Central Links Golf Members visited South West Ireland from September 7th to September 14th.
Here is a little recap of what their incredible trip looked like:
Day 1 – Arrival
After a long flight over the Atlantic Ocean, our CLG members landed in Ireland and were greeted by the Sullivan Golf Travel Team. After a two-hour bus ride down a narrow, curvy road, they arrived in Killarney. They arrived at the beautiful Randles Court Hotel with a warm welcome from the hotel staff. The check-in was easy, even for the big group. The CLG members spent the rest of the day exploring the various shops and pubs in Killarney and then returned to the hotel for a welcome dinner, where they could relax and get to know everyone.
Day 2 – Old Head
“Old Head Golf Links is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic golf courses in the world,” Doug Habel, CLG Executive Director, said when asked about the second day of the trip. They had a typical Irish day – cool and 30mph winds. “Number 11 is among the most memorable holes I have ever played,” Habel said after returning home. “A par-5 along the cliff with a narrow fairway and howling winds. It was quite an adventure.”
Day 3 – Ballybunion
The members’ second round of golf was at Ballybunion Golf Club, one of Tom Watson’s favorite courses. The front nine plays on level terrain but with some tricky greens. However, the back nine is a roller coaster through massive sand dunes. The members enjoyed the fun round and understood how it has received so many great reviews.
Day 4 – Waterville
The third round of golf at Waterville Golf Links was another fun adventure through the sand dunes and wind. All the employees at Waterville were incredibly kind and inviting. The members enjoyed getting to know the caddies, who were friendly and clearly loved the town and golf course.
The non-golfers spent the day touring the Ring of Kerry, a rugged and lush coastal landscape with rural seaside villages.
Day 5
There was no golf on the 5th day of the trip. Some members choose to relax in town after the first three days of golf or explore the area around Killarney.
Day 6 – Talee Golf Club
The members’ fourth round was played at Tralee Golf Club. It was a favorite of the many players on the trip. The course’s stunning ocean views and dramatic holes along the sea made it tougher than Ballybunion and Waterville.
Following golf, the members traveled to Lahinch and checked into the Vaughn Lodge for the last two nights.
Day 7 – Lahinch
The final round was played at Lahinch Golf Club. “My personal favorite,” Habel said, “was full of dramatic dunes, blind shots, unique holes, and Alistair Mackenzie-designed greens. I thought it was as good as golf gets.” It was windy, cold, and raining a little as they finished the round. Habel said it was a great way to end the trip.
They finished the trip with a farewell dinner at the Vaughn Lodge, which included a traditional Irish music performance. It was a great way to end the trip!