Open Weeks 3 - Irish Golf

Some more July Open Weeks to continue the list. This time it's Greystones (my home club) in Co. Wicklow, St. Anne's in Dublin Bay and Dunmurry Springs in Co. Kildare. There are also a couple of events at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links - where I played today.


Greystones
A tale of two nines (as old as each other) that date back to 1895. One around and over a hill; t'other along flatter terrain. Either way, it's tight and demands accuracy off the tee.

Approach to the 13th at Greystones. (Mind the ditch)

Open Events
Sunday 21st: Four Person Waltz
Monday 22nd: Junior Foursomes, and Singles
Tuesday 23rd: Two Person Rumble
Wednesday 24th: Open Fourball
Thursday 25th: Open Fourball

Friday 26th: Open Singles Stableford

Saturday 27th: Invitation Fourball

St. Anne's
Between 25th and 28th July, Bull Island's St. Anne's will host a series of events... for a price ranging between €15 and €20. That's a value that is hard to beat anywhere, let alone Dublin City. Their new clubhouse is a remarkable construction and no doubt worth an hour or two in the bar/restaurant after your round.
Thursday 25th: Gents and Ladies four person team event.
Thursday 25th (evening): Mixed Scotch Foursomes over 9 holes.
Friday 26th: Singles
Saturday 27th: (mixed) four person team event
Sunday 28th: (mixed) four person team event
For Bookings click here.


Dunmurry Springs
Dunmurry Springs is known for a few things... views of seven counties on a clear day for one, strong hillside golf and the difference between the white and blue tees, which comes to 700 yards. The club is hosting two 'Blue Tee' events, where you take on the full length of the course (6,757 yards) for €20, this Saturday and Sunday (14th and 15th).
There's also Open Week, which runs from the 24th to 28th July:
Wednesday 24th: Open Singles Stableford
Thursday 25th: Three person team event
Friday 26th: Open Singles Stableford
Saturday 27th: Open Singles Stableford
Sunday 28th: Mixed four person team event
Green fees, like St. Anne's, are also excellent value at €15.
Tel: 045 531400


Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links
On Sunday the 14th and 21st July, the golf club is holding a Singles Stableford Competition. The green fee is €45. This Bernard Langer-designed course sits back-to-back with the heavyweight that is Portmarnock Golf Club, and while it clearly doesn't carry the same reputation there are plenty of golfers who prefer the newer course.

Approach to Portmarnock Links' 16th, with hotel behind

It comes with an impressive hotel and it plays tough. I remember the greens being big and slick, and there are many opportunities to play bump and run... and plenty of other opportunities to lose a ball or lose your head.