tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post4933093819772599593..comments2024-03-09T05:01:52.938+00:00Comments on Hooked: Ireland's Golf Courses: The 'Groupon' Age Hits BallyliffinKevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-62572254612946310822012-03-14T09:45:19.388+00:002012-03-14T09:45:19.388+00:00I played the Eddie Hackett course at St Patricks s...I played the Eddie Hackett course at St Patricks some 10 years ago. I guess the problem was with Rosapenna next door there simply wasnt enough business for 4 courses beside each other. When the economy recovers I imagine some shrewd business man will give it another go. As for the Bushmills course you dont need to worry about the Causeway. It is being built beside the village of Portballantrae right next to the existing 9 hole Bushfoot course some 1&1/2 miles from the rock formations. A major plus point is this Resort will bring quality accomodation to the area greatly increasing the chances of Portrush hosting The OpenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-81378984637300716692012-03-14T07:21:59.447+00:002012-03-14T07:21:59.447+00:00Citywest Lakes is being turned into a car park (I ...Citywest Lakes is being turned into a car park (I believe) for the hotel, and Carnbeg simply ran out of money and members. Turvey, Limerick County and Kilkea Castle all closed last year, although word is that Kilkea Castle may be bought by a local businessman.<br /><br />So, you got to play St. Patrick's? The closest I got was seeing it from Rosapenna and from a gateway which was locked up tight. My plan is to win the Lotto (I have to remember to play) and then buy it - it looked an amazing location.<br /><br />As for the Bushmills Links - I'll keep quiet about that for now... can't say I'm overly impressed with its proximity to Giant's Causeway, but haven't looked into it closely enough...Kevin Markhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-49899127815086098232012-03-13T16:30:13.900+00:002012-03-13T16:30:13.900+00:00No you havent missed much. Really enjoying the boo...No you havent missed much. Really enjoying the book and agree with most of the reviews. You also mentioned Citywest lakes and Carnbeg no longer qualify - have they closed? I cant find anything on-line. Its always sad to hear about clubs closing Turvey I think being the most recent. The club that I miss the most is St Patricks in Donegal. It had 36 holes and although a bit rough and ready with a bit of money and TLC it could have been something really special. There was talk of it being turned into an amazing resort with big Jack no less looking at upgrading it but all that seems in the distant past - shame. At least the Bushmills links seems to have been given the all clear - cant wait!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-88513647235655676152012-03-13T12:22:03.335+00:002012-03-13T12:22:03.335+00:00They wouldn't let me play if they couldn't...They wouldn't let me play if they couldn't see/edit my review prior to publication. <br />No one else had added that caveat to my visits, which would have negated the whole purpose of the book. <br />Several people in NI have told me I haven't missed much, but I'm still disappointed I didn't get to play it.Kevin Markhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-18877266157352659202012-03-13T12:12:05.850+00:002012-03-13T12:12:05.850+00:00Reading your book at the moment. Found it interest...Reading your book at the moment. Found it interesting that Mount Ober wouldnt allow you to review the course - Why was that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com