Ireland's Golfing Augusta

The par three 8th at Druid's Glen

For golfers, the word 'Augusta' evokes visions of lush, sweeping greens, greener jackets, perfect water features, blazes of colour and instantly recognisable golf holes. And so many great golfing memories.

Perhaps that is why golf courses around the world are so eager to boast their own Amen Corner. Ireland has several* and

Ireland's Toughest Golf Holes - The Back Nine

The front nine of the the most difficult 'course' in Ireland have already been posted (see here), so now it's time for the back nine. The full 18 holes and their descriptors are to be found in the current issue of Irish Golfer Magazine (page 81).

10. Ballybunion 11th hole

11. Galway Bay 12th hole

12. Old Head 12th hole

13. Tralee 12th hole

14. Druid's Glen 13th hole

15. The Island 13th hole

16. Royal Portrush 14th hole

17. County Sligo 17th hole

18. Adare 18th hole

St Patrick's Day Golf

Views down the 15th at Adare

And sure... why wouldn't you!

Here are just 19 venues from around the country running special Paddy's Day golf events. Some excellent value and plenty of great prizes - as you'd expect - including a chance at winning a club membership at Galway Bay Golf Club.

Ireland's Top Golf Resorts

A while back I wrote a piece for A Luxury Travel Blog on The Top 5 Luxury Golf Resorts in Ireland.

This month, Golf Monthly magazine brought out their list of Top 50 UK and Ireland Stay and Play Resorts, which included 12 Irish venues.

The question was - how did my top 5 stack up against theirs?

Adare Junior Open August 20th

The 18th at Adare. A superb par five.

It is great to see such a focus on young golfers these days. If you’re my sort of age (40s) then you’ll remember the difficulties of being a Junior – don’t be seen, don’t be heard, stay out of the clubhouse, stay out of the way of the grown-ups and god help you if you held them up on the course.

These days clubs recognise that youngsters are the future of the game and they are being accommodated in an increasing number of ways… one of which is the inaugural Junior Open at Adare, on August 20th. It’s for boys and girls, and it is Singles Stableford.

Adare - Bank Holiday Competitions (from the Back Tees)

The 11th hole at Adare, from the 157-yard White
tees... now add on 73 yards.

No introduction needed on this beauty - Adare is holding two competitions this coming weekend, including playing from the Tips.