the 12 months.

Courses included are as follows:

Portstewart (Strand)
Millicent
St Annes
Co Sligo
Bunclody
Enniscrone
Rathsallagh
Powerscourt (West)
Portsalon
Macreddin
Old Head
Killarney (Killeen)

So, if you’re looking for a Christmas gift – either for your favourite golfer, yourself or your fourball buddies – an Irish Golf Calendar will tick all the boxes… and inspire a visit to Ireland’s golf courses in 2026.

Cost (includes Delivery)

€20.50 within Ireland

€28.00 for everywhere else.

If you would like more than one calendar, please let me know and I will investigate additional postage costs if applicable.

Payment:
Payment can be made via:

PayPal (for Irish and international customers), or
Through bank transfer (for Irish customers only).

If you have a PayPal account, please make the payment, in Euro, to kevin@kevinmarkham.ie

If you do not have a PayPal account you can still pay on the platform – please email me at kevin@kevinmarkham.ie and I will send you a money request.

If in Ireland, please email me and I will forward the bank transfer details.

Many thanks and Merry Christmas!

Golf Writing in the AI Age

2025-04-16T13:34:00.000+01:00

A small icon appeared on the screen of my Word document the other day. I had updated my laptop’s operating system the night before and now there was this icon lurking on the left border of my page. It looked like a sandwich. I clicked it. Up popped a ‘Draft with Copilot’ box. Not knowing what I was getting into, I decided to investigate.

I typed: “Describe Royal County Down Golf Club” After a few seconds, my screen was filled with words. 800 of them. Here’s a snippet:

The Championship Links course, designed by Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, and Harry Colt, is a true test of golf. The course is characterized by its rugged dunes, gorse-lined fairways, and fast, undulating greens. Signature holes include the 4th and 9th, which offer stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains.

I mean, that’s not bad, is it? Simple, accurate, to the point. The entire blurb was acceptable, if a little soulless. I took a screenshot of the entire 800 words and posted it on X, asking for feedback. I didn’t say who had written it. Several people correctly guessed that it was AI-generated. Others did not. It was good enough for people not to notice. And those were the most basic search criteria I could have used.

I tried something else: “Describe Royal County Down, flowery prose”. Here are two sentences from the text that came back:

The morning mist often lingers, casting a mystical veil over the lush fairways and whispering tales of golfers past. As the sun ascends, its golden rays unveil a canvas of rich greens and vibrant heathers, painting a scene that is both tranquil and invigorating.

Let’s be honest, the second attempt is such over-the-top drivel it reeks of someone – or something – who ingested a Thesaurus and then threw up. But it didn't take more than a few moments for AI to produce it.

Even so, it is worrying on many levels what AI can do. In a second, it can produce 800 words that do a decent job of describing one of the best golf courses in the world. AI-generated content will only get better as it is fed more and more information. And we are feeding the machine! X introduced new terms in November 2024, which grants the platform permission to train its AI with user data – i.e. posts from everyone on X – whether you want it to or not.

Where does that leave writers, be they focused on golf… or anything? Ultimately, it comes down to personality and soul. Every writer has a unique style and will deliver information in an individual way, but the AI is learning and adapting fast.

It would be easy to take what Copilot produced for Royal County Down, give it a ‘personal’ touch, and then claim it as your own. Easy peasy, job done. School teachers and college lecturers must be tearing their hair out.

For a laugh, I tried a final version: “Describe Royal County Down, hip young person”

Alright, so imagine you're at Royal County Down, and it's like nature decided to throw the ultimate golf party. This place is straight-up iconic. It's nestled right between these epic Mourne Mountains and the chill vibes of the Irish Sea. The fairways? They're a total mood…

Now I’m the one who feels like throwing up.

A Q&A with Peter McEvoy OBE

2025-04-08T09:01:00.001+01:00

I spoke to Peter McEvoy for an interview on his life and, in particular, his work on Druid's Glen (with Jeff Lynch, reGolf), which was settling in after a major overhaul.

From February 2023

We decided it was time to get inside Peter McEvoy’s head, to peel back his thoughts for Druid’s Glen and to learn some more about his design experiences. We even have a brief few words on his playing career and major successes. He has, after all, won many prestigious titles, competed in six Open Championships – making the cut three times – and three Masters – making the cut in 1978. And all while an amateur. His name is mentioned alongside the greatest amateurs in the game over the past 50 to 60 years, including Sir Michael Bonallack, Gary Wolstenholme and, of course, Joe Carr.

The attention to detail and conditioning of Druids Glen
was at the level of 'perfection'

Q. What were your initial thoughts when you first heard about the Druids Glen redesign?

Peter McEvoy (PM): I thought ‘I hope I get it’. I had never been to Druids Glen and when I first went to see it… well, who wouldn't want to do that.

Q. On your early visits what did you think were the course’s strongest elements?

PM: The big thing about Druids Glen is what a fantastic natural site it is. I can't think of another course where nature has blended so beautifully, working through the valleys, creating holes like the 8th, 12th, 13th. I just thought it had been done beautifully. Yes, there were certain things that we had to do but the core of the course, the way it blended in with nature, we wanted to keep that as best we could.

Q. And where did you see the greatest opportunity for change?

PM: It wasn’t so much the greatest ‘opportunity’ for change, but the greatest requirement for change. Because the game has changed so much in 30 years, particularly the distance the ball goes the bunkers were in the wrong places for elite players. The course yardage at 6900 was also on the short side, particularly if the aspirations were to host another Irish Open. So the requirement was to gain some length and reposition some of the hazards to keep up with the modern game.

Approach to the par-5 5th

Q. How are the changes going to affect the member/visitor from the more forward tees?

PM: If anything, we have actually tried to make it easier for the club golfer. The semi-mature trees planted when Druids Glen was first designed had matured. As a result, the course had become a little claustrophobic with some narrow fairways. The bunkers originally intended for elite players were now in play for club golfers. So we widened the fairways and thinned out trees, and, in many cases, the bunkers are now beyond the reach of the higher handicap golfer. The new greens are also bigger, typically, albeit that pins can be hidden away.

Now, if you are playing off forward tees, you are playing to wider fairways and bigger green targets. I think the course is therefore a little more playable. However, it is playing harder and yet easier at the same time… depending on which tees you are playing from. For example, on the 8th hole we have made that green very much bigger but we have also created some very difficult pin positions on the back left and the back right. There are a lot of pin positions that aren’t difficult, like the central area, but from the back tee to a back pin position it’s a killer. With the budget we had for the project we have been able to create bigger greens that can be easy and difficult at the same time.

Q. What was the one thing that immediately jumped out at you?

PM: I just felt it was fairyland with babbling brooks and natural valleys and amphitheatres, like the 8th. I was lucky enough to play in three Masters and you can’t help but compare Druids Glen with Augusta. Some of the things are so similar – the natural shapes – but I have to say that Druids Glen is a better site. It’s much less hilly and has more features than Augusta, which is also a bit artificial.

Q. What was the most challenging element you and the team faced?

PM: Finding that extra length. We wanted an extra 300-400 yards to get it up to 7,300 yards which, by today’s standards, is not that long. That was a challenge as most of the tees were already up against the back walls. But we found some good length when the new 4th green allowed us to relocate the 5th tee to where the old 4th green had been. We found some length on the 11th with the tee moving back onto the island, and also on the 1st where the back tee is part of the new practice green. The 16th back tee was an easy one as we could go back almost as far as we liked. It’s close to 600 yards now.

Q. Now that the job is complete what elements of the redesign are you most happy with?

PM: The thing I’m most happy with, that gave me most satisfaction, is that after several member walk-arounds the members said to me that it is still their golf course. I didn’t want it to be any different to that. I just wanted it to accommodate the changes in the modern game… but still be the same course. That has given me the most pleasure.

Q. And what do you think will really impress the members (and returning visitors)?

PM: Technology has moved on in the past 30 years and that means the discipline of, say, designing and building greens has also moved on. We were extremely fortunate to be given the budget to complete this project absolutely properly. That has made a big difference and we must thank the Nevilles for that. We were able to build everything to top spec which means members will enjoy superb conditioning. I think that is the most important thing for any golf course. The flow and natural features are the same but conditioning will be everything.

The new 4th green

Q. What made you decide to become a designer?

PM: I trained as a solicitor and later set up a golf company, in 1981. Like so many young people I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing. I started with player management but I wasn’t very good at it so then I focused on events. Eventually I started to consult with people who had set up new golf courses, helping them with the constitution of their clubs and their relationships with housing developments and hotels. And I just got my chance one day when they hadn’t got a designer and I put my hand up… and it was Fota Island.

Like so many golfers, I drive down the motorway, look into fields and design holes. So this was something I always wanted to do and Fota Island was my chance. It was my first full design. The trouble is, you can have all that golfing knowledge but there is so much more to course design, such as drainage and agronomy. So I teamed up with people who had that knowledge. I did that at Fota… and I do it still.

I worked with Christie O’Connor Junior. He was a very compelling person and he was good at everything… entertaining people all day long and a great golfer. And I worked with him again at Rathsallagh.

Q. And looking back now is there anything you would have done differently?

PM: I made the mistake of trying to create 18 feature holes, particularly 18 feature greens. You get so excited that it’s your first design that you take all of your ideas and experience and pile them in together. But you can’t have 18 feature holes because you have to give golfers a break. If you create those holes the course becomes too oppressive and I know that the greens have been redone at Fota, largely because I went at it too enthusiastically. I loved the process of designing it and I am very pleased with the layout – I wouldn’t change anything there – it was just that I was trying to make every hole extremely special.

Like everything in life you learn more from your mistakes than you do from your successes. And even now, every time I go back to a course, all I can see are problems and issues, and I wonder ‘what was I thinking!’.

Q. How many courses have you designed?

PM: I’ve designed 33 courses in eight countries.

Peter McEvoy with Colin Montgomerie, and the
Greenkeeping team at Druids Glen

Q. What is your proudest design achievement (Not Druids Glen)?

PM: I have done two holes in walled gardens – at Coollattin and New Forest – which I really like because I’ve never seen them anywhere else. I find them very interesting and idiosyncratic. But in terms of one course, I do really like New Forest. It’s a course I enjoyed doing and it’s a lovely site. I thought it turned out really nicely. Obviously though, Druids Glen is the answer if it was allowed.

Q. What other design projects are you/will you be working on?

PM: I will be 70 next month so I am very selective these days. I have a nice project near Doncaster and quite a lot of little bits of remodelling here and there.

Q. Can you give us a brief summary of your playing career?

PM: I had two main playing careers: the late 70s was the first when I won the Open Amateur in ‘77 and ‘78, and the Silver Medal in 78 and 79. I was playing a lot around that time and while I never stopped playing international golf I didn’t commit to it so much in the early 80s, when I was setting up my company. But once it was firmly established I committed to playing again, mainly because I felt that if I didn’t do it then I never would. It was then that I won the individual (and team) in the Eisenhower Trophy, in 1988, and we won the Walker Cup away from home for the first time the following year.

Opening Day at Druids Glen

Q. How much golf do you still play? And where?

PM: I try to play every other day or at least some part of the game just to keep my eye in. I play at Royal Troon. We moved to Ayrshire about five years ago and my family came from this part of the world originally. Even if it’s only hitting a few chips it is good to have a club in my hand. Handicap is +2.

Q. Your proudest achievement in playing the game or managing a team?

PM: I think winning the individual in the world championships – Eisenhower Trophy – in 1988 because it involved both individual and team elements. I went out last and it was very clear, even before I teed off that it was going to be on me to win the team event as well as the individual. That was a weight on my shoulders especially as it was strokeplay. I felt under tremendous amounts of pressure but I came through. I know it’s politically correct to say it is all about the team but you never lose the fact that you are trying to do things for yourself. That’s how it starts in golf and that never leaves you. And when I was captain of teams I always liked people who played for themselves because they are the real winners.

Q. Which part of the game did you find easiest?

PM: Driving. I’ve always been a pretty good driver of the ball, certainly relative to other things. As I have got older and worse, so equipment has got better and made things easier so I have kept it going.

The 'new' 13th, with the giant lime trees to the left of
the green all removed.

Q. And which was your greatest torment?

PM: Putting … as it is for most people. I have had bad times with putting and if I look back at things with regret it is nearly always a missed putt. You just have to get through it and come out the other end.

Q. In a parallel universe, I’m about to design my first ever golf course… what’s the most important piece of advice you would give me?

PM: Don’t try to do 18 feature holes. I’m sure you would be susceptible to doing exactly that because you’ve got your chance. But you have to learn that there is a flow to 18 holes and you need to give a little bit back… so that after two tough holes you give golfers a big nice wide fairway and things like that. And it just allows for the flow and balance of the course. So fight your instinct to design 18 feature holes.

Q. In that same universe you’re allowed to work your design magic on any golf course in the world… which course is it… and what would you like to change?

PM: I gave this a bit of thought and I would go for Girvan Golf Club, which is down the road from Turnberry. It was designed by James Braid. It’s a public course but it is fabulous and the potential is huge. The first eight holes are links holes and I have never played a course that is so close to the sea. And then you cross over and play 10 holes around a river. It’s in nice condition but you could make it fantastic. Give it a little more length, but not change too much. I go there quite a bit and while it is completely different to Druids Glen it also uses what nature provides. That’s where I’d like to be given free rein.

The Dublin Bay Golf Extravaganza

2025-03-10T11:52:00.001+00:00

All eleven miles of it

The Wild Atlantic Way made waves on the tourism world stage when it was launched in 2014. Over the past decade it has been a huge success in terms of visitor numbers, visitor spend and the number of jobs supported by tourism. Put simply, between 2013 and 2023, visitor numbers increased from 6.2 million to 8 million and the value of tourism rose by 59 per cent… to €3 billion.

So, a big idea reaps big rewards. Do we have those ideas in Irish golf? I ask because they do in Scotland. And one of the stand-outs is ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’, a 12-mile stretch of coastline, east of Edinburgh, possessing 16 golf courses. It is promoted heavily and it has good recall amongst golfers.

The Island, 3rd green

In Ireland, we tend to focus on regions… such as the ‘south-west’ and the ‘north-west

coast links’ but these are geographically specific… not cosy marketing terms. There’s nothing wrong with that and we all know how successful these regions are, but there isn’t an emotional ‘trigger’. At this stage, right now, you would be hard pushed to introduce a new name for two of the world’s most famous stretches of golf courses. If anything, it would cause confusion.

That is not the case on the east coast. Open Golf Ireland (look him up on social media) got in touch after seeing the level of social media activity by Scotland’s Golf Coast, and he posed this question: how many golf courses are there between Raheny and Donabate?

How many do you reckon? It’s an 11-mile stretch, north to south, and you can venture inland just a touch.

Malahide, an under-appreciated parkland gem

We agreed on the number 13. This stretch includes world-class names (Portmarnock, Jameson Links, Royal Dublin, The Island), well known links (St Anne’s, Corballis), 9-hole beauties (Sutton), hilltop heaven (Howth) and a gang of entertaining parklands, such as Malahide and Beaverstown. It is a rich mix and one full of history, from the creation of Bull Island and Royal Dublin (Ireland’s first links) to Sutton (JB Carr) and the story behind Jameson Links. Add in some quirk – the famed boat trip to reach The Island, the orchards of Beaverstown – and you have something that could be promoted as one very neat golf package, full of fame, variety and fun.

Calling it ‘Dublin’s Golf Coast’ is too close to the Scottish name and the ‘Dublin Bay Golf Trail’ might be a bit simplistic, but you get the idea. It would reinforce the quality of courses available in north Dublin and shine a spotlight on some of the lesser known courses. It would also highlight the volume of golf available, something I believe is too often and too easily missed when golfers look at Dublin as a destination.

The 13 courses from north to south are:

Beaverstown,

Donabate,

Balcarrick,

Corballis,

The Island,

Malahide,

Jameson Links,

Portmarnock,

Sutton,

Howth,

St Annes,

Royal Dublin,

Clontarf

Rush Golf Club, approach to 1st green

And, two final thoughts: this stretch will soon include the course which is slowly taking shape on the old Deer Park course – so no unlucky 13 to worry about – and, second, it wouldn’t require much extra reach to include the brilliant Rush Golf Club.

List of 18-Hole Courses in Ireland. March 2025

2025-03-08T17:57:00.000+00:00

This is a list of Ireland's 18-hole courses, dating back to 2007. Courses that have closed, as of March 2025, are highlighted in green.

I'm not saying it's definitive - and I imagine it will be edited in the near future - but it should be almost there.

1. Abbeyleix

2. Aberdelghy

3. Adare (The Golf Course at Adare Manor)

4. Adare Manor

5. Allen Park

6. Ardee

7. Ardglass

8. Arklow

9. Ashbourne

10. Ashfield

11. Athenry

12. Athlone

13. Athy

14. Balbriggan

15. Balcarrick

16. Ballina

17. Ballinasloe

18. Ballinlough Castle (Closed 2019)

19. Ballinrobe

20. Ballybofey & Stranorlar

21. Ballybunion (Cashen)

22. Ballybunion (Old)

23. Ballycastle

24. Ballyclare

25. Ballykisteen

26. Ballyliffin (Glashedy)

27. Ballyliffin (Old)

28. Ballymascanlon

29. Ballymena

30. Ballymoney

31. Ballyneety

32. Balmoral

33. Baltinglass

34. Banbridge

35. Bandon

36. Bangor

37. Bantry Bay

38. Bearna

39. Beaufort

40. Beaverstown

41. Beech Park

42. Bellewstown

43. Belvoir Park

44. Birr

45. Black Bush

46. Blackwood

47. Blainroe

48. Blarney

49. Bodenstown (Bodenstown) (Closed 2012)

50. Bodenstown (Ladyhill) (Closed 2012)

51. Bray

52. Bright Castle

53. Bunclody

54. Bundoran

55. Butter Mountain

56. Cahir Park

57. Cairndhu

58. Callan

59. Carlow

60. Carnalea

61. Carnbeg (Closed 2010)

62. Carne

63. Carrickfergus

64. Carrick-on-Shannon

65. Carrick-on-Suir

66. Carton House (Montgomerie)

67. Carton House (O'Meara)

68. Castle

69. Castlebar

70. Castle Barna (Closed 2020)

71. Castlecomer

72. Castle Dargan

73. Castle Hume

74. Castleisland (Closed 2020)

75. Castleknock

76. Castlemartyr

77. Castlereagh Hills

78. Castlerock

79. Castletroy

80. Castlewarden

81. Charlesland (Closed 2020)

82. Charleville

83. City of Derry

84. Citywest (Closed 2020)

85. Citywest (Lakes) (Closed 2010)

86. Clandeboye (Ava)

87. Clandeboye (Dufferin)

88. Claremorris

89. Clones

90. Clonmel

91. Clontarf

92. Cloverhill

93. Cobh

94. Concra Wood

95. Connemara

96. Coollattin

97. Corballis

98. Cork

99. Corrstown

100. County Armagh

101. County Cavan

102. County Longford

103. County Louth

104. County Meath

105. County Sligo

106. Courtown

107. Craddockstown

108. Cregmore Park

109. Curra West (Closed 2017)

110. Deer Park

111. Delgany

112. Delvin Castle (Closed 2016)

113. Dingle/Ceann Sibéal

114. Donabate

115. Donaghadee

116. Donegal

117. Dooks

118. Douglas

119. Downpatrick

120. Down Royal

121. Dromoland Castle

122. Druid's Glen

123. Druid's Heath

124. Dublin City (Closed 2012)

125. Dundalk

126. Dundrum House

127. Dunfanaghy

128. Dungannon Dungarvan

129. Dungrange View R & R

130. Dun Laoghaire

131. Dunmore East

132. Dunmurry

133. Dunmurry Springs (Closed 2019)

134. East Clare

135. East Cork

136. Edenderry

137. Edenmore

138. Edmondstown

139. Elmgreen

140. Elm Park

141. Ennis

142. Enniscorthy

143. Enniscrone

144. Enniskillen

145. Esker Hills

146. European Club, The

147. Faithlegg

148. Farnham Estate

149. Faughan Valley

150. Fermoy

151. Fernhill (Closed 2016)

152. Forrest Little

153. Fortwilliam

154. Fota Island

155. Foyle

156. Galgorm Castle

157. Galway

158. Galway Bay

159. Glasson

160. Glebe (Closed 2012)

161. Glenmalure (Closed 2016)

162. Glen of the Downs (Closed 2017)

163. Gold Coast

164. Gort

165. Gowran Park

166. Gracehill

167. Grange

168. Grange Castle

169. Greenacres

170. Greencastle

171. Greenore

172. Greystones

173. Headfort (New)

174. Headfort (Old)

175. Heath, The

176. Heritage, The

177. Hermitage

178. Highfield

179. Hilton Templepatrick

180. Hog’s Head

181. Hollystown (Closed 2019)

182. Hollywood Lakes

183. Holywood

184. Howth

185. Island, The

186. Jameson Links

187. Kanturk

188. K Club, The (Palmer North)

189. K Club, The (Palmer South)

190. Kenmare

191. Kilcock

192. Kilkea Castle

193. Kilkee

194. Kilkeel

195. Kilkenny

196. Killarney (Killeen)

197. Killarney (Lackabane) (Closed 2012)

198. Killarney (Mahony's Point)

199. Killeen

200. Killeen Castle

201. Killerig (Closed 2019)

202. Killin Park (Closed 2014)

203. Killorglin (see Maine Valley)

204. Killymoon

205. Kilrush

206. Kilternan (Closed 2007)

207. Kinsale

208. Kirkistown Castle

209. Knightsbrook

210. Knock

211. Knockanally (Closed 2018)

212. Lahinch (Castle)

213. Lahinch (Old)

214. Laytown &t Bettystown

215. Lee Valley

216. Leinster Hills (Closed 2011)

217. Leopardstown

218. Letterkenny

219. Limerick

220. Lisburn

221. Lisheen Springs

222. Lough Erne

223. Loughgall

224. Loughrea

225. Lucan

226. Lurgan

227. Luttrellstown Castle

228. Macreddin

229. Macroom

230. Mahon

231. Maine Valley

232. Malahide

233. Mallow

234. Malone

235. Mannan Castle

236. Massereene

237. Mayobridge

238. Millicent

239. Milltown

240. Mitchelstown

241. Moate

242. Monkstown

243. Moor Park (Closed 2018)

244. Mountain View (Closed 2020)

245. Mountbellew

246. Mount Juliet

247. Mount Ober (Closed 2010)

248. Mountrath

249. Mount Temple

250. Mount Wolseley

251. Moyola Park

252. Moyvalley

253. Mullingar

254. Muskerry

255. Naas

256. Narin & Portnoo

257. Navan (Closed 2014)

258. Nenagh

259. Newbridge

260. Newcastle West

261. New Forest

262. Newlands

263. New Ross

264. Newtownstewart

265. North West

266. Nuremore (Closed 2023 but to re-open)

267. Old Conna

268. Old Head

269. Omagh

270. Oughterard

271. Palmerstown Estate

272. Portadown

273. Portarlington

274. Portlaoise

275. Portmarnock

276. Portsalon

277. Portstewart (Old)

278. Portstewart (Riverside)

279. Portstewart (Strand)

280. Portumna

281. Powerscourt (East)

282. Powerscourt (West)

283. Rathbane

284. Rathcore

285. Rathdowney

286. Rathfarnham

287. Rathsallagh

288. Ring of Kerry

289. Ringdufferin (Closed 2012)

290. Rockmount

291. Roe Park

292. Roganstown

293. Rosapenna (Old Tom Morris)

294. Rosapenna (Sandy Hills)

295. Rosapenna St Patrick’s

296. Roscommon

297. Roscrea

298. Rosslare Rossmore

299. Roundwood

300. Royal Belfast

301. Royal County Down

302. Royal County Down (Annesley)

303. Royal Curragh

304. Royal Dublin

305. Royal Portrush (Dunluce)

306. Royal Portrush (Valley)

307. Royal Tara

308. St Anne’s

309. St Helen’s Bay

310. St Margaret's

311. Scarke (Closed 2016)

312. Scrabo

313. Seafield (Closed 2017)

314. Seapoint

315. Shandon Park

316. Shannon

317. Silloge Park

318. Silverwood

319. Skerries

320. Skibbereen

321. Slade Valley

322. Slievenamon (Closed 2025)

323. Slieve Russell

324. South Meath

325. Spa

326. Stackstown

327. Strabane

328. Strandhill

329. Swords Open

330. Tandragee

331. Thurles

332. Tipperary

333. Tralee

334. Tramore

335. Trump International, Doonbeg

336. Tuam

337. Tulfarris

338. Tullamore

339. Turvey (Closed 2010)

340. Warrenpoint

341. Waterford

342. Waterford Castle

343. Water Rock (Closed 2020)

344. Waterville

345. Westmanstown

346. Westport

347. West Waterford

348. Wexford

349. Whitehead

350. Wicklow

351. Williamstown

352. Woodbrook

353. Woodenbridge

354. Woodlands (Closed 2013)

355. Woodstock

356. Youghal

36 courses have closed.

Irish Golf Club Investment - 2024

2025-02-21T14:44:00.005+00:00

This is a look back at the investment made by Irish golf clubs in 2024. It is by no means comprehensive but there are 64 clubs listed below, with a wide variety of work undertaken. In many cases, this work will continue into 2025.

Adare Manor (the non-Ryder Cup one)

A new practice area is under construction, employing the skills of DAR Golf and the inhouse team.

Ardee

Ken Kearney remodelled the green complexes on holes 7, 17 and 18.

Ardglass

Considerable work was carried out around the course in 2024 (under the design eye of Ken Kearney), but the big ticket items were the opening of the new 10th hole, which has changed from a par-3 into a risk and reward par-4 of approx. 300 yards, and the new par-3 17th, measuring 168 yards and playing out towards the sea. The 16th hole was also re-routed.

Athenry

In October, Athenry began a five-year plan to replace the course’s 45 bunkers with eco bunkers.

Athlone
In excellent news for Athlone Golf Club, the club is now back in member-owned hands following debt restructuring negotiations. This is a fine parkland course and the club plans small increments to course facilities and playability in future years. In 2024, the 6th tee box was replaced and new nets were installed by the 1st tee

Athy

Less golf course… more pride: Athy Golf Club established a new area for their flag poles. They can be seen from the clubhouse and behind the 9th tee.

Ballybunion

It has been mooted and rumoured for years and, in 2024, the reimagining of the Cashen course finally began. Tom Watson, alongside Graham Webster, is the leading name behind the design team tasked with making the Cashen a less fearsome beast. The aim is to have the renovated course open in four years, with four to five holes a year being upgraded. In 2024, holes 4, 5, 6 and 7 were remodelled, with an additional element of rerouting. One of the key changes will be to increase the size of greens from an average 300sq metres to 500sq metres… another is to make it less penal.

Elsewhere, EV charging points have been introduced and an impressive 600sq metres of ground-mounted solar panels (200) will enhance the club’s sustainability footprint. They are providing close to 60 per cent of the clubhouse’s electricity needs.

The practice facilities have been greatly enhanced with an upgraded state-of-the-art driving range opening in 2024.

Ballyliffin

Ballyliffin is another of the constantly-evolving golf clubs. It may be on the course or around the clubhouse but there is always a momentum roll forward, year after year. The 2024 season saw the club hosting the R&A Amateur, in June, so efforts on the course focused on fine tuning these two fine links courses in preparation for the world’s hottest amateur talent. A dedicated turf nursery has been set up and this, in particular, will help greatly with the bunker revetting. Ahead of the tournament, a new car park has been introduced with four charging points for EVs.

Ballyneety
The club’s original three-year redevelopment plan has been condensed into a single year, across 2024 and 2025. Ambition and evolution go hand-in-hand, it seems. A full rebunkering programme commenced in August 2024, with all bunkers being overhauled. The total count of 44 remains the same, despite some new bunkers being added and others removed. They will be smaller and revetted and will play a large part in giving Ballyneety and new look. The course’s seven key water features are also being fully recovered. The lake in front of the par-3 2nd has been extended by a third and now cuts across the front of the green, meaning golfers will have to carry water to reach the putting surface. The intention is to make this an early signature hole.
Design is by Ken Kearney and work by Atlantic Construction. The goal is to re-open for Easter.
In 2024, it was announced that Ballyneety would co-host the Junior Ryder Cup in 2027. Big news for a club little known beyond the region.

Blackwood Golf Centre

Six new outdoor bays were added to the driving range. All of the Centre’s practice bays now come with Top Tracer.

Bunclody

Construction of a 30-room hotel continues at Bunclody Golf Club. It sits at the back of the 3rd green, very close to the front entrance. It is due to open in 2025.

Carne

Carne put in another busy year, reflecting it’s growing reputation. Across the 27 holes, conditioning has been enhanced greens/surrounds/fairways improvement works, poorer grasses are replaced with fescue. Renovation works completed on all pathways across the 27 holes with new stone or turf covering being introduced. Elsewhere, improvements were made to the practice range, including a new range ball machine. A new practice area was developed at the side of the practice range, which includes a bunker and two chipping greens.

The golf shop was completely renovated in April, as were the men’s changing rooms. Solar panels were upgraded and now provide 30% of the club’s electricity requirements. Carne also increased its all-electric buggy fleet to 20. The club’s new website went live in April 2024.

Of increasing interest, the final design plans for the proposed Links cottages, on site, were agreed. The club is aiming to seek planning permission in the first half of 2025. This will add considerably to the attractiveness of making the journey to this end-of-the-world destination… which will be helped no doubt by a new kegroom and coolant system reinforcing the club’s reputation for the best Guinness in the West!

Castlewarden
Castlewarden started works on a redesign of the 16th hole due to course boundary issues. The par-4 Index 2 will remain much the same length, but the tee box has been moved to the left, to take the right-side boundary out of play. The hole will now be straighter with a distinct corridor of trees challenging the golfer off the tee. Due to open in March 2025.

Clandeboye

This 36-hole venue, close to Bangor, has been making several changes to the ‘smaller’ course in recent times. Volunteer work is the backbone of the old stone walls that are being revealed across the landscape, tying the courses closer to their origins, but holes are changing, too. The par-3 10th has been changed with new teeing grounds and a brand new green complex. The putting surface was long and thin… now it is 15 yards shorter and also wider. Trees to the left have been thinned to allow more light to reach the green. The par-3 3rd may not have changed in its physical form but the gorse in front of the tees has been removed – it had grown so tall that it loomed above the Red tees – thereby opening up the vista of the hole. That gorse has been replaced with three different types of heather. It is only fitting as the hole’s name is ‘Purple Alley’

Several drainage projects have been caried out, solar panels have been added to the greenkeeper sheds and new windows on the clubhouse bring more light into the restaurant and bar. The revamped men’s changing rooms also re-opened in 2024.

Corballis

The new par-4 8th hole opened in 2024. The tee was pushed further back, taking a bite out of the 11th tee, while the green was brought forward to ensure approach shots don’t threaten the caravan park. Two new bunkers have also been added short of the green.

County Armagh
It is little surprise to learn that clubs are pursuing drainage works across their courses. Co Armagh is one such course. The club has also invested in a full fleet of robot-mowers. No doubt these stir debate but it is worth combining drainage and robot-mowers together, because how else do you cut grass on areas that heavier ride-on mowers can’t reach in wet conditions?

County Sligo

Another of the big ticket items of 2024 was the start of the renovation and upgrade of Harry Colt’s magical Co. Sligo Golf Club. With Martin Ebert at the helm, this is a multiple phase redevelopment and 2024 saw the club making some ‘easy wins’ with fairway alignment (2nd hole), mixed with more substantial changes in terms of rebunkering… which includes adding new bunkers (five on the 5th, two on the 18th) and removing bunkers (5th, 10th, 18th). Greens are evolving, too, with the famous par-3 4th getting extra width on the left (for added pin positions), and the 5th being reduced in size and moved to the back half of the former green. There are many more changes in play and more to follow, and this is one project to watch and savour over the next few years.

Curracloe Links

Ireland’s newest course is due to open in 2026. Designed and built close to the dunes of Curracloe, it will possess unique links characteristics. Dana Fry and Jason Straka – of Erin Hills fame – are designing their first course in Ireland, and it will be tied in with a hotel resort and spa. Sand capping is due to commence in Spring 2025, but the site was cleared and shaped during 2024. ReGolf’s Jeff Lynch is the Irish anchor on things and DAR Golf are the team on the ground.

Dingle Links

As Dingle endeavours to continue improving its links, the 5th green was an easy target. The old greensite sat in a low part of the course which was prone to flooding and didn't offer traditional links conditions. The new green designed by Ken Kearney sits higher, with natural, gentle run offs. This new green will offer classic links shot-making opportunities. Work started late in the year and it is due to open in April. New sandscapes now appear between holes 15 and 16, and to the right of 11.

Donegal
In February 2024, Donegal Golf Club appointed Paul McGinley to develop a masterplan to redevelop the course. “Our masterplan calls for an evolution, not a revolution,” said McGinley. The goal of the work is to make the links more playable for all. Holes 16, 17 and 18 were redesigned during the first phase. 5,500 cubic metres of soil/sand were removed from the dunes on the 18th hole, offering greatly enhanced sightlines from the tee. It makes for a more welcoming and visually appealing final hole. Much of the material removed was used to create a horseshoe-shaped dune behind the 17th green to screen out the 1st green immediately behind and, again, to enhance the aesthetics.

The second phase started in late 2024, with the famous par-3 5th, Valley of Tears, being centre stage.

Dromoland Castle
The Women’s Irish Open may have moved on, after two highly successful visits to Dromoland Castle in 2022 and 2023, but the investment in the course continues. And the reputation of the course’s back nine grows ever more impressive. Holes 11 and 18 have been upgraded, with the lake adjacent to the 11th green being brought right up to the putting surface, thus removing the previous bail out area. The lake has been extended behind the green, with a swilcan bridge crossing from the green to the 12th tee. For those who remember the trees that flooded the right side, hiding the green and the main lake, this is a huge and dramatic change.
The 18th saw the completion of new tees pushed well out towards the lake. This introduces a greater element of risk & reward for those choosing to take on the lake, thus shortening this intimidating par-5. From the White tees the carry is 230 yards away.
Overall, the biggest investment in 2024 was the installation of a new irrigation system onto all fairways, tees and approaches, with additional upgrades to all greens. Expect excellent course conditions when you play.

Dungannon

As part of an extensive Master Plan, considerable work took place in 2024, at the club where Darren Clarke began his golf. Ken Kearney regraded the 4th green, and added new bunkering and upgraded bunkers around the course – on both fairways and around greens. A new short game area opened early in the year. Further work to follow.

Enniscrone

Martin Ebert has been fine-tuning the mighty Enniscrone over the past year or so. It seems only fitting since he was part of the Donald Steel team that upgraded Eddie Hackett’s original design in 2001. The focus of the recent upgrades are to holes 9, 10, 12, 13 and 18.

Fire

Two golf clubs suffered fires during 2024. At Enniscrone, the newly stocked Pro Shop – attached to the clubhouse – went on fire in April. The building was saved by the cement roof, preventing the fire from spreading.

The following month saw a much more devastating fire at Craddockstown Golf Club. It started in one of the golf buggies parked outside and spread from there. Seven golf buggies, the Pro Shop and the state-of-the-art swing room were destroyed, as was the physio clinic within the building.

Recent years have seen similar disasters. In June 2020, Kenmare’s iconic clubhouse was destroyed when an electrical fault caused a fire. And Adare Manor also suffered a major set-back, in 2017, just before re-opening under the ownership of JP McManus. A fire which started in the roof caused extensive damage to the club house, known as the Carriage House, which was close to completion.

Forrest Little

Phase 2 of the club’s rebunkering programme began in early 2024. Holes 6 and 7 are key beneficiaries of the new bunkering work in this phase. The next phase focuses on tee remodelling.

Fota Island
Fota Island has been removing and reducing the size of some of its bunkers. The left-to-right par-5 4th hole sees the two bunkers on the inside of the dogleg elbow being replaced by trees. The tee box has also been moved to create a very different driving hole, with the new trees adding an extra challenge. The bunker at the back of the par-3 7th green has also been removed, as have the bunkers on the inside elbow of the right-to-left 15th. A line of trees has been added which now forces you to play farther right, thereby leaving a longer approach. New paths have also been added around Fota Island.

Galgorm Castle

The developments at Galgorm Castle continue to continue. The golf club has established an impressive momentum and 2024 was no different, with upgrades to holes 1 to 4 the focus of attention. The investment was not confined only to the course as Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland's premier luxury hospitality group, announced a £50 million investment with the acquisition Galgorm Castle Estate (includes the golf course), in Ballymena, and Roe Park Resort, outside Limavady. An additional £22 million will be invested to enhance these two properties over the next five years.

Developments on the course were made to the dogleg 1st (new teeing ground, wood in corner of dogleg thinned, two bunkers added to the outside of the elbow, with new green complex underway.)

Galway Bay

The club is in year three of an extensive renovation programme on ‘high rough’ areas. Overgrown areas of gorse have been removed and this has reconnected the golf course – and the golfer – with the Atlantic. In addition, some areas that were previously intensely maintained have been re-wilded. The results are already apparent in areas of bio-diversity: the Irish Sky Lark, which once flourished here, traditionally nests in areas of long undisturbed grassland. The reintroduction of high rough across 12 acres of the course has seen the return of the bird. Other areas are being converted to wildflower meadow, contributing towards the All-Ireland Pollinator programme.

Construction of the onsite 4-star hotel is well underway. The 126-room hotel is set to open in Spring 2026.

Grange
The work of recent years continued at Grange with Paul McGinley Design giving the course an adjusted footprint… and one that steps towards James Braid’s original design. Bunkering, in particular, has been revisited to reflect Braid’s original style and visitors can see photographs in the clubhouse of what the Scottish designer’s bunkers once looked like. The aim is to tuck bunkers closer in to greens and while they have been made bigger, their proximity to the putting surface makes them a greater challenge to play out of. Phase 4 of the work, during 2024, also focused on hole 6, 7 and 17. The 7th tee has been raised and the Grange logo, on the side of the tee box, is clearly visible from the clubhouse. The 17th has two new bunkers added. Other work included a new path and footbridge to take golfers from the clubhouse to the 7th tee, from where ‘winter’ golf rounds often tee off.

Greenore

Greenore added new bunkers, remodelled or removed others on holes 11, 12, 13 and 15. The work also included tree removal and creating new mounding. This is another phase in the club’s development plan, with Ken Kearney at the helm.

Holywood
Holywood started a five-year plan of course improvements, in 2024. Phase one will see the filling and re-shaping of bunkers, which will be lined to ensure better drainage. Better drainage will also be installed on fairways where it is needed. The final part of phase one is the complete renovation of the 15th tee. It will be interesting to see what the home club of Rory McIlroy has in store over the next few years.

Hollywood Lakes
Opened 6 July. Took almost a year to complete. Built on the original clubhouse footprint, the new, large clubhouse includes a new Pro shop. The club completed its fairway drainage programme and that has improved the conditioning and playability across the course. This includes the spreading of 650 tonnes of sand. Elsewhere, tree clearing and tree thinning work has given the course more space… and the golfer more room to play.

Howth
The five-year programme at this Jame Braid-designed hilltop course is to revitalise three tee boxes and six bunkers a year. The programme is approaching its conclusion with new and upgraded tee boxes on holes 1, 5/8, 12 and 17, and bunkers still being worked on. Elsewhere, there has been some clearing work done within wooded areas to make them more playable. Practice facilities are also being upgraded.

Jameson Links

Work on the revamped Jameson Links began in autumn 2022, and concluded in 2024, when the new par-4 17th was opened. The green is the flattest on the course but also the smallest, at 290sq metres. At 297m (White tees) it is a brilliant risk and reward hole. What’s more, as you walk to the 16th tee you get to look down on the 17th green, to your right, which only swells the appetite.
In all, the re-routing of six holes saw the creation of six new greens, tees, fairways and bunkers. As a result, a third of the Bernard Langer-designed course will now carry the name of (re)Golf’s Jeff Lynch, with the heavy lifting by DAR Golf and Aquaturf Solutions.

Kilcock
Kilcock celebrated 40 years in 2024, and while not part of the ‘celebration’ it is fitting for a revitalised club that a new short game practice area was opened. Designed to USGA spec the pitching green and practice area were designed by Ronan Branigan and built by DAR Golf. The club added new practice nets and extended the car park… to keep up with the high demand!

Killeen

Killeen focused attention on the two par-3s on the front nine. It was felt that the 200-yard 6th was not of the calibre of the other short holes so, in conjunction with Ken Kearney and DAR Golf, trees were moved or removed, the long bunker protecting the front right of the green was turned into a small mound, to challenge golfers attempting to run the ball in, and the green was reduced in size by 22 per cent. The two remaining bunkers, left and right of the green, were given a more pot-bunker appearance.

The par-3 8th plays over a lake and there was an opportunity – taken by the inhouse team – to add more definition around the lake. The result is an attractive low wall rising out of the water and stretching almost 100 yards around the lake. The work took two weeks and gives the hole considerable extra kick.

Knock

Due to expansion of the car park by the hospital next door, Knock Golf Club re-oriented the 11th, turning the par-4 into a slight dogleg. Despite new tees being added the length is much the same as before. During 2024, the club also pursued drainage improvements (holes 14 and 15) and deforestation (54 trees) as the trees were starting to get in the way.

Lee Valley

Bunkers are being upgraded around the course at Lee Valley, as part of a five-year programme, and the use of Sportsbond lining will ensure rapid drainage and the best playing conditions possible. This friendly family-run parkland has much to offer and Ken Kearney has also been remodelling the 2nd green.

Limerick
A new short game area with two greens, artificial tee pads and bunkers opened during the year. Ken Kearney’s work (and Atlantic Golf Construction) has been extended to remodelling green complexes on holes 2, 4, 6 and 9, as well as upgrading fairway bunkering on holes 15, 17 and 18. These are very positive steps for an easy-flowing, tree-lined parkland, and the fairway bunkering will add extra bite to the club’s strong finishing stretch.

Lisburn

An unsung (parkland) hero south of the border, in my opinion. A new pond was added in front of the 14th green, complete with three weirs and a fountain. Some 50 years ago an 18-inch pipe was laid to drain water from three-quarters of the course, into the Lagan, so it is little wonder that drainage is at the heart of the club’s work and investment. During 2024, 22,000 metres of gravel banding was laid.

Lucan
Lucan Golf Club are developing two new par-3s to replace the par-3 16th and par-5 17th. This will bring the par back to 71 and reduce the current walk between holes 4 and 5 (as they are currently).

Malahide

Throughout 2024, the golf club continued and expanded its overseeding trials. Greens were overseeded with pure select bent grass to encourage a more sustainable approach to greens management, with the goal to lower chemical, fertiliser and water usage. Tees, approaches and select fairways were also overseeded with a more drought tolerant variety of dwarf ryegrass.

Malahide completed a large drainage programme, installing gravel banding totalling 70,000 metres, over seven hectares. The goal is to produce faster draining firmer surfaces. Drainage pumps were also upgraded to increase the volume of water that can be removed. In addition, the club increased electrical/hybrid vehicles and are also investigating hydrogenated fuels. In the clubhouse, a €700k refurbishment took place upstairs, incorporating restaurant and bar areas.

Mallow

Ken Kearney has been remodelling tees throughout the course, including laser grade works and irrigation.

Monkstown
The second phase of Monkstown’s bunker refurbishment programme got underway in 2024. The front nine is now the focus of attention as the back nine bunkers have settled in. The work includes new design, strategic bunker placement and construction, including bunker liners. Design by Ken Kearney and work performed by DAR Golf.

Mullingar

In the first phase of the club’s masterplan, Jeff Lynch updated holes 3 and 18. The 3rd received a full bunker refresh, including re-shaping, while the water feature in front of the 18th has been replaced by a new bunker complex. The 18th also sees the addition of two new fairway bunkers to pressure long drives and lay-ups.

Naas

Naas finally wrapped up a busy multi-year plan that saw an entire re-bunkering and reshaping of areas of the course. In 2024, holes 13 to 18 were the focus of attention. Bunkers on 13 have been replaced to suit the new shape and style elsewhere, with an additional bunker positioned in the fairway, threatening the drive. The work to the 15th is the most dramatic of the current changes as the hole’s 10 bunkers have been reduced to five… and completely repositioned. The bunkers down the right side of the fairway have been filled in… and moved to the left side. The work concludes an exciting phase for an excellent if under-appreciated parkland

Other investment work took place around the clubhouse, with renovated changing rooms, a refurbished bar and a completely redesigned restaurant. There is also a new entrance to the clubhouse.

New Forest

The number of bunkers at New Forest was originally 77. During 2024, 18 were filled in as the club aims to reduce that number to 50.

North West

Often called the ‘St Andrew’s of Ireland’, North West created a new 1st tee box, pushed right back to the sea’s edge. It promises a dramatic start to a round where Lisfannon beach hugs your right side for the opening five holes. Other tee boxes will follow suit, making the Swilly an ever greater presence. Additional work has seen a re-routing of the path and some landscaping to take golfers from the 6th green to the 7th tee.

Loos have also been added on the course.

Old Conna

Two green surrounds – on 13 and 15 – were softened, to complete the course-wide programme. Sharp fall-offs have been removed and golfers now have more chance of finding a level lie. Four tee boxes were re-levelled, by DAR Golf, with all tee boxes – bar the showpiece 1st – now completed. The 1st also now has a full astro surface, to create a dedicated, high quality winter tee. The three-green practice facility had a fourth green added, for chipping practice, and nine tee boxes are to be added to turn the original three greens into a short course facility.

Palmerstown House

This plush parkland hosted the Irish PGA Championship, in August, so there were considerable investments ahead of the tournament. Main line drainage was carried out on five fairways with gravel banding drainage being done on eight fairways. New signage was erected around the course with large signs – including hole map - on each tee box. These were complemented by new tee markers. To top it off, fairways and approaches were top-dressed with 2000 tonnes of sand, and bunkers were topped up with 200 tonnes of sand. New machinery was also purchased to enhance course conditioning

Portstewart

The big news for Portstewart was the completion of the first stage of a major upgrade to the club’s three courses. The Strand course is the first to be tackled by European Golf Design (EGD), with the redeveloped 13th to 15th holes opening in the summer. The 13th changed from a par-5 to a par-4, with the fairway being raised to give the hole more shape. Dunes have been integrated into the flow of the land to create enhanced framing and elevate the drama of these three holes. The works also improve golf course strategy and playability, but anyone lucky enough to play here will find the back nine is reinforcing its backbone! Holes 16 to 18 are the key focus for EGD this winter.

The upgraded 13th hole at Portstewart comes with greater scale

Powerscourt

The drainage works on the West course were completed in 2024, completing a two-year programme that covered the course. As part of the club’s sustainability journey, the West’s tee box plates – now 18 years old – were removed and reconditioned, before being set in rocks sourced from the estate. Also on the sustainability front, 84 solar panels were installed, alongside heat pumps. Plans for a major refurbishment of the clubhouse were approved, and this work will be carried out during 2025.

Ring of Kerry

The reinvigoration of Ring of Kerry has seen a major overhaul of the club’s machinery. This has helped to restore course conditioning and improve maintenance schedules within the greenkeeping team. The results are clear to see.

(As part of the Mayrange Group, Castlemartyr also took possession of a large tranche of new machinery in 2024.)

Views over the 17th green at Ring of Kerry

Rosslare

A locker room refurbishment was completed in spring, 2024, and various bunker work has seen new ones added (5 and 10) and others reduced (the three greenside bunkers on the exceptional par-5 7th have been reduced to two). Waste areas have been added to holes 9 and 10. The main investment of the year, however, is the continuing work to install a comprehensive new irrigation system across the main 18 holes. Work being carried out by Aquaturf and the inhouse team.

Royal Portrush

The Rosses opened in 2024. Billed as five-star self-catering luxury, it has six bedrooms and sleeps 12. The house overlooks the course and bookings come with guaranteed tee times on the Dunluce.

Royal Portrush (Valley)

Consulting architect, Martin Ebert, has been doing major renovations to Royal Portrush’s second course, with new holes on 7, 8 and 9. The loop of three holes includes the short par-4 7th, at 300+ yards, and comes with an infinity green with only the bay beyond, and the par-3 8th weighing in at 160 yards or so, with a green tucked up tight to a high dune. The 9th is a long, beautifully shaped par-4. There are many other changes, too, with tee boxes moved, greens redesigned and/or extended, dunes added, and bunkering reimagined… but the new loop stands very much centre-stage arrives as it becomes Portrush's own 'Amen Corner'.

Seapoint
Seapoint hosted the Irish Legends in 2023 and 2024, and work continued throughout 2024 to ensure that the course looked and played its best. As part of the work the team cleared out the lake around the 4th green and 5th tee, to enhance the aesthetics of both holes.

Spa

Spa Golf Club, south of Belfast, is in the process of a full rebunkering programme., which will be completed in 2026.

Stackstown

Stackstown has a new short game academy, designed by Ken Kearney, with construction by DAR Golf. The greens on holes 15a and 16a have also been remodelled.

St Helen’s Bay

The golf club close to Rosslare is carrying out drainage works around the course. The focus in 2024 was on holes 1 and 9 to 12.

Strandhill

“At Strandhill, the thoughtful masterplan continued with a redesign of the 9th tees, a change in path material; and minor alterations to the practice area. Plans are afoot for a larger phase of work later in 2025, mainly around the 4th hole and 5th tees.” Ally McIntosh, golf course architect.

The Heritage

A new Pro Shop opened next to the clubhouse, providing a larger space for the shop and a more logical position for golfers heading to the 1st tee. A major re-bunkering programme is also underway.

The Island

While work on the course does continue at The Island, one of the more interesting developments is the restoration of the four-bedroom house on the right of the entrance driveway. Situated close to the practice range the ‘use’ of the house has not been finalised, but it does give the club a valuable and exciting asset for the future.

Tralee
The excellent works at Tralee are continuing. The front nine have received much TLC in the past few years and 2024 saw attention turned to the back nine, with the revamped 11th re-opened early in the year. Attention is now focused on the 18th hole.

View back to the tee, over the new 17th green at Tullamore

Tullamore
The four new greens (2, 3, 15, 17) at Tullamore, designed by Ken Kearney, opened in 2024, and have added a new dimension to this wonderful parkland course. Drainage work has also been carried out and the par-3 6th has been greatly enhanced as a result. A new state-of-the-art swing studio now complements the practice range, next to the clubhouse.

Let Me Quote You On That - North West Golf Club

2024-07-25T08:51:00.003+01:00

How does a ‘hidden gem’ golf course ease its way into the big time? And can it be achieved without spending big bucks?

Here’s a link to a recent article I wrote on Hidden Gems for Irish Golfer. One of the courses I didn’t include (the article explains why) is North West Golf Club, in Donegal. It is a favourite of mine and the club has recently been making strides in getting itself noticed… and booked. It is actively promoting itself and talking to people in the know. It is inviting these people to come and play. They come. They play. And they discover a mischievous low links of natural shape and – for me – the sweetest of rhythms.

Here is an example, sent to me by Sean Meenan the club’s dedicated Sales & Marketing guy. Dana Fry visited a few weeks ago and this is what he had to say:

"The North West Golf Club is located near the seaside town of Buncrana and framed by the Mouldy Mountains on one side and the dramatic shoreline of Lough Swilly on the other. It is a stunning links course with its humps and hollows, fantastic fescue greens and a great set of Par 3’s. For years it has been under the radar of many golfers traveling from abroad but the golf world is starting to take notice. All serious golfers planning future golf trips to the North West of Ireland should stop by and experience this wonderful course made even better by the very welcoming staff and membership."

I appreciate that not everyone knows who Dana Fry is, or why he is in Ireland. He is one half of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, and he is in Ireland designing Curracloe Links, Ireland’s first brand new golf course in over 15 years.

These sort of things make such a difference and those clubs labelled as hidden gems need to get ‘names’ to visit, play and give feedback which the club can use. It doesn’t have to be of Dana Fry-proportions: it can an Irish PGA golf pro, top amateur, golf writer, or a local celebrity. And then use their quotes on social media and your other marketing materials. Who doesn't love a good testimonial. It makes people pay attention.

Which, sadly, is why the world is so full of mindless ‘influencers’.

Check out the North West Golf Club website here. They have new photographs and video to oggle at.

Royal Troon, the Open Championship 2024

2024-07-20T14:30:00.001+01:00

I admit to being mystified by the horseshit I’ve read on X about the Open Championship at Royal Troon, after the first two days.

Here are some samples… with their origins in brackets.

“Troon is different from other links on the Open rotation. It denies certain shots, and takes clubs out of the hands of players.” (USA)

“No one has the skill to play Troon, because Troon is a different style from most courses. US courses are meant to test but be fun. Troon is meant to be goofy golf and piss you off. It requires luck to card a good score. Two different philosophies” (USA)

“It's technically links golf, but hardly representative; few true links courses are as absurdly penal as Royal Troon. Links golf is a delightful, special golf experience, not the exhausting slog we're watching now.” (USA)

“Unpopular opinion : I can’t stand links style golf and don’t care if they ever play another tourney over there. I know - “history”. But it looks miserable and I play golf to have fun. Give me a parkland course in the blazing sun any day of the week.” (Unknown)

“Links golf is more of a game of chance and lucky/unlucky breaks than modern golf. Not sure why we celebrate it, just because it was how the game began. It’s as compelling as watching F1 drivers compete behind the wheel of a Model T.” (USA)

The drama unfolding at Royal Troon shows how challenging links golf CAN be when the wind gets up. Anyone who is watching this and is not engaged by seeing how the best male golfers in the world deal with the weather conditions and the challenges and idiosyncrasies of Royal Troon, don’t understand much about golf in its truest form. Most PGA venues (on any tour) favour accessible, playable courses where 20 under might not get you within a shout of the leaders. On links golf courses, in the conditions at Royal Troon, you could be 3 over and win by four (Padraig Harrington, Royal Birkdale 2008). But to single Royal Troon out as being different to other links courses is preposterous. The same elements apply and when it was last played here in 2016, Stenson won with a score of 20 under. Rough is thick, bunkers are deep, green surrounds are unpredictable but the fairways aren’t that buckled which means it’s vital to put your ball on them.

The weather has brought out the true nature of the links, that is all. It demands more of your game and the Professionals are being tested to their core. You only have to see a visiting golfer to an Irish or UK links pulling out their lob wedge, 30 yards from the green, to appreciate that their game lacks creative shot-making.

And yes, I know that some of these Pros (Scottie Scheffler for example) will play a links tournament only once a year so why would they waste their time practising links golf for one week. And the answer is because the Open is the most coveted prize in golf and if you are to be regarded as the best in the world you have to succeed on every surface in all types of conditions.

This Open Championship is the sort of leveller that golf needs and, I believe, ‘most’ golf fans want to see. We all know that links golf is challenging, even in benign conditions, and this week is proof that the best Professionals in the world don’t have all the answers.

PITCH partners with Trackman - Dublin site coming soon.

2024-02-08T19:38:00.003+00:00

Not for the first time I am posting a press release, below, with a few observations. It is easy to post a press release but it's the context that matters for me.

What Pitch does is to take golf into a studio, a room where technology allows you to play any number of famous, world-class courses, where you can get coaching and where you can have a sociable get-together with friends. I encountered something very similar at Adare a few years back. Pitch puts these studios in a city centre - Soho in London, for example - which makes it immediately accessible. Imagine if they could do that in Grafton Street. Actually, they are. In Q2 of 2024, one will be opening right off our capital's most famous shopping street. I'll post again when that happens.

But the other bit of news is the partnership formed between Pitch and Trackman. You will be able to use Trackman in the Pitch studio... and that's pretty serious stuff, no? It certainly adds kudos and authenticity to what Pitch offers.

So, watch this space.

Here's the press release:

Pitch, the modern golf club designed for golfers of all skill levels, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Trackman. Having been in discussions for the past year, Pitch founders Elliot Godfrey and Chris Ingham have been impressed by Trackman’s commitment to indoor golf, an area they see tremendous growth in moving forward. The partnership further validates Pitch’s remarkable success in reshaping the golf industry.

Since its inception, Pitch has received recognition by establishing itself as the go-to destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an inclusive, innovative and enjoyable golf experience. With an unwavering commitment to making golf more diverse and accessible, Pitch has effectively bridged the gap between seasoned golfers and newcomers, creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the sport to the fullest.

Pitch and Trackman have entered into a partnership that ultimately will help grow the game of golf across a far wider audience. This collaboration leverages Trackman's cutting-edge golf technology, known for its accuracy, data-driven insights and broad software portfolio offering to enhance the Pitch experience. Pitch's choice to upgrade to Trackman technology underscores their commitment to providing golfers with the best tools and experience available.

The first part of this partnership will see Trackman units deployed across current and future Pitch destinations. Over the past 20 years, Trackman has, in collaboration with the best golfers, teachers and equipment manufacturers, developed solutions that provide the most accurate, real-time data on club delivery, ball impact, launch, flight and landing. The technology has created a better game for professionals and amateurs in golf and changed how golf is taught and experienced. The new graphics have helped take the indoor golf experience to another level, when it comes to serious practice, global tournament play, or social entertainment games.

“We are very impressed by the concept Pitch has developed, and how they make the sport more inclusive and diverse to the benefit of golfers and everyone in the industry. We are excited to see members and guests of Pitch use our technology, and to see the Pitch team use our software infrastructure to develop their business much further," said Trackman’s CEO Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen.

Pitch’s impressive growth continues with plans to open additional sites across the country, as well as internationally thus expanding their reach and offering their unique brand of golf to even more enthusiasts. The new partnership with Trackman will play a pivotal role in accelerating this expansion.

Pitch has just announced its expansion into Ireland with the opening of its first international site, signing a long-term lease in Dublin’s premier retail destination, Grafton Place. Opening in Q2 2024, Pitch Dublin will offer a truly unique experience that combines leading technology, professional coaching and a contemporary socialising experience for all ages and levels.

Pitch Co-founder Chris Ingham said: “The Dublin site is testament to the strength of our concept and the belief in our brand by the landlord to bring Pitch to such a prestigious development.”

Pitch is also excited to introduce partnership and joint venture opportunities, allowing individuals and entrepreneurs to be a part of the Pitch success story. This move will not only enhance the brand's presence but also provide new business opportunities for those passionate about revolutionising the golf industry.

“We believe that golf has the potential to be more diverse and inclusive," said Elliot Godfrey, Co-Founder and CEO of Pitch. "Our partnership with Trackman aligns perfectly with this vision. By combining our strengths, we can introduce more people to the joys of golf and make the sport accessible to a broader audience."

This partnership marks a significant step towards a brighter future for the sport.

Christmas Golf Gift List

2023-12-15T20:07:00.005+00:00

Let's tee things up for the Christmas golf gift you really want in 2023.

Shoes

Winter’s Coming! From personal experience, a pair of good waterproof shoes is a massive comfort on the golf course. But truly waterproof (some brands simply don’t fulfil that brief) is a tough ask. Top of the pile is Ecco. Footjoy is close behind, with Adidas, Nike, and Payntr also all strong considerations. Visit your local Pro shop and see what they have available, or try any of the retail golf outlets.

The Ecco Biom G5 is a pricey shoe (approx. €199) but what you get is comfort and both long-lasting quality and effectiveness. In other words: they’re certainly worth the investment.
Available at www.odwyersgolf.com (and at their stores in Tipperary and Kilkenny)

Or put the boot in and consider the FootJoy Stormwalker Zipped Winter Golf Boot for guaranteed protection. Boots are growing in popularity and the Stormwalker has styles for men and women. The boot features a soft, full grain leather with thermal linings for a comfortable and dry round of golf.

€140 at www.halpennygolf.com

The Bogeymen

The Bogey Men is a popular Irish podcast that delves into the world of Irish golf with insightful, engaging and humorous stories around the sport in this country. Jonny and Michael combine this with a series of YouTube videos where they play with – and against – some of Ireland’s amateur elite, interview stars and assess what is happening on our golf courses. Earlier this year they released their first merchandise, the Bogeymen Bundle: a driver headcover and player’s towel. Priced at €39.99 you can get the pair delivered to your door.

chippigolf.co/en-ie/collections/the-bogey-men-x-chippi-golf-collection

Clothing

Always a popular stocking filler, golf clothing is an easy gift to give. There are countless brands on the shelves, in store and online… but giving something with an Irish flavour will add some bells and whistles.

AWGO Golf

The latest Irish clothing brand is AWGO Golf, which launched in September 2023, targeting the younger woman. It is a brand exclusively for women, selling polo shirts (€42), skorts (€60) and – as of December – limited edition beanies (€20). It is the brainchild of two young women, both passionate golfers, who wanted clothing that was comfortable, fashionable and practical. For an exclusive discount of 20% use the code Examiner20 when ordering at www.awgogolf.com

Alternatively, consider any of these young Irish clothing brands.
www.jacktheladgolf.ie
www.strikersgolf.com
www.rainxclothing.com
www.kwackgolf.com
www.rocksolidgolfapparel.com
www.foreleafgolfclothing.com
www.gulliongolf.com
Dunnes Stores continues to expand its range of Padraig Harrington Golf Clothing. Established brands include Green Lamb (www.greenlamb.com) for ladies – check out the Keighley Stretch Body Warmer (€60) – and Dwyers & Co, renowned for their trousers and shorts.

Alpha-U Compression Wear

Launched only a year ago, Alpha-U Golf is an Irish golf clothing brand with a difference. With a focus on compression wear the company has become synonymous with quality and innovation. The objective of compression wear is to optimise blood circulation and muscle support, while offering unparalleled comfort. It is lightweight and fits like a second skin. Its ergonomic design allows for a full range of motion, ensuring an unrestricted swing and maximum performance. Who knows what it could do for your game!
Check out the Alpha-U Golf Players Pack – for both men and women. The pack includes a long-sleeved compression base layer top, compression base layer leggings, a cosy beanie hat and a thermal snood. Cost €115.
www.alphaugolf.com

Ryder Cup Merchandise

In case you hadn’t heard, Europe gave the USA a good thrashing in this year’s Ryder Cup. And there is a bucket-load of merchandise available to celebrate that fact, for men and women. From caps and shirts to jackets and gilets, club and putter covers, towels and mugs, there’s loads available and it’s all heavily discounted. Brands include Chervo, Peter Millar, Footjoy, Glenmuir and Sunderland of Scotland. Getting some of those brands at discounted prices is quite the treat.

www.euroshop.rydercup.com/collections/ryder-cup-sale

Adare Manor

And since we are on the subject of the Ryder Cup, the next time it is played in Europe will be in 2027, at Adare Manor. If you want to get in the mood, about four years ahead of schedule, visit their online golf store – there are lots of non-golf items, too – and check out a few of the Ryder Cup-themed products. There’s the Adare Manor Bespoke 1/4 Zip Sweater for €150, or the Team Europe Golf Set for €175, which includes driver headcover, blade putter headcover, mallet putter headcover, tote bag and shoe bag.

https://shop.adaremanor.com/collections/golf-pro-shop

Custom Club Fitting

Unless the golfer in your life has asked for a specific golf club, it is a foolish enterprise to buy one off the cuff. Far better to give them a voucher or – even more impressive – a fitting session with the local Pro. Alternatively, try Fore Golf, who are arguably the best custom club fitters in the country. They are multi-award winning Master Club Makers and Fitters. The attention to detail is incredible and the fitting can be for any club/s, including a putter. You can even see the work being done in the workshop at their Killeen Castle location. And once someone has their fitted clubs you have reduced their excuses for a bad round by over 50 per cent! Vouchers start at €50 and are valid for five years.

www.foregolf.ie

Seed Golf

It’s not all about balls with Seed Golf – although they certainly have a ball for everyone – and the Irish company offers hats, gloves, tees, putting mats/aids and umbrellas. They also sell two golf bags – both currently on sale if you hurry – made from recycled ocean plastic. There’s a classy Stand Bag for €199, and a Carry Bag for €64.50, which is ideal for the winter months or a quick nine holes in the evening.

www.seedgolf.com

Oceantees

There is a push for golf courses, golf and golfers to embrace sustainability. Think Ballyliffin and solar panels, or the rewilding of swathes of rough at Kilkenny. Seed Golf – see above – are already on that road but Oceantee has gone even further. The company started with golf tees made from bamboo and while these are available in different sizes the company is also selling caps, clothing and water bottles. As an example, each cap is made from three recycled plastic bottles taken from the ocean… and there’s even a QR code you can use to track where those bottles came from. That’s what you get when you have a founder who is a golf obsessed marine biologist.

www.oceanteegolf.com

Range Finder

GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2

The original Laser Lite was widely regarded as the best of the bunch in the budget golf range finder category. The new Laser Lite 2 claims its industry-leading technology will provide something even better while also being lighter, thinner and more compact. It fits easily in your hand and weighs just 140g. You may know someone who can save a few shots if they had one of these.

€200 at www.halpennygolf.com

GPS Golf Watch
Garmin Approach S70
Continuing the tech jag, the Garmin Approach S70 is already one of the hot products of 2023… and will be for Christmas, no doubt. It is a superb golf watch that comes with a beautiful OLED screen and includes enhanced ‘Plays Like’ and Virtual Caddie features not found on other Garmin watches. To top it off, it also has the fitness and health features which make Garmin the favoured watch brand of sportspeople everywhere.
With all of its fancy features the price may be out of your budget range - €699 at www.mcguirksgolf.com – so the Approach S42 at €307 may be more to your liking. It doesn’t include the ‘lifestyle’ elements and focuses exclusively on golf.

Body Health

Theragun Mini Massage Gun
It’s safe to say that most golfers get aches and pains in their body. A soak in a hot bath often does the trick but sometimes a little more help is required. This mini massage gun is just the ticket, a ‘pocket-sized partner’ that combines quality muscle treatment with unparalleled portability. Compact and powerful, it can be used anywhere to loosen out the kinks.

Buy at McGuirks: €179

Books

It has been a good year for golf books.

Great Golf Courses of the World

Renowned photographer, Gary Lisbon, has produced a coffee table, glossy book of his spectacular golf photography. It includes over 400 images… from over 100 courses… from 20 countries around the world. The photographic representation is broad – from the Northern Lights and Norway’s Land of the Midnight Sun, to the dry and firm links of the UK and Ireland.

Order direct from Gary’s website. Cost is Aud $135 (approx €80) with €50 delivery. (It is coming from Australia!)

www.greatgolfcoursesoftheworld.com/product-page/great-golf-courses-of-the-world

Golf Course Architecture For Normal People

By Geoff Shackleford

Golf Course Architecture for Normal People is, perhaps, the ideal taster for golfers who are intrigued by golf course design but don’t know that much about it. Alternatively, it’s for those golfers who think they know everything but don’t actually have a clue. Come on, we all know someone. Overall, this is a fine introduction to what design is all about and how good – and bad – design affects your playing experience and enjoyment. Golf is supposed to be fun and this book demystifies golf design in a fun and even irreverent way.
www.easons.com RRP €39

World’s Greatest Golf Courses From Above

By Alex Narey

Golfers forever dream about playing at the most iconic courses (e.g. Augusta National, Valderrama, St Andrews, Cape Kidnappers) and The World's Greatest Golf Courses From Above provides them with a unique perspective of these great golf challenges. Each of the world's most celebrated courses is illustrated using Google Earth's incredible satellite imagery and then described in expert detail as the author explains course history and design, signature holes and tactics for playing them. Featuring 34 iconic courses and 250 stunning photographs, golfers will get a feel for taking on some of the greatest holes in world golf.

www.dubraybooks.ie €37.99

Golf Abroad – ClubsToHire
If your special golfer is planning a golf holiday abroad they may well want to bring their own clubs on the plane, paying a hefty fee for the privilege and spending some 30 minutes figuring out how to fit the golf travel bag into the car… before spending the entire flight worrying what condition they’ll be in when the plane regurgitates them. Alternatively, you can buy them a voucher for ClubsToHire, which means they can hire clubs at over 20 locations worldwide. All the golfer has to do is collect their chosen set of high-end, latest model clubs (e.g. Callaway, TaylorMade, Mizuno) at the airport or nearby location and they’ll be teeing it up in no time. You can purchase vouchers (€50 to €200) through the website. Vouchers are valid for five years.
www.clubstohire.com/voucher-sales

Golf Abroad – Bring Your Own Clubs
But if you do want to bring your own clubs, why not go a bit bananas with this golf travel bag from Ogio. The ‘Alpha’ Travel Cover weighs in at just 6.3 lbs and has enough space for your bag, clothes and shoes, and whatever mementoes you might bring home for the gang. The material is hard wearing, with dense foam sections and compression straps to keep your bag and clubs safe and secure. And you’re unlikely to miss it when it comes off the carousel.
€229 at McGuirks and Halpenny Golf.

Golf Holiday, Lisbon
Quinta da Marinha
Golf around Lisbon has become increasingly popular and with resorts like Quinta da Marinha offering such interesting and good value packages it is little surprise. The 198-room hotel underwent a €5 million makeover a couple of years ago and its location on the coast, west of Lisbon, makes it highly attractive and easy to get to. Try a package that combines a wine and golf experience for two (or more) people, which includes:
Two nights’ B&B accommodation in a Superior Double Room;
One green fee per person at Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf;
A guided tour of Quinta Casal Santa Maria vineyard with a tasting of six Casal Santa Maria wines;
Access to the resort’s Health Club with sauna, Turkish bath, gym and indoor and outdoor pools.
Prices from €195 per person. www.quintadamarinha.com/en/menu/packages.aspx

Golf Holiday, Barcelona

Infinitum
Infinitum is a large golf resort, west of Barcelona, boasting 45 holes, all sorts of property opportunities and a dedicated Beach Club. It is also one of Europe’s best golf venues with two world-class championship courses, one of which hosts the annual DP World Tour Championship Qualifying School Final Stage. The 9-hole course plays around ancient Roman ruins.
Try a 3-night package with accommodation at the 4-star Golden Costa Salou hotel and unlimited golf. It also includes a hotel shuttle to and from the golf courses. Offer valid from 01/04/2024 to 08/05/2024, excluding Spanish bank holidays. Unlimited golf on the same day and course subject to availability.

Prices from €417 per person. www.infinitumliving.com/en/travel/packages

2024 Golf Calendar
2024 is bound to be a great year for golf… so why miss a moment! My 2024 Golf Calendar has photos from across Ireland, including Killarney, Dingle, Carne, Druids Glen, Strandhill and Esker Hills. It is 28 pages and A4 in size, and it includes all of the major golf tournaments and many of the amateur events here at home.

Designed and Printed in Ireland it costs €20.50 including P&P within Ireland.

www.kevinmarkhamphotography.com/p71449194

Chocolate

I am a fiend when it comes to chocolate so the inclusion of this Skelligs Chocolate Jolly and Joyful Hamper is simply because I’d love one myself... and there’s not a golf ball in sight. It contains nine different items, including a bottle of red wine. Merry Christmas. Price €130.

www.skelligschocolate.com

My First Irish Golf Calendar

2023-12-13T08:34:00.003+00:00

It all started with a conversation about how useful a printed calendar is these days. The reasoning, from my wife, went something like this: “Who uses a calendar when everything you need is on your phone, tablet, or computer?”

Hares at Arklow Golf Links

Yep, it was a short discussion. For the most part it’s true because technology has

rendered a lot of things redundant.

So, are calendars in or out?

There’s no question that your smartphone is the go-to resource these days but just as with books vs e-books, there’s nothing quite like the touch or the experience or the appearance of a calendar on your wall. There’s a tactile beauty to turning the pages and revealing yet another stunning image.

That was my starting point for my first ever golf calendar: create something that shows off the beauty of Ireland's golf courses. Create something that makes people look forward to each new month, that is also useful and gives people relevant national and international tournament dates throughout the year. Then leave enough room to write in what’s happening in your world.

Front Cover

Every year, I travel around this country visiting, photographing and writing about our golf courses. I am not short of images that I believe will inspire people to go and play them. In 2023, I visited over 60 courses (excluding 25 in Scotland and England), from Rosapenna to Castlemartyr and from The Island to Claremorris and Carne.

Back Cover

A calendar seemed like a natural progression… and it is something I have been thinking of doing for a few years. After all, it promotes some special Irish golf courses, it promotes Irish golf in general and it promotes my photography business. It also supports Irish business as it was designed by Ed Moynihan, who does a lot of work with Irish Golfer, and printed by Walsh Colour Print, in Kerry. I wanted to make this an all-Ireland affair so I see this as an all-round win-win. And a special mention to Seed Golf for their sponsorship and the lads at Irish Golfer for their great support.

So here’s the detail: the calendar is 28 pages and A4 in size. There are images of 14 golf clubs, with Mahony’s Point on the front cover. Each month’s image comes with a brief image description, and the days of the month provide enough room to scribble a note in. The men’s and women’s majors are shown and, to keep the Irish feel, the big Irish amateur events are also included.

Inside Spread

The courses that fill the months are a selection of bucket-list venues (e.g. Druids Glen, Co. Louth) and smaller sleeping giants (e.g. Strandhill, Esker Hills). Given my ethos on Irish golf courses I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The calendar costs €17 plus P&P and you can purchase it at https://www.kevinmarkhamphotography.com/p71449194

There are two options: one for purchase in Ireland and Northern Ireland... and one for everywhere else.

The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta

2023-03-11T18:30:00.002+00:00

There's no doubt that the Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta, Portugal, has been hugely anticipated in recent years...

... and if you tell me you haven't heard about it then you haven't been paying attention. There has been a long and somewhat complicated gestation period to the project that began well over a decade ago (2010)... well now it has come to fruition or at least it's about it. The course designed by David McLay Kidd will open officially for play on June 1st.

Where is it? It's south of Lisbon... and just south of Troia. With another course yet to follow (designed by Olazabal and Garcia) at the same location, it will create another delicious destination like the West Cliffs/Praia d'El Rey/Royal Obidos triumvirate.

So, some detail.

Ahead of the opening of architect David McLay-Kidd’s first course in mainland Europe (he designed Powerscourt West early in his career) tee times have been made available to play the par-71 links-style layout from June 1st.

A standard green fee to play the 6,555-metres course will cost €175, while discounted rates are available for July, August, December and January 2024 will cost €125 per person.

All prices include a buggy, driving range balls and a selection of gifts, including a refillable water bottle and engraved bag tag. The experience comes with a valet meet-and-greet and club cleaning after your round.

Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, said: “What David McLay-Kidd has been able to build here is exceptional and a true example of world-class golf course design.

“We are so excited about the launch and cannot wait for golfers to enjoy the exceptional on and off-course experience on offer at Terras da Comporta from this summer onward.”

Vanguard Properties, the largest real estate developer in Portugal, took ownership of the spectacular Terras da Comporta development in 2019 and the site features two plots: Torre, comprising 365 hectares of land in the Alcácer do Sal municipality, and Dunas, which occupies around 1,011 hectares of land in the Grândola municipality.

Situated in a secluded coastal setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at Terras da Comporta.

Created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain, The Dunas Course has been built using the highest sustainable practices and is predicted to quickly become of Europe’s must-play golfing venues when it opens.

Complementing The Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy.

The Next Bucket List... but not the last

2023-02-20T19:24:00.000+00:00

They’ve become almost ubiquitous when it comes to golf destinations and yet we still devour every ‘official’ new list that comes out.

And one has. This time it’s by Clarkes Golf, a UK family business started by Director and PGA Professional David Clarke over 40 years ago.

Views from Carne

The problem with some of these lists – and this is one – is that they include courses that are inaccessible. We can all shoot for the stars but we should really be dreaming with our feet on the ground. Who among us doesn’t aspire to play Augusta? Who among us ever will? And Augusta is the number one course on the Clarkes Golf list. It also includes Muirfield Village and Kiawah Island, which, like Augusta, are private clubs.

Here in Ireland we don’t have private golf clubs but there are so many in America, and a fair few in Great Britain and elsewhere, that it portrays golf as elitist. Perhaps that is why they appear on such lists. Like a child in the sweet store, we want what we can’t have. Personally, I think that does a disservice to the courses we CAN play.

Carne's 13th green to clubhouse

So, the key question is: how do you define bucket list? Is it the best courses or the best destinations – there’s a distinct difference – or is it the most luxurious and/or unobtainable?

For the Clarkes Golf ranking system the following information was collected on 498 golf courses across the world: Followers data was taken from the Instagram pages of each golf course. Interest data was taken from SEMrush by measuring the keyword volume for the golf course name. Both UK and US markets were used to define interest in playing the course. Popularity data was taken from SEMrush by measuring traffic data for each of the golf course websites. Both UK & US markets were used to determine the popularity of the golf course. All this data was collected on November 1st 2022, and if you can figure out what all of the above means you’re doing better than I am. But it does sound impressive, doesn’t it?

Let’s take a quick look at a handful of other ‘Bucket List’ lists over the years to give you some flavour. I’ve included their top five results and you’ll see distinct patterns within the results.

Bleacher Report (2010) focuses all too much on the USA with Pacific Dunes, Pebble Beach, Spy Glass, Torrey Pines and Kiawah Island as the top five.

Golfpass (2015) had St Andrews at number one, followed by Pebble Beach, Cape Kidnappers, Bandon Dunes, and The Melbourne Sandbelt.

Golf.com (2021) listed Bandon Dunes at number one, then Cabot Links, Destination Kohler (where you’ll find Whistling Straits among the Wisconsin courses), Pinehurst Resort, and Sand Valley… so another very North American vibe!

Shipsticks (2021), a company that ships your golf clubs wherever you want to go, had St Andrews top, followed by Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, Cape Kidnappers and Whistling Straits. In 6th place was Royal County Down.

Royal County Down 13th

Golfbreaks (2022) put Pebble Beach at number one, St Andrews at two with Trump Turnberry, Dubai and West Coast of Ireland rounding out the top five.

I included the mention of Royal County Down (RCD) because it is important to highlight that two of the world’s greatest courses – RCD and Royal Portrush – don’t make the top five in any of these six lists and yet the reputation, location and setting for both courses is sensational. Surely they are the perfect bucket list destination! The Golfbreaks list at least mentions the West Coast of Ireland, but when you consider that we have a third of the world’s links it is mind-numbingly absurd that Irish (and Scottish) courses aren’t included on every list. Perhaps they’re just not expensive enough… and no, I’m not joking: the American and Asian travelling golfer often equates cost and exclusivity with quality and desirability.

For clarification, the Clarkes Golf top five are Augusta, Sandals Emerald Bay (Bahamas), Pebble Beach, Kiawah Island Resort, and Whistling Straits. Other countries include Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Barbados. Closer to home, Gleneagles, in 6th spot, is the only Scottish venue of the 20 listed. Meanwhile, Ireland can boast two: Adare Manor at 9th and Old Head at 20th. This strongly suggests that ‘plush’ and ‘luxury’ were highly regarded criteria because both Irish courses, as well as Gleneagles, certainly tick those boxes.

To be honest, lists like this are just good fodder for conversation. And, a little like the Top 100 lists that appear frequently, they should be taken with a pinch of salt and used as a guide for future adventures… assuming of course that you are allowed in to play.

The 1st at St Patrick's

If you’re wondering, my five-strong bucket list would be Cabot Links (Canada), Morfontaine (France), Utrecht de Pan (Netherlands), Lofoten Links (Norway), Askernish (Scotland). They combine varying degrees of quality, beauty, history and mystery. In Ireland, where I have played so much and so many, I can recommend nothing higher than Carne, Enniscrone, Royal County Down, Ballybunion and St Patrick’s Links.

If you don’t have a bucket list ticking away in the back of your mind start one today. Pick five courses, near or far, and make it your mission to play them in the coming years.

Ombria Resort appoints Salvador Costa Macedo as Director of Golf

2023-02-11T14:06:00.000+00:00

Consider this: in the last 15 years there has been only one new course designed and opened in Ireland. That’s St Patrick’s, in Donegal. In Portugal, meanwhile, three new courses will be opened in 2023 alone. One is south of Lisbon (Comporta Dunes) while the other two are in the Algarve. Portugal remains one of the most popular golf destinations in the world and these new courses will only bolster that reputation.

One of these is Ombria.

The Ombria Resort course was designed by Jorge Santana da Silva and there has been much hype about it. It will be a par 71, measuring 5,802 metres, and it has been built to the highest standards of environmental sustainability. This has allowed the course to be officially certified by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. It is an essential recognition of environmental and social excellence. The images of the landscape – and the course – show how glorious the terrain is and what a perfect home it will be for these 18 holes. Jorge Santana da Silva is well known for his designs at Montado and Amarante, and, most famously of all, Laranjal and Pinheiros Altos. Little doubt that Ombria will shortly be joining those ranks.

This luxury sustainable golf development has just announced that it will welcome Salvador Costa Macedo as its new Director of Golf. With the highly anticipated opening scheduled for April, one of Salvador’s key priorities will be to ensure that the course is in top condition… a task that should be no problem for a man whose résumé boasts 20 years’ experience in the field of golf in Portugal.

Salvador holds a degree in Business Management from the Universidade Lusiada with postgraduate degrees in Golf Course Management (University of Algarve), Golf (Faculty of Human Motricity) and a specialisation in Hospitality Management from the Association of Directors of Hospitality in Portugal (ADHP). His knowledge has given him the opportunity to work for high-profile companies such as the Portuguese Federation of Golf (FPG), the National Training Center of Jamor, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, and Penina Hotel & Golf Resort. Most recently, Salvador was Sales Golf Manager at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf and Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve.

“My career has allowed me to work on some of the Algarve’s most prestigious golf courses,” said Salvador, “but Ombria Resort, with its panoramic nature views, will take golfing in the Algarve to a new and exciting level. I am delighted to join the team and contribute to making this golf course a new regional highlight for golfers of all handicaps.”

The resort will include a 5-star hotel – the Viceroy at Ombria Resort – which is under construction. It will include 71 apartments, 70 rooms, 5 restaurants, swimming pools, conference centre, Spa and kids' club. There will also be a residential development

One thing’s for sure, Ombria will add hugely to the already impressive arsenal of courses in the Algarve and anyone who has a passion for golf in the Algarve will now have an even harder choice to make… or just another opportunity to visit again.

Location:

The resort is located inland, 7km north of Loulé and 25 minutes from Faro airport.

Top Ten Irish Golf Photos of 2022

2022-12-25T20:13:00.001+00:00

A good year for photographs but then it always is in the beautiful country of Ireland.

Here are my top 10 photographs from this year.

Carne Golf Links 14th hole (Wild Atlantic Dunes)

A par-3 that is undoubtedly one of the most special short holes in the country, crushed between two angry dunes with natural waste areas of bright white sand. I wondered what it would look like in black and white… and it is strikingly more dramatic than the colour version. Do you agree?

Greencastle Golf Club s famous 12th

It was a long drive to the Inishowen Peninsula – some 5 hours there and 5 hours back – to capture one very, very particular shot – the club’s signature 12th hole that sneaks around a beach, over a ledge and out to the lighthouse.

Occasionally (if very rarely) things work out even better than you imagine. The first morning proved disastrous but the second visit had all the potential I could ask for.

Carne Golf Links – the 1st and 13th greens

I love the almost identical cocooning of these greens: one is Hackett’s original 10th hole (now the 1st on Wild Atlantic Dunes) and one is the 1st hole on the new Kilmore nine (now the 13th Wild Atlantic Dunes). Both show off the vastness and wildness of this amazing place.

Druids Heath 1st green

The palette of early sunrise colours made this one stand out for me. Plus, I love that front pin position! If you haven't played the reinvented Druids Heath, which opened in 2021, get back there and check it out.

6th green Arklow Golf Links

Shot in freezing temperatures in March, the colours created by the rising sun explain why the earliest light so beloved by photographers is called the Golden Hour. I set up the camera to shoot at regular intervals and took a shot of myself on the green.

Dingle Golf Links 15th green

High Flying Bird caught in the sun rays above the mountains.

I almost missed the shot as I was waiting for light to hit the 17th green... facing in the other direction. So remember, no matter how good the view is in front of you, always look behind.

The K Club North 18th green and clubhouse

More golden hour colours and reflections. It relays a moodiness that only such peaceful early morning light can bring.

Ballyliffin Glashedy 7th green

You don’t often see Glashedy’s 7th from here. After all, the view from the tee is more captivating and is the one you always see. But this angle shows off the shapes on and around the green, as well as the surroundings.

Hermitage 17th green

This was a shoot I really enjoyed. Hermitage is beautifully presented – it always is – and while golfers will typically rave about holes 10 and 11 all the holes have a calm elegance to them. I took some lovely shots of 10 and 11 but this one of the 17th flag shows off the course shapes, lush greens and immaculate conditioning.

Dingle Golf Links 17th green

Famous for many things – such as the Three Sisters in the background – the shapes around

Dingle’s greens are not mentioned nearly enough. The purpose of this shot was to show off the natural and often strong shapes of the land.

David Higgins to defend Irish PGA Championship title at Carne Golf Links

2022-08-15T09:34:00.007+01:00

Carne Golf Links will once again play host to the Irish PGA Championship 2022 from 17-20 August.

The 54-hole tournament is returning to the Wild Atlantic Dunes course at Carne Links, for the second year in a row, and will be preceded on August 17th by a Pro-Am (I'll post some pictures). The tournament, which is the oldest golf tournament in Europe, will once again be sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, whose CEO, Tim Boyle, and his family, owns Gearhart Golf Links in Portland, Oregon, which is twinned with Carne Golf Links.

Defending champion, David Higgins (Waterville Links), and many of Ireland’s leading PGA professionals will battle for a slice of the €45,000 prize fund put up by Erris Tourism Holdings Ltd, the course owners.

Former champions, Tim Rice (Limerick GC) and Damian Mooney (Damian Mooney Golf) have confirmed their place in the field alongside European Tour winner Simon Thornton, and serial winners on the PGA circuit, Colm Moriarty (Glasson Lakehouse), Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) and Liam Grehan (The K Club).

“We are delighted to be staging the 112^th Irish PGA Championship at the wonderful Wild Atlantic Dunes at Carne Golf Links in County Mayo. This is our most historic event in The PGA in Ireland calendar and it’s a pleasure to work once again alongside Chairman Gerry Maguire, General Manager Fiona Togher, and the entire team at Carne, who are first class supporters of golf in Ireland. I would also like to recognise Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle for his continued support of this event” said Conor Dillon, PGA in Ireland Regional Manager.

The event will copperfasten the Wild Atlantic Dunes course routing at Carne Golf Links, which entered the Irish Golfer Top 100 rankings at number 13, and has been described as the biggest and most explosive Links in Ireland.

The original 18-hole course that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s west coast in County Mayo was the last to be designed by the celebrated architect Eddie Hackett and was completed in 1995. An additional nine holes known as the Kilmore, which was opened in 2013, plus the back nine of the Hackett course form the Wild Atlantic Dunes – the stage for a tournament that was first contested in 1907.

Chairman of Carne Golf Links, Gerry Maguire: “On behalf of the Board of Turasoireacht Iorrais Teo (Carne Golf Links) we are delighted to be welcoming back the Irish PGA Championship in 2022 on our magnificent Wild Atlantic Dunes course at Carne.

“I would like to welcome all the visiting Pros, their families and friends, to Carne, for what I know will be a great test of golf in dramatic and spectacular surroundings, amongst the highest dunescape in the world, and I wish them all the very best of luck in the tournament.

“It is a great honour for Carne and the Erris Gaeltacht region to be able to host this prestigious tournament, and we are looking forward to building on the success of the 2021 Championship and ensuring that the 2022 Tournament will be even more successful and enjoyable. Spectators are welcome free of charge at the event, which will bring a huge economic bounce to the town of Belmullet with increased bednights and spin offs for the local hotel, hospitality and retail industries. It is only made possible by the support of our sponsors, Columbia Sportswear, and we are delighted to continue our successful twinning with Gearhart Golf Links, and partnership with Columbia.

“We look forward to working with the Irish PGA and continuing our long standing relationship to ensure a very successful Championship for all.”

Tim Boyle, CEO of Columbia Sportswear, added; “We are honoured to sponsor the prestigious Irish PGA Championship at Carne Golf Links, one of the world’s best courses.”

Kids Golf... Yes They Do and Here's How to Entice Them In

2022-06-28T15:46:00.002+01:00

One of the greatest joys of golf is that it’s a sport for everyone, whether you’re five or ninety five. It is a sport for the ages… and for all ages. This summer will have a multitude of kids' golf camps, all around the country, so why not let your kid/s get a taste for the game in a setting specifically designed for them?

I started learning when I was five. My grandfather cut down a set of old clubs, strapped them up with leather grips and introduced me to a game that quickly became a passion. A lot of kids learnt like I did, with hand-me-down clubs and a family member prepared to offer the necessary encouragement. The quality of the clubs didn’t matter; it was the quality of the time given that made the difference between falling in love with the game and deciding it was something never to be spoken of again.

I was 10 when I played my first junior competition at the club I called home (Greystones). My grandfather had cut down more clubs to suit my size and so I watched in amazement as my opponent – a year younger than I – arrived with a set of new clubs, new bag and a trolley. I had an old bag over my shoulder, hand-me-down clubs and a putter made from plastic tubing and skirting board. No, that’s not a joke. Back in those days golfers had one putter and it was the most valuable club in the bag. You didn’t go giving those out like cotton candy and so that was the putter I had. And that was the putter that helped me win.

It is safe to say that things have changed since those days and junior golfing equipment is now readily available and aimed with precision at the different age groups. It makes my introduction to the game seem almost comical but there are two sides to this: producing dedicated equipment is a lucrative market for manufacturers; and it enables children of all ages to own clubs that are designed for them… and that they can call their own. This modern equipment offers ample opportunity to attract more kids to the sport and while not every child will be interested there is a far more defined path to help those who are.

“Your number one goal is to create an experience that helps the young golfer fall in love with the game,” says Michelle Holmes, the Director of Instruction at the Michelle Holmes School of Golf. Michelle is originally from Enniscrone but left for college in the United States in 2001, when she was offered a golf scholarship at Campbell University (North Carolina). She has since established a career there as an LPGA Teaching Professional. Her golf school has three locations in Virginia, and her accolades are considerable, including Top 50 US Kids Instructor, US Kids Golf Master Professional, GRAA Top 50 Growth Of The Game Professional, and LPGA Junior Leader Of The Year, NE Section. If anyone knows how to bring the youngest generation into the game, it’s Michelle.

“Focus on three key things,” she says. “First, listen to your child. What you consider to be a fun day at the course may not be the same for them. Children just want to have fun, so let them explore the game in their own way. Accompany them to practice and explain things as they ask them… but remember, you are there to assist them in the journey and it is important that they are in the driver’s seat. Second, find the correct coach/programme. Try multiple coaches, if need be, to find someone whose expertise and personality fit the needs of your young golfer. But be sure your child has the final say. Their bond with the coach will ultimately determine how much they embrace learning the sport. Third, and most importantly, give your child the right equipment. You want them to develop the correct fundamentals which can only be done with the correct equipment.”

You may just want to take your kid to the driving range and have them watch you bashing balls… before asking them to do the same. That may be cool for you but not for them. A key impediment to kids learning to love the game is a parent/other who tries to make everything happen too fast. Adults get wrapped up in perfect golf swings and scores instead of focusing on providing a fun environment for the child. They’re not afraid to miss a shot because they’ll simply try again. You want a child to play aggressively and with confidence. Here’s another no-no: don't give your child a detailed critique of their swing after every shot. Allow them to make mistakes without fear of repercussions.

“How your child performs at age nine has absolutely no bearing on their future. How you react to their play does. Choose your words wisely,” suggests Michelle.

Visit any big golf retailer website (e.g. Odwyersgolf, McGuirks, Halpenny) and you’ll find an abundance of clubs and golf sets for children. The junior audience is well catered for but there’s far more to it than simply picking something off the shelf. It is important to be realistic and to give kids the optimum chance of enjoying their path into the game. To do that they need the appropriate clubs.

“All the kids who come into the shop have a fitting so we can identify the best clubs for them,” says Cian McNamara, Monkstown Golf Club’s Head Professional. “It may only take 15 minutes in our Trackman room but it is essential to consider the child’s height and their abilities. We calculate the optimum length of club and then look at their swing speed to determine the flex of the shaft. Get those right and the child will see a positive ball flight when they strike the ball and that motivates them onwards.”

Cian works with the company US Kids Golf, which runs programmes across America – Michelle Holmes is a US Kids Golf Master Professional – and sells fitted equipment worldwide.

“Most of the children we end up fitting come on to our coaching programmes,” says Cian. “We keep them in groups of equal abilities and plan their activities. It’s important to have a good structure and it’s an area we are looking to expand.”

Covid permitting, Cian and his team will be running coaching camps this year. They already have six groups of juniors with over 100 youngsters involved.

Michelle also works closely with US Kids Golf.

“Give your child the right equipment,” she repeats. “Too many children use clubs that are too long, too stiff and too heavy. It is very important that your child is fitted for the correct set of clubs because when a child plays with clubs that fit, he or she is able to develop consistent swings that will stay with them forever. Always remember that a child should grow out of their golf clubs, not into them.”

It may not be easy to justify expenditure on clubs when you don’t know if your child will actively engage with the sport. Perhaps they will lose interest after a few minutes of coaching. Indeed, it is not even a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’, says Michelle:

“My first rule is that less is more. Do not overload a new golfer with information. For every year of life, we get one minute of learning focus from a child. So, in a 45 minute class of seven year olds we have seven minutes of instruction time and 38 minutes of game-based learning. Get them involved in group activities as it’s more fun to do things with others their own age.”

Children should be given plenty of chances to play. It is about enjoyment and that means playing kid-friendly yardages. Castlebar Golf Club recently developed a six-hole par-3 course specifically designed for kids. Holes measure between 50 and 100 yards. Other clubs have created or are investing in similar developments, a sign that junior coaching is being embraced on more levels than ever before.

It is often said that those in the youngest age brackets are the future of the game. That’s not strictly accurate as so many golfers take up the game later in life – and will continue to do so – but introducing kids to the game when they’re young and giving them the right environment in which to learn means that they can play the game for all of their life… or return to it at some stage in the future when the time is right.

“As a coach, my goal isn't just to give golf lessons, it is to create an entire experience,” Michelle confirms. “This includes everything from quality coaching, social activities, playing opportunities, competition, structure and a long term player development path.

As a parent, your job is to provide them with an experience that will make them want to play the game forever, an experience that will allow their passion and self motivation to grow. Give them the chance to own the game for themselves.”

Before Covid interrupted our lives there were junior programmes and camps being run at almost every golf club in Ireland. Many of these will be thriving again this summer, reigniting kids’ passion for the game and giving others the chance to discover the joys of the sport.

“Every family is on a unique journey,” Michelle concludes. “Some are using golf simply as a fun family activity to do together, whereas some have aspirations of playing college golf and even beyond. No matter the journey, as a coach it's fun to be a part of that.”

These days you’re unlikely to see someone at junior camp with a putter made from plastic piping and skirting board but you’ll see plenty of enthusiasm. Today’s equipment is much more aligned with the needs of children, so offer a child the right path and the right tools for the job, and watch that enthusiasm grow into a passion that can last for more than 90 years.

Cut From A Different Cloth II - Kwack Golf

2022-06-17T09:25:00.001+01:00

The popularity of the Kwack brand established itself quickly... even if back in its early days it was known as Duck Hook.

Here's a Q&A with the company.

When was Duckhook founded?

Kwack Golf, formerly Duck Hook, was initially founded at the start of the pandemic in January 2020.

And by whom?

Ben, Scott & Will. Ben & Will are first cousins while Scott & Ben have been friends since the start of secondary school in 2006.

Why did you decide to start the company? What is your ethos?

The three of us play a lot of golf together and even in a West Cork golf society, we had gotten tired of being in the prizes and getting something that we straight away knew we'd be bringing back for store credit. The golf apparel that we all liked was too expensive and the stuff that was reasonable was cheap and not very stylish.

Where are you based?

We're based in Portmarnock in Dublin, with our office being in Baldoyle. Originally the three of us are from West Cork, Ben & Will from Kilbrittain and Scott from Kinsale.

What date did you officially launch?

We officially launched on the 1st of September 2020.

What are the products that you sell?

We started out with 4 polo shirts and have scaled up to over 40 products, including quarter-zips, shorts, trousers, crewnecks, hoodies and a range of accessories.

What is your best-selling product and how much is it?

Historically our best selling product has been our crewneck, they are €45 and can be worn both on the course and off.

Where are your products made?

We have a range of suppliers, some of which are based in Asia & Europe. We are looking to bring production closer to home all of the time.

Where are they available? Only online or do outlets (retailers/pro shops) stock your products?

Currently, we only retail online but we will be entering a select number of pro-shops this year as we expand.

Do you sell internationally?

We have sent packages to over 40 countries around the world, definitely more than we would have initially expected.

What’s new? (i.e. in your 2022 collection)

With the big change of our name, we have a big launch of products to go with it. Polos in a lighter material, a range of differently weighted quarter-zips for every temperature, an extended range of shorts and launch of joggers as well as hoodies and t-shirts for both on and off the course.

What are your next steps/goals?

We're running our first golf event, The Kwack Cup this July in Carne Golf Links, so we're looking forward to getting to know some of our customers at that event and we hope it's the first of many. We're continuing to expand our range so that we are ready to make the step onto the professional scene, by the end of this year we're confident you'll see some Kwack athletes on the European Tour and further afield.

Cut From A Different Cloth – Fia Links

2022-06-08T22:19:00.003+01:00

The recent explosion in Irish golf clothing brands may come as a surprise for Irish golfers… many of whom still don’t know what is available. It is all too easy to roll into a golf store, Pro shop or hop online and purchase Nike/Adidas/Under Armour/Galvin Green etc. products.

It wasn’t that long ago that the Irish golfer searching for Irish clothing was restricted to two or three brands… but the past five years – and the past two specifically – have seen a major shift: there are now at least a dozen dedicated golf clothing brands selling to an expanding market and a hungry audience. It is good news all round.

At least eight brands have come in to being since the pandemic started in early 2020. They are all small outfits of one, two or three golf-mad people. Most are still only selling online but that will probably change as awareness among the Irish golfing public (and further afield it must be said) influences golf retailers and Pro shops to stock these

products. The days of Irish golf clothing brands being limited to Dwyers & Co and Green Lamb are over.

No brands make their clothing in Ireland – those days are pretty much gone – so it will come as no surprise that the majority of these brands look to China/Asia to produce their products. There is one noticeable exception to this (Fia Links) and as Fia Links is the most recent brand to launch (Feb 2022) it is the first to appear on this blog. Each brand will have a separate blog.

You might also discover a few omissions from the list – e.g. the Dunnes Stores Harrington range and Druids Golf – and that’s because we are looking at brands whose focus is on golf clothing exclusively.

Fia Links (Launched February 2022)

Fia Links (www.fialinks.com) has the strongest roots in sustainability, which includes fabrics used, ethical labour and local (EU) production. Such values will be important to many golfers and it is hugely admirable at a time when Asia still offers the easiest and cheapest route. The quality is top grade and while the range is limited for now it will expand this summer with shirts and more 1/4 zips.

Here’s my Q&A with Alex Walshe, the founder of Fia Links.

When was Fia Links founded?

The business was founded in 2021, with products and manufacturer testing taking place that year before we launched to market in February 2022. It seems like a long time to do testing but I wanted to set our products apart on quality of fabrics and quality of craftmanship, something that I feel is missing in the golf apparel sector in Ireland.

Who founded Fia Links?

Alex Walsh. Much like golf it’s a solo pursuit with occasional help from outside advisors.

Why was it founded? What is your ethos?

I founded Fia Links as I wanted to offer a greater choice to the golfing public and something that was missing. We have combined both the Sustainable and Performance and coined the phrase Sustainable Performance to represent our mission. We offer the choice of premium quality golf attire, suitable to wear both on and off the course, and this is our design mission. With the advent of working from home our lifestyles have changed and so did our day to day clothing. When I went to play golf it seemed silly to me that clothes weren’t interchangeable and didn’t allow for the same performance qualities needed on the golf course. For this we have designed performance into our clothes by using premium European fabrics, which provide for durability and breathability, capable of surviving wear both on and off the course.

I also noticed in other consumer sectors a move to a more sustainable approach/mindset. The traditional clothing industry is notoriously bad for the environment and for the people manufacturing the clothes. What I found is that the golf clothing industry is also posting some pretty bad scores!! At Fia Links we believe brands/manufacturers play a crucial role in addressing climate change and unfair working practices. We will not compromise on where we make our clothes or how we make them, quality is everything to us. For this all our clothes are designed in Ireland, made in Porto, Portugal using premium sustainable European fabrics and ethical labour.

It costs us extra to produce in this way but we believe it’s the right thing to do for the environment, the manufacturers and other businesses in the supply chain and, ultimately, our customers who benefit from a premium and durable product above what is on offer in the Irish market.

Our fabric choices are one of the aspects that sets us apart. For our launch products we have used a diverse range of raw materials, including

Modal. This is super soft and durable it’s made by Lenzing in Austria, and comes from the pulp of Beech trees. It is composed of natural material so it’s biodegradable and compostable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions. It can therefore fully revert back to nature).

Organic cotton. All our cotton complies with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and

Polyester. Made from recycled plastics (rPES or rPET) and complies with Global Recycled Standard, the raw plastics used in the production of the Axis quarter zip are sourced from marine and post-consumer waste.

Where are you based?

Dublin. All clothes are designed in Ireland.

What date did you officially launch?

4^th Feb 2022

What are the products you sell?

We sell men’s golf clothing and our design mission is a new approach in the golf industry. Our experiences with other golf clothes were that they were not interchangeable between the course and everyday life. We have designed clothes that changes this. We use premium European fabrics and keep our logo to a minimum for an understated style. We focus on comfort, durability and useability, and we have included certain comfort items as a minimum, such as softer neck tapes, printed brand labels on the neck (so nothing scratches your neck as you are trying to hole out!!). We are launching t-shirts and more 1/4 zips soon, and restocking some of our favourites from our launch range.

What is your best-selling product and how much is it?

Our best-selling product is the Sambar crewneck which is €64.95. It is made from a combination of super soft and durable Modal and organic cotton. We have designed it with raglan sleeves and added a small bit of stretch in the fabric to allow for that all important movement needed in the golf swing. Above all else we believe it’s the softest crew neck in golf!

The Sambar crewneck

Where are your products made?

We source all our fabrics in Europe, including Austria, Italy and Portugal, and products are then manufactured in Porto, Portugal.

Where are they available?

Presently all are sold online through www.fialinks.com , and we are presently talking to Pro shops throughout Ireland about becoming stockists.

Do you sell internationally?

Yes, we sell internationally. Shipping rates vary.

What are your next steps/goals?

Our immediate goals are to get a selection of t-shirts and 1/4 zips for summer golfers. I have adopted a modern approach to golf clothing that will suit a wide range of consumers with the inclusion of 1/4 zip blade collars and flat lock stitching on some of the items as a point of difference. I want to push our range to represent the variety of people who are now playing golf but also remain true to our mission of Sustainability. This includes hoodies and some additional twists on the golf classics.

I also want to continue to play as many golf courses throughout Ireland and document/review them on our blog. I will be writing golf course reviews and, following on with adopting a new approach, I will be tracking these golf courses’ sustainability practices. Much like the clothing industry we believe that golf courses can be points of change for the wider community in adopting a more sustainable approach.

Rosslare Golf Links Summer Series 2022

2022-05-23T14:36:00.003+01:00

As if you needed any more reason to visit one of Ireland's lesser known links gems this summer, Rosslare Golf Links has just announced a new 2022 Summer Series event. The Summer Series will consist of three Friday qualifying events (24th June, 8th July and the 12th August) played on the Old Course at Rosslare Golf Links. The club has a second 12-hole course, too (The Burrow). Each event is singles strokes, open to Ladies & Gents with a maximum playing handicap of 36 and 27 respectively. And each event has fantastic prizes up to the value of €1,000, awarded to the top 5 nett scores and the top gross score on the day.

But that’s not all, the prize winners, from all three qualifying events, will also be invited back to play in the Grand Final on 26th August where there will be a limited field of just 18 people competing for the title of ‘Summer Series Champion 2022’

Rosslare Golf Links is the only true traditional links course in the South East corner of Ireland. Founded in 1905, the club initially began as a 9 hole course and in 1926 extended to 18 holes when the famous firm of Hawtree and Taylor, Golf Course Architects, was commissioned to design the ‘new’ 18 hole course. While changes and improvements were to follow down through the years, that original design by Hawtree & Taylor can be enjoyed today by the members and visitors playing the ‘Old Course’.

Rosslare Golf Links is located in the sunniest part of Ireland (it’s official!) and one of the most popular holiday destinations with excellent accommodation options available if you decide to make a weekend of it.

The Summer Series qualifying events have an entry fee of €50pp and booking is now open at www.rosslaregolf.com or call 053-9132203 to reserve your place. There are limited places available for each Qualifying Event so book as soon as you can sort out the dates. (You can play in all three events if you choose.)

Bookings online only via https://visitors.brsgolf.com/rosslare#/open-competitions

Leona Maguire Finds Her Way to the K Club

2022-04-21T10:03:00.000+01:00

What grabs my attention is this: the K Club have made some interesting and very positive ‘statements’ since coming under new ownership in early 2020. In a short amount of time there has been a significant forward shift in momentum. A clubhouse revamp and a doubling of the greenkeeping team were initial forays and they have really made their mark*. This was followed by February’s announcement that Seamus Power was to become the resort’s new touring professional… which saw the K Club logo on his bag for his recent big weeks in the States (and will be on his bag when he plays in this year’s Horizon Irish Open at Mount Juliet).

Now it’s the turn of Leona Maguire, as she becomes the resort’s touring professional for the LPGA. The partnership between The K Club and one of the brightest stars of the tour will see the Kildare resort support Leona through the 2022 and 2023 season. Leona will join Seamus in representing The K Club on tour around the world.

And let’s not forget that Leona is enjoying a meteoric rise through the professional ranks.

The last 12 months have seen Leona breaking plenty of records: lowest round in a Major championship; most points won by a rookie in the Solheim Cup; the first Irish player ever to be selected for the Solheim Cup team; and, most impressively, becoming the first Irish player to win on the LPGA Tour, when she won the Drive On Championship in February, 2022.

This new partnership means Leona will team up with a place she knows well.

“I'm looking forward to using the resort and its facilities more often, working on my game when I'm at home and spending time with the team there,” she said. “The work they are doing at the resort and their plans and ambition for the future when it comes to golf is very exciting.”

That excitement is shared by The K Club.

"We are so proud to welcome Leona to our stable of touring professionals at The K Club along with Seamus Power,” said Conor Russell, Director of Golf at The K Club. “This partnership was a very easy decision for us to make when the opportunity presented itself. Leona is Ireland's most accomplished female golf professional, she practices regularly with us on the resort and always has time for a friendly few words. We can't wait to watch what she does next on tour and will be supporting her every step of the way."

There’s little doubt that both Leona and Seamus will be making waves in the years ahead, and the K Club logo on their golf bags might even appear prominently during TV coverage of them at the various events they compete in around the world… although that comes down to the vagaries of the broadcasters involved!

What’s New

The North course is currently undergoing a huge amount of work that is seeing fairways being stripped back, replaced and reseeded to ensure improved drainage, enhanced playability and immaculate presentation. The course is currently closed for two months while this work is being carried out.

* Other changes at the resort include new electric PowaKaddy trolleys and Riksha pull trolleys, as well as 50,000 TaylorMade balls for the resort’s driving ranges. A more entertaining addition is a new artificial putting green – costing €25,000 – on the ground level terrace. It measures roughly 60 x 20 feet and is very much a fun feature. Walk off 18, settle down around one of the terrace tables for some food or a beer and be sure to bring your putter.

The 550 acre estate has numerous lakes and ponds and these have been cleaned up and reshaped, flowerbeds have been introduced, vegetation has been cut back (notably on the North’s 1st to reveal the nest of standing stones known as the Five Fingers), and vistas opened up.

The North course has returned to its original routing, starting with the par-5 close to the driving range, and it is on this 1st hole that you will find the only design change to the two courses. The bunker in the middle of the 1st fairway has been removed to make the opening drive both more appealing and less punishing.

As well as the doubling of the greenkeeping team, the arrival of six new Jacobsen hybrid machines - including green mowers, green irons and utility vehicles – has ensured maintenance and conditioning levels are back to their very best.

The Masters Of Powerscourt Team Event

2022-04-01T11:49:00.003+01:00

The Masters is, for many, the start of the golf year… be it watching the Professionals taking on the beauty and drama of Augusta, or just getting back out onto the course.

Powerscourt Golf Club has combined the two with an Open Team Event on Friday, 8th April 2022.

For the week that’s in it golfers will get the chance to play the marvellous East Course to complement the action that will be underway over at Augusta National.

Announcing the event, Powerscourt Golf Club's General Manager, Gavin Hunt said:

"Our East Course will be in top condition and will offer our guests and members a chance to really soak up the expectation that comes with the first Major of the season on the professional tour.

The par-3 16th on the East course

"In our 16th hole at Powerscourt East, the signature par 3, we have a challenge framed by a pond, strategically placed bunkering, tall pines and a blossom-drenched embankment. We are really hoping to see some Masters magic there. The hole sets the tone for one of the best runs home in Irish golf.”

Powerscourt Golf Club are offering a very attractive prize pool to the value of €2,000 with every golfer on the day going into a draw to win a top of the range GPS watch.

Entry Fee is €60pp and includes a Powerscourt "Masters Burger" after the round
Prizes for Top 4 teams (Team of 4 any combination)
Prize for Top mixed team
2 best stableford scores to count on each hole
Nearest the Pin on the 3rd & signature 16th hole
Green Tees (m) Red Tees (f)
Valid WHS/Golf Ireland handicap required

Golfers on the day are encouraged to post photos on their social media accounts using the hashtag #TheMasters.

To enter, contact +353 (0) 1 204 6033

Or book online by clicking here