A Matter of the Masters - Six Irish Golf Events

Sun kisses the 18th hole at Esker Hills at last year's event.

What golf nut isn't already thinking about the Masters? What golf nut isn't contemplating how they'll play their regular weekend round while ensuring they still get to watch every thrilling minute of the year's first and, for many, best Major?

May I steer you in the direction of a number of themed events, starting with From Esker Hills to
Augusta - an open competition that celebrates Shane Lowry's participation in the Masters. You'll find the details and how to book on the poster below.

Shane, a proud member of Esker Hills, learned his craft on one of Ireland's most entertaining and exuberant courses. It rises and falls constantly, promising many thrilling shots and intriguing challenges. The photo below (a par three) gives just a small taste of what to expect.

There will be prizes every day in a Singles Stableford competition, plus a nearest the pin on all the par threes which adds a bit of spice. Prizes tbc... but Shane will have signed a fair few of them!

And the cost is just €30pp, including lunch. The event books up fast (no, seriously, it does) so if you're interested, get on the phone to Ray or Caroline, on 057 9355 999.

[PS. In case you're wondering, an esker is defined thus: a long ridge of gravel and other sediment, typically having a winding course, deposited by meltwater from a retreating glacier or ice sheet.]

But Esker Hills is not the only club to be hosting a Masters themed event. Here are five more:

Bangor Golf Club

Similar to the Masters, Bangor Golf Club runs a par three competition (on the Friday) and a nine hole competition on the Sunday. The winner receives a Green Jacket. Bangor is a fine parkland course that tends to sail below the radar - certainly for golfers south of the border - and the photo below is of the par four 5th: one of the toughest par fours you'll play.

Bangor's 5th - a big dogleg right.

The event has been running for a few years and if you're interested in participating, call the Pro, Stephen Gordon, on 048 9127 0922. 

Dooks Golf Club

The most perfect setting for a links golf course is to be found on the Ring of Kerry... and Dooks is one of the friendliest links, too. On the Friday of the Masters (and each of the four Majors for that matter) and for just €30 you can play in an Open singles. There will be special prizes. They're calling it 'Major Madness'... can't think why! If you want to book, click here. 

Dooks and the views to the Dingle Peninsula.

It's also worth mentioning the inaugural Father & Son event the club is running on Friday 21st of April. It's a foursomes event, so make sure your dad (or son) is finely tuned. Entry is €30pp.

Fota Island Golf Club

Fota Island's 6th hole

Fota Island has been running a series of 'Major' events for a number of years. For the four days of the Masters there will be an open singles event. This will be specially priced and there will be a themed menu in the clubhouse. Details have yet to be confirmed but I'll do a fuller blog once they have been. There is, however, one thing to note: there will be four of these events (one for each Major) and if you play in all four and you have the best combined scores, you will receive a very tasty prize indeed. With the Fota Island hotel alongside, Fota Island Wildlife Park and Cork City make this a great opportunity to get a few days away with the family... and sneak in that all important round of golf.

Galway Bay Golf Resort

Galway Bay is hosting its first 'Masters Tournament' with golfers competing for a Green Jacket and the Augusta Cup. It's an 18 hole Singles Stableford event on both the Saturday and Sunday of the Masters weekend. The poster below will tell you all you need to know... but €2,000 in prizes should raise an eyebrow or two.

Tipperary Golf Club

There is a Masters open singles in Tipperary Golf Club. The number of Pros that make the half cut are drawn against the same amount of players from the open singles. Then your gross score is added to your Pro's score from the Sunday to give your total score. So if you have a 71 and are drawn with Jason Day who has a 68 on Sunday then your total is 139. The competition runs from Friday to Sunday.

If there are any other Masters-themed events out there, please let me know and I will add them here. Thanks