A Matter of the Masters - Six Irish Golf Events

Sun kisses the 18th hole at Esker Hills at last year's event.

What golf nut isn't already thinking about the Masters? What golf nut isn't contemplating how they'll play their regular weekend round while ensuring they still get to watch every thrilling minute of the year's first and, for many, best Major?

May I steer you in the direction of a number of themed events, starting with From Esker Hills to

Double Whammy for Wexford Golf

This is a short blog post. Not much more needs to be said about the front pages of our two local newspapers this week - a picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. Each front page centres on a depressing story about a local golf course. What is bizarre, however, is that the two papers which come out on the same day focus on a different golf course.

The par three 18th at Courtown... it's the other end of the
course that is at risk from erosion.

Irish Golf Expo... One Day Left

Shane Lowry 'playing' Pebble Beach's famous par 3.

The Irish Golf Expo is on right now – today and tomorrow (Sun 26 Feb). It’s out at Citywest Hotel, with free parking and a whole blaze of golf enterprises. I was there for three hours this morning – Shane Lowry even timed his visit to ensure that I’d be there – and a good early morning crowd gave the place a strong buzz.

For those of you havering about whether to go or not… go! Pretty

Spring it at Druids Glen

If anyone fancies the opportunity of playing Ireland's top parkland - IMO - you can get a fourball at Druids Glen for €165 from now to the end of March. Here are some photos if you need any further convincing. (Contact details below.)

Oh, and the food in the clubhouse is fabulous.

To book, contact Jason on 01 287 0812 or email jason.newton@druidsglenresort.com

The deal was sent to me by My Golf Deals... and if you look on their website today you'll find a few cracking deals for Galway Bay, Rathsallagh and Esker Hills... among others.

A Kings Ransom at Lough Erne This May

There are so many great tournaments, classics and events being run across Ireland that it can be difficult to keep up. You spot an opportunity to play a great course or to try to qualify for some glorious prize, only to discover that the opportunity has passed you by.

Not this time!

The 17th tee, looking towards the resort.

Leading amateur golfers from Ireland now have the opportunity to play Lough

Golfers ‘Rock and Hole’ Holywood Golf Club

There are plenty of charity events going on in golf clubs around the country and trying to find ways to make them attractive is one of the big challenges.  So ‘Golf and Guitars’ makes a bit of a splash, doesn’t it!

The event in question will be taking place at Holywood Golf Club, where local superstar Rory McIlroy learned his trade, on 19 May '17. Golfers will tune up and tee off against a mix of celebrities and well-known local musicians, and the proceeds will go towards the Mary Peters Trust, to help the budding sports stars of tomorrow.

Mary Peters and Andrew Hollywood

Already stars like Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy from Boyzlife have

Irish Golf Clubs Sparking Debate

There are certain Irish courses which are constantly discussed in terms of how good they are… or how over-rated they are... Sometimes they just lead to bemusement. Most of our Irish golf courses sail under the radar but when it comes to green fees, difficulty and what comprises good design, here are six which constantly generate

Top 150 Golf Courses in Ireland - Destination Golf

The new guide to Ireland’s Top 150 Courses has just been published by Destination Golf. This is the second year the guide has been produced and it is 178 pages long (16 more than last year)… that’s a substantial size when you get your hands on it. It is a glossy and impressive production (online or in hard copy) with dozens of photographs and reviews of all 150 golf courses.

Courses are rated across three categories: Platinum, Gold and Silver.

You’ll find my favourite courses included… which is no surprise as I am the editor of this particular guide. Destination Golf also produces guides to Spain, Portugal and Turkey, as well as Europe’s Top 100 Stay & Play Resorts, just in case you’re thinking of a holiday anytime soon.

Portmarnock's 9th hole

You’ll find the new guide in clubhouses around the country – they’re free – and also online (click here), so grab a copy, put your feet up and check out what Destination Golf consider to be the top 150 courses on this. Those photos should help you find somewhere new to play this year.