Let Me Quote You On That - North West Golf Club

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

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.

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

 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

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

The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta

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.