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| The par three 2nd hole on Carne's Kilmore nine. |
I have been asked (and honoured) to write the blog for Carne Golf Links, this year. The website is getting a revamp and the blog is going to play a bigger part in their marketing efforts. I've written a few already, but one of the most enjoyable so far is a 'top tips' on how to plan the perfect golfing vacation to Ireland (or anywhere, for that matter).
I ended up writing enough to fill two blogs. Take a look and if I've missed out any important stuff please let me know.
http://www.carnegolflinks.com/news-events/entry/twelve-top-tips-for-a-golf-trip-to-ireland-part-1.html
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| Approach to the par four 8th on the original Hackett 18. |
It's a course like no other and my number one in the country. If you've never played it then add it to your bucket list and discover the joys of an Irish golf course that will throw you into the biggest golfing dunes on earth.
Interesting read Kevin with some helpful points. One point I think that should be addressed by Irish clubs (please correct me if I am wrong) is better collaboration between clubs in regions to offer better deals to travellers. Clubs certainly offer GUI members deals to play multiple clubs so why not tourists?
ReplyDeleteWith resort courses offering deals, albeit on possibly lesser courses, it is sometimes hard to swollow the green fees of members clubs.
Having said all this it is encouraging to see that carne are offering deals of accommodation and golf.
All the best
Matt
Cheers Matt, I think more and more clubs are seeing the benefits of offering such 'passports'. Then again, more could be doing it.
DeleteHi Kevin - great advice and nicely presented.
ReplyDeleteI've been considering a solo trip for 7-9 days in the coming weeks. Any advice for a solo traveler? I'm planning on doing the north west - based in Enniscrone for a few days, then heading up to Portrush area via Donegal.
Thanks!
William
Canada
Always a bit difficult as a single, William, but you're not going to have any issues with tee times as they'll always throw you out with other golfers... assuming you're good with that. Accommodation is no issue, either. Perhaps the toughest thing will be driving in Ireland as a single... on Irish roads... so don't try too long a journey. And get the best map/GPS for the car to get you around the place.
DeleteAre you looking for accommodation/course suggestions?
Thanks for replying Kevin. I guess I was really wondering if there was any magic secret to the perfect solo trip.
DeleteI'd actually dread going out as a single repeatedly, so I'm glad to hear I'd easily get paired up.
Thanks to your blog and flickr page (which I drool over on a regular basis) along with Tom Coyne's writing, I've got a decent idea of what courses to aim to play. Right now, it's looking like Enniscrone, Carne, Donegal, Narin, Cruit Island, Castle Rock, Portstewart, and Portrush. I'm not sure if that's excessive, but I wanted to get a good taste of the North West. Does it sound crazy?
Between Trivago and AirBnB I've got a good handle on where I can stay, though I'm always open to suggestions. The plans are all fluid, so I'd love to hear any suggestions.
Course-wise, I'd say try not to do too much. Looks like you're after 1 course a day... as a single I guess you have all the time in the world, but Enniscrone and Carne should be played twice - or at the very least try to play Carne's new 9 as well. Conditioning is not yet perfect but ignore that and revel in the hole structure.
DeleteThere's no magic secret - none that I can tell, anyway - but set yourself realistic daily targets and try to stick to them. If you finish somewhere early, there are always the sights and beaches to enjoy... or a pub... but (obviously) be careful if you're driving.
Enjoy
Hey Kevin - trip done and it was great.
DeleteHere's a review I wrote for my local golf forum
http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/showthread.php?t=151637
Great review, William - sounds like you had a ball! And only one day of tough conditions... shame it was at Royal Portrush! Love your definitions (yours vs ours) of the wind and rain. Yep, that about says it all. And succinct reviews of the courses too! Did you really pay 90 euro at Carne? I thought €70 was their max. Also, your top 3s - surprised not to see Sandy Hills at Rosapenna on the top of your 'hardest courses' list. Always found it a brute. K
DeleteWith my membership at Enniscrone, I paid €45 which is supposed to be half the rack rate. I know they offer regular discounts though. Per your advice, I played both enniscrone and carne twice, actually three times at enniscrone.
DeleteI didn't find Sandy Hills that tough when I was playing - my driver was behaving that day and I did manage a couple birdies, so that probably skewed my view.
I'm looking forward to coming again and writing another review. I would probably follow the same route but try and hit ballylifin and Portsalon or start where I did and then head south to connemara, lahinch, and ballybunion.
Kevin- will be at Carne in a couple of weeks. What are you hearing about Doonbeg- is it all open or still undergoing renovation? Some in our group want to play there but I am not keen on the idea.
ReplyDeleteStill getting work done, as far as I know. Someone said as many as 6 holes closed... although course still open for play. Where else are you playing? Plenty of other choices.
DeleteStart at European club then Portrush, Rosses Point, Carne, Lahinch, and Ballybunion. Too much barnstorming for me, 5th trip I have made. Brother in Law, nephews and 86 yr. old father in law, his last trip, the boys first. Need to see a few sites!
ReplyDeleteCertainly a big trip in terms of distances. It would be a shame to pass up Enniscrone on your way to (or back from) Carne - and I'd play it ahead of Doonbeg. Are you looking for an extra course to play? Is that why you're asking about Doonbeg?
Delete