tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62873838184145458982024-03-09T05:01:55.135+00:00Hooked: Ireland's Golf CoursesGolf writer & photographer. Author of ‘Hooked’, the most comprehensive guide to Ireland's golf courses, and ‘Driving the Green’. Published by Collins Press. Editor for Destination Golf Ireland, feature writer for Irish Golfer Magazine freelancer for Irish Examiner. Golf is in the blood. http://www.kevinmarkhamphotography.comKevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.comBlogger1148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-34156547039757168902024-02-08T19:38:00.003+00:002024-02-08T19:38:58.096+00:00PITCH partners with Trackman - Dublin site coming soon.<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41);">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.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41);">So, watch this space.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41);">Here's the press release:</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://pitchgolf.london" target="_blank"><span style="color: #292929;"></span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pitch, the modern golf club designed for golfers of all skill levels</span></b></a><span style="color: #292929;">, 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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdU6GN1tm53_AHPEqnU8ppzYa9gjPuk3CqYPs_tTP8nP-mgVZLTkLorGFysta2s_GG4UsEOwJmx10YH7HkBS2eK-6GMXTP2XZNuZ7WQ8jQUjWTogJn16o_DYv3bPwx4kVvzf5Hc3Gn5H05Y8FqK-IwuXncNUZzCse76GzLAsz7oc7bj436SkkYGawc0Q/s1280/Pitch%20Bay%201%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdU6GN1tm53_AHPEqnU8ppzYa9gjPuk3CqYPs_tTP8nP-mgVZLTkLorGFysta2s_GG4UsEOwJmx10YH7HkBS2eK-6GMXTP2XZNuZ7WQ8jQUjWTogJn16o_DYv3bPwx4kVvzf5Hc3Gn5H05Y8FqK-IwuXncNUZzCse76GzLAsz7oc7bj436SkkYGawc0Q/w266-h400/Pitch%20Bay%201%5B1%5D.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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.</p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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. <span style="font-size: 1em;">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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvlW469iODLTH8iFA2Y11fmrezn8qhyphenhyphenhMnfWwBawTuzUA9CQ7sadXdLxzTwK5xJbuYSluROBZ8Cd3AN0P6vYu4cAyFysQOEmUQjh8gYeGODPyqDQ24oFzr72wlVhy7aZeuk4fUlFBEkAlnX2XSRBBKELdi8qJLfQPqGrTmjJ19n773PMUb5TqjEHDbPc/s2560/PITCH-SOHO_004-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2560" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvlW469iODLTH8iFA2Y11fmrezn8qhyphenhyphenhMnfWwBawTuzUA9CQ7sadXdLxzTwK5xJbuYSluROBZ8Cd3AN0P6vYu4cAyFysQOEmUQjh8gYeGODPyqDQ24oFzr72wlVhy7aZeuk4fUlFBEkAlnX2XSRBBKELdi8qJLfQPqGrTmjJ19n773PMUb5TqjEHDbPc/w400-h266/PITCH-SOHO_004-scaled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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.</p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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. </p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aWiUf5p9X5duqJ1fVjLtneaEWZ7wNM27MiDYXkMhy58yFQIfRR1lasPzKiA7DnWQXXsOnAr2qiJkI9xDsV5gju64kXozlqGLILqp23IwLqwZL_X4_uFpbrrWU91Jk6A0RjfxAmEYH9ICmEgc1eNc3NF_P6ADDXZFbHbm6ED7HaA_Iir6OSFxwn8TrdI/s2048/53516588709_83e2dc09fa_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aWiUf5p9X5duqJ1fVjLtneaEWZ7wNM27MiDYXkMhy58yFQIfRR1lasPzKiA7DnWQXXsOnAr2qiJkI9xDsV5gju64kXozlqGLILqp23IwLqwZL_X4_uFpbrrWU91Jk6A0RjfxAmEYH9ICmEgc1eNc3NF_P6ADDXZFbHbm6ED7HaA_Iir6OSFxwn8TrdI/w266-h400/53516588709_83e2dc09fa_k.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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. </p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">“</span>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."</p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This partnership marks a significant step towards a brighter future for the sport.</p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-34315867446444887712023-12-15T20:07:00.005+00:002023-12-16T10:17:52.049+00:00Christmas Golf Gift List<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Let's tee things up for the Christmas golf gift you really want in 2023.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2Sz-1s_BG0kx6-O-j0UCi0mW73-8LHZLYZCT4bsLhxaTGhwSEVVtTymEKW4x3LcAHWOrmx8PcXVR_G_HdEas3kgGx6LrY70GJw9QG1I-K94XKhJ0B7nA0mDgdI-YQoZil4VyfH3FLYjRkju-yyOJyLj6RTfOvp7XpLuTduiZXs_LCanjp7JejMj9O3U/s2400/Newburgh%202023%20Jan%201%20approach%201%200302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2400" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2Sz-1s_BG0kx6-O-j0UCi0mW73-8LHZLYZCT4bsLhxaTGhwSEVVtTymEKW4x3LcAHWOrmx8PcXVR_G_HdEas3kgGx6LrY70GJw9QG1I-K94XKhJ0B7nA0mDgdI-YQoZil4VyfH3FLYjRkju-yyOJyLj6RTfOvp7XpLuTduiZXs_LCanjp7JejMj9O3U/s320/Newburgh%202023%20Jan%201%20approach%201%200302.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shoes</span></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. <br />Available at <b><a href="http://www.odwyersgolf.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.odwyersgolf.com</span></a></b> (and at their stores in Tipperary and Kilkenny)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOAAuoSytGWRAmzHTCkjwg2Ie5vE0iVRR4dtuntaUyDbhWrfErF4Bqyy7j8V7YDhXladDIyTMbnpHZnl_SEMNz7qqzJ7U19UDDFtWdMYS4MvvKfBX5f8X9tJpUBOSTAnbcarVXEocX7QDLF7FzBeOAIWO6i3rzVq0zWKpjUMVfB76OQ7uFv1tjWEMMlg/s1272/Ecco%20Biom%20G5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1272" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOAAuoSytGWRAmzHTCkjwg2Ie5vE0iVRR4dtuntaUyDbhWrfErF4Bqyy7j8V7YDhXladDIyTMbnpHZnl_SEMNz7qqzJ7U19UDDFtWdMYS4MvvKfBX5f8X9tJpUBOSTAnbcarVXEocX7QDLF7FzBeOAIWO6i3rzVq0zWKpjUMVfB76OQ7uFv1tjWEMMlg/s320/Ecco%20Biom%20G5.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Or put the boot in and consider the</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> soft, full grain leather with thermal linings for a comfortable and dry round of golf</span><strong style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </strong></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><strong style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">€140 at <a href="http://www.halpennygolf.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.halpennygolf.com</span></a></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZeXBFb0OKEZ4I-TrKYtgaUh1spEaDpY9JSwJcuhcvsc5yfnQjItCXkMHem03GTiVVSV7hHuGXi1BkCNZBPj_UCh0BqJV92x46syaxDaA0vm-xPa3tYHFE6DF14qlXR_BzQMiDv16lh18d3ahxaOrrh9DzltHEVq45EYiLlzulUNa_SrpCzx9wVnJ6FY/s1280/Footjoy%20Boot%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZeXBFb0OKEZ4I-TrKYtgaUh1spEaDpY9JSwJcuhcvsc5yfnQjItCXkMHem03GTiVVSV7hHuGXi1BkCNZBPj_UCh0BqJV92x46syaxDaA0vm-xPa3tYHFE6DF14qlXR_BzQMiDv16lh18d3ahxaOrrh9DzltHEVq45EYiLlzulUNa_SrpCzx9wVnJ6FY/s320/Footjoy%20Boot%203.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Bogeymen </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bogeymen+golf" target="_blank"><b>The Bogey Men</b></a></span></em><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"> 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.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://chippigolf.co/en-ie/collections/the-bogey-men-x-chippi-golf-collection"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>chippigolf.co/en-ie/collections/the-bogey-men-x-chippi-golf-collection</b></span></a></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA9ulLgSGZuD9vCBiXxc1OxQBE9dsleiIkdp1jHc1oJj9seluWGp3ozCxkYzBcEMxxOLiIWlOXD4FbVVrmDmcISfzhVvavoE1UCEAvNty4aZscijYU0c1F1jPSY0EZ3_AoXIWEdt8ngl4WaGG3gaNLo8qdLiAewjlJ5eZIECQWf3-TvkPPxe0_QMqSiQ/s1350/Bogeymen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA9ulLgSGZuD9vCBiXxc1OxQBE9dsleiIkdp1jHc1oJj9seluWGp3ozCxkYzBcEMxxOLiIWlOXD4FbVVrmDmcISfzhVvavoE1UCEAvNty4aZscijYU0c1F1jPSY0EZ3_AoXIWEdt8ngl4WaGG3gaNLo8qdLiAewjlJ5eZIECQWf3-TvkPPxe0_QMqSiQ/w320-h400/Bogeymen.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Clothing</span></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">AWGO Golf<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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 </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Examiner20 </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">when ordering at <a href="http://www.awgogolf.com"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.awgogolf.com</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnanpOgKMSpihxiWvZJ_BslX1PcloZbhJyYCNGPe1DM0MDG2TDFcDAvLL_cR0R0q_Dg8hmZpzK2fuRutdFYLWM46__h4D9vw5P_OJ41msjnhkCi-WmJ0uh38QrYErdTvnaJ27lA2Qe08rO4bSHLiWP-e9CtnXkMv5UO4AWvWY_o2kYKGdpoxNzr-W-rxg/s3456/AWGO%20Clothing%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnanpOgKMSpihxiWvZJ_BslX1PcloZbhJyYCNGPe1DM0MDG2TDFcDAvLL_cR0R0q_Dg8hmZpzK2fuRutdFYLWM46__h4D9vw5P_OJ41msjnhkCi-WmJ0uh38QrYErdTvnaJ27lA2Qe08rO4bSHLiWP-e9CtnXkMv5UO4AWvWY_o2kYKGdpoxNzr-W-rxg/w266-h400/AWGO%20Clothing%202.jpeg" width="266" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Alternatively, consider any of these young Irish clothing brands. </span><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://www.jacktheladgolf.ie">www.jacktheladgolf.ie</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://www.strikersgolf.com">www.strikersgolf.com</a> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://www.rainxclothing.com">www.rainxclothing.com</a></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://www.kwackgolf.com">www.kwackgolf.com</a></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://www.rocksolidgolfapparel.com">www.rocksolidgolfapparel.com</a></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://www.foreleafgolfclothing.com">www.foreleafgolfclothing.com</a> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://www.gulliongolf.com">www.gulliongolf.com</a> <br />Dunnes Stores continues to expand its range of Padraig Harrington Golf Clothing.<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Established brands include Green Lamb (</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.greenlamb.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.greenlamb.com</span></a></b>) for ladies – check out the </span><span class="base"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Keighley Stretch Body Warmer (€60) – and Dwyers & Co, renowned for their trousers and shorts.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQB9vcIIcaqUYMMXwJjiiSUqXK8E2CziXVq9gae_DhhHOagn5Q9xrUyFeRCbcwM48DrEYovRVK29LoAwvayd-VeqhiSW8ry_AagMIhxpSUHDb61fMCxZTJHL9gB2znlhPkCFTQADQoLn8IWlhq5IjyOnNlHfZW9Ux4p7V-wGEyhSY692pU3dZQCs6gPA/s1200/GreenLamb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQB9vcIIcaqUYMMXwJjiiSUqXK8E2CziXVq9gae_DhhHOagn5Q9xrUyFeRCbcwM48DrEYovRVK29LoAwvayd-VeqhiSW8ry_AagMIhxpSUHDb61fMCxZTJHL9gB2znlhPkCFTQADQoLn8IWlhq5IjyOnNlHfZW9Ux4p7V-wGEyhSY692pU3dZQCs6gPA/w400-h400/GreenLamb.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Alpha-U Compression Wear</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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!<br />Check out the </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Alpha-U Golf Players Pack – for both men and women. The pack includes </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">a long-sleeved compression base layer top, compression base layer leggings, a cosy beanie hat and a thermal snood. Cost €115.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.alphaugolf.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.alphaugolf.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6oSIsCHhHx_6bRcmztt1RmlhVgWZeenAmd0nYv0TLf5S9MgrbF776hGITNdg7K3nmZ3csal7Tx4GMRF9g8Aj3bSGiPZJ2ut7gfScC-Aj3XiCTQAQJ9-0_eHdAxcjY8ZH_mpwIAkl9GNNSVsdhDcSXONiLdTYTJ8le9Xw0zM-MLRpuoj3P7_vcROkcE0/s2250/Alpha%20U.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6oSIsCHhHx_6bRcmztt1RmlhVgWZeenAmd0nYv0TLf5S9MgrbF776hGITNdg7K3nmZ3csal7Tx4GMRF9g8Aj3bSGiPZJ2ut7gfScC-Aj3XiCTQAQJ9-0_eHdAxcjY8ZH_mpwIAkl9GNNSVsdhDcSXONiLdTYTJ8le9Xw0zM-MLRpuoj3P7_vcROkcE0/w355-h400/Alpha%20U.png" width="355" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ryder Cup Merchandise</span></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.euroshop.rydercup.com/collections/ryder-cup-sale"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.euroshop.rydercup.com/collections/ryder-cup-sale</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_oHDZw4qrsdRZfdPo29RCdOsJsE8ii4o7hTjb4feH0svA5PerqZG_4JkjWvwp2PoN3la-xSqII6aGAOje-9aMICw9bFPlZK9ToJ4OEY3rVs6h38gcC8vqcY4pr4LR_L3mb3RMu-_opv4WQixRxNOcTzOFl8zXt5HEAN4CC14o0Lp40U1bePwS7l6j3Y/s1000/Ryder%20Cup%20Teddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_oHDZw4qrsdRZfdPo29RCdOsJsE8ii4o7hTjb4feH0svA5PerqZG_4JkjWvwp2PoN3la-xSqII6aGAOje-9aMICw9bFPlZK9ToJ4OEY3rVs6h38gcC8vqcY4pr4LR_L3mb3RMu-_opv4WQixRxNOcTzOFl8zXt5HEAN4CC14o0Lp40U1bePwS7l6j3Y/w400-h400/Ryder%20Cup%20Teddy.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iGGKBRvK1__69Ktbj3dh0BuqnvXm8myR-q_ark8_2B6lnHFfqlz3I6CtLstSGdOSHRth3U5p-K-hq4RxN4SL2C4Vgq6B8WwFBV6Lxk6UKojdLliVQW59EVHsfJzDcuD_M6-MCe4QWFVGSKU0fr5e3_48qjYeaqb0U7U7UvlCnEPlc97uuOrzoRlc0FI/s2000/Adare%20Europe%20Set.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iGGKBRvK1__69Ktbj3dh0BuqnvXm8myR-q_ark8_2B6lnHFfqlz3I6CtLstSGdOSHRth3U5p-K-hq4RxN4SL2C4Vgq6B8WwFBV6Lxk6UKojdLliVQW59EVHsfJzDcuD_M6-MCe4QWFVGSKU0fr5e3_48qjYeaqb0U7U7UvlCnEPlc97uuOrzoRlc0FI/w400-h266/Adare%20Europe%20Set.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Adare Manor<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><p></p><h1 style="break-after: avoid; color: #2f5496; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">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 </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Adare Manor Bespoke 1/4 Zip Sweater for </span><span class="money"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; letter-spacing: -0.75pt;">€150, or the </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Team Europe Golf Set for €175, which includes </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">driver headcover, blade putter headcover, mallet putter headcover, tote bag and shoe bag. <span style="letter-spacing: 0.75pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://shop.adaremanor.com/collections/golf-pro-shop"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://shop.adaremanor.com/collections/golf-pro-shop</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXN0_frEWWbERzWPEzVPZRio_2snbg3mvofKIc8ngkR_o4Xpl2FM_5PIMFdDaI3xk5ONlREu3d5iq8E7SOL0rzcZUGmLEVLdNrsOyxmYp4m0a6hB9ghxaG-yukguzQzbbEoup3DpvbNEf3gFJxJP4vBxClHftBAuLKCHZbp-CyPOgcLqq0J7ZQ5mXhHE/s2000/Adare%20top.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXN0_frEWWbERzWPEzVPZRio_2snbg3mvofKIc8ngkR_o4Xpl2FM_5PIMFdDaI3xk5ONlREu3d5iq8E7SOL0rzcZUGmLEVLdNrsOyxmYp4m0a6hB9ghxaG-yukguzQzbbEoup3DpvbNEf3gFJxJP4vBxClHftBAuLKCHZbp-CyPOgcLqq0J7ZQ5mXhHE/s320/Adare%20top.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Custom Club Fitting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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 </span><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">multi-award winning Master Club Makers and Fitters</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.foregolf.ie"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.foregolf.ie</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Seed Golf<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.seedgolf.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.seedgolf.com</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pM524wPNqBIt2ftrdaBZ1SzcCanicAGLv-Afbs05avYF8o31vcDL02KaHU0VIi7rlthXGDa_hcTZTIgKBI9n8hEcABJ8ayvgLpSgCq2nepFNPSx-qqiQSMRJ6fJ6RnPNc4Eo5TxhjAwofPiOfUIgF6ZGp7ONwo7R6S2L3uAXPp8Mr0eLIflTHM8nUmE/s2953/Seed%20Bag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2953" data-original-width="2953" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pM524wPNqBIt2ftrdaBZ1SzcCanicAGLv-Afbs05avYF8o31vcDL02KaHU0VIi7rlthXGDa_hcTZTIgKBI9n8hEcABJ8ayvgLpSgCq2nepFNPSx-qqiQSMRJ6fJ6RnPNc4Eo5TxhjAwofPiOfUIgF6ZGp7ONwo7R6S2L3uAXPp8Mr0eLIflTHM8nUmE/w400-h400/Seed%20Bag.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oceantees<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.oceanteegolf.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.oceanteegolf.com</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Range Finder <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The original Laser Lite was widely regarded as the best of the bunch in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding: 0cm;">budget golf range finder category</span><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">. 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">€200 at <b><a href="http://www.halpennygolf.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.halpennygolf.com</span></a></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOytX3WHdzGUayw1tdLvGpDqp8RhRHtPdZOlhEogVA_MMEUBgCtFT8D8GDQ5GPyuou5McRQDYUAppZXdbxUC6QX5j_96_vFhZxldcgH_H0LibgmWmbC8hSstSaJn77mThKJ1wBVFU6_akW3xjxaH7PGwJfzASyI0g1nh_VkQJKKnJa_gTyicn3P5rPe8/s1998/GolfBuddy%20Laser%20Lite2%20Rangefinder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1998" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOytX3WHdzGUayw1tdLvGpDqp8RhRHtPdZOlhEogVA_MMEUBgCtFT8D8GDQ5GPyuou5McRQDYUAppZXdbxUC6QX5j_96_vFhZxldcgH_H0LibgmWmbC8hSstSaJn77mThKJ1wBVFU6_akW3xjxaH7PGwJfzASyI0g1nh_VkQJKKnJa_gTyicn3P5rPe8/w400-h316/GolfBuddy%20Laser%20Lite2%20Rangefinder.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">GPS Golf Watch<br />Garmin Approach S70<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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. <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><br /></span></b>With all of its fancy features the price may be out of your budget range - €699 at <b><a href="http://www.mcguirksgolf.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.mcguirksgolf.com</span></a></b> – so the Approach S42 at €307 may be more to your liking. It doesn’t include the ‘lifestyle’ elements and focuses exclusively on golf.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N68v0uL7b2EwO-yBli2RkT4V294A4fP35KJJpOKBNR9tzq1qstZvTk4YzufFk5pHt8lN1a6vDXMNC-VCv_aYca7IQtYWZWNlE4l5wazk22SleBzgxzq5h88KM4PIzupUZ5JR3wnvudER5djcvuZfSNr2WxgzWcC9ge-gGf_ir4afb2IiSOhFCHDEgew/s1577/Garmin%20Approach%20S70.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="1570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N68v0uL7b2EwO-yBli2RkT4V294A4fP35KJJpOKBNR9tzq1qstZvTk4YzufFk5pHt8lN1a6vDXMNC-VCv_aYca7IQtYWZWNlE4l5wazk22SleBzgxzq5h88KM4PIzupUZ5JR3wnvudER5djcvuZfSNr2WxgzWcC9ge-gGf_ir4afb2IiSOhFCHDEgew/w399-h400/Garmin%20Approach%20S70.jpg" width="399" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Body Health</span></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Theragun Mini Massage Gun<br /></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">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. </span><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">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.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Buy at McGuirks: €179<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Books<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It has been a good year for golf books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Great Golf Courses of the World</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Renowned photographer, Gary Lisbon, has produced a coffee table, glossy book of his </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Order direct from Gary’s website. Cost is Aud $135 (approx €80) with €50 delivery. (It is coming from Australia!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.greatgolfcoursesoftheworld.com/product-page/great-golf-courses-of-the-world"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.greatgolfcoursesoftheworld.com/product-page/great-golf-courses-of-the-world</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjmzGD2PxMVvmTz_MmKy4wEaeXl7ZW09WPk45-Qn__6mPdozryTXMkhAwkSdFaA62Y_FbFlPn0jDkUUUrG2YVQ5575cDeO_Az2rA94VmRd0P1kAtxsa7fLewMMNYQ4P2HjYoyakWTlG9icy-QM0e6-zX7I8CPNdPKdYQMKf-Li-mtQKMEciYkGKSm_fI/s2906/Book%20Gary%20Lisbon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="2906" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjmzGD2PxMVvmTz_MmKy4wEaeXl7ZW09WPk45-Qn__6mPdozryTXMkhAwkSdFaA62Y_FbFlPn0jDkUUUrG2YVQ5575cDeO_Az2rA94VmRd0P1kAtxsa7fLewMMNYQ4P2HjYoyakWTlG9icy-QM0e6-zX7I8CPNdPKdYQMKf-Li-mtQKMEciYkGKSm_fI/w400-h196/Book%20Gary%20Lisbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Golf Course Architecture For Normal People</span></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Geoff Shackleford<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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. <br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.easons.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.easons.com</span></a></b> RRP €39</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jU-fxIn3EGwudyQ0w8wF2ZTZHCKxhy1f94i1_73CkO52MsEP7pMmwc6XxW662BUZMhGtZEnvmW6RLMbKq2aPpWTbV9YKtXV4WmfiiriBuBn431fO8UjaC5cCIu2BzKvzp5R_buv_mfw_Lninq1OvWYIbfVWYBzIEkV0aDnDn_rd_QMdryItxtkebfow/s1260/Book%20Golf%20Architecture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="962" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jU-fxIn3EGwudyQ0w8wF2ZTZHCKxhy1f94i1_73CkO52MsEP7pMmwc6XxW662BUZMhGtZEnvmW6RLMbKq2aPpWTbV9YKtXV4WmfiiriBuBn431fO8UjaC5cCIu2BzKvzp5R_buv_mfw_Lninq1OvWYIbfVWYBzIEkV0aDnDn_rd_QMdryItxtkebfow/s320/Book%20Golf%20Architecture.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; letter-spacing: -0.3pt;">World’s Greatest Golf Courses From Above</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Alex Narey<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">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.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.dubraybooks.ie"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.dubraybooks.ie</span></a></b> €37.99</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="contextmenu" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 17.25pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Golf Abroad – ClubsToHire<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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.<br /><b><a href="http://www.clubstohire.com/voucher-sales"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.clubstohire.com/voucher-sales</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="contextmenu" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 17.25pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Golf Abroad – Bring Your Own Clubs<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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. <br />€229 at McGuirks and Halpenny Golf.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="contextmenu" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 17.25pt;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UcvGQmU3HPVXAATtnZbAz1K5pR1-MAvGGBijVsOh8fMeqmgqCCzutxthdjBlUHH_Pm4i79KFAvMVr1tEWuhElkqxSiOoDB88UqzeGrNCoOcbpzhstyEx8RY6KfAXgIJW2csWc99kW2LZh38IPkUbSBnREhErf0wjlRPMN_86UXGPlv-CusiJgkzsl0s/s2000/OGIO%20bag.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UcvGQmU3HPVXAATtnZbAz1K5pR1-MAvGGBijVsOh8fMeqmgqCCzutxthdjBlUHH_Pm4i79KFAvMVr1tEWuhElkqxSiOoDB88UqzeGrNCoOcbpzhstyEx8RY6KfAXgIJW2csWc99kW2LZh38IPkUbSBnREhErf0wjlRPMN_86UXGPlv-CusiJgkzsl0s/w400-h400/OGIO%20bag.png" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></b><p></p><p class="contextmenu" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 17.25pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Golf Holiday, Lisbon<br />Quinta da Marinha<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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:<br /></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Two nights’ B&B accommodation in a Superior Double Room;</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">One</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span lang="PT" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">green fee per person at Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf;<br />A </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">guided tour of Quinta Casal Santa Maria vineyard with a tasting of six Casal Santa Maria wines;<br />Access to the resort’s Health Club with sauna, Turkish bath, gym and indoor and outdoor pools.<br />Prices from €195 per person. <b><a href="http://www.quintadamarinha.com/en/menu/packages.aspx"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.quintadamarinha.com/en/menu/packages.aspx</span></a></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-GW0Q0VEIOD_RpHiqO6S64J0BtcAxbe_5UkmxdRJFMZeDTaYMGYzhWx_Pfxd7Eg_N2WHSOq84zsC0kTRel5RVMuH8siPVtQnljnXsJAnG_4-uz1m_9x4juevJjBosd1HXDCUzSy5gx3LOqNR-wbKQNoHJ9_stp2c8OEk2xOxxGUCAWTISRgpteXIZzE/s2048/PORTUGAL%20Quinta%20da%20Marinha.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-GW0Q0VEIOD_RpHiqO6S64J0BtcAxbe_5UkmxdRJFMZeDTaYMGYzhWx_Pfxd7Eg_N2WHSOq84zsC0kTRel5RVMuH8siPVtQnljnXsJAnG_4-uz1m_9x4juevJjBosd1HXDCUzSy5gx3LOqNR-wbKQNoHJ9_stp2c8OEk2xOxxGUCAWTISRgpteXIZzE/w400-h266/PORTUGAL%20Quinta%20da%20Marinha.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Golf Holiday, Barcelona</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Infinitum<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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 </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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. <br />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. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Prices from €417 per person. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.infinitumliving.com/en/travel/packages"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.infinitumliving.com/en/travel/packages</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2024 Golf Calendar<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Designed and Printed in Ireland it costs €20.50 including P&P within Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.kevinmarkhamphotography.com/p71449194"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.kevinmarkhamphotography.com/p71449194</span></a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBthYeVmjIYO3kcXYachBamm8y3R4sVWZbEQqfgTPX6eQbBo8uBLBQPHD1FnX2xT6E-Lfn6zZoRnd8XiXJPK7wxvbBKzxGLWQgbAaUUXkWq0cg_g3LeI9zAH4Pkrc58d5EbWI406INl_DmsJc1VHQGCxO5ccpkfQdltEcDZRQo7pOV9rSkiiPaKTeFmU/s1280/Calendar%202024%20Front%20Cover%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBthYeVmjIYO3kcXYachBamm8y3R4sVWZbEQqfgTPX6eQbBo8uBLBQPHD1FnX2xT6E-Lfn6zZoRnd8XiXJPK7wxvbBKzxGLWQgbAaUUXkWq0cg_g3LeI9zAH4Pkrc58d5EbWI406INl_DmsJc1VHQGCxO5ccpkfQdltEcDZRQo7pOV9rSkiiPaKTeFmU/w400-h283/Calendar%202024%20Front%20Cover%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Chocolate</span></b></span></p><h4 style="break-after: avoid; color: #2f5496; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-style: normal;">I am a fiend when it comes to chocolate so the inclusion of this </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.skelligschocolate.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">www.skelligschocolate.com</span></a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2z8YzJYeMsm9zB9kZC5Ds2I1JGTscJHWj8motuEJMVDx-2-eqhhbIaAryOPn6LdUcuHERuNb3d4zHZzyfEhAqmXsfg0dodUn-49sU8gtLOXVbk7Osf775fh0k9pKJ33g6jb0eGHYvtDLa1QtNnLPjITrFpR-6mFDCIc-iHQrOUfpSOmA4Zt5c58GrEA/s800/Skelligs%20Chocolate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2z8YzJYeMsm9zB9kZC5Ds2I1JGTscJHWj8motuEJMVDx-2-eqhhbIaAryOPn6LdUcuHERuNb3d4zHZzyfEhAqmXsfg0dodUn-49sU8gtLOXVbk7Osf775fh0k9pKJ33g6jb0eGHYvtDLa1QtNnLPjITrFpR-6mFDCIc-iHQrOUfpSOmA4Zt5c58GrEA/w400-h400/Skelligs%20Chocolate.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span face="OpenSans, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(74, 74, 74); color: #4a4a4a;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-29202013806893586412023-12-13T08:34:00.003+00:002023-12-15T19:23:40.612+00:00My First Irish Golf Calendar<p><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">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?”</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cl-uOa_ze06XvDlkmlU96N6eUWllNZZCq0ctK2zwfprGmcFSfzrVhDSF8duhRKLjrIYRwhmEmOibSPu8RTHLvt2R_29KMFuSL0UuDhgsWleI7OWn0pKmTOcEa7YwLgLuOGNLHa2Z_HLHNr8gRqOHO9f58Fw-w5fjM4YUkPZE-9AmEjRDcSm3NyNGBic/s1198/Arklow%202022%20June%208%20hares%208150.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1198" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cl-uOa_ze06XvDlkmlU96N6eUWllNZZCq0ctK2zwfprGmcFSfzrVhDSF8duhRKLjrIYRwhmEmOibSPu8RTHLvt2R_29KMFuSL0UuDhgsWleI7OWn0pKmTOcEa7YwLgLuOGNLHa2Z_HLHNr8gRqOHO9f58Fw-w5fjM4YUkPZE-9AmEjRDcSm3NyNGBic/s320/Arklow%202022%20June%208%20hares%208150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hares at Arklow Golf Links </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;">Yep, it was a short discussion. For the most part it’s true because technology has <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;">rendered a lot of things redundant.</span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;">So, are calendars in or out?</span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">There’s no question that your smartphone is the go-to resource these days but just as with books vs e-books, there’s nothing quite like the touch or the experience or the appearance of a calendar on your wall. There’s a tactile beauty to turning the pages and revealing yet another stunning image.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">That was my starting point for my first ever golf calendar: create something that shows off the beauty of Ireland's golf courses. Create something that makes people look forward to each new month, that is also useful and gives people relevant national and international tournament dates throughout the year. Then leave enough room to write in what’s happening in your world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5sOc6mHGZReA1KauCBHZCsOtLqXNNh3UScVcCpgH7PjMS03V5o599mKMNBs4lJVFrsMGItjC8LMr7ICggjpFq5YkgzaXIVqsUOcvln2yettF2qf5GEugFVAbHjuxlrd3h9bw8sstMQ21BL2ThAHcjJz0jcIUyKYdEuqLW2uoI4UixQw1xj7ejHSK8p8/s1280/Calendar%202024%20Front%20Cover%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5sOc6mHGZReA1KauCBHZCsOtLqXNNh3UScVcCpgH7PjMS03V5o599mKMNBs4lJVFrsMGItjC8LMr7ICggjpFq5YkgzaXIVqsUOcvln2yettF2qf5GEugFVAbHjuxlrd3h9bw8sstMQ21BL2ThAHcjJz0jcIUyKYdEuqLW2uoI4UixQw1xj7ejHSK8p8/w400-h283/Calendar%202024%20Front%20Cover%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Front Cover</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">Every year, I travel around this country visiting, photographing and writing about our golf courses. I am not short of images that I believe will inspire people to go and play them. In 2023, I visited over 60 courses (excluding 25 in Scotland and England), from Rosapenna to Castlemartyr and from The Island to Claremorris and Carne. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kPdarPioOt1lmGgsbjlna5_5cOur4qO_VRNVlzty2S34OAcZ87nXgk6jar0hs5FZ9I2yBLPsVkCS2LFsRZmZH6p5HAIfqL4HtNSShNwXZfj9QutQV-0hFtfGCKTtUPHgk5ExVud4ru_g7yxoQ1c2GFV-fABjUCxDXaxx0md-UGTWn1zLQYMIhsZHUz4/s1280/Calendar%20Back%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1280" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kPdarPioOt1lmGgsbjlna5_5cOur4qO_VRNVlzty2S34OAcZ87nXgk6jar0hs5FZ9I2yBLPsVkCS2LFsRZmZH6p5HAIfqL4HtNSShNwXZfj9QutQV-0hFtfGCKTtUPHgk5ExVud4ru_g7yxoQ1c2GFV-fABjUCxDXaxx0md-UGTWn1zLQYMIhsZHUz4/w400-h283/Calendar%20Back%20Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back Cover</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">A calendar seemed like a natural progression… and it is something I have been thinking of doing for a few years. After all, <span style="background: repeat white;">it promotes some special Irish golf courses, it promotes Irish golf in general and it promotes my photography business. It also supports Irish business as it was designed by Ed Moynihan, who does a lot of work with Irish Golfer, and printed by <a href="https://walshcolourprint.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Walsh Colour Print</span></a>, in Kerry. I wanted to make this an all-Ireland affair so I see this as an all-round win-win. And a special mention to <a href="https://seedgolf.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Seed Golf</span></a> for their sponsorship and the lads at <a href="https://irishgolfer.ie" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Irish Golfer</span></a> for their great support.</span><br /><br /><span style="background: repeat white;">So here’s the detail: the calendar is 28 pages and A4 in size. There are images of 14 golf clubs, with Mahony’s Point on the front cover. Each month’s image comes with a brief image description, and the days of the month provide enough room to scribble a note in. The men’s and women’s majors are shown and, to keep the Irish feel, the big Irish amateur events are also included.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigC6NU-knlCGro5mBqW4-mLuzaN6xklGHBC8n_rn3N6Tbm4OSOcEflKlzcvj57f2jrhXw8WyhJuTbRsFk0ISyhR80tKA2xmMJ3HRwdEmabngXw90c8aX4F6lQXwjOR_ZLfpzTXgxaNKvpTX069Vbzo03ncKu4tXy29Vm01hY39OoQ6tVs-UBZ2h9exc8U/s1280/Calendar%20Spread%20Example.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="977" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigC6NU-knlCGro5mBqW4-mLuzaN6xklGHBC8n_rn3N6Tbm4OSOcEflKlzcvj57f2jrhXw8WyhJuTbRsFk0ISyhR80tKA2xmMJ3HRwdEmabngXw90c8aX4F6lQXwjOR_ZLfpzTXgxaNKvpTX069Vbzo03ncKu4tXy29Vm01hY39OoQ6tVs-UBZ2h9exc8U/w305-h400/Calendar%20Spread%20Example.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Spread</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p>The courses that fill the months are a selection of bucket-list venues (e.g. Druids Glen, Co. Louth) and smaller sleeping giants (e.g. Strandhill, Esker Hills). Given my ethos on Irish golf courses I wouldn’t have it any other way.</o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;">The calendar costs €17 plus P&P and you can purchase it at </span><a href="https://www.kevinmarkhamphotography.com/p71449194"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://www.kevinmarkhamphotography.com/p71449194</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p>There are two options: one for purchase in Ireland and Northern Ireland... and one for everywhere else.</o:p></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-67017673915760466042023-03-11T18:30:00.002+00:002023-03-11T18:32:38.723+00:00The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">There's no doubt that the <span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419;">Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta, Portugal, has been hugely anticipated in recent years...</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">... 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)... w</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(15, 20, 25); color: #0f1419; font-family: georgia;">ell 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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobbUtZfTaWaZXwPOqw45G8ETnLcIE_WB7d5EePsfl_QqExnkAyO9qNVRz_2Q8TjYUZY7dZ9_091_-LWMeJh69kb9dmyckjBSS-q5Pa9QHysRnvqVno1n4AZ8T-1i2PpgI8Tkedo_2Irf6NEdJWrewoqLvc55a23G4as0StRPlBr5HOmnGO0v1GAgb/s1280/Dunas%20Course%2012th%20hole%20(Credit%20James%20Hogg)%5B1%5D%20copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1280" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobbUtZfTaWaZXwPOqw45G8ETnLcIE_WB7d5EePsfl_QqExnkAyO9qNVRz_2Q8TjYUZY7dZ9_091_-LWMeJh69kb9dmyckjBSS-q5Pa9QHysRnvqVno1n4AZ8T-1i2PpgI8Tkedo_2Irf6NEdJWrewoqLvc55a23G4as0StRPlBr5HOmnGO0v1GAgb/w400-h297/Dunas%20Course%2012th%20hole%20(Credit%20James%20Hogg)%5B1%5D%20copy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Where is it? </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(15, 20, 25); color: #0f1419; font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0f1419; font-family: georgia;"><span>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 </span></span></span><span style="color: #0f1419; font-family: georgia;"><span>Rey/Royal Obidos triumvirate.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #0f1419; font-family: georgia;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(15, 20, 25);">So, some detail.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XybgMzveO-TDHKPIU2EBKY0_ivcuZdcOfExuXaaJ_3mAzJQuinV6CzMNIbIH4hQA2Gv7WXbT7C--W9aSgpPrwzcZl6yFDoCHrkS8mmMCz9TPrHQ6oILi0BfIqRj49PzTNhv96PGEPxh8K5AluTEVcmi9yxRd4awQF7JTnsiI4VSY9M1DxcQMo1El/s1280/The%20Dunas%20Course%2018th%20hole%20resized%20(credit%20James%20Hogg)%5B1%5D%20copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XybgMzveO-TDHKPIU2EBKY0_ivcuZdcOfExuXaaJ_3mAzJQuinV6CzMNIbIH4hQA2Gv7WXbT7C--W9aSgpPrwzcZl6yFDoCHrkS8mmMCz9TPrHQ6oILi0BfIqRj49PzTNhv96PGEPxh8K5AluTEVcmi9yxRd4awQF7JTnsiI4VSY9M1DxcQMo1El/w400-h300/The%20Dunas%20Course%2018th%20hole%20resized%20(credit%20James%20Hogg)%5B1%5D%20copy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ahead of the opening of architect David McLay-Kidd’s <span style="font-size: 1em;">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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A standard green fee to play the 6,555-metres course will cost <span style="color: #202124; font-size: 1em;">€175, while discounted rates are available for July, August, December and January 2024 will cost €125 per person.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">All prices <span style="color: #202124; font-size: 1em;">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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUIhuOVFNu7pUh0xdsmLfjCn49af5T_fyOSoLWMUu84es44i_8AstyPExbUji6Vq9zGGaLoA2Y9LF5LawX-MJDKAeapx-ymZKe2mp5eQ7OOzKoY27O7TwqWvOHRnWaSEOeu-tRI-pcxso6Era01OjCksYo6WU3Kfs9Jsg2HZKobX8MwwUiI_L1xj-/s1280/52616239667_af0ec09b6f_k.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1280" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUIhuOVFNu7pUh0xdsmLfjCn49af5T_fyOSoLWMUu84es44i_8AstyPExbUji6Vq9zGGaLoA2Y9LF5LawX-MJDKAeapx-ymZKe2mp5eQ7OOzKoY27O7TwqWvOHRnWaSEOeu-tRI-pcxso6Era01OjCksYo6WU3Kfs9Jsg2HZKobX8MwwUiI_L1xj-/w400-h313/52616239667_af0ec09b6f_k.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">“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.”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">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.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Complementing The Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><br /><br />Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-2757377599745330812023-02-20T19:24:00.000+00:002023-02-20T19:24:27.249+00:00The Next Bucket List... but not the last<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">They’ve become almost ubiquitous when it comes to golf destinations and yet we still devour every ‘official’ new list that comes out. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">And one has. This time it’s by Clarkes Golf, a UK family business started by Director and PGA Professional David Clarke over 40 years ago. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYm8ivrcxUkvOgj-HHi-e1GSgycG7PXX4QoXkn_IJ07sNpRxDiTRpf6YGFt77HNe3ZGazjz7Pe8aYW6V9-Rj8O6If7UGxDXu1I3YLnMnUn7e7sflMcHkBMB5DnR_SCGlEKvpSba5Qz0n-q-tHgcRG3e1V0uDhKyaVHDtt4EbaumCAQda3V77H8gmE/s1198/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20Sunset%203%207435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1198" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYm8ivrcxUkvOgj-HHi-e1GSgycG7PXX4QoXkn_IJ07sNpRxDiTRpf6YGFt77HNe3ZGazjz7Pe8aYW6V9-Rj8O6If7UGxDXu1I3YLnMnUn7e7sflMcHkBMB5DnR_SCGlEKvpSba5Qz0n-q-tHgcRG3e1V0uDhKyaVHDtt4EbaumCAQda3V77H8gmE/w400-h268/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20Sunset%203%207435.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from Carne</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The problem with some of these lists – and this is one – is that they include courses that are inaccessible. We can all shoot for the stars but we should really be dreaming with our feet on the ground. Who among us doesn’t aspire to play Augusta? Who among us ever will? And Augusta is the number one course on the Clarkes Golf list. It also includes Muirfield Village and Kiawah Island, which, like Augusta, are private clubs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Here in Ireland we don’t have private golf clubs but there are so many in America, and a fair few in Great Britain and elsewhere, that it portrays golf as elitist. Perhaps that is why they appear on such lists. Like a child in the sweet store, we want what we can’t have. Personally, I think that does a disservice to the courses we CAN play. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGjwDIg3mMnjbdGw4i1zkiPkvmyAY0PM0hBzK43u6B_yqH0L76nZ1nXYyr06zYGXRx2GzT7EKmo0EwRKHj31kKHXcSyHvXLI5VilOD0Eubeg-Hwx9QCFeZMv_Y6WNbid5Z4MLSmg3K7FGeaYF6s-rr0qmujcnuwitmRnwLJFKgPDdHB0O1S8_LFec/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2013%20green%20to%20clubhouse%203%201634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGjwDIg3mMnjbdGw4i1zkiPkvmyAY0PM0hBzK43u6B_yqH0L76nZ1nXYyr06zYGXRx2GzT7EKmo0EwRKHj31kKHXcSyHvXLI5VilOD0Eubeg-Hwx9QCFeZMv_Y6WNbid5Z4MLSmg3K7FGeaYF6s-rr0qmujcnuwitmRnwLJFKgPDdHB0O1S8_LFec/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2013%20green%20to%20clubhouse%203%201634.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carne's 13th green to clubhouse</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">So, the key question is: how do you define bucket list? Is it the best courses or the best destinations – there’s a distinct difference – or is it the most luxurious and/or unobtainable? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">For the Clarkes Golf ranking system the following information was collected on 498 golf courses across the world: Followers data was taken from the Instagram pages of each golf course. Interest data was taken from SEMrush by measuring the keyword volume for the golf course name. Both UK and US markets were used to define interest in playing the course. Popularity data was taken from SEMrush by measuring traffic data for each of the golf course websites. Both UK & US markets were used to determine the popularity of the golf course. All this data was collected on November 1st 2022, and if you can figure out what all of the above means you’re doing better than I am. But it does sound impressive, doesn’t it? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Let’s take a quick look at a handful of other ‘Bucket List’ lists over the years to give you some flavour. I’ve included their top five results and you’ll see distinct patterns within the results. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Bleacher Report (2010) focuses all too much on the USA with Pacific Dunes, Pebble Beach, Spy Glass, Torrey Pines and Kiawah Island as the top five. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Golfpass (2015) had St Andrews at number one, followed by Pebble Beach, Cape Kidnappers, Bandon Dunes, and The Melbourne Sandbelt. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Golf.com (2021) listed Bandon Dunes at number one, then Cabot Links, Destination Kohler (where you’ll find Whistling Straits among the Wisconsin courses), Pinehurst Resort, and Sand Valley… so another very North American vibe! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Shipsticks (2021), a company that ships your golf clubs wherever you want to go, had St Andrews top, followed by Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, Cape Kidnappers and Whistling Straits. In 6th place was Royal County Down. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0cm;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMDdwn6WB3Yn6U_r8vmuEML2dMCnM04YbmMS48Fv_cJmAAt6AzfznSLEXaLLjcE8RuInV9Lhv0cKMcrxnvjQhOU5ZFIY62owCY5-BdCyeMEL8F43H2Pu2ZLfDV0JGmdCzynmLO20b_X1Jl3owMx4OG1tWr2xWKoEoIbIKwQqOiH6bLjHY6WP78Tzm/s2119/Royal%20County%20Down%202019%2013%20approach%20golfers%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMDdwn6WB3Yn6U_r8vmuEML2dMCnM04YbmMS48Fv_cJmAAt6AzfznSLEXaLLjcE8RuInV9Lhv0cKMcrxnvjQhOU5ZFIY62owCY5-BdCyeMEL8F43H2Pu2ZLfDV0JGmdCzynmLO20b_X1Jl3owMx4OG1tWr2xWKoEoIbIKwQqOiH6bLjHY6WP78Tzm/w400-h268/Royal%20County%20Down%202019%2013%20approach%20golfers%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal County Down 13th </td></tr></tbody></table></h2><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Golfbreaks (2022) put Pebble Beach at number one, St Andrews at two with Trump Turnberry, Dubai and West Coast of Ireland rounding out the top five. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">I included the mention of Royal County Down (RCD) because it is important to highlight that two of the world’s greatest courses – RCD and Royal Portrush – don’t make the top five in any of these six lists and yet the reputation, location and setting for both courses is sensational. Surely they are the perfect bucket list destination! The Golfbreaks list at least mentions the West Coast of Ireland, but when you consider that we have a third of the world’s links it is mind-numbingly absurd that Irish (and Scottish) courses aren’t included on every list. Perhaps they’re just not expensive enough… and no, I’m not joking: the American and Asian travelling golfer often equates cost and exclusivity with quality and desirability. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">For clarification, the Clarkes Golf top five are Augusta, Sandals Emerald Bay (Bahamas), Pebble Beach, Kiawah Island Resort, and Whistling Straits. Other countries include Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Barbados. Closer to home, Gleneagles, in 6th spot, is the only Scottish venue of the 20 listed. Meanwhile, Ireland can boast two: Adare Manor at 9th and Old Head at 20th. This strongly suggests that ‘plush’ and ‘luxury’ were highly regarded criteria because both Irish courses, as well as Gleneagles, certainly tick those boxes. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">To be honest, lists like this are just good fodder for conversation. And, a little like the Top 100 lists that appear frequently, they should be taken with a pinch of salt and used as a guide for future adventures… assuming of course that you are allowed in to play. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdYxx9PEf2rpdNZDJUj0kb-LxlwOq7VUgYoWUmzbLIj0Q92p7IEeQQDg-TjjbM9bTE3K0DQOG9VKorjhfPe81cZC7Egd8J0UXXm6Sn1Ln5tCJs2uYHwjmRg3x1IWeOPCVlgzVeL0-Bnf0cYu5UKcNGhQp2vzW8CGDoBWQbI0frAISi0rdjzGtC6J3/s1200/Rosapenna%20St%20Patricks%202021%20Sept%201%20approach%20LHS2%206992-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdYxx9PEf2rpdNZDJUj0kb-LxlwOq7VUgYoWUmzbLIj0Q92p7IEeQQDg-TjjbM9bTE3K0DQOG9VKorjhfPe81cZC7Egd8J0UXXm6Sn1Ln5tCJs2uYHwjmRg3x1IWeOPCVlgzVeL0-Bnf0cYu5UKcNGhQp2vzW8CGDoBWQbI0frAISi0rdjzGtC6J3/w400-h266/Rosapenna%20St%20Patricks%202021%20Sept%201%20approach%20LHS2%206992-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The 1st at St Patrick's</span></td></tr></tbody></table>If you’re wondering, my five-strong bucket list would be Cabot Links (Canada), Morfontaine (France), Utrecht de Pan (Netherlands), Lofoten Links (Norway), Askernish (Scotland). They combine varying degrees of quality, beauty, history and mystery. In Ireland, where I have played so much and so many, I can recommend nothing higher than Carne, Enniscrone, Royal County Down, Ballybunion and St Patrick’s Links. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you don’t have a bucket list ticking away in the back of your mind start one today. Pick five courses, near or far, and make it your mission to play them in the coming years.</span></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="margin: 0cm;"></h2><h2 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></h2><h2 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0cm;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p></h2>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-40398303808677598892023-02-11T14:06:00.000+00:002023-02-11T14:06:08.489+00:00Ombria Resort appoints Salvador Costa Macedo as Director of Golf<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Consider this: in the last 15 years there has been only one new course designed and opened in Ireland. That’s St Patrick’s, in Donegal. In Portugal, meanwhile, three new courses will be opened in 2023 alone. One is south of Lisbon (Comporta Dunes) while the other two are in the Algarve. Portugal remains one of the most popular golf destinations in the world and these new courses will only bolster that reputation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">One of these is Ombria.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBy3934lWVFKEqSiTAHc5VH4yvFK99qOE5Cwj4ZxXxW9-mgAxyKEa-78tclHpPC0D9AWwS-oPSuIuJ_q6Owt1PR4d1AxvOx5i4oCC4poLGzRq2serMJGIe7ajcFpi4HqKKu_7jLzu2qkuugZS6f5OAK9DUrfit8GDYJxBv2BFRoF7u4LNtxuFabUu/s2400/9th%20hole%20at%20Ombria%20Resort%20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="2400" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBy3934lWVFKEqSiTAHc5VH4yvFK99qOE5Cwj4ZxXxW9-mgAxyKEa-78tclHpPC0D9AWwS-oPSuIuJ_q6Owt1PR4d1AxvOx5i4oCC4poLGzRq2serMJGIe7ajcFpi4HqKKu_7jLzu2qkuugZS6f5OAK9DUrfit8GDYJxBv2BFRoF7u4LNtxuFabUu/w400-h264/9th%20hole%20at%20Ombria%20Resort%20.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The <b><u><a href="https://www.ombria.com/en/" target="_blank">Ombria Resort</a></u></b> course was designed by Jorge Santana da Silva and there has been much hype about it. It will be a par 71, measuring 5,802 metres, and it has been built to the highest standards of environmental sustainability. This has allowed the course to be officially certified by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. It is an essential recognition of environmental and social excellence. The images of the landscape – and the course – show how glorious the terrain is and what a perfect home it will be for these 18 holes. Jorge Santana da Silva is well known for his designs at Montado and Amarante, and, most famously of all, Laranjal and Pinheiros Altos. Little doubt that Ombria will shortly be joining those ranks.</span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS38tv7-vNpv3aFItY9hOFbyLvieoS3jCUXIA4RR25rP33eo12l5UnaoSeRfMoixQcAcVspNO6q9yy0grVIEHMtQEKSw5SXZe3YMhHaZ66coqQ_0guSBdCrR2YIq_y4iHc_DTKKYhyYtHwdO27w5fZipf0a-zd_OtIbFAEQiZsDagndmdssrgDt57/s3000/Salvador%20Costa%20Macedo,%20Director%20of%20Golf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS38tv7-vNpv3aFItY9hOFbyLvieoS3jCUXIA4RR25rP33eo12l5UnaoSeRfMoixQcAcVspNO6q9yy0grVIEHMtQEKSw5SXZe3YMhHaZ66coqQ_0guSBdCrR2YIq_y4iHc_DTKKYhyYtHwdO27w5fZipf0a-zd_OtIbFAEQiZsDagndmdssrgDt57/s320/Salvador%20Costa%20Macedo,%20Director%20of%20Golf.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">This luxury sustainable golf development has just announced that it will welcome Salvador Costa Macedo as its new Director of Golf. With the highly anticipated opening scheduled for April, one of Salvador’s key priorities will be to ensure that the course is in top condition… a task that should be no problem for a man whose résumé boasts 20 years’ experience in the field of golf in Portugal. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">Salvador holds a degree in Business Management from the Universidade Lusiada with postgraduate degrees in Golf Course Management (University of Algarve), Golf (Faculty of Human Motricity) and a specialisation in Hospitality Management from the Association of Directors of Hospitality in Portugal (ADHP). His knowledge has given him the opportunity to work for high-profile companies such as the Portuguese Federation of Golf (FPG), the National Training Center of Jamor, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, and Penina Hotel & Golf Resort. Most recently, Salvador was Sales Golf Manager</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"> at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf and Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">“My career has allowed me to work on some of the Algarve’s most prestigious golf courses,” said Salvador, “but Ombria Resort, with its panoramic nature views, will take golfing in the Algarve to a new and exciting level. I am delighted to join the team and contribute to making this golf course a new regional highlight for golfers of all handicaps.”</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4ByDZmxIzfKdzW0x4nJq2prSkZxTJ8-YMLS5viaUbfofRBWqDQZdWzJCJ024A8v3saTrIc50fCflSqBEKnNlwTl3q3pctB2AGmrczWtKq3sgIDYIWUEnY2mc2Loox_Smlv17HsD_MVTVU9zCKKVano2F-dVlJtyR9ZEOgmqEELNvDAFLZG6BlTZd/s2400/Viceroy%20Residences%20show%20apartment%20-%20terrace%20and%20pool.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4ByDZmxIzfKdzW0x4nJq2prSkZxTJ8-YMLS5viaUbfofRBWqDQZdWzJCJ024A8v3saTrIc50fCflSqBEKnNlwTl3q3pctB2AGmrczWtKq3sgIDYIWUEnY2mc2Loox_Smlv17HsD_MVTVU9zCKKVano2F-dVlJtyR9ZEOgmqEELNvDAFLZG6BlTZd/w400-h225/Viceroy%20Residences%20show%20apartment%20-%20terrace%20and%20pool.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The resort will include a 5-star hotel – the Viceroy at Ombria Resort – which is under construction. It will include 71 apartments, 70 rooms, 5 restaurants, swimming pools, conference centre, Spa and kids' club. There will also be a residential development <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">One thing’s for sure, Ombria will add hugely to the already impressive arsenal of courses in the Algarve and anyone who has a passion for golf in the Algarve will now have an even harder choice to make… or just another opportunity to visit again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmZJL5XFX8SFHGDftG7jj2rXbukVBHAuC1Q4Q_7SbWpTP64MxoTEINkAg-Vdff-6y_GgzIqmjmMgbrs6wKlVzsYEOEsw4uyCkTkmeRbMKfhJQPcJIwbtqocRfVW_rc1A933qrNueTg_AhdRTKNPJtfMIrQURl7zpaxAVv9lycTsS1i0-P6wALHEfm/s2739/Ombria%20Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1670" data-original-width="2739" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmZJL5XFX8SFHGDftG7jj2rXbukVBHAuC1Q4Q_7SbWpTP64MxoTEINkAg-Vdff-6y_GgzIqmjmMgbrs6wKlVzsYEOEsw4uyCkTkmeRbMKfhJQPcJIwbtqocRfVW_rc1A933qrNueTg_AhdRTKNPJtfMIrQURl7zpaxAVv9lycTsS1i0-P6wALHEfm/s320/Ombria%20Map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Location</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The resort is located inland, 7km north of Loulé and 25 minutes from Faro airport.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p></div><p></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-56941230558115066572022-12-25T20:13:00.001+00:002022-12-25T20:13:36.811+00:00Top Ten Irish Golf Photos of 2022<p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A good year for photographs but then it always is in the beautiful country of Ireland. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYic0pTpGHN0cTfK24UbcqSWapurypy1MJPn-hfLtuExzmAYmjgbqmmCBsHFwYPUAQ-XTc1CrbBiiabze44mhHo32-WPRsCF0pb8bKVHIgAailVAg20kFoLR7Q6uMZWSXtupqrz4vXHvAayXa-3rxba-3BhuJGwmP3aA0B0TSXhP0P4k8-whVSSw9/s1198/Arklow%202022%20June%208%20hares%208150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1198" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYic0pTpGHN0cTfK24UbcqSWapurypy1MJPn-hfLtuExzmAYmjgbqmmCBsHFwYPUAQ-XTc1CrbBiiabze44mhHo32-WPRsCF0pb8bKVHIgAailVAg20kFoLR7Q6uMZWSXtupqrz4vXHvAayXa-3rxba-3BhuJGwmP3aA0B0TSXhP0P4k8-whVSSw9/s320/Arklow%202022%20June%208%20hares%208150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Here are my top 10 photographs from this year.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">1<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.carnegolflinks.com" target="_blank">Carne Golf Links</a> 14th hole (Wild Atlantic Dunes) <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A par-3 that is undoubtedly one of the most special short holes in the country, crushed between two angry dunes with natural waste areas of bright white sand. I wondered what it would look like in black and white… and it is strikingly more dramatic than the colour version. Do you agree?<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJzJR2uaVyp6RNgucH4PM8hg495G8AWNCMQNP14tgzA2LOGZW8r8EXr3KWdvRIFGAb3sFVR6Hzm90LzUuIepFG3uxVbTW1k-Lzf7mAKDNHCEyeX32nF_Uv0RSeaB4XlDSF_rZpkiy8ahvoM2P33DNHWvHqA-O8gMsPYm7IgghpRvW4huywT96uusT/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2014%201346-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJzJR2uaVyp6RNgucH4PM8hg495G8AWNCMQNP14tgzA2LOGZW8r8EXr3KWdvRIFGAb3sFVR6Hzm90LzUuIepFG3uxVbTW1k-Lzf7mAKDNHCEyeX32nF_Uv0RSeaB4XlDSF_rZpkiy8ahvoM2P33DNHWvHqA-O8gMsPYm7IgghpRvW4huywT96uusT/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2014%201346-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzPh7VJ_7oXF6mi3-TK7mdOTCATSLDGCmRNYsa7RuvJ3QXK4KXtXPiVf2dCDleio19eDSHCgNX2hfZ_RFvNyd9AWkBNKK8Dnv_Ct-wnoivljottebVSHMtzpeYUWxJM2q2QfV3m37jUuUMRmD-8o_eEh2ovi16lSLNThSS-92O1IAAc-45ILWM2Wl/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2014%201346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzPh7VJ_7oXF6mi3-TK7mdOTCATSLDGCmRNYsa7RuvJ3QXK4KXtXPiVf2dCDleio19eDSHCgNX2hfZ_RFvNyd9AWkBNKK8Dnv_Ct-wnoivljottebVSHMtzpeYUWxJM2q2QfV3m37jUuUMRmD-8o_eEh2ovi16lSLNThSS-92O1IAAc-45ILWM2Wl/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2014%201346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><o:p> </o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">2 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.greencastlegolfclub.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Greencastle</span> Golf Club</a> s famous 12th <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">It was a long drive to the Inishowen Peninsula – some 5 hours there and 5 hours back – to capture one very, very particular shot – the club’s signature 12th hole that sneaks around a beach, over a ledge and out to the lighthouse.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Occasionally (if very rarely) things work out even better than you imagine. The first morning proved disastrous but the second visit had all the potential I could ask for.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQteVlzAKly7jQBNrM3xK5E8Lzt0FmoHiytN6CEGmphdcYeVa6EfHim213_zvUuZhA-Un53aXUDkvsD9UUC6jm67FU17FAQEYjSjGwkjvIrhpiuaTgQOV7Nh3qU_SzlletunOPothlMGZ_wZVAhENLPTJcmLgfa5AFUgckzrbHtxmcbNySVy1vSRiI/s1200/Greencastle%202022%20August%2012%20approach%20heather%20sunrise%201%205982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQteVlzAKly7jQBNrM3xK5E8Lzt0FmoHiytN6CEGmphdcYeVa6EfHim213_zvUuZhA-Un53aXUDkvsD9UUC6jm67FU17FAQEYjSjGwkjvIrhpiuaTgQOV7Nh3qU_SzlletunOPothlMGZ_wZVAhENLPTJcmLgfa5AFUgckzrbHtxmcbNySVy1vSRiI/w400-h266/Greencastle%202022%20August%2012%20approach%20heather%20sunrise%201%205982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">3 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Carne Golf Links – the 1st and 13th greens <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">I love the almost identical cocooning of these greens: one is Hackett’s original 10th hole (now the 1st on Wild Atlantic Dunes) and one is the 1st hole on the new Kilmore nine (now the 13th Wild Atlantic Dunes). Both show off the vastness and wildness of this amazing place. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyW4ZQ7fFxuTfvmj4zSEgDPvbUlC0bCguNpvIBTNsieo3X0G89uac9K-g3oPPzqJlGPhrcgsPhsoWDUdVN5cYyzr5fOq172tXVecxUngXFzsnzUE8AFa8-0nmtOyHBjmXLe-UiEgDsomE1dV0WeELdjrFZlFW1D0qePIHxr_6gwtqEy0sFN2xjzoR/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20and%2013%20greens%202%201724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyW4ZQ7fFxuTfvmj4zSEgDPvbUlC0bCguNpvIBTNsieo3X0G89uac9K-g3oPPzqJlGPhrcgsPhsoWDUdVN5cYyzr5fOq172tXVecxUngXFzsnzUE8AFa8-0nmtOyHBjmXLe-UiEgDsomE1dV0WeELdjrFZlFW1D0qePIHxr_6gwtqEy0sFN2xjzoR/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20and%2013%20greens%202%201724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><o:p> </o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">4 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.druidsglenresort.com">Druids Heath</a> 1st green<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The palette of early sunrise colours made this one stand out for me. Plus, I love that front pin position! If you haven't played the reinvented Druids Heath, which opened in 2021, get back there and check it out.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33sac2bo5sI4FrCIi7myCSIr1pb2XhkIN2IAb40Pe_xZzfO-L4US9RH2PapTAxTM4FN2ifK8xjJqFphGlnJMxmZQr_-z5OVLHqYbY3usIh-9aw8uB_rhs6tCMXR1a1lgihvHIXU5z62eH8EpLQQE-fF7HpiEjM5-4hndLmzbpzeoNyhu3RRkXIp5u/s1133/Druids%20Heath%202022%20Sept%201%20green%20from%209%20tee%205%206136-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1133" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33sac2bo5sI4FrCIi7myCSIr1pb2XhkIN2IAb40Pe_xZzfO-L4US9RH2PapTAxTM4FN2ifK8xjJqFphGlnJMxmZQr_-z5OVLHqYbY3usIh-9aw8uB_rhs6tCMXR1a1lgihvHIXU5z62eH8EpLQQE-fF7HpiEjM5-4hndLmzbpzeoNyhu3RRkXIp5u/w400-h283/Druids%20Heath%202022%20Sept%201%20green%20from%209%20tee%205%206136-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">5 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">6th green <a href="http://www.arklowgolflinks.com" target="_blank">Arklow Golf Links</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Shot in freezing temperatures in March, the colours created by the rising sun explain why the earliest light so beloved by photographers is called the Golden Hour. I set up the camera to shoot at regular intervals and took a shot of myself on the green.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizywslWxEWtKSN80th1ytqbHZQf_fRk7BKd2Z9XmBQ7mVjxHWEG0nRVmf4Z-yYT2lW2YBaLuQB-rahRKBVjdYz-OhPfsIJuH8dglSGkePkcAXSRELUO0_kXvE-vixSznz-od3t_8pojiZb-sr2gjHepVkHAxCvytxdsezTWankMMhK8VTxtFgYq1GE/s1200/Arklow%202022%20Mar%20sunrise%20golfer%206%200971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizywslWxEWtKSN80th1ytqbHZQf_fRk7BKd2Z9XmBQ7mVjxHWEG0nRVmf4Z-yYT2lW2YBaLuQB-rahRKBVjdYz-OhPfsIJuH8dglSGkePkcAXSRELUO0_kXvE-vixSznz-od3t_8pojiZb-sr2gjHepVkHAxCvytxdsezTWankMMhK8VTxtFgYq1GE/w400-h266/Arklow%202022%20Mar%20sunrise%20golfer%206%200971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><o:p> </o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">6 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://dinglelinks.com" target="_blank">Dingle Golf Links</a> 15th green<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">High Flying Bird caught in the sun rays above the mountains. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">I almost missed the shot as I was waiting for light to hit the 17th green... facing in the other direction. So remember, no matter how good the view is in front of you, always look behind.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i8VQ_paAfrhHVOLRv1Jno_F1UpmJgeP78vDYjpEMB3nPlZuYem7_3HI40B-COhlWqJLIDH1xkcezxNe48OrWuBsBewNroIW1tpVcgDWIvC793TU5ir2uUKjCNaevrqKqGfMadicUzA0MI717j5LO2zNq3BXAuIR6E1atFqah_Q2MhSSH2DStnAS9/s1200/Dingle%202022%20August%2015%20green%20to%20mountains%20rays%203%205342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i8VQ_paAfrhHVOLRv1Jno_F1UpmJgeP78vDYjpEMB3nPlZuYem7_3HI40B-COhlWqJLIDH1xkcezxNe48OrWuBsBewNroIW1tpVcgDWIvC793TU5ir2uUKjCNaevrqKqGfMadicUzA0MI717j5LO2zNq3BXAuIR6E1atFqah_Q2MhSSH2DStnAS9/w400-h266/Dingle%202022%20August%2015%20green%20to%20mountains%20rays%203%205342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">7<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.kclub.ie/golf.html" target="_blank">The K Club North</a> 18th green and clubhouse<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">More golden hour colours and reflections. It relays a moodiness that only such peaceful early morning light can bring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8SoqaH2h-u6Ms_4smEagtyZQ2IIyHYVJWw0m5ki1gkLmX9Al8K6pPuinapzceptX9GESSu0g2p9m-RyLGcGdrtxu51CC-aJYVWw3bEBUEy8JbIVhcWP1bGY2R4i8QOfOY8t834mo5ki8fownkHH9oZNA1mvU8cuSmCbmbWLBl_zuxpJalbW27rRf/s1200/K%20Club%20North%202022%20Julya%2018%20approach%20sunrise%202z%204300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8SoqaH2h-u6Ms_4smEagtyZQ2IIyHYVJWw0m5ki1gkLmX9Al8K6pPuinapzceptX9GESSu0g2p9m-RyLGcGdrtxu51CC-aJYVWw3bEBUEy8JbIVhcWP1bGY2R4i8QOfOY8t834mo5ki8fownkHH9oZNA1mvU8cuSmCbmbWLBl_zuxpJalbW27rRf/w400-h266/K%20Club%20North%202022%20Julya%2018%20approach%20sunrise%202z%204300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">8 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.ballyliffingolfclub.com" target="_blank">Ballyliffin Glashedy</a> 7th green<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">You don’t often see Glashedy’s 7th from here. After all, the view from the tee is more captivating and is the one you always see. But this angle shows off the shapes on and around the green, as well as the surroundings.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMCgrTPi6FGqvzHh-tyHAredPuCnrRLmFqpLptYMhhtyBvF07prJnk0WreO3DImONf1Mcb9YGcI5yN269JF4MqZorF8isjLhHtMpEmtclYxRbmbe27zr9Y1FdqafrQqDsqpQ7m-a_J5VupssoYNxnfBCnLWLX-e5ET_n_mxEOJv0NJY9saPAKZZnT/s1200/Ballyliffin%20Glashedy%202022%20August%207%20green%20LHS%205897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMCgrTPi6FGqvzHh-tyHAredPuCnrRLmFqpLptYMhhtyBvF07prJnk0WreO3DImONf1Mcb9YGcI5yN269JF4MqZorF8isjLhHtMpEmtclYxRbmbe27zr9Y1FdqafrQqDsqpQ7m-a_J5VupssoYNxnfBCnLWLX-e5ET_n_mxEOJv0NJY9saPAKZZnT/w400-h265/Ballyliffin%20Glashedy%202022%20August%207%20green%20LHS%205897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">9</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.hermitagegolf.ie" target="_blank">Hermitage</a> 17th green<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">This was a shoot I really enjoyed. Hermitage is beautifully presented – it always is – and while golfers will typically rave about holes 10 and 11 all the holes have a calm elegance to them. I took some lovely shots of 10 and 11 but this one of the 17th flag shows off the course shapes, lush greens and immaculate conditioning.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j61QO4dKRZdXhfJD55iBMN9zQmuauTUPYZe24qCdtsLt6-PtHPLEwDi4umpTIXyLtBDYDVBasD_FMVoTpANql_Q04PXMCCSkm0qDTEeIzsFiNddVZhWY1UOOOpQlg11c2GV3ATmzJ7RPCvHwthD7EIdIFJ4TufyjXiEdmYoCDmX-wEiK0oKzpvKD/s1200/Hermitage%202022%20May%2017%20green%20to%20fairway%202459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j61QO4dKRZdXhfJD55iBMN9zQmuauTUPYZe24qCdtsLt6-PtHPLEwDi4umpTIXyLtBDYDVBasD_FMVoTpANql_Q04PXMCCSkm0qDTEeIzsFiNddVZhWY1UOOOpQlg11c2GV3ATmzJ7RPCvHwthD7EIdIFJ4TufyjXiEdmYoCDmX-wEiK0oKzpvKD/w400-h266/Hermitage%202022%20May%2017%20green%20to%20fairway%202459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">10 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Dingle Golf Links 17th green<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Famous for many things – such as the Three Sisters in the background – the shapes around <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Dingle’s greens are not mentioned nearly enough. The purpose of this shot was to show off the natural and often strong shapes of the land. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvthVoqcaGEMRHRGPOp2bUShj7m7d839jQxtKhQUS6c0hV4xgog1-ZAUpmoCJbn8f1vyyTzxqVNdDBT-cwH8tFNdhAv0nnylkboWpEBKwoLYo9AFCoR1e-CNy5pNRLdeMv5-Y1P6b0T23F9H3C_pnlqpt3ihU94fB8uSF3NeW5kK_7LOxeLFhFxhc/s1200/Dingle%202022%20August%2017%20green%20to%20Three%20Sisters%203%205279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvthVoqcaGEMRHRGPOp2bUShj7m7d839jQxtKhQUS6c0hV4xgog1-ZAUpmoCJbn8f1vyyTzxqVNdDBT-cwH8tFNdhAv0nnylkboWpEBKwoLYo9AFCoR1e-CNy5pNRLdeMv5-Y1P6b0T23F9H3C_pnlqpt3ihU94fB8uSF3NeW5kK_7LOxeLFhFxhc/w400-h266/Dingle%202022%20August%2017%20green%20to%20Three%20Sisters%203%205279.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-54947049508588671522022-08-15T09:34:00.007+01:002022-08-15T09:34:49.398+01:00David Higgins to defend Irish PGA Championship title at Carne Golf Links<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">Carne Golf Links will once again play host to the Irish PGA Championship 2022 from 17<span style="font-size: x-small;">-</span>20 August.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1h8mLnx2-EKTyYCa_EalP8B54wodPNlqXeG6rxPxhEjL5oaFa6-9Vco4eoZm-egEXfTfL6c6ae6IPsaV1zFqcLiB5Gf2jDp7uEagWaPBmjtzYHnLaucp5YSl_UHjk3Ao8HRdw-b1fL_ptKHe6wb_HDUKy0znnH_vz_yj0ioPXjz291JCSpEDhO13/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20and%2013%20greens%203%201748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1h8mLnx2-EKTyYCa_EalP8B54wodPNlqXeG6rxPxhEjL5oaFa6-9Vco4eoZm-egEXfTfL6c6ae6IPsaV1zFqcLiB5Gf2jDp7uEagWaPBmjtzYHnLaucp5YSl_UHjk3Ao8HRdw-b1fL_ptKHe6wb_HDUKy0znnH_vz_yj0ioPXjz291JCSpEDhO13/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20and%2013%20greens%203%201748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">The 54-hole tournament is returning to the Wild Atlantic Dunes course at Carne Links, for the second year in a row, and will be preceded on August 17th by a Pro-Am (I'll post some pictures). The tournament, which is the oldest golf tournament in Europe, will once again be sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, whose CEO, Tim Boyle, and his family, owns Gearhart Golf Links in Portland, Oregon, which is twinned with Carne Golf Links.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">Defending champion, David Higgins (Waterville Links), and many of Ireland’s leading PGA professionals will battle for a slice of the €45,000 prize fund put up by Erris Tourism Holdings Ltd, the course owners.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYOEMixf9Q8Ek1ueV26cSRxo3TDjF7ovA7vVVtyBP37IkLL4t1kQZlzvEgVE7IKbp54qbMCIOls8hbqMPPhcYtsGKqC3Y-prrsNNqlGbntKQIoLo9Hsho5YaeCRbK1AdTcUdwoKIzppNMJpq8yz3K6seZ6tYPpWC5h8ti4MkQrsGSU3uXYTuaX9-L/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2011%20approach%20ridge%20p11799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYOEMixf9Q8Ek1ueV26cSRxo3TDjF7ovA7vVVtyBP37IkLL4t1kQZlzvEgVE7IKbp54qbMCIOls8hbqMPPhcYtsGKqC3Y-prrsNNqlGbntKQIoLo9Hsho5YaeCRbK1AdTcUdwoKIzppNMJpq8yz3K6seZ6tYPpWC5h8ti4MkQrsGSU3uXYTuaX9-L/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%2011%20approach%20ridge%20p11799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">Former champions, Tim Rice (Limerick GC) and Damian Mooney (Damian Mooney Golf) have confirmed their place in the field alongside European Tour winner Simon Thornton, and serial winners on the PGA circuit, Colm Moriarty (Glasson Lakehouse), Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) and Liam Grehan (The K Club).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">“We are delighted to be staging the 112<sup>th</sup> Irish PGA Championship at the wonderful Wild Atlantic Dunes at Carne Golf Links in County Mayo. This is our most historic event in The PGA in Ireland calendar and it’s a pleasure to work once again alongside Chairman Gerry Maguire, General Manager Fiona Togher, and the entire team at Carne, who are first class supporters of golf in Ireland. I would also like to recognise Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle for his continued support of this event” said Conor Dillon, PGA in Ireland Regional Manager.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">The event will copperfasten the Wild Atlantic Dunes course routing at Carne Golf Links, which entered the Irish Golfer Top 100 rankings at number 13, and has been described as the biggest and most explosive Links in Ireland.</span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRgF_9ZxLSUQGYZpXxpGgGBe55Zk6_TBcEHx04hkqwC28pvgPpw4ayubhgT-SHqQVdO0Z8rs1QNETxDD7QbeT802WCLHiEVGzkk6BROEbEGbSBe5n33G5HLAOwoRSgjnlxaDb7uBh_ZxBlAXZ8gC3WbQVXKQ3ADpswZoMTTLeY41lTBlB44kNkByv/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%207%201927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRgF_9ZxLSUQGYZpXxpGgGBe55Zk6_TBcEHx04hkqwC28pvgPpw4ayubhgT-SHqQVdO0Z8rs1QNETxDD7QbeT802WCLHiEVGzkk6BROEbEGbSBe5n33G5HLAOwoRSgjnlxaDb7uBh_ZxBlAXZ8gC3WbQVXKQ3ADpswZoMTTLeY41lTBlB44kNkByv/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%207%201927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The original 18-hole course that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s west coast in County Mayo was the last to be designed by the celebrated architect Eddie Hackett and was completed in 1995. An additional nine holes known as the Kilmore, which was opened in 2013, plus the back nine of the Hackett course form the Wild Atlantic Dunes – the stage for a tournament that was first contested in 1907.<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">Chairman of Carne Golf Links, Gerry Maguire: “On behalf of the Board of Turasoireacht Iorrais Teo (Carne Golf Links) we are delighted to be welcoming back the Irish PGA Championship in 2022 on our magnificent Wild Atlantic Dunes course at Carne.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">“I would like to welcome all the visiting Pros, their families and friends, to Carne, for what I know will be a great test of golf in dramatic and spectacular surroundings, amongst the highest dunescape in the world, and I wish them all the very best of luck in the tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBNGLUQetzInHuWPXV3_hDEDVNC_7q3DEfoSk-qTZhRrMOjeMTLhGfMReTC6HEQmpnbmNZFtscrPb2p2VLKHsQb3FPcFDaZqAGQwGcqUbF6f04WKuVUGMTiW-dGZkZGfTUe0GCvCoiPRV5lVZk6f5EVTClZrC9HDm7OCd7t_L_cYAJFOiOnXCyQYq/s1200/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20green%20to%20clubhouse%201%201650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBNGLUQetzInHuWPXV3_hDEDVNC_7q3DEfoSk-qTZhRrMOjeMTLhGfMReTC6HEQmpnbmNZFtscrPb2p2VLKHsQb3FPcFDaZqAGQwGcqUbF6f04WKuVUGMTiW-dGZkZGfTUe0GCvCoiPRV5lVZk6f5EVTClZrC9HDm7OCd7t_L_cYAJFOiOnXCyQYq/w400-h266/Carne%202022%20May%20WAD%201%20green%20to%20clubhouse%201%201650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">“It is a great honour for Carne and the Erris Gaeltacht region to be able to host this prestigious tournament, and we are looking forward to building on the success of the 2021 Championship and ensuring that the 2022 Tournament will be even more successful and enjoyable. Spectators are welcome free of charge at the event, which will bring a huge economic bounce to the town of Belmullet with increased bednights and spin offs for the local hotel, hospitality and retail industries. It is only made possible by the support of our sponsors, Columbia Sportswear, and we are delighted to continue our successful twinning with Gearhart Golf Links, and partnership with Columbia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">“We look forward to working with the Irish PGA and continuing our long standing relationship to ensure a very successful Championship for all.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB">Tim Boyle, CEO of Columbia Sportswear, added; “We are honoured to sponsor the prestigious Irish PGA Championship at Carne Golf Links, one of the world’s best courses.”<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-49769086796781730982022-06-28T15:46:00.002+01:002022-06-29T17:14:49.563+01:00Kids Golf... Yes They Do and Here's How to Entice Them In<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn4sT-XmvvxwFTBSKNRhGE7n4CAsKtnSxCP0m81EE4JE58GQBVv5peC0qP8wICpxqbywgmBQmGDcRxEHtLT9RlLZ3GEiBWbQk8Q6GdtQrreMtRxGSZoIZmylQz7ZEploLgsTbCxQnzsdqzcNpWHGbpy9tZQ2LWcV2Xk_GOqPul6b3WZ8JG1VkQIwC/s1200/Greystones%202022%20April%206%20green%20to%20fairway%201%201056.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn4sT-XmvvxwFTBSKNRhGE7n4CAsKtnSxCP0m81EE4JE58GQBVv5peC0qP8wICpxqbywgmBQmGDcRxEHtLT9RlLZ3GEiBWbQk8Q6GdtQrreMtRxGSZoIZmylQz7ZEploLgsTbCxQnzsdqzcNpWHGbpy9tZQ2LWcV2Xk_GOqPul6b3WZ8JG1VkQIwC/s320/Greystones%202022%20April%206%20green%20to%20fairway%201%201056.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>One of the greatest joys of golf is that it’s a sport for everyone, whether you’re five or ninety five. It is a sport for the ages… and for all ages.</span><span> This summer will have a multitude of kids' golf camps, all around the country, so why not let your kid/s get a taste for the game in a setting specifically designed for them?</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I started learning when I was five. My grandfather cut down a set of old clubs, strapped them up with leather grips and introduced me to a game that quickly became a passion. A lot of kids learnt like I did, with hand-me-down clubs and a family member prepared to offer the necessary encouragement. The quality of the clubs didn’t matter; it was the quality of the time given that made the difference between falling in love with the game and deciding it was something never to be spoken of again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I was 10 when I played my first junior competition at the club I called home (Greystones). My grandfather had cut down more clubs to suit my size and so I watched in amazement as my opponent – a year younger than I – arrived with a set of new clubs, new bag and a trolley. I had an old bag over my shoulder, hand-me-down clubs and a putter made from plastic tubing and skirting board. No, that’s not a joke. Back in those days golfers had one putter and it was the most valuable club in the bag. You didn’t go giving those out like cotton candy and so that was the putter I had. And that was the putter that helped me win. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It is safe to say that things have changed since those days and junior golfing equipment is now readily available and aimed with precision at the different age groups. It makes my introduction to the game seem almost comical but there are two sides to this: producing dedicated equipment is a lucrative market for manufacturers; and it enables children of all ages to own clubs that are designed for them… and that they can call their own. This modern equipment offers ample opportunity to attract more kids to the sport and while not every child will be interested there is a far more defined path to help those who are.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>“Your number one goal is to create an experience that helps the young golfer fall in love with the game,” says Michelle Holmes, the Director of Instruction at the Michelle Holmes School of Golf. Michelle is originally from Enniscrone but left for college in the United States in 2001, when she was offered a </span><em><span>golf scholarship</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> at </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Campbell University (North Carolina). She has since established </span><span>a career there as an LPGA Teaching Professional. Her golf school has three locations in Virginia, and her accolades are considerable, including Top 50 US Kids Instructor, US Kids Golf Master Professional, GRAA Top 50 Growth Of The Game Professional, and LPGA Junior Leader Of The Year, NE Section. If anyone knows how to bring the youngest generation into the game, it’s Michelle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_VvIpY7ZJ46ps8byS7IXYgf34XcTeLUdUlMmyvdaiWWBZ5N2wDnJN2VwKHVQmul562a2ODinGEEeN8PPLI3oa2r-ykMaxrtS7jDvQHZ6RCROZPTKNiuuUC1NwtMbM_B5RitXmLQNYRZX56nsUWyYzrA3XkHyAuhpE0ZgER73UNpkvHM2G5k4S1fc/s1198/Carne%20Hackett%2017%20approach%201%20LHS%20golfers%202%208788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1198" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_VvIpY7ZJ46ps8byS7IXYgf34XcTeLUdUlMmyvdaiWWBZ5N2wDnJN2VwKHVQmul562a2ODinGEEeN8PPLI3oa2r-ykMaxrtS7jDvQHZ6RCROZPTKNiuuUC1NwtMbM_B5RitXmLQNYRZX56nsUWyYzrA3XkHyAuhpE0ZgER73UNpkvHM2G5k4S1fc/w400-h268/Carne%20Hackett%2017%20approach%201%20LHS%20golfers%202%208788.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Focus on three key things,” she says. “First, listen to your child. What you consider to be a fun day at the course may not be the same for them. Children just want to have fun, so let them explore the game in their own way. Accompany them to practice and explain things as they ask them… but remember, you are there to assist them in the journey and it is important that they are in the driver’s seat. Second, find the correct coach/programme. Try multiple coaches, if need be, to find someone whose expertise and personality fit the needs of your young golfer. But be sure your child has the final say. Their bond with the coach will ultimately determine how much they embrace learning the sport. Third, and most importantly, give your child the right equipment. You want them to develop the correct fundamentals which can only be done with the correct equipment.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>You may just want to take your kid to the driving range and have them watch you bashing balls… before asking them to do the same. That may be cool for you but not for them. A key impediment to kids learning to love the game is a parent/other who tries to make everything happen too fast. Adults get wrapped up in perfect golf swings and scores instead of focusing on providing a fun environment for the child. </span><span>They’re not afraid to miss a shot because they’ll simply try again. You want a child to play aggressively and with confidence. Here’s another no-no: don't give your child a detailed critique of their swing after every shot. Allow them to make mistakes without fear of repercussions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“How your child performs at age nine has absolutely no bearing on their future. How you react to their play does. Choose your words wisely,” suggests Michelle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ql6QjbEw6qKgDPabekVI8RRpTu7kQ9TSmoQ6sV3i80elAxRqKYUtmj3M4IEvuudtp1nYrChoioisjUhX4-4xlIa3OaipojPaCbGNai9xHApOxlnubpdAkX_ePXBspB4_fXCA7_p_na_gKT8-eKg12wHW_rrC7-PCfg9jWnsL8_x1J5GarVAsNruC/s2119/Dromoland%20Castle%2015%20golfers%202%208463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ql6QjbEw6qKgDPabekVI8RRpTu7kQ9TSmoQ6sV3i80elAxRqKYUtmj3M4IEvuudtp1nYrChoioisjUhX4-4xlIa3OaipojPaCbGNai9xHApOxlnubpdAkX_ePXBspB4_fXCA7_p_na_gKT8-eKg12wHW_rrC7-PCfg9jWnsL8_x1J5GarVAsNruC/w400-h268/Dromoland%20Castle%2015%20golfers%202%208463.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Visit any big golf retailer website (e.g. Odwyersgolf, McGuirks, Halpenny) and you’ll find an abundance of clubs and golf sets for children. The junior audience is well catered for but there’s far more to it than simply picking something off the shelf. It is important to be realistic and to give kids the optimum chance of enjoying their path into the game. To do that they need the appropriate clubs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“All the kids who come into the shop have a fitting so we can identify the best clubs for them,” says Cian McNamara, Monkstown Golf Club’s Head Professional. “It may only take 15 minutes in our Trackman room but it is essential to consider the child’s height and their abilities. We calculate the optimum length of club and then look at their swing speed to determine the flex of the shaft. Get those right and the child will see a positive ball flight when they strike the ball and that motivates them onwards.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Cian works with the company US Kids Golf, which runs programmes across America – Michelle Holmes is a </span><span>US Kids Golf Master Professional</span><span> – and sells fitted equipment worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Most of the children we end up fitting come on to our coaching programmes,” says Cian. “We keep them in groups of equal abilities and plan their activities. It’s important to have a good structure and it’s an area we are looking to expand.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Covid permitting, Cian and his team will be running coaching camps this year. They already have six groups of juniors with over 100 youngsters involved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Michelle also works closely with US Kids Golf.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ87ub0ygvOHzO0L8mGwTyGQqDKjp-yMnWztrtoRAoSJ0Ox5vaYQLgKckJbcfpcd8IsHf24Dort7xHQ_U8lDijytqAdeEsdeziVBPTuql3k3x8diWvKb8sDa39qdmr2gtw1Jah-O33C801F0WH2aPgvipLAiELU0F33qA2vBPLaZpKT0i4GazAIL_8/s2119/Druids%20Glen%2018%20green%20to%20golfers%201%207012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ87ub0ygvOHzO0L8mGwTyGQqDKjp-yMnWztrtoRAoSJ0Ox5vaYQLgKckJbcfpcd8IsHf24Dort7xHQ_U8lDijytqAdeEsdeziVBPTuql3k3x8diWvKb8sDa39qdmr2gtw1Jah-O33C801F0WH2aPgvipLAiELU0F33qA2vBPLaZpKT0i4GazAIL_8/w400-h268/Druids%20Glen%2018%20green%20to%20golfers%201%207012.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Give your child the right equipment,” she repeats. “Too many children use clubs that are too long, too stiff and too heavy. It is very important that your child is fitted for the correct set of clubs because when a child plays with clubs that fit, he or she is able to develop consistent swings that will stay with them forever. Always remember that a child should grow out of their golf clubs, not into them.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It may not be easy to justify expenditure on clubs when you don’t know if your child will actively engage with the sport. Perhaps they will lose interest after a few minutes of coaching. Indeed, it is not even a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’, says Michelle:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“My first rule is that less is more. Do not overload a new golfer with information. For every year of life, we get one minute of learning focus from a child. So, in a 45 minute class of seven year olds we have seven minutes of instruction time and 38 minutes of game-based learning. Get them involved in group activities as it’s more fun to do things with others their own age.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Children should be given plenty of chances to play. It is about enjoyment and that means playing kid-friendly yardages. Castlebar Golf Club recently developed a six-hole par-3 course specifically designed for kids. Holes measure between </span><span>50 and 100 yards. Other clubs have created or are investing in similar developments, a sign that junior coaching is being embraced on more levels than ever before. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It is often said that those in the youngest age brackets are the future of the game. That’s not strictly accurate as so many golfers take up the game later in life – and will continue to do so – but introducing kids to the game when they’re young and giving them the right environment in which to learn means that they can play the game for all of their life… or return to it at some stage in the future when the time is right.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“As a coach, my goal isn't just to give golf lessons, it is to create an entire experience,” Michelle confirms. “This includes everything from quality coaching, social activities, playing opportunities, competition, structure and a long term player development path.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As a parent, your job is to provide them with an experience that will make them want to play the game forever, an experience that will allow their passion and self motivation to grow. Give them the chance to own the game for themselves.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRPTIRDSpkRStKknc9Ag7NgyJ2Ph0ubBOsQPaCCgNDHnyiSbb2kNM7Gtlk04lwHwnk8it3Rpoba5yxmyUKajtSGrjlR3-Thn6xzvi_Wi9Gq5NOo9UkyqlLii9bEPwzVfFtyjkkIK0SRcInU17_cl9ZvrmnrRXT2y3SzDtEztsaUiyrlovM3AceVAE/s1200/Carlow%202022%20May%2014%20green%20from%2012%20green%203%20golfers%201707-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRPTIRDSpkRStKknc9Ag7NgyJ2Ph0ubBOsQPaCCgNDHnyiSbb2kNM7Gtlk04lwHwnk8it3Rpoba5yxmyUKajtSGrjlR3-Thn6xzvi_Wi9Gq5NOo9UkyqlLii9bEPwzVfFtyjkkIK0SRcInU17_cl9ZvrmnrRXT2y3SzDtEztsaUiyrlovM3AceVAE/w400-h266/Carlow%202022%20May%2014%20green%20from%2012%20green%203%20golfers%201707-2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Before Covid interrupted our lives there were junior programmes and camps being run at almost every golf club in Ireland. Many of these will be thriving again this summer, reigniting kids’ passion for the game and giving others the chance to discover the joys of the sport. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Every family is on a unique journey,” Michelle concludes. “Some are using golf simply as a fun family activity to do together, whereas some have aspirations of playing college golf and even beyond. No matter the journey, as a coach it's fun to be a part of that.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">These days you’re unlikely to see someone at junior camp with a putter made from plastic piping and skirting board but you’ll see plenty of enthusiasm. Today’s equipment is much more aligned with the needs of children, so offer a child the right path and the right tools for the job, and watch that enthusiasm grow into a passion that can last for more than 90 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-11498092280987638572022-06-17T09:25:00.001+01:002022-06-28T15:34:47.606+01:00Cut From A Different Cloth II - Kwack Golf<p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;">The popularity of the <a href="http://www.kwackgolf.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800180;">Kwack brand</span></a> established itself quickly... even if back in its early days it was known as Duck Hook. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;">Here's a Q&A with the company.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">When was Duckhook founded?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Kwack Golf, formerly Duck Hook, was initially founded at the start of the pandemic in January 2020.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs120y_Jdl39oH0d1DBiautbAewUEIVGyFcQsSFSQ0wEF328Q8_p9FntYTn85Ndtmw4VLgMVw9oEmCiO4IMnY87E13f0zS1cQjTxS3Kdup2u1myQSH9CV_zoPAqyPdrjbR1b5UrRCaza7tj9P6qmdh-yU2X-g-tzZF8jIpQI_hKclHdNL1ogE62Q1B/s2247/Duck%20Hook%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="2247" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs120y_Jdl39oH0d1DBiautbAewUEIVGyFcQsSFSQ0wEF328Q8_p9FntYTn85Ndtmw4VLgMVw9oEmCiO4IMnY87E13f0zS1cQjTxS3Kdup2u1myQSH9CV_zoPAqyPdrjbR1b5UrRCaza7tj9P6qmdh-yU2X-g-tzZF8jIpQI_hKclHdNL1ogE62Q1B/w400-h300/Duck%20Hook%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And by whom?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ben, Scott & Will. Ben & Will are first cousins while Scott & Ben have been friends since the start of secondary school in 2006.<span></span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Why did you decide to start the company? What is your ethos?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The three of us play a lot of golf together and even in a West Cork golf society, we had gotten tired of being in the prizes and getting something that we straight away knew we'd be bringing back for store credit. The golf apparel that we all liked was too expensive and the stuff that was reasonable was cheap and not very stylish.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Where are you based?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We're based in Portmarnock in Dublin, with our office being in Baldoyle. Originally the three of us are from West Cork, Ben & Will from Kilbrittain and Scott from Kinsale.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What date did you officially launch?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We officially launched on the 1st of September 2020.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGBdWjjAvzvRa7E6cjhldKlUqV7RDKKpHG77pVnUfTFnQS7b4TrSalVDBpUwGUgZaLHKeADxae7e_jya56zvFPsc7R29ftWbtbtu3pKIGsKVjnIyfddpiGc6KHbjtD6BZYSNsLMO-Z95KKW0_so9ZsFxz_7w6ZTq3iiJQJSbmPy-1zI-3G_23shbP/s1280/Duck%20Hook%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1280" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGBdWjjAvzvRa7E6cjhldKlUqV7RDKKpHG77pVnUfTFnQS7b4TrSalVDBpUwGUgZaLHKeADxae7e_jya56zvFPsc7R29ftWbtbtu3pKIGsKVjnIyfddpiGc6KHbjtD6BZYSNsLMO-Z95KKW0_so9ZsFxz_7w6ZTq3iiJQJSbmPy-1zI-3G_23shbP/w400-h297/Duck%20Hook%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What are the products that you sell?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We started out with 4 polo shirts and have scaled up to over 40 products, including quarter-zips, shorts, trousers, crewnecks, hoodies and a range of accessories.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What is your best-selling product and how much is it?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Historically our best selling product has been our crewneck, they are €45 and can be worn both on the course and off.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorvs-3IxvmZiHJIsER7zNJ7M2fdfda-XB-jfJJoygmyhwbuBAyC4ZW3l-cD9Vq2tr1oZlED_b-Ove4hUK429PxyHbhkzuAEdnkB5paBYrqSjeGS13XM3szveV3TWD0z_qbTdOnrFW1cs2bPBmGYrsNHsUDK0qjMf14cMsehfGdn4GHATsMpTVH-cd/s2898/Kwack%201j.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="2898" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorvs-3IxvmZiHJIsER7zNJ7M2fdfda-XB-jfJJoygmyhwbuBAyC4ZW3l-cD9Vq2tr1oZlED_b-Ove4hUK429PxyHbhkzuAEdnkB5paBYrqSjeGS13XM3szveV3TWD0z_qbTdOnrFW1cs2bPBmGYrsNHsUDK0qjMf14cMsehfGdn4GHATsMpTVH-cd/w400-h225/Kwack%201j.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Where are your products made?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We have a range of suppliers, some of which are based in Asia & Europe. We are looking to bring production closer to home all of the time.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Where are they available? Only online or do outlets (retailers/pro shops) stock your products?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Currently, we only retail online but we will be entering a select number of pro-shops this year as we expand.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Do you sell internationally?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We have sent packages to over 40 countries around the world, definitely more than we would have initially expected.</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJW0IFitOGlEF_IRZNJRgWmjNrQbGa-3Hqe1jtChTNS0Un9gIZCAPu4DeUWTYC0oRz9cZIDgdki5o8Hx5y3w6Y2KK3Helex5JoedqtAKzU1PCpeMPYOyPto4NUh8KjNDozAID8lGGZHbanXE9xXz7K9s14PvM29blHcXoDIY-wkVPuQMbbbqPc5uQ/s2898/Kwack%202j.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="2898" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJW0IFitOGlEF_IRZNJRgWmjNrQbGa-3Hqe1jtChTNS0Un9gIZCAPu4DeUWTYC0oRz9cZIDgdki5o8Hx5y3w6Y2KK3Helex5JoedqtAKzU1PCpeMPYOyPto4NUh8KjNDozAID8lGGZHbanXE9xXz7K9s14PvM29blHcXoDIY-wkVPuQMbbbqPc5uQ/w400-h225/Kwack%202j.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What’s new? (i.e. in your 2022 collection)</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">With the big change of our name, we have a big launch of products to go with it. Polos in a lighter material, a range of differently weighted quarter-zips for every temperature, an extended range of shorts and launch of joggers as well as hoodies and t-shirts for both on and off the course.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What are your next steps/goals?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We're running our first golf event, The Kwack Cup this July in Carne Golf Links, so we're looking forward to getting to know some of our customers at that event and we hope it's the first of many. We're continuing to expand our range so that we are ready to make the step onto the professional scene, by the end of this year we're confident you'll see some Kwack athletes on the European Tour and further afield.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-87176270856837883802022-06-08T22:19:00.003+01:002022-06-28T15:34:34.526+01:00Cut From A Different Cloth – Fia Links<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The recent explosion in Irish golf clothing brands may come as a surprise for Irish golfers… many of whom still don’t know what is available. It is all too easy to roll into a golf store, Pro shop or hop online and purchase Nike/Adidas/Under Armour/Galvin Green etc. products.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It wasn’t that long ago that the Irish golfer searching for Irish clothing was restricted to two or three brands… but the past five years – and the past two specifically – have seen a major shift: there are now at least a dozen dedicated golf clothing brands selling to an expanding market and a hungry audience. It is good news all round.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At least eight brands have come in to being since the pandemic started in early 2020. They are all small outfits of one, two or three golf-mad people. Most are still only selling online but that will probably change as awareness among the Irish golfing public (and further afield it must be said) influences golf retailers and Pro shops to stock these <span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">products. The days of Irish golf <span></span>clothing brands being limited to Dwyers & Co and Green Lamb are over. <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No brands make their clothing in Ireland – those days are pretty much gone – so it will come as no surprise that the majority of these brands look to China/Asia to produce their products. There is one noticeable exception to this (Fia Links) and as Fia Links is the most recent brand to launch (Feb 2022) it is the first to appear on this blog. Each brand will have a separate blog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You might also discover a few omissions from the list – e.g. the Dunnes Stores Harrington range and Druids Golf – and that’s because we are looking at brands whose focus is on golf clothing exclusively.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fia Links (Launched February 2022)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fia Links (www.fialinks.com) has the strongest roots in sustainability, which includes fabrics used, ethical labour and local (EU) production. Such values will be important to many golfers and it is hugely admirable at a time when Asia still offers the easiest and cheapest route. The quality is top grade and while the range is limited for now it will expand this summer with shirts and more 1/4 zips. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s my Q&A with Alex Walshe, the founder of Fia Links.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When was Fia Links founded?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The business was founded in 2021, with products and manufacturer testing taking place that year before we launched to market in February 2022. It seems like a long time to do testing but I wanted to set our products apart on quality of fabrics and quality of craftmanship, something that I feel is missing in the golf apparel sector in Ireland.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqKOkgPUddoKy6joZFz-VxhifkucDr4fXMF0nsl0I1weMh9QTKlVmhOi5KPT0fHTIu-EFYUspL9QJzzCkZtH7MC5hcg_9AqkwLMD20bBLLU_1KBjXNwzlJ-xipRSRlEB30F-TxPm_YrWo9mC9iseY6NrgiuI6ZmgEe317b0SnVTZdgZiiHXiFly36/s4500/FIA%20Links%20-%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2626" data-original-width="4500" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqKOkgPUddoKy6joZFz-VxhifkucDr4fXMF0nsl0I1weMh9QTKlVmhOi5KPT0fHTIu-EFYUspL9QJzzCkZtH7MC5hcg_9AqkwLMD20bBLLU_1KBjXNwzlJ-xipRSRlEB30F-TxPm_YrWo9mC9iseY6NrgiuI6ZmgEe317b0SnVTZdgZiiHXiFly36/w400-h234/FIA%20Links%20-%201.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who founded Fia Links?<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Alex Walsh. Much like golf it’s a solo pursuit with occasional help from outside advisors.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why was it founded? What is your ethos?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I founded Fia Links as I wanted to offer a greater choice to the golfing public and something that was missing. We have combined both the Sustainable and Performance and coined the phrase Sustainable Performance to represent our mission. We offer the choice of premium quality golf attire, suitable to wear both on and off the course, and this is our design mission. With the advent of working from home our lifestyles have changed and so did our day to day clothing. When I went to play golf it seemed silly to me that clothes weren’t interchangeable and didn’t allow for the same performance qualities needed on the golf course. For this we have designed performance into our clothes by using premium European fabrics, which provide for durability and breathability, capable of surviving wear both on and off the course. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I also noticed in other consumer sectors a move to a more sustainable approach/mindset. The traditional clothing industry is notoriously bad for the environment and for the people manufacturing the clothes. What I found is that the golf clothing industry is also posting some pretty bad scores!! At Fia Links we believe brands/manufacturers play a crucial role in addressing climate change and unfair working practices. We will not compromise on where we make our clothes or how we make them, quality is everything to us. For this all our clothes are designed in Ireland, made in Porto, Portugal using premium sustainable European fabrics and ethical labour.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It costs us extra to produce in this way but we believe it’s the right thing to do for the environment, the manufacturers and other businesses in the supply chain and, ultimately, our customers who benefit from a premium and durable product above what is on offer in the Irish market.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our fabric choices are one of the aspects that sets us apart. For our launch products we have used a diverse range of raw materials, including <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Modal. This is super soft and durable it’s made by Lenzing in Austria, and comes from the pulp of Beech trees. It is composed of natural material so it’s biodegradable and compostable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions. It can therefore fully revert back to nature).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Organic cotton. All our cotton complies with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Polyester. Made from recycled plastics (rPES or rPET) and complies with Global Recycled Standard, the raw plastics used in the production of the Axis quarter zip are sourced from marine and post-consumer waste.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where are you based?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dublin. All clothes are designed in Ireland.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What date did you officially launch?</span><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Feb 2022<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What are the products you sell?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We sell men’s golf clothing and our design mission is a new approach in the golf industry. Our experiences with other golf clothes were that they were not interchangeable between the course and everyday life. We have designed clothes that changes this. We use premium European fabrics and keep our logo to a minimum for an understated style. We focus on comfort, durability and useability, and we have included certain comfort items as a minimum, such as softer neck tapes, printed brand labels on the neck (so nothing scratches your neck as you are trying to hole out!!). We are launching t-shirts and more 1/4 zips soon, and restocking some of our favourites from our launch range.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What is your best-selling product and how much is it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our best-selling product is the Sambar crewneck which is €64.95. It is made from a combination of super soft and durable Modal and organic cotton. We have designed it with raglan sleeves and added a small bit of stretch in the fabric to allow for that all important movement needed in the golf swing. Above all else we believe it’s the softest crew neck in golf!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uQLBZzslq8KnfMDkoJnQbFu58xd4hXLQ_gkyAWS6feCA4zd_gsFrV76HCdVM4OXS646Il-5nK7jpsd6-j_hXruzG-bf2uk3ajy6Ch5Ko8WHd79cJdmc6Lnfu1SDG9tIFmBIA0KfZ0N97HYfwfnRvsdmyBOgZp9CnTZvH-VLF4z-4O2hnOZkNJwGa/s5472/Fia%20Links-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uQLBZzslq8KnfMDkoJnQbFu58xd4hXLQ_gkyAWS6feCA4zd_gsFrV76HCdVM4OXS646Il-5nK7jpsd6-j_hXruzG-bf2uk3ajy6Ch5Ko8WHd79cJdmc6Lnfu1SDG9tIFmBIA0KfZ0N97HYfwfnRvsdmyBOgZp9CnTZvH-VLF4z-4O2hnOZkNJwGa/w400-h266/Fia%20Links-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sambar crewneck</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where are your products made?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We source all our fabrics in Europe, including Austria, Italy and Portugal, and products are then manufactured in Porto, Portugal.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where are they available? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Presently all are sold online through<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.fialinks.com/" style="color: #954f72;" title="http://www.fialinks.com/"><span style="color: #4472c4;">www.fialinks.com</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>, and we are presently talking to Pro shops throughout Ireland about becoming stockists.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you sell internationally?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, we sell internationally. Shipping rates vary.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GsLwLU5-7QeuppgC9nVuzpcR8t4iaX4K-WQb9mdOYIVavNubiAfhgLzdPUG8vhlSdjbJAFnIIcBYH0HaTif7z3Un_i0JFWnA9EWP-02RWGi7eop-lpo60HV9mbxwQZGt2NCqEwWAbjOVan7mq7ruLfHWqLNPDvf7oEdF2t_C8XpaHkZEM01ISXUK/s5472/Fia%20Links-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GsLwLU5-7QeuppgC9nVuzpcR8t4iaX4K-WQb9mdOYIVavNubiAfhgLzdPUG8vhlSdjbJAFnIIcBYH0HaTif7z3Un_i0JFWnA9EWP-02RWGi7eop-lpo60HV9mbxwQZGt2NCqEwWAbjOVan7mq7ruLfHWqLNPDvf7oEdF2t_C8XpaHkZEM01ISXUK/w400-h266/Fia%20Links-32.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What are your next steps/goals?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our immediate goals are to get a selection of t-shirts and 1/4 zips for summer golfers. I have adopted a modern approach to golf clothing that will suit a wide range of consumers with the inclusion of 1/4 zip blade collars and flat lock stitching on some of the items as a point of difference. I want to push our range to represent the variety of people who are now playing golf but also remain true to our mission of Sustainability. This includes hoodies and some additional twists on the golf classics.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I also want to continue to play as many golf courses throughout Ireland and document/review them on our blog. I will be writing golf course reviews and, following on with adopting a new approach, I will be tracking these golf courses’ sustainability practices. Much like the clothing industry we believe that golf courses can be points of change for the wider community in adopting a more sustainable approach. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-35014470705510527892022-05-23T14:36:00.003+01:002022-05-23T14:36:38.908+01:00Rosslare Golf Links Summer Series 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0xowoP1OvetAjyqXyAH-82SFF59tNJHNPInkEd5_45XxskU3JNOOmvZCNG5YuC1oiCLwIPyWvFjZTu3P4BQYQi3fcnWfhgB9tdb2fsRGv6LVCjFK3YhSxRYESUuT6SbatYrHxxF2yhGlfkQj8QQlVQ7RFvypf2Yy9xtvEF199OlbF6Ox0VbWxDig/s1280/ROSSLARE%20GOLF%20LINKS%20SUMMER%20SERIES%5B1%5D%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0xowoP1OvetAjyqXyAH-82SFF59tNJHNPInkEd5_45XxskU3JNOOmvZCNG5YuC1oiCLwIPyWvFjZTu3P4BQYQi3fcnWfhgB9tdb2fsRGv6LVCjFK3YhSxRYESUuT6SbatYrHxxF2yhGlfkQj8QQlVQ7RFvypf2Yy9xtvEF199OlbF6Ox0VbWxDig/s320/ROSSLARE%20GOLF%20LINKS%20SUMMER%20SERIES%5B1%5D%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As if you needed any more reason to visit one of Ireland's lesser known links gems this summer, Rosslare Golf Links has just announced a new 2022 Summer Series event. The Summer Series will consist of three Friday qualifying events (24th June, 8th July and the 12th August) played on the Old Course at Rosslare Golf Links. The club has a second 12-hole course, too (The Burrow). Each event is singles strokes, open to Ladies & Gents with a maximum playing handicap of 36 and 27 respectively. And each event has fantastic prizes up to the value of €1,000, awarded to the top 5 nett scores and the top gross score on the day. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But that’s not all, the prize winners, from all three qualifying events, will also be invited back to play in the Grand Final on 26th August where there will be a limited field of just 18 people competing for the title of ‘Summer Series Champion 2022’</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWgPYJ1fkpEVHMN1q7JBg9DPx7SZgjsu4ByLK37KGj01snocn_WW3gIMJ8r6h6WHisurRy8GxyDdWs-FQqFrYFjXpADIJN8upgED9i-gZf2XjmnglC0D7AqWtFaXFS5H1wIdVmBhoTtBn9gDK8PipN-Bww7iC5Xq3pe9wHz1dBX2j3Lj_vLpBugfM/s2119/Rosslare%202020%206%20approach%20RHS%204%200737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWgPYJ1fkpEVHMN1q7JBg9DPx7SZgjsu4ByLK37KGj01snocn_WW3gIMJ8r6h6WHisurRy8GxyDdWs-FQqFrYFjXpADIJN8upgED9i-gZf2XjmnglC0D7AqWtFaXFS5H1wIdVmBhoTtBn9gDK8PipN-Bww7iC5Xq3pe9wHz1dBX2j3Lj_vLpBugfM/w400-h268/Rosslare%202020%206%20approach%20RHS%204%200737.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Rosslare Golf Links is the only true traditional links course in the South East corner of Ireland. Founded in 1905, the club initially began as a 9 hole course and in 1926 extended to 18 holes when the famous firm of Hawtree and Taylor, Golf Course Architects, was commissioned to design the ‘new’ 18 hole course. While changes and improvements were to follow down through the years, that original design by Hawtree & Taylor can be enjoyed today by the members and visitors playing the ‘Old Course’.<br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Rosslare Golf Links is located in the sunniest part of Ireland (it’s official!) and one of the most popular holiday destinations with excellent accommodation options available if you decide to make a weekend of it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Summer Series qualifying events have an entry fee of €50pp and booking is now open at <a href="http://www.rosslaregolf.com/" style="color: #954f72;">www.rosslaregolf.com</a> or call 053-9132203 to reserve your place. There are limited places available for each Qualifying Event so book as soon as you can sort out the dates. (You can play in all three events if you choose.)</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wUrOruHGPm3v1ZL4NjUaGGUIwWI9QazS6Dhefczv5nBPSJ5WmMt9Te3cU3HKkqaC0DdceTu74ozhJ8kIZ1g_yNCVsNvDugL9NjZSF2LBngpGiViRbkGjYxZniXCbafw0veb3k7XTBStLptbS-oVOufiI6HNkJNk8WzDSQhIXt3_MfX6heFxoB8dV/s2119/Rosslare%202020%207%20approach%201%20Sparrowhawk%200885-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wUrOruHGPm3v1ZL4NjUaGGUIwWI9QazS6Dhefczv5nBPSJ5WmMt9Te3cU3HKkqaC0DdceTu74ozhJ8kIZ1g_yNCVsNvDugL9NjZSF2LBngpGiViRbkGjYxZniXCbafw0veb3k7XTBStLptbS-oVOufiI6HNkJNk8WzDSQhIXt3_MfX6heFxoB8dV/w400-h268/Rosslare%202020%207%20approach%201%20Sparrowhawk%200885-2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Bookings online only via <a href="https://visitors.brsgolf.com/rosslare#/open-competitions" style="color: #954f72;">https://visitors.brsgolf.com/rosslare#/open-competitions</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-2351631965897647432022-04-21T10:03:00.000+01:002022-04-21T10:03:04.344+01:00Leona Maguire Finds Her Way to the K Club<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n5h0vT4gf0ZKjjXlqSocI09E4vfBRetemEKdMFyn5GcLFRqkaYYmaYTSywoBbrQ_a9sdnRiW7zRVuNEOnQ5wzEJBMOs3AofviznC5tEXIRL0RUAEueNOd6bjHM5RBkw32Bi13867ke3rIYNVaJwWDRpwZmh8ejYgmkNPWdWt2s5oOZRTVwJr3U3p/s1164/LEONA3%5B34%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1030" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n5h0vT4gf0ZKjjXlqSocI09E4vfBRetemEKdMFyn5GcLFRqkaYYmaYTSywoBbrQ_a9sdnRiW7zRVuNEOnQ5wzEJBMOs3AofviznC5tEXIRL0RUAEueNOd6bjHM5RBkw32Bi13867ke3rIYNVaJwWDRpwZmh8ejYgmkNPWdWt2s5oOZRTVwJr3U3p/s320/LEONA3%5B34%5D.jpg" width="283" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What grabs my attention is this: the K Club have made some interesting and very positive ‘statements’ since coming under new ownership in early 2020. In a short amount of time there has been a significant forward shift in momentum. A clubhouse revamp and a doubling of the greenkeeping team were initial forays and they have really made their mark*. This was followed by February’s announcement that Seamus Power was to become </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"> the resort’s new touring professional</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">… which saw the K Club logo on his bag for his recent big weeks in the States (and will be on his bag when he plays in this year’s Horizon Irish Open at Mount Juliet).</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Now it’s the turn of Leona Maguire, as she becomes the resort’s </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">touring professional for the LPGA. The partnership between The<a href="https://www.kclub.ie" target="_blank"> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">K Club</span></b></a> and one of the brightest stars of the tour will see the Kildare resort support Leona through the 2022 and 2023 season. Leona will join Seamus in representing The K Club on tour around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And let’s not forget that Leona is enjoying a meteoric rise through the professional ranks. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iKU1G6ZJeBHHwLoTWcxjMtyaIvPeaKkWE-DdwlHPIlyVgr1wP_H8B8vVj_3_Hy8T5t5H2cZ9_qkL_fFLO8zZBHKmYZEweW4tuEiLYjfS7-lBi_uUdi7WKQU_t5wlyjfFYdpBBoeBZaWOl-ZxG8JK4RhzGIjXH_9BfP6VjjgmFCC5BmjKBp5IJGFF/s2182/KClub%20North%207%20green%20sunrise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="2182" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iKU1G6ZJeBHHwLoTWcxjMtyaIvPeaKkWE-DdwlHPIlyVgr1wP_H8B8vVj_3_Hy8T5t5H2cZ9_qkL_fFLO8zZBHKmYZEweW4tuEiLYjfS7-lBi_uUdi7WKQU_t5wlyjfFYdpBBoeBZaWOl-ZxG8JK4RhzGIjXH_9BfP6VjjgmFCC5BmjKBp5IJGFF/w400-h253/KClub%20North%207%20green%20sunrise.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The last 12 months have seen Leona breaking plenty of records: lowest round in a Major championship; most points won by a rookie in the Solheim Cup; the first Irish player ever to be selected for the Solheim Cup team; and, most impressively, becoming the first Irish player to win on the LPGA Tour, when she won the Drive On Championship in February, 2022. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This new partnership means Leona will team up with a place she knows well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I'm looking forward to using the resort and its facilities more often, working on my game when I'm at home and spending time with the team there,” she said. “The work they are doing at the resort and their plans and ambition for the future when it comes to golf is very exciting.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefLLb_l4Zskj_Mct_7Hp7Ry-8yWsjo2vJEzu9rHJWF4RAvzwNG9uc-88XUzbyfGHKJHdNuFVci0FyghmqC-EvFOb4jic2AsaYD75OP77GOAsZSGUSxhYyNkA3cTtu2wDQ7NkixucGDfb6J20psL6izcAsA8nLAE_m696loHZGGaafKawOaFRBMifz/s1198/KClub%20North%2018%20approach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1198" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefLLb_l4Zskj_Mct_7Hp7Ry-8yWsjo2vJEzu9rHJWF4RAvzwNG9uc-88XUzbyfGHKJHdNuFVci0FyghmqC-EvFOb4jic2AsaYD75OP77GOAsZSGUSxhYyNkA3cTtu2wDQ7NkixucGDfb6J20psL6izcAsA8nLAE_m696loHZGGaafKawOaFRBMifz/w400-h268/KClub%20North%2018%20approach.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That excitement is shared by The K Club. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"We are so proud to welcome Leona to our stable of touring professionals at The K Club along with Seamus Power,” said Conor Russell, Director of Golf at The K Club. “This partnership was a very easy decision for us to make when the opportunity presented itself. Leona is Ireland's most accomplished female golf professional, she practices regularly with us on the resort and always has time for a friendly few words. We can't wait to watch what she does next on tour and will be supporting her every step of the way."<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s little doubt that both Leona and Seamus will be making waves in the years ahead, and the K Club logo on their golf bags might even appear prominently during TV coverage of them at the various events they compete in around the world… although that comes down to the vagaries of the broadcasters involved!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What’s New<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The North course is currently undergoing a huge amount of work that is seeing fairways being stripped back, replaced and reseeded to ensure improved drainage, enhanced playability and immaculate presentation. The course is currently closed for two months while this work is being carried out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>* Other changes</b> at the resort include n<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ew electric PowaKaddy trolleys and Riksha pull trolleys, as well as </span><span data-contrast="none" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">50,000 TaylorMade balls for the resort’s driving ranges. A more entertaining addition is a new artificial putting green – costing €25,000 – on the ground level terrace. It measures roughly 60 x 20 feet and is very much a fun feature. Walk off 18, settle down around one of the terrace tables for some food or a beer and be sure to bring your putter. </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-contrast="none" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The 550 acre estate has numerous lakes and ponds and these have been cleaned up and reshaped, flowerbeds have been introduced, vegetation has been cut back (notably on the North’s 1st to reveal the nest of standing stones known as the Five Fingers), and vistas opened up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-contrast="none" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJd-3pw6s-AnGjg4RpS202E6nu3YhITwPrEOEftZZGbPSYPp9dM9ieAWXu8EwOuEZt-TcRpn1FuWi27QaUpSKUh5syWmc4P_WcVw9SC62J-92wudxLKgDwVkiiSrT31E3U9zxojJRxWPPySKFpliEp1btc7gXPCg-PiIpYvU-E2N0hE0G8UwhWVId/s4096/KClub%20South%2015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2735" data-original-width="4096" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJd-3pw6s-AnGjg4RpS202E6nu3YhITwPrEOEftZZGbPSYPp9dM9ieAWXu8EwOuEZt-TcRpn1FuWi27QaUpSKUh5syWmc4P_WcVw9SC62J-92wudxLKgDwVkiiSrT31E3U9zxojJRxWPPySKFpliEp1btc7gXPCg-PiIpYvU-E2N0hE0G8UwhWVId/w400-h268/KClub%20South%2015.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The North course has returned to its original routing, starting with the par-5 close to the driving range, and it is on this 1st hole that you will find the only design change to the two courses. The bunker in the middle of the 1st fairway has been removed to make the opening drive both more appealing and less punishing. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding: 0cm;">As well as the doubling of the greenkeeping team, the arrival of </span><span data-contrast="none" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">six new Jacobsen hybrid machines - including green mowers, green irons and utility vehicles – has ensured maintenance and conditioning levels are back to their very best.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p><br /></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-76792118254352954882022-04-01T11:49:00.003+01:002022-04-01T11:49:21.043+01:00 The Masters Of Powerscourt Team Event<p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The Masters is, for many, the start of the golf year… be it watching the Professionals taking on the beauty and drama of Augusta, or just getting back out onto the course.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Powerscourt Golf Club has combined the two with an Open Team Event on Friday, 8th April 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYt6h-cVS-7_YExMy1DzDWIlXl2a2maUDorWKTq5p3OGz83miwWqpIvy4rHlEUVs8KA-XcToC3y-Re09ORJfMYLA1BoBE-q38hurvA216eDtd5Djbm5Vyau0xOM5FbTXO4IJ1X4x0cQnwNPUODd-xoHp5EEVOfGBLwdST5D4fGq9YabHDwU7M3S5T/s2000/Powerscourt%20East%2012%20approach%20LHS%203255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYt6h-cVS-7_YExMy1DzDWIlXl2a2maUDorWKTq5p3OGz83miwWqpIvy4rHlEUVs8KA-XcToC3y-Re09ORJfMYLA1BoBE-q38hurvA216eDtd5Djbm5Vyau0xOM5FbTXO4IJ1X4x0cQnwNPUODd-xoHp5EEVOfGBLwdST5D4fGq9YabHDwU7M3S5T/w400-h268/Powerscourt%20East%2012%20approach%20LHS%203255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">For the week that’s in it golfers will get the chance to play the marvellous East Course to complement the action that will be underway over at Augusta National.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Announcing the event, Powerscourt Golf Club's General Manager, Gavin Hunt said:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">"Our East Course will be in top condition and will offer our guests and members a chance to really soak up the expectation that comes with the first Major of the season on the professional tour. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76fRI9OOn7ikYiGZqw2YuHaf-2RFcnkZHPmYI0HGCioDnbhP7oWq0Nk8oc9rfutZraxgwmQCk6H3V9eJKIZCI3i0rNQEMHCOWNLS8vkmBbxoLd38n04y4DcFS26wHAMqKVdVt13-hmxIgxNIDXeAWPp4xQfqfn-DIIAqyfCbv__aisq6zS8spWJoW/s2000/28774519596_0f338daf0f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76fRI9OOn7ikYiGZqw2YuHaf-2RFcnkZHPmYI0HGCioDnbhP7oWq0Nk8oc9rfutZraxgwmQCk6H3V9eJKIZCI3i0rNQEMHCOWNLS8vkmBbxoLd38n04y4DcFS26wHAMqKVdVt13-hmxIgxNIDXeAWPp4xQfqfn-DIIAqyfCbv__aisq6zS8spWJoW/w400-h268/28774519596_0f338daf0f_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The par-3 16th on the East course</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">"In our 16th hole at Powerscourt East, the signature par 3, we have a challenge framed by a pond, strategically placed bunkering, tall pines and a blossom-drenched embankment. We are really hoping to see some Masters magic there. The hole sets the tone for one of the best runs home in Irish golf.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Powerscourt Golf Club are offering a very attractive prize pool to the value of €2,000 with every golfer on the day going into a draw to win a top of the range GPS watch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyvMQS4yGFOQ_ih9Ko02bLcX73o26_QpKDxRfWWzk8GH53ZwJ6w4-_PkraSXyQRmNFfMgo6FH8XncPX_grMGvfE4Xxpf8uf_TDRCC34sNLZZm3PyVya2lZgpzGybF671_LqpMfg9NYg6CREbLxt-ObmRHw6jVSS02LxFlGoV3-WlGv1zuClUdkCj_/s2119/Powerscourt%20East%202018%2018%20green%20to%20fairway%201%208129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyvMQS4yGFOQ_ih9Ko02bLcX73o26_QpKDxRfWWzk8GH53ZwJ6w4-_PkraSXyQRmNFfMgo6FH8XncPX_grMGvfE4Xxpf8uf_TDRCC34sNLZZm3PyVya2lZgpzGybF671_LqpMfg9NYg6CREbLxt-ObmRHw6jVSS02LxFlGoV3-WlGv1zuClUdkCj_/w400-h268/Powerscourt%20East%202018%2018%20green%20to%20fairway%201%208129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Entry Fee is €60pp and includes a Powerscourt "Masters Burger" after the round<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Prizes for Top 4 teams (Team of 4 any combination)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Prize for Top mixed team<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2 best stableford scores to count on each hole<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Nearest the Pin on the 3rd & <u>signature 16th hole </u><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Green Tees (m) Red Tees (f)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Valid WHS/Golf Ireland handicap required<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Golfers on the day are encouraged to post photos on their social media accounts using the hashtag #TheMasters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">To enter, contact </span><u><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">+353 (0) 1 204 6033</span></u><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Or book online by clicking <b><u><a href="https://brsgolf.com/powerscourt/opens_day.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">here</span></a></u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-9505688731517818542022-03-30T08:33:00.001+01:002022-03-30T08:33:36.136+01:00Stepping It Up with the new K Club Pro-Am<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4bLG9US7Oq9qV4waY9jugCFzyV3xGr7aM2qTMCy2QGjyGCnrXls1tDGaEEWFNDxRY5DCKDb7oxeve89XZbNz6vpslxL3_aM4mlUWy17H4kC1YwQ6gwEDV1BLZSLa0ZO92xOProlZPWQOaLEUihESmG49wX2CVBHyhRzXyR6ZpckH1ilFO2TAx2fjW=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4bLG9US7Oq9qV4waY9jugCFzyV3xGr7aM2qTMCy2QGjyGCnrXls1tDGaEEWFNDxRY5DCKDb7oxeve89XZbNz6vpslxL3_aM4mlUWy17H4kC1YwQ6gwEDV1BLZSLa0ZO92xOProlZPWQOaLEUihESmG49wX2CVBHyhRzXyR6ZpckH1ilFO2TAx2fjW=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-IE" style="font-size: 14pt;">Europe’s largest PGA Pro-Am to take place at The K Club this July</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-IE" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-IE">How would you like to tee it up alongside Ireland’s top golf pros in Europe’s largest PGA Pro-Am? This summer the opportunity is all yours at The K Club Pro-Am, the largest PGA Pro-Am to take place in Europe this year where Ireland’s leading professionals will compete for a prize fund of €100,000.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-IE"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwwAHxYtA9p31B55KiMZN0wrffIZSkGBnsrzAaKMRlVzWdbhKL0M5hkMhZxiffMl6wuxAYGfjNuKQ-b97SSlYQafBSyAeKLwcxBNuLhbvDVceK1xZsLG5hINAtOza8VCKj1iVAZoMJbsDXJaZY2jWBTuTtQZe-3YV3_YN-RJys450C5_ArKo7zWBdx=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1280" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwwAHxYtA9p31B55KiMZN0wrffIZSkGBnsrzAaKMRlVzWdbhKL0M5hkMhZxiffMl6wuxAYGfjNuKQ-b97SSlYQafBSyAeKLwcxBNuLhbvDVceK1xZsLG5hINAtOza8VCKj1iVAZoMJbsDXJaZY2jWBTuTtQZe-3YV3_YN-RJys450C5_ArKo7zWBdx=w400-h263" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">P</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">ictured from left to right - Conor Dillon, Manager PGA Ireland, Paul Kelly, CFM Group, </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Seamus Power, Touring Professional of The K Club, Conor Russell, Director of Golf </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">at The K Club, MJ Fetherston and </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Paul Heery, General Manager at The K Club.</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-IE">The impressive prize fund is the largest for any Pro-Am by some distance. The flagship event, sponsored by CFM Group, will take place over two days on the 11<sup>th</sup><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>and 12<sup>th</sup><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>July. One hundred teams consisting of three amateurs and one professional per team will compete over 36 holes split between The K Club’s two championship courses, Palmer North and Palmer South, with prizes awarded to the five leading teams after the two-day tournament.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-IE"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-IE">Speaking on behalf of The K Club, Conor Russell, Director of Golf said ‘’The K Club are very strong supporters of both the PGA in Ireland and professional golf. On our journey towards hosting larger tournaments at the resort, this is just beginning.’’</span></p><p class="gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IE"> </span></p><p class="gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdWyy2UzLZX6w35ramvMxMW9voSU0OzYvPkXyqlCRZdFQngHqY9kMee3eG2CxYOZ13a2tZFxN03JzflsOCpww5zhglM6ZX9t1PV-GRGwgcuMaoco8bzba2J8HXJ84PRjfXMgSe-L3kpqDxcKNWAp18Kr4QlCGRQNLPhcy36qM38JQH02PUXmwKLujq=s1200"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdWyy2UzLZX6w35ramvMxMW9voSU0OzYvPkXyqlCRZdFQngHqY9kMee3eG2CxYOZ13a2tZFxN03JzflsOCpww5zhglM6ZX9t1PV-GRGwgcuMaoco8bzba2J8HXJ84PRjfXMgSe-L3kpqDxcKNWAp18Kr4QlCGRQNLPhcy36qM38JQH02PUXmwKLujq=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><span lang="EN-IE"><p class="gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IE"><br /></span></p>Conor Dillon, Manager, PGA in Ireland, said The PGA “is delighted to partner with The K Club in staging a Pro-Am of this magnitude, which will no doubt attract the leading PGA Professionals from around the country. This is an exciting time for The K Club and a fitting venue to host such a special event. I would like to thank the CFM Group and The K Club for their continued support of Irish golf."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtLXqybt5vorOWDccx9z-Sdcm8ESxw8JQewjDOGYnz2xoMq6wuDiCTbUsk5qlYqmEq6m7lYGtSPgbgnpsmYx4LRRNBN5uPwwgJzvYWgt0AO353Sx2beDh4DeGwpygeeD6ZcASmG1g3TLMX9RKjBkkag3SYRKHIxB2Yh11q8WbtO6qFwFUushgdBnDk=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1200" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtLXqybt5vorOWDccx9z-Sdcm8ESxw8JQewjDOGYnz2xoMq6wuDiCTbUsk5qlYqmEq6m7lYGtSPgbgnpsmYx4LRRNBN5uPwwgJzvYWgt0AO353Sx2beDh4DeGwpygeeD6ZcASmG1g3TLMX9RKjBkkag3SYRKHIxB2Yh11q8WbtO6qFwFUushgdBnDk=w400-h179" width="400" /></a></div></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-IE" style="color: #222222;"></span><p></p><p class="gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IE"> </span></p><p class="gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IE">Speaking on their sponsorship of the event, Paul Kelly, CFM Group said, "It’s an absolute privilege for our insurance company CFM Group to be involved with The K Club Pro-Am this July. All the plans are being put in place for a wonderful event that we know is going to be the pinnacle of the golf calendar for PGA professionals in Europe, set in such a fantastic location as The K Club which really is second to none when it comes to resort golf in Ireland."</span></p><p class="gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-IE" style="color: #222222;"> </span></p><p class="gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IE">There are a limited number of team spaces available. Team entry fee is €1,600 and the closing date for entries is April 30th. For further information or to reserve your space contact Conor Russell, Director of Golf at The K Club on<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:conor.russell@kclub.ie" style="color: #954f72;" title="mailto:conor.russell@kclub.ie">conor.russell@kclub.ie</a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>or call 01 601 7200</span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-5305408509634890282022-02-26T21:42:00.000+00:002022-02-26T21:42:57.892+00:00 Rosslare Scratch Cup is back for 2022!<div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Rosslare Scratch Cup hasn’t been played since 2019, due to the interruptions of Covid, but it used to be a stalwart of the amateur golfing season… and undoubtedly will again as this year’s tournament will be played on Saturday 9th April 2022.<br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKTl-HLbQ5bfbIUv4fjElKQeHy_40jq0vlZ-D-t3DoxyUpa8Qf4sfwqUKNq4_DTGHUgxX9VxPYghG9KYIXqte8_W2P-zb3uOu7T7x2LQIXvHtoLNDEP9dChFkelFPTZUK52F8o4p6mcNGRnzUFx6j9ny_a9fNwp4NaiRQ8vhAQeQd8QxemXYxB4s_T=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKTl-HLbQ5bfbIUv4fjElKQeHy_40jq0vlZ-D-t3DoxyUpa8Qf4sfwqUKNq4_DTGHUgxX9VxPYghG9KYIXqte8_W2P-zb3uOu7T7x2LQIXvHtoLNDEP9dChFkelFPTZUK52F8o4p6mcNGRnzUFx6j9ny_a9fNwp4NaiRQ8vhAQeQd8QxemXYxB4s_T=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The 36-hole event over this smart links in Ireland’s sunny south east will be sponsored by McCauley Pharmacies. It also takes place the week before the West of Ireland, thereby providing an excellent opportunity for those looking to sharpen their links game before the first Irish major of the year.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">“We are delighted that we are able to sponsor the Rosslare Scratch Cup on such a great links course. This is an event that we agreed to sponsor in 2020 but which did not take place due to Covid pandemic. It is great to see all forms of activities return to normal and we wish Rosslare Golf Links the very best of luck with their event”. </i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Tony McEntee, Chief Executive, McCauley Pharmacies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlIG85IcsdLfU_oG5R2rpL3oWTwTlQsu48sAT1YquGmfQbjWYEIDecE6VJ4nE2Tt42K9YygGGAmOUg7TSq6fuEew0MhawYvT7PwV5IhEayCsuluEPJ8K4R9DNPuPY_2t6esMlFb29X2o554DkNh7-1C88n1K6IF_beMB199BsRz4KDjpk0hVpPNRJm=s2119" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlIG85IcsdLfU_oG5R2rpL3oWTwTlQsu48sAT1YquGmfQbjWYEIDecE6VJ4nE2Tt42K9YygGGAmOUg7TSq6fuEew0MhawYvT7PwV5IhEayCsuluEPJ8K4R9DNPuPY_2t6esMlFb29X2o554DkNh7-1C88n1K6IF_beMB199BsRz4KDjpk0hVpPNRJm=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Defending champion Gary Collins will be looking to retain the title he won in 2019 and with a €2,000 prize fund to play for, there will be plenty at stake for all those competing. A double shotgun start with a redraw after round 1 should provide plenty of excitement down the stretch.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It also costs a mere €50, which includes lunch. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz3D4ARNUMdR1xPElu7XSCS-p6DwHN4Qk3ObNcRzDa15kMDiaXrSda25cpcvQgfG8H43dEURRi8WXBSWuqR_PDas11LUCb7U2d1u126YADWigm6JShWk1TvQviRuJDxhAFKPO1qmHcgFphFnDqnYxjx4J_MEghALVENinlyfe_PsWo4FzE3RPkMIov=s2119" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz3D4ARNUMdR1xPElu7XSCS-p6DwHN4Qk3ObNcRzDa15kMDiaXrSda25cpcvQgfG8H43dEURRi8WXBSWuqR_PDas11LUCb7U2d1u126YADWigm6JShWk1TvQviRuJDxhAFKPO1qmHcgFphFnDqnYxjx4J_MEghALVENinlyfe_PsWo4FzE3RPkMIov=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Entries are open to players with a handicap index of 3.4 or lower. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so book now to avoid missing this fabulous test of links golf.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Bookings online only via <a href="https://visitors.brsgolf.com/rosslare#/open-competitions" style="color: #954f72;">https://visitors.brsgolf.com/rosslare#/open-competitions<br /></a></span><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></div>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-86937862438045438532022-02-25T08:06:00.000+00:002022-02-25T08:06:16.750+00:00Power to the K<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGJWTsygWax_NENje_NqZsw6TBlC8laG7ZAH75edAswPGHlIdXtZW5v5qcxnZIU93cc9JDmCfD2LLU0uwrIXh5kqzbDzYZ9Q658hDX6tCF_DGj6fFoypZxch4tyL_N2Ni5GKNG8wSK4F12grrC59yY8BuEGkksRewqZReaSz4eemiLfwsmcznwD9wL=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGJWTsygWax_NENje_NqZsw6TBlC8laG7ZAH75edAswPGHlIdXtZW5v5qcxnZIU93cc9JDmCfD2LLU0uwrIXh5kqzbDzYZ9Q658hDX6tCF_DGj6fFoypZxch4tyL_N2Ni5GKNG8wSK4F12grrC59yY8BuEGkksRewqZReaSz4eemiLfwsmcznwD9wL=s320" width="222" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It would be hard not to have noticed the name 'Seamus Power' in the newspapers over recent weeks. He may have missed cuts these past two weeks but he's had the hottest start of any golfer to 2022. And he was back in Ireland this week, at the K Club, to join the resort as its new touring professional. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The partnership between The K Club and the Waterford-born golfer will last until the end of the 2023 season. Power has already won on the PGA Tour... chances are high that by the end of 2023, he will have won again. His talent has come shining through and, other than Leona Maguire, he certainly seems to be the Irish Golfer most likely to win a tournament. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The association with one of Irish golf’s brightest stars comes at the perfect time for The K Club. Power has climbed to 45th in the world rankings on the back of his outstanding performances, which include three top 10s, his best being a third-place finish at the Sony Open in Hawaii. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Conor Russell, Director of Golf at The K Club, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to announce Seamus as our touring professional and believe he will fly The K Club flag proudly throughout the golfing world.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjwM121LmadeVGZ_OcwHiayR4UXbKxF3v55NdrRdrwRpy_nRnQEjHe_3FPrDqFg7o0YGzP8ZKLKxxkMZHFR6R3MecfYOg7Sq3FwIVC04Cqp_qqQR9Xp2vwUVAlYmzx8BeKZTCS7noxhFFf963Hdx1w2E9DMSSNW8LgIaCuLjxXhL_6ER22mSDxGzpt=s1198" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1198" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjwM121LmadeVGZ_OcwHiayR4UXbKxF3v55NdrRdrwRpy_nRnQEjHe_3FPrDqFg7o0YGzP8ZKLKxxkMZHFR6R3MecfYOg7Sq3FwIVC04Cqp_qqQR9Xp2vwUVAlYmzx8BeKZTCS7noxhFFf963Hdx1w2E9DMSSNW8LgIaCuLjxXhL_6ER22mSDxGzpt=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“As some of his biggest supporters, we look forward to having some fun with him along the way and share in the success that we are confident he will achieve.’’</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Should Seamus remain inside the World’s Top 50, he will make his debut at The Masters this April. It will be a wonderful achievement for the Irishman and his loyal following of golf fans. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDjAJlj2xxsAuT0CBKM4fAJAtjxYbMatVvXMpHWj7YYgLVxE8nUXsxqyljFCBzMPeGQ61gJZkQWfyqYnfgSeCyj_Mxnw3dvDaJhtZe4NNQT9129uNjkEaCZjhh0Zdo8Ygyv7b0a0djWijANJYmqVIGO-ELtRb2O1wd9QiR3PwS9ajxSxcmQzn3nI2r=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDjAJlj2xxsAuT0CBKM4fAJAtjxYbMatVvXMpHWj7YYgLVxE8nUXsxqyljFCBzMPeGQ61gJZkQWfyqYnfgSeCyj_Mxnw3dvDaJhtZe4NNQT9129uNjkEaCZjhh0Zdo8Ygyv7b0a0djWijANJYmqVIGO-ELtRb2O1wd9QiR3PwS9ajxSxcmQzn3nI2r=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For Seamus, the relationship is a great opportunity to unite with one of golf world’s most prestigious and well-established names. “I have always carried a huge sense of pride being from Ireland and I am very excited to partner with The K Club as their new Touring Professional. While playing professionally around the world, I will proudly have the Irish golf flag and The K Club on my bag. I’m excited for the future and now having a relationship with an Irish club makes me feel right at home “<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOnJ9d5TdqtGE-5ZME3iI6lT6D0lqr-XIvjkkjpvWx4csCO0SnLaTI1yLOHymL2WqUi_tui1hgJ5WHCB_EXhwfkI3LmDhM-FQG4tJHwAtC2icoPLuPk4El2Ypk9xuAoDZ-grkeK2FfKTAgvnfxSLoPSg-UR82jE1pTiST-tGXkzc6VbwhEaB5tgRvC=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1200" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOnJ9d5TdqtGE-5ZME3iI6lT6D0lqr-XIvjkkjpvWx4csCO0SnLaTI1yLOHymL2WqUi_tui1hgJ5WHCB_EXhwfkI3LmDhM-FQG4tJHwAtC2icoPLuPk4El2Ypk9xuAoDZ-grkeK2FfKTAgvnfxSLoPSg-UR82jE1pTiST-tGXkzc6VbwhEaB5tgRvC=w400-h226" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For more information on golf at The K Club see <a href="http://www.kclub.ie/" title="http://www.kclub.ie/"><span style="color: #954f72;">www.kclub.ie</span></a> and </span><a href="https://www.kgolfworld.ie/" title="https://www.kgolfworld.ie/"><span style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.kgolfwold.ie</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-24930536973550980372022-02-14T20:45:00.001+00:002022-02-14T20:45:34.999+00:00<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiikQATISFL1H3htyTb78Uh5ZmwkE7qfERfyqNwwKRi3FCjYWfig1pCN7NTTQK-qaHS635WWLTAQ-SO3ebMq40c6aqN1DE-5ulM29BHUM4dfbaWNqzBTqbuXmcUiEMmfwDYCg0w6UC5e3SJItXMxso2ubWLfsupAxZhhBiSSKuv0OnQVk-xs1hj-RBe=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1024" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiikQATISFL1H3htyTb78Uh5ZmwkE7qfERfyqNwwKRi3FCjYWfig1pCN7NTTQK-qaHS635WWLTAQ-SO3ebMq40c6aqN1DE-5ulM29BHUM4dfbaWNqzBTqbuXmcUiEMmfwDYCg0w6UC5e3SJItXMxso2ubWLfsupAxZhhBiSSKuv0OnQVk-xs1hj-RBe=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe O'Carroll with Harry Ewing</td></tr></tbody></table>It was a good week last week with some really positive news for Irish golf. Fairways and FunDays announced a new ambassador while Carne Golf Links announced the return of a major Irish championship. It also involved me returning to the K Club – on behalf of Fairways and FunDays – where there is significant work being done to the Palmer North course.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.fairwaysandfundays.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fairways and FunDays</span></a> is the leading inbound Irish golf tour operator and it has found a new ambassador in Harry Ewing, Irish golf professional, caddie on the LPGA Tour and co-host of Ireland’s leading golf podcast, 3 Off The Tee. The Partnership was announced at the K Club – I was taking the photographs – where this new partnership will regularly showcase Irish golf to the golfing world. The goal is to focus on enhancing the golfing experience of Fairways and FunDays’ clients as well as expanding markets for Irish golf tourism. The agreement will also see Harry carry Fairways and FunDays branding on the LPGA Tour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Irish golf grew worldwide in the years leading up to the pandemic with in excess of <span style="background-color: white;">200,000 overseas visitors playing golf here every year. Such volume accounted for more than 1.7 million bed nights and a financial contribution to the economy of close to €270 million. Post-COVID, thanks in no small way to the sterling work of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland, the pent up demand for Irish golf holidays is set to be released in a major way. And thanks to the rise of new Irish representation on the PGA and LPGA Tours, with Leona Maguire and Seamus Power joining the more established Irish tour professionals, Ireland’s reputation as a bucket-list destination has never been more evident. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivMpoYXJ0AXkH6axyLL6whs5TM5Q3G5n18Z1hmUV76irTT2obP1Be8dpugcauRMR7l676DUw0Wvl8S2DvC3CX7FYoFagevfMsrBNlYGguV0ASy6RyVyw2mCMEt4FqL2N8ltH3LdRfrsilgKXLCiuSTtQW9rAQFptA5zLAOufpzhJH3FrctBV-8gu_w=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivMpoYXJ0AXkH6axyLL6whs5TM5Q3G5n18Z1hmUV76irTT2obP1Be8dpugcauRMR7l676DUw0Wvl8S2DvC3CX7FYoFagevfMsrBNlYGguV0ASy6RyVyw2mCMEt4FqL2N8ltH3LdRfrsilgKXLCiuSTtQW9rAQFptA5zLAOufpzhJH3FrctBV-8gu_w=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 18th green from the balcony at K Club Palmer North</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Fairways and FunDays and Harry Ewing will be leveraging his reputation in the golfing industry and visibility amongst the golfing community to grow business in traditional and new markets.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Harry on board as our latest Ambassador. Harry will use his recognition and presence as a caddie on the LPGA Tour to grow our business which is exclusively focused on golf in Ireland, and to assist us in building better golfing experiences for our clients,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">said Joe O’Carroll, director at Fairways and Fundays<i>. “Harry is widely known in the sector through his 3 off the tee podcast and his strong track record. His latest caddying assignment, with USA’s Marina Alex is off to a flying start with her being in contention in her first 2 outings this year, most recently sharing the final round pairing with Leona Maguire on her first LPGA Tour win.”</i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It'll be a sound partnership and with Harry’s travels taking him worldwide – he’s heading to Asia for the next leg of LPGA tour – the word on the beauty of Irish golf and the professionalism of Fairways and FunDays will spread ever further afield.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhomzm0F2l3aRaLCwK0QDkAN-0bvAavvRRSgJ7854gNyFh6GHJBZfrqkneROwpn245l6w9FzQX9_oSSte2_yuUp2512vm9M9JJSs007wtKAHcTs8IKmVc-hh_hKA4L2YjuD0PNhPJqEbkUVtDkzjl0Gn-Xt0-Q4YdQ4xCIHvbg9UJaSVDDWvyw58A8z=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhomzm0F2l3aRaLCwK0QDkAN-0bvAavvRRSgJ7854gNyFh6GHJBZfrqkneROwpn245l6w9FzQX9_oSSte2_yuUp2512vm9M9JJSs007wtKAHcTs8IKmVc-hh_hKA4L2YjuD0PNhPJqEbkUVtDkzjl0Gn-Xt0-Q4YdQ4xCIHvbg9UJaSVDDWvyw58A8z=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2nd green on the K Club's Palmer North course</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, since falling under new ownership <a href="https://www.kclub.ie" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">the K Club</span></a> has been investing heavily in its courses and facilities. The current thrust will see the Palmer North closed for some 10 weeks as huge work will be undertaken to ‘recap’ the top layer of all fairways, thereby massively improving the drainage. Other plans are also in the works.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Good News for Carne Golf Links in Belmullet, Keeps on Coming<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The PGA in Ireland’s premier tournament, the Irish PGA Championship, will return to <a href="http://www.carnegolflinks.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Carne Golf Links</span></a> following its successful staging last year. The 2021 edition of Ireland’s oldest Championship, which numbers major champions Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke among previous winners, marked the official opening of the Wild Atlantic Dunes course at Carne, which combines the Eddie Hackett back nine with the new Kilmore nine. The 54-hole tournament will be contested from August 18-20, and it will be sponsored by Columbia Sportswear once again. The Pro-Am will take place on August 17. I played in it last year and it was – as expected – brilliant fun.<o:p></o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj41vGwj8fvW-h-Sd4hUAqxTabystDABZID62SYXLlT6md7Mf1_HaJ7WsD1b-3amN4VpokeYhn97RdLzpAFEyxe2ysLdf9T6MiVtlTyUvx1LbBurqBB2ap4Jv_nInW9aa-m32xgKv-7TIH2K7-E3EuHfAQd1jUzekcCL0hrCW8iDhzB_Xh1hihQbuod=s2119" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj41vGwj8fvW-h-Sd4hUAqxTabystDABZID62SYXLlT6md7Mf1_HaJ7WsD1b-3amN4VpokeYhn97RdLzpAFEyxe2ysLdf9T6MiVtlTyUvx1LbBurqBB2ap4Jv_nInW9aa-m32xgKv-7TIH2K7-E3EuHfAQd1jUzekcCL0hrCW8iDhzB_Xh1hihQbuod=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original Eddie Hackett 9th at Carne</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 18.85pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Gerry Maguire, the chairman of Carne Golf Links owners, Turasoireacht Iorrais Teo, added: “The team here at Carne Golf Links are privileged and honoured to have been asked once again to host the Irish PGA Championship in 2022. “This event is huge for the town of Belmullet and indeed the wider Mayo region, and its importance to both Carne Golf Links and the local economy cannot be underestimated. We are delighted our main sponsor for the 2021 event, Columbia Sportswear, have kindly agreed to also sponsor the 2022 championship, and we very much look forward to working in partnership with them, the PGA in Ireland, and the local community, to ensure the 2022 tournament is even better than its successful predecessor."</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The announcement comes on the back of Carne’s Wild Atlantic Dunes course placing at number 13 in <a href="https://irishgolfer.ie/top-100/2022/02/07/the-2022-irish-golfer-top-100-courses-in-ireland-ranking/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Irish Golfer magazine’s Top 100 course rankings</span>,</a> 2022. This means that Carne is now the highest rated course on this North West coastline. Along with the return of international visitors in 2022, the future for Carne Golf Links is looking very bright indeed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-38019254400811408672021-12-31T09:48:00.002+00:002021-12-31T09:48:55.122+00:00Golf’s Highs and Lows 2021<p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some thoughts on those 2021 moments that highlight what's great about golf... and what's not.</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Highs</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Co. Cavan’s <b>Leona Maguire</b> received a wild card pick for the European Solheim Cup team. She was the first Irishwoman to be selected and she played imperious golf to deliver 4.5 points from a possible five. A record scoring rookie debut and she had some superb performances during the year, which bodes extremely well for 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqsKUo_ZeZD0VaqRFpJhUyYJa-d0hQ-3eBFY4YWT9o1Fu2mNPgu1cBkc0d4A83lA33ZCChuuOCgyCtqOjtBgq35EimY3-ZUuNxyd-teEyaU1Ke5vhYR1K4DUko0ZXoBNg0058uS8g7WMJ-9SFGVRBfN1sAxbHCGQJuYeXUjpBt1nlPAn-fq6ExJItP=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1200" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqsKUo_ZeZD0VaqRFpJhUyYJa-d0hQ-3eBFY4YWT9o1Fu2mNPgu1cBkc0d4A83lA33ZCChuuOCgyCtqOjtBgq35EimY3-ZUuNxyd-teEyaU1Ke5vhYR1K4DUko0ZXoBNg0058uS8g7WMJ-9SFGVRBfN1sAxbHCGQJuYeXUjpBt1nlPAn-fq6ExJItP=w400-h263" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Leona Maguire tees off at Rathfarnham Golf Club, in <br />December. She is a Kastus Global Brand Ambassador. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">At Augusta, after Matsuyama had sunk his final (winning) putt his caddie, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>Shota Hayafuji</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">, replaced the flag and then bowed to the course. Respect.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Phil Mickelson</b> became the oldest Major winner at 50, claiming the PGA Championship in May. Improbable, remarkable and a victory that emphasises the longevity of golfers everywhere. The only disappointment was that it wasn’t the US Open, giving Phil the career slam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #121212; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Clandeboye’s <b>Jonathan Caldwell</b> shot a closing eight-under-par 64 to earn an impressive first European Tour victory, winning the Scandinavian Mixed tournament by a single shot.</span> His final approach shot, out of rough, was a thing of beauty, leaving him with a three foot birdie putt.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" data-reactid=".1ycc6ua9nkc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-32" style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span data-reactid=".1ycc6ua9nkc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-32.0" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" data-reactid=".1ycc6ua9nkc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-32" style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span data-reactid=".1ycc6ua9nkc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-32.0" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After the ‘low’ of Tiger Woods almost killing himself in a February car crash, the greatest golfer of all time (IMO) made an <b>astounding comeback in December</b>, alongside his 12 year old son (also, see ‘lows’ below). Fans dare to dream of 2022 and Tiger’s pursuit of Jack’s major tally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #121212; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>ISPS </b></span><b>World Invitational</b> was played at Galgorm Castle and Massereene. It was the second time the event had been played at these venues but July’s tournament was co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Ladies European Tour and LPGA as a top-tier event with equal prize money ($3 million pot) for both men and women. The event returns in 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt;"><span style="color: #121212; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rory in tears</b> after the Ryder Cup singles. Who didn’t feel for the guy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back home, the July opening of Tom Doak’s <b>St Patrick’s Links</b>, at Rosapenna, set the world aflutter. It has already broken into Golf.com’s top 100 courses in the world (<b><a href="https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/golf/arid-40369799.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">My review is here</span></a></b>) and it will bring tens of thousands of golfing tourists to the glorious golfing outpost that is Donegal.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL_eN71Hzn6YAUyqyJlsMkOvEvCDjHj2gNu24Chwxc1UD6VOAYpTqRbceEayDbh5S2yVe9C_U6zAFA9kjiCnghuD9Txlwk8qgmgaasuydhkUjQgaEWLVD6Y03_jquvVbs_OWLuNlFzDFDwTlVwo7oZq_rDwXij_pDSE_0OKduRvK_fazztZRQ0alhZ=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL_eN71Hzn6YAUyqyJlsMkOvEvCDjHj2gNu24Chwxc1UD6VOAYpTqRbceEayDbh5S2yVe9C_U6zAFA9kjiCnghuD9Txlwk8qgmgaasuydhkUjQgaEWLVD6Y03_jquvVbs_OWLuNlFzDFDwTlVwo7oZq_rDwXij_pDSE_0OKduRvK_fazztZRQ0alhZ=w400-h265" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 8th hole at St Patrick's</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lows</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the other end of the scale to Matsuyama’s caddie’s sign of respect at the Masters, <b>Wayne Player</b> proved himself to be an entitled plank when he was caught blatantly promoting a brand during the starters’ ceremony at Augusta. On the day when we should have been talking about the honour for <b>Lee Elder</b> (far too late, IMO) of hitting the opening drive, we instead found ourselves discussing an insignificant prat who has now been banned from the Masters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Patrick Reid continues to push the boundaries of acceptable behaviour with his <b>interpretation of the rules</b>. And the Tour continues to let him get away with it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saudi Arabia continues its attempts to ‘buy’ golf, thereby sportswashing its disgraceful human rights record. The Super Golf League reared its head again and while that particular project still flounders, Saudi Arabia’s <b>LIV Golf Investments appointed Greg Norman as CEO</b> and proceeded to agree investment of $200 million in the Asian Tour, over the next ten years. That’s how the country continued to host the Saudi International event, which attracts the world’s best golfers, after both the European Tour (now DP Tour) and PGA declined to sanction the event. <b>The world’s best mutter feeble excuses</b> that human rights are for politicians to deal with, not sports people, while happily taking the millions on offer. We know you don’t care… at least be honest about it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Player Impact Program (PIP) is designed to reward the top 10 golfers who ‘move the dial’ in the world of golf social media. $40 million will be shared between those golfers. <b>WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY.</b> Support lower tours, invest in junior programmes… do anything other than pour more millions into the pockets of multi-millionaires. Phil Mickelson claimed in late December that he had ‘won’ this particular category, thus receiving an $8 million award.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tiger Woods and the <b>February car crash</b>. Initial reports suggested he might have to lose a leg.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The <b>media obsession</b> over 12-year old Charlie Woods’ appearance with his father in December, at the PNC Championship Pro-Am, was – in a word – unhealthy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Brooks vs Bryson</b>. Really? Did this really have to become a thing that the PGA Tour then exploited with a 12-hole matchplay event that no one gave a damn about? Whether the animosity was real or made up it was all rather sad in the end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Harrington’s decisions at the Ryder Cup</b>. This may be a more controversial view (i.e. it’s mine) but mistakes were made across the entire event. Padraig claims he wouldn’t have changed anything in hindsight and, to be blunt, Europe would have lost whatever Padraig decided, but there were some bizarre decisions that cost Europe points. Rory and Poulter remains, in my mind, one of the oddest combinations I have ever seen, and leaving Fleetwood out of the foursomes was bizarre… especially when you saw how badly Rory was performing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">McIlroy’s brilliance continues to be undone by Rory himself. That said, he was extremely unlucky during the final round at the </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">DP World Tour Championship</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #121212;"> </span></span><span style="color: #121212;">in Dubai, when it looked like he would win, when<b> a perfect wedge shot to the 15th deflected off the flag</b> into a bunker. McIlroy imploded thereafter and ripped his shirt in the scorer's hut at the end of the round. Perhaps that sums up his year… several years in fact.</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-70074324328971025272021-10-24T17:05:00.004+01:002021-10-24T17:05:49.700+01:00Golf? Just Shake It Off<p>Celebrities and golf have always been interesting bed fellows. You have people like Justin Timberlake, Alice Cooper, and Catherine Zeta Jones, as well as sports stars including Michael Phelps, Gareth Bale, and Brian O'Driscoll all proclaiming their love of golf. </p><p>And then you have those on the dark side... those who have no time for the sport, its players or its play grounds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzLEYnhw-Km0B1Zl0eU6EOJ4fzUOKD5aOEDfFGcMe79Svf7poZLMH4h_I8EdpjmXhDpW7l61XPNqAOSTSkQ45HbX-om7AUAilwHbTOvWRwrY0qasQyT59AtUwRh9VlW8KQ1eqaAQq9eE/s1200/Luttrellstown+2021+Oct+18+green+to+fairway+golfers+2+8600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzLEYnhw-Km0B1Zl0eU6EOJ4fzUOKD5aOEDfFGcMe79Svf7poZLMH4h_I8EdpjmXhDpW7l61XPNqAOSTSkQ45HbX-om7AUAilwHbTOvWRwrY0qasQyT59AtUwRh9VlW8KQ1eqaAQq9eE/w400-h266/Luttrellstown+2021+Oct+18+green+to+fairway+golfers+2+8600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>David Mitchell is an intelligent and erudite comedian, actor and writer. And he does not like golf. His recent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/24/the-word-crazy-is-associated-with-the-wrong-kind-of-golf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">column in the Guardian</span></a> makes that clear, even if the column feels rushed and lacking direction. In fairness, his dislike is more a mild disdain - something many non-golfers feel about a sport that makes no sense to them - and you feel you could sit down with David over a nice hot cup of cocoa and talk some sense into him. It is a conversation I've had before with those from the dark side. </p><p>Not so with other naysayers.</p><p>If you want to know how a lot of people feel about golf and golfers, I recommend you watch Hannah Gadsby's 'Douglas' show on Netflix... but bring the swear jar and plenty of soft items you can throw at the screen. You'll need them after you hear what she has to say about us. In a way, I don't disagree: there are still plenty of golf clubs full of the type of people Gadsby despises.</p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-73406950918288036262021-10-08T14:32:00.003+01:002021-10-08T14:32:47.137+01:00<p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I recently read a review posted on TripAdvisor. It complained that Ben Nevis was ‘too high’ and ‘too steep’ and that the individual in question was hacked off that he had to walk back down afterwards. The fact that it was a mountain made the reviewer appear idiotic.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It got me thinking about the ‘quality’ of golf course reviews on sites like this. I did some digging. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Complaints about golf clubs focus on friendliness of staff (Pro Shop, Starter), cleanliness of changing rooms, quality of food, sand in bunkers and hollow-tining of greens. Elsewhere the complaints about slow play and lack of rangers doing their job are to be expected and demonstrate the continuing problems in the game.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">People are all too eager to make their complaints known on sites like this but you often get the blatant liar: I read one which was clearly from someone who had never played the golf course in question. But once the comment has been posted you have to live with it - it takes blood sweat and tears to get the offending review removed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWpCHEYat2WxZloAD3mRYIxiKSy8a3f9jB9-MfesxKqHP4WEKU0GJU7jzyR_whhc2klfiG0SpueHcArG2afG-8S3Y30q7QY6uC9JVCHnExfldnwFW97GytvqbO1EylaZwzWoUR07r-A4/s2048/Blainroe+2020+Oct+18+flag+lines+3+0845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="2048" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWpCHEYat2WxZloAD3mRYIxiKSy8a3f9jB9-MfesxKqHP4WEKU0GJU7jzyR_whhc2klfiG0SpueHcArG2afG-8S3Y30q7QY6uC9JVCHnExfldnwFW97GytvqbO1EylaZwzWoUR07r-A4/w400-h269/Blainroe+2020+Oct+18+flag+lines+3+0845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;">I have omitted the club names because some reviews are old, I want to avoid complaints from golf clubs and because some comments don’t make much sense.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>(2013)</b></span><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We played 5 championship links golf courses last week including XXXXXX, Royal Portrush, Castlerock, The Island and The European. I would highly recommend them all except for XXXXXX. The condition of the links is appalling. Hollow-tined throughout the course with no growth, some newly turfed greens in different grass. I understand the weather has been poor, and spring has only barely arrived. However the course appears distressed. We were not warned in advance. You have no idea what green will greet your approach shot.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2014)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Recently played this course, the sun was shining and I was looking forward to playing this course as I had played it a few times over the years and always enjoyed it. The greens and fairways were in good condition as expected, but not being a Pro I'm going to be in bunkers and the rough. Never have I seen a course go so downhill in 12 months. The bunkers are scandalous more to the point the lack of sand in them and this was the same in every one on the course, the grass around the bunkers is unkept. The rough has been left go so bad that finding a ball in the first cut is difficult, a lot of the cut grass is just left there not being taken away. Walkways, paths, bridges etc all look so shabby. I played as part of a large society and all agreed how much of a let down it was. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">A real let down time to pull your socks up.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2014)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="nejbf"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Played this course yesterday. The whole ambience of the place and the scenery are excellent. From tee to green it was very fair and challenging. Our problem is with the greens. I don't think we had a flat putt in the whole round. Too undulating with ridiculous runoffs if you miss the cup. Some greens had USPGA type pin placings behind bunkers. I would not be rushing back.</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1ea46bLN0qpbGLmL7SYlVwYuIXeiE1bR_DrDdpFv-jPDXLoBz_mODqQRzHk_swe7rVRxDm_8MVNbiWDFKE1jFizC33uEZBu2SLJ_6xFF6Rggf8ypwQkrqqQ60eQWhkLAqdIwlG42y_8/s1200/Glasson+2021+August+3+green+to+tee+mist+sunrise+6670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1ea46bLN0qpbGLmL7SYlVwYuIXeiE1bR_DrDdpFv-jPDXLoBz_mODqQRzHk_swe7rVRxDm_8MVNbiWDFKE1jFizC33uEZBu2SLJ_6xFF6Rggf8ypwQkrqqQ60eQWhkLAqdIwlG42y_8/w400-h265/Glasson+2021+August+3+green+to+tee+mist+sunrise+6670.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2018)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="nejbf"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">This course is set in a beautiful place and the views are stunning. However the course is set up badly for amateur players and the trek around it is off-putting. If you are off-line at all you are losing a golf ball. All players, even pros, stray off line when they play but for your ball to be un-findable is just daft. There's either gorse where you can't find or get at your ball, which has no place being used to divide holes, or there's rough so severe and sometimes impossible to get to that you can't even look for your ball. Also, there is a strange design of having bunkers surrounded by knee deep rough so that if you are off-line, you are calling for you ball to go in the bunker, at least you can find it there. I understand in the professional game and majors that players are expected to deal with these challenges but a green-fee fourball out for a social game is ruined by this. It's a very hilly course and you can either like that or not. I think it's too much, but the chance to enjoy the course is ruined by the severe set up.</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2018)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="nejbf"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">This must be one the most over rated, over hyped golf courses in the entire world.</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /><span class="nejbf">Whoever created the website, deserves an oscar. The course bears no relation to</span><br /><span class="nejbf">the site. We drove over an hour and a half to get there, expecting a champioship</span><br /><span class="nejbf">course, what we got was, a goat track. In winter, it would make great slalom course.</span><br /><span class="nejbf">The course was in very poor condition, greens were awful, the bunkers have putty</span><br /><span class="nejbf">in them, not sand, you cannot get club under the ball, it knife's out every time.</span><br /><span class="nejbf">It is very rough all over, and it is the most penal walk you will ever take. Get a buggy,</span><br /><span class="nejbf">your head is touching your toes, on a lot of the holes, and the walk from the 18th green to the clubhouse is almost vertical. Call the paramedics, when you leave the 18th. just in case.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2019)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">On a recent trip in our motor home my husband and I wished to play this course which we have done many times when in the area and it’s not far to travel for a couple of days as we live in Bangor. We were shocked to find that it now costs £50 to play this course. I find this is ridiculous fees to play this course, we are not Americans these courses are becoming far too expensive for local GUI MEMBERS to play. What a pity these courses are increasingly becoming less and less accessible to locals we will not be playing there again</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2019)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">After playing at Old Head, Ballybunion, Lahinch, Tralee and Waterville, my group ended our week at VVVVVV. What a letdown. Ballybunion gives you a free leather scorecard hold with a scorecard in heavy stock paper and a free course guide, VVVVVV gives you a little scorecard and will sell you the course guide. No caddies, few electric carts that aren’t available unless you pre-book. Every course offers free range balls, except VVVVVV. Waited on every shot and then after seeing the backup at the 10th tee box, we walked off the course. We will return to Ireland to play golf again, but will definitely take VVVVVV off the rotation.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFr0GzJQ444d6t3nK1bR8ufbKKvkAzkJ0bve-EyvRBJYvxxdbpLHiAYmL4V1ka9teZkaVxmgoiV87nMYexgaY7OylGTz-NIkZXVIOdqiHeXvzvc2NDqbFBQZbD3QPGBXs6UvKgZps4Vw/s2048/County+Louth+2020+July+11+green+LHS+clouds+1852-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFr0GzJQ444d6t3nK1bR8ufbKKvkAzkJ0bve-EyvRBJYvxxdbpLHiAYmL4V1ka9teZkaVxmgoiV87nMYexgaY7OylGTz-NIkZXVIOdqiHeXvzvc2NDqbFBQZbD3QPGBXs6UvKgZps4Vw/w400-h268/County+Louth+2020+July+11+green+LHS+clouds+1852-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2019)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We found the resort’s outside and front desk staff to be less than hospitable and not the traditional Irish ambassadors one expects to find on the west coast of Ireland. In a word, we found them to be snobby. Regarding the food, while it was acceptable, given the price, the wait staff was polite but less than friendly. Perhaps all of which could be explained by the caliber of the guests that this resort seems to cater to. During our stay we witnessed multiple guests on the golf course yelling at their caddies to find their ball, bring them their club and bring them more drinks. Then in the clubhouse, we witnessed multiple guests in intoxicated states acting out and demeaning the staff. Rest assured that we will never be back, and we will make sure to share the misery of our experience with AAA, our friends here in the US and our family there in Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><s><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></s></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2019)</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="nejbf"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">A jumped up rabbit run, €35 to play a really really poor golf course, bar the staff in the clubhouse, everybody else was unwelcoming to the point of hostile, visitors are NOT wanted here, this club is for a certain membership only and it's made pretty obvious from the moment you arrive that you don't belong, the course itself is extremely poor except for a couple of holes, the opening hole is truly awful, if you gave me free membership I wouldn’t take it. There are plenty of far better courses nearby.</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-70594537406216113112021-08-21T08:43:00.000+01:002021-08-21T08:43:04.430+01:00Druids Heath - a €1 Million+ Investment<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Many years ago I met a fourball of elderly gentlemen in a Greystones bar. They looked beat, despondent, even distraught. They had played Druids Heath, and they were drowning their sorrows after their round. It was their first visit to the course and, they said quickly, their last.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmBNPYFKbPtbcrfkcZeuAuUIaD6V99RFrMYzN5nOcivrYjQinqYoEnXqQUsAUrk3vEIvRCjvgnP9jBlP6lvhUEFpQMZrXr6VVr_F0MRv9sPfJSD1fDvgXUngsG8KREfClI5JFAX0QXKs/s1200/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+18+tee+renovations+6105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmBNPYFKbPtbcrfkcZeuAuUIaD6V99RFrMYzN5nOcivrYjQinqYoEnXqQUsAUrk3vEIvRCjvgnP9jBlP6lvhUEFpQMZrXr6VVr_F0MRv9sPfJSD1fDvgXUngsG8KREfClI5JFAX0QXKs/w400-h265/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+18+tee+renovations+6105.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;">Up until this year, Druids Heath was not a kind course to high handicappers, short hitters or those of a gentler age. It was punishing, long, dressed with 97 large bunkers and big, fast greens. You couldn’t always see the landing zones and when the gorse shone bright it set off fire alarms in a golfer’s head.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a brute that required your ‘A’ game for 18 holes because the Heath showed no mercy. It was never high on my list of favourite courses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3Z4TjWVEepW_JF5fqfcyjEjLhPv3yrq1syVfCr5NF845YAJ8exrgzvvXKQAHKWDyWKYLoHK7OqRdnNOXrzg33Y8Cilm_pq4grZCanRBOQ_652oBXjD1sKF8BgGMnJG10tmNF5I3Hzxk/s1200/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+2+approach+bunker+6090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1200" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3Z4TjWVEepW_JF5fqfcyjEjLhPv3yrq1syVfCr5NF845YAJ8exrgzvvXKQAHKWDyWKYLoHK7OqRdnNOXrzg33Y8Cilm_pq4grZCanRBOQ_652oBXjD1sKF8BgGMnJG10tmNF5I3Hzxk/w400-h259/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+2+approach+bunker+6090.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m not for a second saying it was a bad course… just too tough for a ‘fun’ round of golf.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But things have changed. New owners (the Neville family) have pumped €1 million into the Heath, calling on the skills of one of the original architects, Peter McEvoy, and (re)Golf, alongside Turfgrass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“We are re-landscaping the existing bunker footprint (over 30,000m2), adopting a more handcrafted bunker and landform layout, each with their own individual function and character, while maintaining diverse strategic values which engage golfers of all abilities,” said a recent press release.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That’s all fine and well but until you see what has been done it’s impossible to visualise. I visited last week and was amazed at the changes. The holes and the routing are the same but there is a very different feel to the place thanks to new bunkering and a new approach to fescue grasses. There are other unseen elements too, but we’ll get to that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kpJCT_g4AefbmFgt6eBezirK13XM4eb1nw9JJpbhqerMd8DYL7pdDTCTPWI-y9bCuXy2AwJfpXjTa7XW1CawOtOov8epZnKeDdGNN7i1yWDDXsY6hbmlq9cKVvV0Mae-rR27tf0Y1Zc/s1190/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+4+approach+6091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1190" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kpJCT_g4AefbmFgt6eBezirK13XM4eb1nw9JJpbhqerMd8DYL7pdDTCTPWI-y9bCuXy2AwJfpXjTa7XW1CawOtOov8epZnKeDdGNN7i1yWDDXsY6hbmlq9cKVvV0Mae-rR27tf0Y1Zc/w400-h269/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+4+approach+6091.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The key here is visual accessibility and visual appeal. The 97 big bunkers have been reduced to 36. Many of the greenside bunkers have been removed entirely which makes the greens more accessible targets. The greens, after all, are an essential highlight here… and they have always been one of the most testing aspects of the course. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The change to the bunkering is massive. Consider what happened recently at the Hermitage. It was a major upgrading of the course’s bunkering but it still fitted with what was there before. At Druids Heath that is not the case. From big, open bunkers there are now smaller, deeper and sharply shaped, with high sides and a high penalty tariff for hitting your ball in one. That reduction of 63 per cent seems like a huge shift… and yet there are more than enough bunkers to keep you on your toes. With fewer bunkers protecting the greens it also means that low shots, of a bump-and-run nature, present themselves on several occasions. That’s an entirely new aspect to the course. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEVKXlCrjjfZQuCBYs6JN4To93YBrFU-Y1lv_dcnDzED58unNevwT2VDWymZRoHxWQr2qOaG4Nyr9ey_ZGp-zg_cGOMA8NTOHNwP2vhREKTXmFGlQZLNecDLTPIZHTyk4zqfz_4OpJh0/s1200/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+13+approach+6093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1200" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEVKXlCrjjfZQuCBYs6JN4To93YBrFU-Y1lv_dcnDzED58unNevwT2VDWymZRoHxWQr2qOaG4Nyr9ey_ZGp-zg_cGOMA8NTOHNwP2vhREKTXmFGlQZLNecDLTPIZHTyk4zqfz_4OpJh0/w400-h255/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+13+approach+6093.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some of the new bunkers are positioned where old bunkers had been… but by no means always. On the par-4 18th one single, new bunker occupies less than half of one of the old bunkers. Some bunkers have been nudged into fairways: on the par-5 2nd a small lone bunker awaits in the middle of the fairway, a serious threat to your second shot as you lay up short of the ponds. It calls for a different game plan… although the fairway has been widened down by those ponds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5TDEXYEARR0eiBFLBoa52bspSyo1wvMUNq4Q0295lgsSSu_FxpMWFSnfJtdvkuwulmnsMozUj5x7EFskx-eI1bh61sJoSKmd8iThhnLV1Ne2dAWCFPTZfA24nHNWEF5er2UACQ_1ka8/s1200/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+14+6096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5TDEXYEARR0eiBFLBoa52bspSyo1wvMUNq4Q0295lgsSSu_FxpMWFSnfJtdvkuwulmnsMozUj5x7EFskx-eI1bh61sJoSKmd8iThhnLV1Ne2dAWCFPTZfA24nHNWEF5er2UACQ_1ka8/w400-h265/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+14+6096.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On top of that the bunkers will use Sportsbond, all sand will be replaced, and Ecobunker has been used in several places where bunkers are cut tight to the greens. The brows of these bunkers will be blanketed with golden fescue grasses and a texture like sun, adding to the difficulty (see photo of 18th: those dark green edges will burn gold in the future) and, undoubtedly, drawing the eye. The final comment on the bunkers is this: avoid them. They are deep – the famous par-3 14th now has a bunker tucked in hard to the green which that will leave you five feet under the pin – and you may find some awkward stances. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the most obvious change but not the only one: the back Blue tees have all gone, making the course some 400 yards shorter; certain fairways have been widened; some fairway shoulders have been removed to enhance hole visibility – on the 9th and 10th most noticeably; small fescue-covered mounds appear on some holes, adding aesthetic appeal, and blending with the blazes of fescue chaperoning fairways; and a lot of gorse has been removed to speed up play and, again, to improve aesthetics. I won’t go through every hole but there are plenty of subtle and less subtle differences. One honourable mention must go to the quirky and difficult par-4 13th which has lost a tree defending the fairway on the left while the lake beneath the green will be reduced in length by 20 yards to create the hole’s only level landing area. The tree fronting the green has also gone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWno2i5IaMpbDa7PP9idHwWm9ibHLGZ9p-kn75NVHK07YBZDsX9vjGuPB9NCHVdkRdbGM_uTMFqNyiYdzfygXmpzysGdY-wdFUYfjGQi_DLa83jxtll1_j2RhmI5ylnRuqdawFCkzXCg/s1200/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+16+bunker+LHS+6100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1200" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWno2i5IaMpbDa7PP9idHwWm9ibHLGZ9p-kn75NVHK07YBZDsX9vjGuPB9NCHVdkRdbGM_uTMFqNyiYdzfygXmpzysGdY-wdFUYfjGQi_DLa83jxtll1_j2RhmI5ylnRuqdawFCkzXCg/w400-h254/Druids+Heath+2021+Aug+16+bunker+LHS+6100.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I mentioned the unseen elements. There are several. The 28,000 metres of slit drainage across 15 sections of the course for starters. Playability was never an issue but this drainage will add extra bounce! There’s the Sportsbond in the bunkering and the grasses on greens have all been swapped for Crystal Blue Bent grass… which looks every bit as good as it reads.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once it is all completed – laying the bunkers finished in late July – Druids Heath will be a more friendly course to play… and members are already expressing their approval at the changes. It is no longer overwhelmed with sand, it offers different strategies for golfers of all abilities, it is more playable and the efforts to give it a more links-like appearance have given it extra bite.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My ‘Hooked’ review of the course will certainly be changing.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-17615198140982476632021-07-03T19:49:00.002+01:002021-07-03T19:49:22.857+01:00Abbeyleix Golf Club and 70 Years<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Life, love and longevity… every one a legacy when it comes to Abbeyleix Golf Club and a membership that has lasted 70 years.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpxOkHVAgf1gCx4sHye4YhAQ137vDnmj-6YvX526aSQI9KYPXRCFaCaanwydys4ERn-_rjqz-Jth8FCzpd-T9ykwMAU_1xywj6zdzS13_M7EDtspCNvf-v8x9LvWPZXQpxSiMWcXtFSQ/s2048/Abbeyleix+AJ+Trio+2+5067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="2048" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpxOkHVAgf1gCx4sHye4YhAQ137vDnmj-6YvX526aSQI9KYPXRCFaCaanwydys4ERn-_rjqz-Jth8FCzpd-T9ykwMAU_1xywj6zdzS13_M7EDtspCNvf-v8x9LvWPZXQpxSiMWcXtFSQ/w400-h281/Abbeyleix+AJ+Trio+2+5067.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: yellow; text-align: left;">[Caption: L-R Mel Flanagan (Golf Architect), Andy Cole, Anthony Collins (Men’s Captain)]</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>The Early Years</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">When Andy Cole joined Abbeyleix in 1951, he was barely interested in the game. He and his brother were hurlers and they used to peer over the fence of the recently moved (1948) Abbeyleix Golf Club, in Rathmoyle, and wonder why grown men were searching through the long grass for small white balls. They soon found a couple of balls on the road and took them home. They fashioned clubs out of branches from a hedge and started hitting the balls around the yard.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">A family friend, John Baggot, drove into the yard one day to visit the boys’ father but after watching the two boys hitting balls he drove out of the yard without getting out of the car. He was the 1951 Captain of the golf club at the time and he returned a short time later with a bag of hickory clubs and gave them to the boys. Then he drove to the club and signed them up as family members. Andy was 15 at the time and he has been a member at Abbeyleix ever since. In 1952, he was beaten to the Captain’s Prize on a count-back.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">It will come as no surprise to read that at the age of 86, Andy has been a Captain (1970) and a President (2000) of the club, been on the Committee for many years, and won the coveted Captain’s Prize. Even then, 70 years hold a rich history… and not just for Andy, but the club too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Being a paid-up member at one club for 70 years is a feat in itself when you consider what life throws in your path. I doubt many – if any – of us know someone who can claim the same. It certainly inserts you into the very fabric of Abbeyleix, a cog that turns with many others to ensure the life and success of the club. <o:p></o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiqz3rGZ1n92VIcuHyg3nNNPslbE4Vsky8uJUPxUUhQO4qF8kEdMecyVJpK_aCnFNbb9Olp3yGQI5nYV1rZdESsmB3_vG7eeO-DOmxoesoWa2v87hvzYfsctGl_W1sEORAifbI6nyimM/s2048/Abbeyleix+2021+June9+8+green+to+fairway+5042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiqz3rGZ1n92VIcuHyg3nNNPslbE4Vsky8uJUPxUUhQO4qF8kEdMecyVJpK_aCnFNbb9Olp3yGQI5nYV1rZdESsmB3_vG7eeO-DOmxoesoWa2v87hvzYfsctGl_W1sEORAifbI6nyimM/w400-h265/Abbeyleix+2021+June9+8+green+to+fairway+5042.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 8th Hole at Abbeyleix</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>Playing Away</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“I played golf wherever I went,” says Andy, listing various clubs around Dublin, after graduating with Honours in Agricultural Science. He started working in Dublin, for the Institute for Agricultural Research </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">(which became Teagasc, in 1998). In 1965, he became Head of Peatland Research, before going on to lead Department of Foreign Affairs Agricultural Research Projects overseas, particularly to Lesotho. He worked with the European Commission in Brussels, for 20 years, and his work for the European Land Use & Development Research Programme took him across Europe. Of his many achievements, one was to publish the first Soil Map of Europe. Even after finishing with the European Commission, he wasn’t actually done: Brussels asked him to do a further two years in Belarus… which turned into six.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria, serif;">And all that time he remained a paid up member of Abbeyleix, where his scientific knowledge proved a bonus for the club.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“My fondest memories of Abbelyleix would be winning the Captain’s Prize in 1964,” Andy says, “and also the extension of the course to 18 holes when the club honoured me by appointing me President in the year the new course opened (2000).” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>From 9 To 18</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Andy was Captain during the club’s centenary year (1995) and he promoted the idea of extending the course to 18 holes. This set the wheels in motion and additional land was purchased and planning permission sought. Mel Flanagan, who has designed many golf courses, was awarded the project (beating three other designers to the job) and cleverly crafted 18 holes into an area of just 99 acres. That might read as a small space, but it never feels like that when you play here, and Mel used the boundaries and natural undulations to maximum effect, constructing 11 new greens, 3,050 yards of new fairway and even a wildfowl sanctuary.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I am a big fan of Mel’s work (Rathcore is one of my favourite Irish parklands and the recently closed Dunmurry Springs was always under-rated) and he showed me around the course a couple of weeks ago (with Andy Cole alongside). Mel outlined how he had rerouted the course and the smart design elements he had introduced to give the course some oomph, and to ensure holes didn’t simply go back and forth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Andy was invited to name the new 18 holes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“But it’s mostly the people you’d meet that create the memories,” he says. “I remember in my school days when I’d be out messing about when someone would call me from the clubhouse to make up a fourball. And that would end with us in the clubhouse bar afterwards where I’d be bought soft drinks. So I started standing around waiting for a game and because I was a schoolboy I never had to buy a drink afterwards, even though my dad gave me some money.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">His lowest handicap was 4, where he stayed for a number of years, and he held a single figure handicap for over 20 years. It was only in later years that the figure started to soar. He’s now a 20 handicap but he knows he can still compete in the club competitions. Indeed, he was runner up in the Captain’s Prize only a couple of years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>What’s Special</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What does he find special about Abbeyleix?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“The convenience and accessibility, but the golf course itself is absolutely a credit to all. The layout, on 99 acres, promises a challenge on every hole and a different challenge on every hole. It’s an excellent mix whatever your handicap.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“I love the par-3 17th, looking down on the Slieve Blooms. I have a thing about tourism in Laois, which attracts the lowest tourism in Ireland.” Over the years, Andy has worked to try to correct this, including being Chairman of Abbeyleix Heritage Company, which successfully campaigned to have Abbeyleix designated as a Heritage Town.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">At 86 he’s not playing as frequently as he used to when he was young. “How I got through secondary school I don’t know, as I was out on the course every evening.” But his enthusiasm for the game and especially the club hasn’t waned one bit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-10669194757708633702021-06-28T08:19:00.003+01:002021-06-28T08:20:36.651+01:003D To Adare Manor<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: justify;">A recent<a href="https://www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/courses/best/golf-resorts-uk-and-ireland/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Top 100 Best Golf Resorts in Britain and Ireland</span></a> ranking by Today's Golfer saw five Irish resorts make the Top 10. Adare was the best of these, coming in at number 3. Above it are Gleneagles and Turnberry, with three and two golf courses respectively. Adare Manor has one golf course... but it is a piece of art and has elevated the course up golf rankings everywhere.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpekKTXARL3Zquzh37w4nUxE_OhnNhk-6MpOHl6fj9fevZRj6coiOOI9N_nnlI2z7jsq9A8OiQKXjH18arkjlH2JYvBwZQ3902F3aD4Ur3-kY_matey8WlGEz7lB5j5cF6RgkU_BN93lM/s1600/Adare+Manor+18+green.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpekKTXARL3Zquzh37w4nUxE_OhnNhk-6MpOHl6fj9fevZRj6coiOOI9N_nnlI2z7jsq9A8OiQKXjH18arkjlH2JYvBwZQ3902F3aD4Ur3-kY_matey8WlGEz7lB5j5cF6RgkU_BN93lM/w400-h193/Adare+Manor+18+green.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: justify;">Most golfers know the story behind the course's regeneration - who hasn't seen the photos showing off the velvet fairways and silky greens - but know less about the<span><a name='more'></a></span> high end, luxury hotel in a gothic manor.</span><p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: justify;">That can now change.</span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: justify;">Following the official reopening of the resort and Ryder Cup 2027 host venue, Adare Manor has unveiled a brand-new website integrating all-new 3D tours that allow golfers to experience the magic of the hotel, facilities and golf course from afar.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The new website includes bespoke </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.adaremanor.com/activities/3d-tours/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>3D Tours</b></span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB"> through the resort. Log on and explore the award-winning clubhouse (The Carriage House), and the 5* hotel (The Manor House), or watch the </span><span lang="EN-GB">hole-by-hole tours of <i>The Golf Course at Adare Manor</i> via the </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.adaremanor.com/golf/our-course/golf-course-tour/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">interactive course guide</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB">. The new hole flyover videos showcase the course and offer a glimpse into the challenge that awaits the casual golfer as well as Teams USA and Europe.</span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The 3D Tours bring to life, with detailed accuracy, the first steps through the hotel, each bar and restaurant dining option and a full suite of the bedrooms available. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Despite the rich heritage of the resort, Adare Manor has long championed the use of technology and cutting-edge practices. None more so than on the course itself, which uses the most advanced maintenance techniques to help </span><span lang="EN-GB">create superior levels of presentation and it </span><span lang="EN-GB">is one of a handful of courses in the UK and Ireland where all 18 greens benefit from a SubAir Aeration System.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Following the reopening of the resort, <b>Colm Hannon</b>, <b>CEO of Adare Manor</b>, said: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">“<i>We are delighted to welcome guests safely back to Adare Manor. The team’s efforts have been remarkable to ensure we are able to exceed expectations from day one, and it’s a testament to the shared care, passion and dedication that has been championed throughout the year.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-GB">“As a team, we are committed to continuing a level of guest experience like nowhere else, and although we recognise there are still restrictions to travel which may limit some visitors, these new additions to our digital experience are a demonstration of our ambitions to create connections with our guests across every detail of Adare.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The resort has also launched online boutique which includes a wide range of Adare Manor branded luxury items, keepsakes and gifts, as well as </span>two Midleton Very Rare single cask whiskeys and the Adare Manor Garden Gin: Fig Edition... limited to only 2000 bottles. <span lang="EN-GB">There is also an online </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://shop.adaremanor.com/collections/golf-pro-shop"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pro Shop</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB"> section which is stocked with the latest in premium golf merchandise and bespoke Adare Manor branded items, from headcovers and balls to golf attire and pin flags. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">To find out more </span>visit <a href="http://www.adaremanor.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.adaremanor.com</span></a> or </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/adaremanorhotel/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">@AdareManorHotel</span></a> </span>(Facebook)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheAdareManor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">@TheAdareManor</span></a></span> (Twitter)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theadaremanor/?hl=en"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">@TheAdareManor</span></a> (Instagram)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Adare Manor has been nominated for four World Golf Awards, <a href="https://worldgolfawards.com/award/ireland-best-golf-course/2021" style="color: #954f72;">Ireland’s Best Golf Course 2021</a>, <a href="https://worldgolfawards.com/award/europe-best-golf-venue/2021" style="color: #954f72;">Europe’s Best Golf Venue 2021</a>, <a href="https://worldgolfawards.com/award/world-best-golf-clubhouse/2021" style="color: #954f72;">World’s Best Clubhouse 2021</a> and <a href="https://worldgolfawards.com/award/ireland-best-golf-hotel/2021" style="color: #954f72;">Ireland’s Best Golf Hotel 2021</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287383818414545898.post-76302941428845676652021-06-23T11:56:00.005+01:002021-06-23T11:56:35.215+01:00Big International Flavour for ISPS HANDA World Invitational<p> <span style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;">With five weeks to go until the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf, a strong international field across the three sanctioned tours has currently entered to play in Northern Ireland from the end of July.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxUqBlGRB2-SpZ8Oj3frd98gbC2R20iDCeRXjqNEGDZbdFtzSFUdB5npetZ4Zc62rjhmJZ2ZbUnu1kLtjPjAAvHwzWzYyj7hVaHBfFaT8CygM-oKSHkRyYw2AaVRr3V7aW5I5OE6a3uY/s1200/Galgorm+Castle+3+green+pink+sunrise+1+4927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxUqBlGRB2-SpZ8Oj3frd98gbC2R20iDCeRXjqNEGDZbdFtzSFUdB5npetZ4Zc62rjhmJZ2ZbUnu1kLtjPjAAvHwzWzYyj7hVaHBfFaT8CygM-oKSHkRyYw2AaVRr3V7aW5I5OE6a3uY/w400-h268/Galgorm+Castle+3+green+pink+sunrise+1+4927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The ISPS HANDA World Invitational stands out as the only tri-sanctioned event in the northern hemisphere where the European Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET) have come together in an innovative and inclusive mixed event.</span><br /><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">A total of 288 players (144 men, 144 women) will arrive at Galgorm and Massereene for tournament week from July 28 – August 1, 2021 to compete in two separate 72-hole Stroke Play events at the same time at the same venues and for equal prize money in the US$3 million event. Official Suppliers GreenAware will fittingly plant 288 trees for each player in the field as part of their support of this year’s event.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">With so many players competing from the men’s and women’s game, there is genuine depth in the field; Ryder Cup players, multiple tour winners plus former Irish Open champions.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">Denmark’s Søren Kjeldsen and Wales’ Jamie Donaldson are entered to play, and both know how to win on Irish soil. Kjeldsen won the 2015 Irish Open at Royal County Down, while Donaldson took the spoils at Royal Portrush in 2012 in front of record crowds. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">Those with experience competing in the cauldron of pressure of the Ryder Cup are also entered, such as Victor Dubuisson (France) and the English pair of David Howell and Andy Sullivan, who have all played Ryder Cup.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">When it comes to proven tour winners, Scotland’s Richie Ramsay and Stephen Gallacher may be lamenting last evening’s soccer results at the Euros, but the Scottish pair stand out on the entry list. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKxeHXGKplWFTZs2ZJo1eNOEgiwiZF7ro8tZoBIB8_tw7cgnfMmeC9lWDJ__SVYAhIAIo7rFGtks-ankKk_khNv66JEvsv4IDm3V36Le3NNgiGYQbRZonqH5448opmo3jGd1ZhfK5PR0/s2048/Galgorm+Castle+18+2+8047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKxeHXGKplWFTZs2ZJo1eNOEgiwiZF7ro8tZoBIB8_tw7cgnfMmeC9lWDJ__SVYAhIAIo7rFGtks-ankKk_khNv66JEvsv4IDm3V36Le3NNgiGYQbRZonqH5448opmo3jGd1ZhfK5PR0/w400-h268/Galgorm+Castle+18+2+8047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">An international theme of tour winners on the men’s side continues with the likes of Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal or Dubuisson’s compatriots, Gregory Havret and Raphael Jacquelin. Go further afield and players such as Australia’s Scott Hend or South Africa’s Richard Sterne are also entered to play. Recent Tour winner Richard Bland from England, who made a fast start at last week’s the US Open, is also entered. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">A number of these players will arrive at Mount Juliet in the coming days ahead of next week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open before they make scheduled returns to Ireland for the ISPS HANDA World Invitational in a few weeks. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">There are so many exciting narratives on the women’s side of the draw from both the LPGA and LET Tours. Slovenia’s Ana Belac competes on the LPGA Tour in her rookie season after being crowned the 2020 Symetra Tour Player of the Year. The LET’s Lee-Anne Pace, who has won 22 professional events, recently added the Investec South African Women’s Open after winning on home soil.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">There is also the exciting Jutanugarn sisters, Ariya and Moriya, from Thailand to keep an eye out for. Ariya is currently eighth on the LPGA money list with Moriya closely followed inside the top 20. Ariya is a two-time Major winner and has won 11 times on the LPGA Tour, while Moriya is also a proven winner and was Rookie of the Year in 2013.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">And if marking your card for big hitters, keep an eye out for the Netherland’s Ann Van Dam or Bianca Pagdanganan from the Philippines, two players who are also entered and would complement the bit-hitting Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts in the men’s draw.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">“We are delighted with how things are shaping up at this stage with five weeks to go until tournament week,” explained Gary Henry, ISPS HANDA World Invitational Event Director.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">“We have some great names in both the men’s and women’s lists, who are currently entered to play.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">“With players now finalising their plans after the Olympic qualifying cut-off we are starting to get a clearer picture of who will be able to join us at the end of July. We continue to work within government guidelines around COVID restrictions and plan to make some big-name announcements in the coming days and weeks as momentum builds ahead of another special tournament week here in Northern Ireland.”</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Tickets for the ISPS HANDA World Invitational are currently on sale and can be purchased through the tournament’s official ticket platform EventBrite. </span><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001pbHbymna0WlLWsPxOrAlNHHL-wqac8KT7Yx4WgFF-GdTWqTDE6EXONi3UkIobVsSYiDzd69YTWpyGYI_pR8sSHxiuj21ZmkW8S-lL88AkiVHicwmKHbIj_oBQtEpk-avYYnexFl1jK-10VhhhCrc5_uk9YspZw_SjbcVxq5s_dE=&c=6gOhUabZUDIISrCVtZkYKCaD6jm2ysKMIpiApB0IE2uoIVTYJ1SaWA==&ch=kj7wnugOR5gJVW_2KIHiPPO3zfOuoYGLpyy_Bk3MLVbeFWJl2XgK5w==" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ce171b; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/150314144653</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(64, 63, 66); color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>Kevin Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958576778563308481noreply@blogger.com0