MUNSTER EDITION
JULY AUGUST
2013 A MAGAZINE FOR MUNSTER GOLFERS
FOCUS ON Tralee, Dromoland, Bantry Bay and Fota golf clubs.
SNAG GOLF
A modern way to get kids playing the game.
LEE HARRINGTON
. Limerick Golf Club’s club professional.
PLENTY OF GREAT VALUE FROM COUNTIES KERRY, CORK, GALWAY LAOIS AND WATERFORD.
irishclubhouse.ie facebook.com/irishclubhouse
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This time they’re invited (along with everyone else)
The Gathering Ireland 2013 is all about inviting friends and family home to join us in a yearlong celebration of all that is great about Ireland. The Gathering Ireland 2013 is not just one event but hundreds of events, big and small, organised by individuals, families, clans, communities, clubs and organisations throughout Ireland. And you can play your part. All it takes is a personal invitation to a friend or loved one overseas to come and visit Ireland in 2013. For inspiration and for help in creating your own Gathering, log onto thegatheringireland.com and be part of it.
P31019 FI GATHERING VIKING A4 update.indd 1
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THE IRISH CLUBHOUSE
CONTENT 4 LETTER TO MEMBERS 6 TRALEE GOLF CLUB Links golf at its best.
14 FOTA ISLAND RESORT
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Is there a better venue anywhere in Ireland?
19 LEE HARRINGTON
Limerick Golf Club’s top class pro.
22 DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB It really is fit for a king.
32 BANTRY BAY GOLF CLUB
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It is like playing in paradise.
42 THE SPECIAL OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS
(Munster Section) in Charleville Golf Club.
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EDITOR Diarmuid Sheehan · PHOTOGRAPHER John Delea · DESIGN BY Doodle Creative · PUBLISHED BY Irish Clubhouse Magazine Ltd.
LETTER TO MEMBERS
W
elcome to the July / August edition of Irish Clubhouse golf magazine. The publication you are reading has been distributed to all your fellow clubs in Munster.
Welcome to the July / August edition of Irish Clubhouse golf magazine. The publication you are reading has been distributed to all your fellow clubs in Munster. This magazine aims to bring local, provincial and national news to the golfers of this province. To achieve this goal we need we need golf club members to send on photos and stories about their clubs. The Irish Clubhouse Ltd. not only publishes this magazine on a bi-monthly basis but it also has a facebook page www.facebook.com/irishclubhouse, and a website www.irishclubhouse.ie. I hope readers will take a moment to “like” us on facebook while also taking some time to go and check out our website where they can find out what is going on in clubs. In this edition of Irish Clubhouse you will find features on Fota Island Golf Resort, Tralee Golf Club, Dromoland Castle Golf Club and Bantry Bay Golf Club Also in this magazine you will see a selection of great deals on offer in County Waterford with details from West Waterford, Dungarvan and The Gold Coast Golf Clubs. We take a look at SNAG Golf - an innovative project which aims to get children playing the game. Irish Clubhouse is also delighted to give its readers the chance to delve into the professional life of Limerick Golf Club professional - Lee Harrington. As always I hope that readers will find something of interest in the latest publication. Now that the evenings are brighter and the weather conditions are more favourable it is a good time to reflect on the great deals that are on offer in the province of Munster. Having brought my child to spend an afternoon in a children’s indoor fun-world recently it dawned on me just what value we have on our doorstep. I paid € 10 for the privilege of watching a four-year-old
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run and jump for an hour and although both she and I believed that it was great fun it did help me realise just what value is being offered on our courses. You can play open competitions in most clubs for below €30 and even those that charge a little more still come in cheaper per hour than swinging from monkey bars in a padded jungle gym. There is little doubt that in these recessionary times every penny counts and it is very understandable that members are attempting to play their own courses as often as they can, to get the most out of the yearly fee, however members need to remember that nearly every club needs the visiting golfer - from opens to green fees and from the sandwich to the 12 oz steak. Irish Clubhouse magazine and website will facilitate clubs, members and societies in any way it can to get their message out there but as the saying goes “information is power” and this is as true in the world of golf as it is anywhere else. Golf clubs need to let the players of the province, and beyond, know, what is available and hopefully this will help to increase the numbers visiting their clubs. Irish Clubhouse wishes all the golfers of Munster good golfing over the next few months and we hope that all players enjoy their golf regardless of the score. Challenge yourself on your own course and take on the challenge of playing a course you never played before. Play the game like a kid with no inhibitions, forget the bad holes, boast loudly about the good ones and tell Irish Clubhouse about any holes-in-one or other special feats. If you are visiting a new club over the next few months please say The Irish Clubhouse sent you.
Good golfing, Yours Truly,
Editor
Spectacular Clubhouse in Tralee Golf Club.
FOCUS ON TRALEE GOLF CLUB 6
THE IRISH CLUBHOUSE
When one thinks of the top links courses in Ireland, Tralee Golf Club is one of the first names that comes to mind. Designed and built by the legendary Arnold Palmer, this stunning setting represents a true paradise for those willing to challenge what is widely acclaimed as one of the finest links courses in the world. Palmer may be the name on the top of the blueprints but the “The King” is more than happy to split the credit with an even more renowned designer than he… “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine”. After reading this quote from the seventime major champion (4 Masters, 2 Opens and one US Open) it comes as no surprise to learn that Palmer chose Tralee to be his first and arguably finest golf course in Europe. While the course itself has to take a back seat to no other, Tralee also has the luxury of being able to call upon the mighty Atlantic Ocean for its amazing backdrop. The spectacular views which follow you around all 18-holes make Tralee one of the most breathtaking places on earth to play this wonderful game. Tralee Golf Club may have only opened its present Arnold Palmer-designed course at Barrow in October 1984 but the club has a history that goes back well over 100 years. Back in 1896, the club had its first ninehole course in Tralee and 12 months later, it opened a nine-hole course in Fenit on the southwestern side of Barrow Harbour. The early days saw 120 members pay 10 shillings a year. HISTORY Tralee Golf Club may have only opened its present Arnold Palmer-designed course at Barrow in October 1984 but the club has a history that goes back well over 100 years. Back in 1896, the club had its first ninehole course in Tralee and 12 months later, it opened a nine-hole course in Fenit on the southwestern side of Barrow Harbour. The early days saw 120 members pay 10 shillings a year.
In the 1920’s the club made another leap forward as they hired Captain Lionel Hewson to design a new course in Oakpark, Tralee. The next advancement came in 1980 when the members decided to buy the land at Barrow to build what is now the home of Tralee Golf Club. The club opened its doors four years later and fortunately for all concerned it has never looked back with an impressive current membership of 1,300. While Tralee Golf Club and its members are forging their own place in history, the landscape itself has seen plenty historic events through the years. The spectacular view of the beach, which runs at the back of the 1st hole and to the right of 2nd hole was the location for the beach scenes of the 1970 epic movie Ryan’s Daughter, which won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Another amazing sight is the tower at the back of the 3rd green which dates back to the 1190s. It seems there is history at every turn in Tralee with the big sandstone rock at the end of the wall running diagonally between the 4th and 5th fairways being reportedly hurled into that position by Cuchullain. Legend also states that if one looks closely you should see the imprint of his giant fingers on the boulder. There is more history at the back of the 7th tee box where one can see the Randy, a small harbour that was a haven for smugglers in earlier centuries. The stretch of beach just north of the 15th tee box is another place of historical interest. This is where Roger Casement came ashore from a U-boat on Good Friday 1916. Unfortunately, he was arrested a short distance away, tried for treason in London, and executed. Finally the beach behind the 16th green and off the right of the 17th hole was where many ships ran aground over the years, including one vessel from the Spanish Armada in 1588.
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ABOVE Well stocked Golf Shop.
The pro-shop staff are not just friendly, they are also very knowledgeable and they look forward to meeting you and passing on their years of experience, with Head PGA Professional David Power available to sort out any of those niggles that may need to be tweaked prior to taking on what is a very challenging and exciting 18-hole course. CONTACT • Tralee Golf Club, West Barrow, Ardfert, Tralee, Co.Kerry. • Email: info@traleegolfclub.com • proshop@traleegolfclub.com • Tel: +353 (0)66 713-6379 • Fax: +353 (0)66 713-6008 THE COURSE Tralee golf course is a spectacular and challenging test of golf. It is a place that should be on every player’s “bucket list”. The course will test every club in your bag. Staying in position is imperative around this spectacular links. To achieve this, the club has a guide to how one should try to play their course. The 1st: Mucklough: Par 4, 404 Yards A straight-forward opening par 4 with a generous fairway. Work out the wind as it is a factor on this hole and take enough club to get up with your second. The 2nd: The Cuilin: Par 5, 596 Yards This par 5 is the longest on the course and rated as one of the classic holes at Barrow by Golf World Ireland, winds its way by the cliff edge. A dogleg left to right played adjacent to the beach. The corner cannot be cut.
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The 3rd: The Castle: Par 3, 194 Yards The show-piece of the course – a slender finger of green rising from the crashing waves – requires no more than an eight or nine iron, but the rocks and hungry sea at the right have claimed many a ball. It is hard not to be distracted by the 14th century castle/tower, with the backdrop of Fenit Island and the sweeping panorama of mountains and Tralee Bay. The 4th: Cuchullain’s Table: Par 4, 426 Yards A semi-blind drive played to a right to left sloping fairway. Avoid the bunkers on the right. The best approach is from the left side of the fairway, as the green slopes sharply from right to left. The 5th: Brandon: Par 4, 430 Yards This dogleg par 4, veering to the right, brings you face-to-face again with the sea, the tail of the Sliabh Mish mountains and the Rose, Crow and Illaunacusha rocks. Aim slightly left of centre to miss the bunkers on the right, which are perfectly positioning to catch any ball drifting right. The 6th: Chough’s corner: Par 4, 427 Yards The 6th is a sharp right dog-leg par 4, the second part over undulating hillocks as you go towards the green, this is the beginning of the Loop, comprising the 6th, 7th and 8th, and noted as Arnold Palmer’s favourite part of the course. The second shot must allow for a slopping green right to left with a deep bunker over the back left. The 7th: The Randy: Par 3, 157 Yards At this short par 3 the tee-boxes overlook the Randy Quay. This hole has a narrow,
three-tiered green with pot bunkers for protection. Clubbing is crucial here as a ball on the wrong level will leave a devilish putt. The 8th: The Creek: Par 4, 399 Yards This is a classic par 4. You might be tempted to go with a driver, then hopefully leaving no more than a pitch to the green. But the rocks and the Atlantic lie in wait to the left for the even-slightly pulled shot. The approach should be played slightly to the right as the ball will kick left onto the green. Putting here is an experience. The 9th: Hare’s Lane: Par 5, 504 Yards After the tussle with the Loop, this slightly uphill par 5 should be a clear run and can be reached in two. There is plenty of fairway with only the bunkers on the right to hinder progress. The 10th: The Warren: Par 4, 474 Yards A slight dogleg to the left, with the green set at the foot of the dunes. Two deep bunkers lurk greenside on the right, so if you do miss the green do so on the left as it will leave you with an easier chip.
The 11th: Palmer’s Peak: Par 5, 595 Yards A long par 5, this uphill hole demands attention. The second shot is uphill and blind. Your attention is vital and a well executed long iron or wood is required here in order to give you a simple pitch to the green for your 3rd shoot. The 12th: Bracken: Par 4, 461 Yards Heavy rough on the right, a wall to the left demanding that the tee shot be accurate. A good drive down the middle, which will tend to kick left, leaves a long iron or wood to carry you past a yawning chasm to the left to reach the plateau green.
ABOVE AND BELOW The rugged beauty of Tralee.
The 13th: Brock’s Hollow: Par 3, 159 Yards An intimidating Par 3 from the tee, as the ball must carry all the way. The shot is also slightly uphill, so take the right club. A shot slightly overhit into the sand dune behind can sometimes come back down onto the green, but if it catches up the back it can leave a very awkward chip. The 14th: Crosty: Par 4, 403 Yards From this elevated tee the fairway beckons. Hit straight and you’re laughing. A good drive down either of the two parallel fairways will be rewarded with a short iron approach to the green. Avoid the deep bunkers tucked into the mounds. The 15th: Poulgorm: Par 4, 300 Yards The course’s shortest par 4. Your short tee-shot should take you to the main fairway plateau. The marram grass after that is bountiful, but a short left through the gap should put you on the green.
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Even more beautiful at dusk.
The 16th: Shipwreck: Par 3, 199 Yards An exciting par 3, this glorious one-shotter is described as the best of the par threes. The target is small but help is at hand – a shot hitting the bank on the left will generally feed down onto this green. The elevated tee overlooks part of a coast described as “the graveyard of the Spanish Armada”. The 17th: Ryan’s Daughter: Par 4, 361 Yards Probably the most memorable hole, the 17th is a par 4 which plays from a high tee across a deep gorge to a green perched high against a backdrop of mountains. “The word awesome can rightly be associated with the Tralee Golf Club” is what the Washington Post had to say adding that it is possibly the finest test of golf in all of Ireland. The 18th: The Goat’s Hole: Par 5, 486 Yards A short par 5 by to-days standards, but the sight of the Clubhouse at the green keeps you going. Avoid all 13 bunkers and a birdie is there for the taking. Two full shots should get you there, but you will be distracted by the mountains again, with their shifting colours of green, purple and mauve as the light changes.
FEES AND CHARGES • Green Fees 2013 • High Season - May to September • Visitors €170 • Early Bird (Before 10:00am Weekdays) €140 • Husband & Wife €255 • Group Rate 20 + €150/30 + €140 • Student/Junior €85 • With the above rates, a player may play a second round (within 7 days for additional charge of €50) • Mid Season Rate - April & October • Visitors €80 • €30 Fee will apply for 2nd Rounds within 7 days during April & October • Low Season Rate - November to March • Visitors €50 CADDY RATES • Caddies (Subject to availability and should be booked in advance) • Bag fees and gratuities are paid directly to the caddies. The amount of any gratuity is at the sole discretion of the player. • Senior Caddy ( 1 Bag ) €40.00 • Senior Caddy ( Double Bag) €70.00 • Junior Caddy ( 1 Bag ) €25.00 • Caddies are requested only, they are not guaranteed HIRE SERVICES & RATES • Pull Trollies available • Golf Cart/Buggy €50.00 • Club Hire €45.00 • Please note *Buggies are only allowed for medical reason* • Visitor tee times are available as follows • Mon. Tues, Thurs, Fri 7:30am - 2:30pm • Wednesday 7:30am - 10:30pm (Excluding June, July & August) • Saturday 10:06am - 2:30pm
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PICTURES COURTESY OF TRALEE GOLF CLUB
Add your name to our list of legends
This is your chance to get something for FREE. Come see us on our FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/irishclubhouse and click the like button. That’s it. On August 25th we will randomly pick the winners. Up for Grabs in this edition are: Green fees for Bantry BAY Golf Club
If you’re looking for a challenge, why not follow in the footsteps of a 5 time major winner and Ryder Cup hero and take on the field at The Ballesteros Course Open Week, 22nd - 26th July at The Heritage. As well as playing where the game’s most inspired shot maker made Ireland’s most inspired course, you’ll be Monday Singles competing for Tuesday 4 person prizes worth team event over €3,000. Wednesday Singles Thursday 4 person team event Friday Singles Entry €25 for singles competitions and €100 per team. Call our pro shop on 057 864 2321 to book your place
(courtesy of Bantry Bay Golf club)
and top of the range Golf Shoes (sponsored by Lee Harrington golf professional Limerick Golf Club).
If you’re not in you can’t win. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. Simple as that. (Winners to be announced in next edition)
Ballesteros Championship Course Killenard. Co. Laois Tel: 057 864 2321. Email: golf@theheritage.com
www.theheritage.com
Not just played by legends, created by one.
FEATURE:
SNAG GOLF
The majority of golf clubs in Munster have seen their numbers suffer over the last few years. Plenty have also seen their age demographic rise to unsustainable levels, as younger potential members find themselves unable to afford membership. The province’s clubs deserve credit for their response to this ticking time bomb as they are doing all they can to bring down the average age of their memberships by putting in place various local programmes to attract kids into the game. However clubs alone can’t get access to all the untapped early stage talent. That is where private programmes can help. One such program is run by an organisation called SNAG, (Starting New At Golf). SNAG is fast becoming the go-to system for introducing new golfers to the game. SNAG equipment is currently being used by a host of PGA professionals across Munster, as well as organisations such as Junior Golf Ireland, The Darren Clarke Golf Foundation and First Tee Ireland. SNAG is a first touch programme which effectively teaches the game to people of all ages and all abilities. One of its major benefits is that it offers the versatility to learn and play in almost any environment. Over the past 10 years SNAG has been recognised by industry leaders from around the world as the superior method to teach golf fundamentals in a fun and easy way, with cutting-edge learning techniques never before seen in the world of golf. Key to the SNAG way of doing things is that the programme builds on strong fundamentals of the different strokes and swings which provide immediate positive results.It has been in Ireland for two years and is currently being run by Michael O’Keeffe from his base in Mallow, Co. Cork. While Michael took over a very successful brand he did have plenty ideas of his own, so it was no surprise when he started up the SNAG Golf4Schools initiative.
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ABOVE Michael O’Keeffe with kids from Hollymount National School Rathmore Co Kerry.
“Traditionally golf was a sport that was introduced to kids at around 10 years of age and usually only if there was an existing golfer in the house”, he said. “The problem with this however is that most children have already been introduced to other sports such as soccer, rugby, hurling and football etc, which means that their sport of choice has probably already been decided upon. Golf unfortunately is coming into the equation too late,” Michael said. “If we could get golf introduced to children at national school then we would have a much better chance of encouraging and retaining new golfers at an early age. This is where the Golf4Schools idea came from, we piloted the initiative in the north Cork region first and then we rolled it out to the whole county. We then moved into Kerry and Limerick.” With the scheme expanding at a tremendous rate, keeping up with demand was always going to be difficult, “From March to the end of June this year we will have introduced almost 10,000 schoolchildren to golf with nearly all schools booking us to return next year using the SNAG Golf4Schools programme in their PE curriculum. Unfortunately getting to every school has been our greatest challenge, we had to turn down some schools as there just wasn’t enough days left in the school year to cater for all the interest,” Michael explained. “We are very happy with the way things are going, we are now the leading organisation supplying golf programmes to schools in Ireland and we aim to continue expanding in September when the schools return as we strive to reach our goal of making golf part of the national schools PE curriculum. To achieve this we are hoping to partner up with local golf clubs to form a pathway for those children that want to continue with golf as their sport of choice” he concluded.
IF YOU WANT YOUR CLUB TO BE INVOLVED OR WANT MORE INFORMATION ON HOW SNAG CAN HELP YOUR CLUB THEN PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL AT INFO@SNAGGOLF.IE OR WWW.SNAGGOLF.IE.
galway bay golf resort
Set on 300 acres and designed by former Ryder cup and World cup legend Christy O Connor Jnr this beautiful links championship course of Par 72 stretches to 7308 yds off the championship Tee’s. The stunning backdrop of Galway Bay and the rugged curves of the Atlantic Coastline makes this course a true challenge for all handicap golfers. OPEN FORTNIGHT from July 26th August 9th . Rates for Open Fortnight • €25.00 if booked online • €30.00 if booked through the office (091) 790711 • Course open year round. All visitors welcome from €35.00 weekdays and €45.00 weekends. • Email: info@galwaybaygolfresort.com • Website: www.galwaybaygolfresort.com 13
The lakeside clubhouse at the Fota Island Resort
The handsome gates of Fota Island Resort mark the entrance to a unique combination of championship golf courses, luxurious 5 star hotel & spa, residential lodges, and a world-class golf academy. Whether you are a guest staying in the hotel or the lodges, or a visitor simply come to play golf for the day, Fota Island Resort, twice host to the Irish Open, has 3 championship golf courses set in beautiful parkland scenery, maintained to the very highest of standards to ensure year round golfing enjoyment.
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THE IRISH CLUBHOUSE
FOCUS ON FOTA ISLAND RESORT 15
LEFT More spectacular views in Fota
holes on the three courses are the stunning signature 18th at the Deerpark, and the opening holes at Belvelly, with their lakes and trees, which are tricky and picturesque in equal measure. The 8th at Barryscourt hits over an old quarry to an interestingly angled green, another golfers talk about, often ruefully!
Derived from the Irish words ‘fód te,’ meaning warm soil, Fota Island Resort benefits from the same excellent drainage and microclimate that has allowed the neighbouring Arboretum to flourish, with its collection of rare trees and plants, and enabled the Wildlife Park, just around the corner on the same little island, host its own exotic specimens. In the Resort’s instance, this means the three parkland golf courses have excellent drainage, and are playable more often than most. Surrounded by tall oak trees, and bathed in peace and quiet, Fota Island Resort provides the perfect backdrop for the perfect game. The splendid woodlands were originally woven into a challenging, par 71, 6927 yard, championship course which is very much in the traditional mode, featuring cleverly located bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. This original 18 hole golf course – The Deerpark – was designed by Irish Ryder Cup star, Christy O’Connor, Jr. and twice English Amateur Champion, Peter McEvoy. The Deerpark was redesigned by Jeff Howes Golf Design in 1998, with features included to challenge even the most competitive golfer. More recently Jeff provided an additional 9 holes, which opened in July 2007, so there are 3 distinctively
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challenging courses, all of which have hosted professional tournaments, offered at the Club. The Deerpark, with its receptive greens and strategic bunkering, impresses even the most experienced professional, and is the course that hosted the Irish Open in 2001 and 2002. The Belvelly is a Par 72 course stretching over 7121 yards from the championship tees which includes the more recent nine-hole layout developed by Jeff Howes. While remaining perfectly loyal to the traditional style, values and playability that characterise Fota Island Resort as a whole, The Belvelly incorporates challenges like the 16th hole – a 435 yard Par 4 requiring an accurately placed tee shot where finding the fairway is at a premium, allowing those without the burden of a faint heart to take on the daunting approach over an old quarry to a very small target. The Barryscourt, a Par 73 course, also incorporates that nine-hole layout. With 7362 yards to be negotiated, this course is characterised by gently undulating greens designed to thoroughly test a golfer’s putting game. The Par 3 8th hole – cleverly guarded by a variety of hazards – will reward those who possess the advantage of an accurate tee-shot. Playable, fair, with strong holes all the way through, some of the signature
The Clubhouse at Fota Island Resort has spacious and well-appointed locker rooms with the added advantage of their very own Turkish bath – just the answer after a demanding round! A series of creatively converted stone farm buildings, the comfortable Clubhouse has The Spike Bar, perfect for light snacks before venturing out or ideal for excellent après golf cuisine, surveying the lovely 18th island green of the Deerpark course, one of Ireland’s most famously picturesque golf holes. This hole was chosen by Padraig Harrington as his favourite 18th hole. “I don’t think you can get a more beautiful golf hole,” he says, “the setting is gorgeous… you get to the top of the hill and it is all presented to you... the clubhouse, the lake, mature trees, bunkers, shrubs - magnificent. And doesn’t everybody like being faced with a downhill shot to a big green!” Adjacent to the Clubhouse is the extensively stocked Pro Shop, featuring many of the world’s leading brands of golf equipment and clothing, accessories and prizes, where highly qualified staff can assist with detailed expertise and computer analysis for custom fitting clubs. The custom fit centre at Fota Island Golf Academy has been equipped with all the new revolutionary technology in an effort to precisely match the latest equipment to your swing, aided in no small part by the Golf Professionals, Director of Golf Kevin Morris and PGA Professionals Brian Kelleher and Ian Prendergast, committed to help developing golfers improve their games and provide structured training programs to help them achieve their goals. Fota Island Golf Academy is one of Ireland’s most sophisticated and modern golf academies, housing two large
teaching rooms with the latest hightech video systems and state-of-the-art computerised analysis, and a full array of teaching aids, including the GASP system and Sam Puttlab. The GASP computer system allows Academy staff to store and e-mail student’s swings as well as comparing them against the top players in the world. The GASP Golf software helps develop all athletics techniques, ranging from swinging to putting etc. Sam PuttLab is an analysis and training system based on an accurate ultrasound measurement. It analyses the 28 most important parameters of any putting stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports. Within seconds the system gives an individual feedback on putting strokes, revealing even the smallest details of movements and allows for the development of improvements and training strategies. The Golf Academy holds regular classes for golfers of all ages and abilities, and there are also memberships available to the Golf Academy at competitive rates. A tranquil and peaceful setting in which to learn new skills from the Academy’s PGA professionals, with ten covered bays, a generously proportioned indoor putting green and over 4000 square metres of first class turf to practice crisp clean iron shots, there is also a separate chipping green surrounded by bunkers. This recently redeveloped short game area, with putting, pitching, chipping, and bunker practice areas, is one of the best in Europe.
Adjacent to the Clubhouse is the extensively stocked Pro Shop, featuring many of the world’s leading brands of golf equipment and clothing, accessories and prizes, where highly qualified staff can assist with detailed expertise and computer analysis for custom fitting clubs.
The GASP computer system allows Academy staff to store and e-mail student’s swings as well as comparing them against the top players in the world. The GASP Golf software helps develop all athletics techniques, ranging from swinging to putting etc.
The custom fit centre at Fota Island Golf Academy has been equipped with all the new revolutionary technology in an effort to precisely match the latest equipment to your swing, aided in no small part by the Golf Professionals, Director of Golf Kevin Morris and PGA Professionals Brian Kelleher and Ian Prendergast, committed to help developing golfers improve their games and provide structured training programs to help them achieve their goals.
Sam PuttLab is an analysis and training system based on an accurate ultrasound measurement. It analyses the 28 most important parameters of any putting stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports. Within seconds the system gives an individual feedback on putting strokes, revealing even the smallest details of movements and allows for the development of improvements and training strategies.
Fota Island Golf Academy is one of Ireland’s most sophisticated and modern golf academies, housing two large teaching rooms with the latest hightech video systems and state-of-the-art computerised analysis, and a full array of teaching aids, including the GASP system and Sam Puttlab.
The Golf Academy holds regular classes for golfers of all ages and abilities, and there are also memberships available to the Golf Academy at competitive rates. A tranquil and peaceful setting in which to learn new skills from the Academy’s PGA professionals,
RIGHT State-of-the-art equipment in the Golf Academy.
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covered bays, a generously proportioned indoor putting green and over 4000 square metres of first class turf to practice crisp clean iron shots, there is also a separate chipping green surrounded by bunkers. This recently redeveloped short game area, with putting, pitching, chipping, and bunker practice areas, is one of the best in Europe While the primary objective is to improve each student’s game, in Fota Island Resort the emphasis is placed on making the process fun and memorable – it’s only a game, after all! The luxurious hotel at Fota Island Resort has contemporary en-suite rooms and private penthouse suites with great views of the woodlands or golf courses. Alternatively, families, golfers or groups will love the two, three, and four-bedroom residential lodges. The cosy and attractive self-catering lodges, situated in the Courtyard or Courseside, are fitted to five star standards, and are an ideal mix of the traditional and the cutting-edge. As well as being the top choice for families, weddings, leisure and corporate guests, Fota Island Resort is also the regular choice of national and international sportspeople and teams as a training venue before significant events and a recuperation and relaxation centre afterwards, due to its excellent training and recovery facilities. The training facilities at Fota Island Resort incorporate a training pitch the size of the GAA pitch at Croke Park with the same grass specifications as the Emirates Stadium. The facilities have already hosted the Irish ladies senior soccer team, Cork, Tipperary and Kerry GAA teams, and Birmingham City football club amongst others, and now, with a brand new partnership just announced with University College Cork’s Mardyke Arena, those kinds of visitors look set to become even more frequent. Equally, even if you aren’t a world-class athlete (yet!) you can still train like one at Fota Island Resort. The Resort’s world-class destination spa is spread over 1600 square metres, featuring a fully equipped and
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spacious gym, large indoor heated swimming pool and relaxation area and juice bar, and has many treatments specially designed to unknot golfers’ backs and soothe any strains from a hard day on the course. As overall fitness and core strength plays such a a vital role in maintaining your edge in golf, there are bootcamps, aqua aerobics, spinning sessions and other fitness classes also on offer, or head outside onto one of the signposted jogging and walking trails of different lengths and difficulty. With great summer deals for groups and societies, where if you book any July outing for 16 people or more you only pay for 12, along with comprehensive Kids Summer Golf Camps running in July and August, summer time is always jam-packed full of activity at Fota Island Resort. There are many open competitions for seniors, ladies, singles and teams of four scheduled over the next few months, mostly costing €35 per golfer or €20 for members, including the always popular Open Week in August. Check out the online golf booking and details on all forthcoming open competitions on www.fotaisland.ie and you can also follow Fota Island Resort on Facebook and Twitter @ fotaisland. Fota Island Resort – championship golf, 5 star service and a focus on fitness Fota Island Resort, Fota Island, Cork Tel: + 353 (0)21 4883700 Email: reservations@fotaisland.ie Web: www.fotaisland.ie
PICTURES COURTESY OF FOTA ISLAND RESORT
ABOVE AND BELOW It is time to play in Fota Island Resort.
FEATURE:
LEE HARRINGTON When one thinks of club professionals in Munster one of the first names that comes to mind is Limerick Golf Club’s Lee Harrington The Adare native, who has been working at the prestigious club since 1992, was seemingly born to be a golfer after he was introduced to the game by his late father Jackie. “My dad Jackie was an established amateur golfer and represented Ireland at senior level between the years1958 and 1980. Some of my early memories were of being brought from mass in Adare straight to the putting green at the club where my brother Damian and I were given a glass of coke and stern instructions not to step off the green or come into the clubhouse where our dad was meeting his golfing pals Paddy Hogan and Michael Hickey. It was not uncommon for my dad to journey to Killarney on a Sunday in the 50s with his uncle Benny Farrell, an established left hander and a member of Killarney, to play a fourball with Christy O’ Connor senior and the late Billy O’Sullivan (also of Killarney).” Jackie Harrington’s golfing ability was well-known around the country and he was no stranger to success at the highest level. After being beaten in the semi-final of the Irish Close in 1958 and again in 1962 he bounced back and had his time in the sun in Ballybunion in 1979, when he claimed the title from Mark Gannon, having beaten his friend Vincent Nevin in the semi-final that morning. Being in the company of people like his father Jackie and Christy O’Connor Snr at an early age meant Harrington was not out of his depth when he met some other golf legends later in life. “I have been lucky enough to see many great golfers up close. JP McManus very kindly asked me in 2000 to caddy for Tiger Woods, and boy what a treat the golfing public got in Limerick Golf Club those two days. Tiger returned the following year to play JP in match-play where the format was that JP got his shots from Tiger and JP could have a second chance at every shot and Tiger had to play every shot a second time if JP so wished. JP won on the 16th. In 2005 Niall Corcoran (the caddy master at the JP McManus pro am) asked me to caddy for another great, Ernie Els. I also caddied for him in 2010. People ask me all the time what is the difference in Tiger and Ernie’s game and to be honest there is very little to choose between them, they both hit the ball superbly but Tiger probably shades it on the greens.” With Lee spending plenty time in the company of the game’s elite it would be no surprise if his feet were not totally on the ground but in the case of this Limerick man nothing could be further from the truth. Spending time with the members in his own club gives him as much of a thrill as rubbing shoulders with the greats. “The life of a golf pro is
both challenging and rewarding. You will work long hours during the summer months, shorter during the winter, Looking after the member’s needs is the most important thing as they are the reason I have this job. Club pros need to do whatever is required to help their members, while also welcoming visitors to the club,” says Lee. “Golf clubs are facing challenging times and I don’t think any club in Ireland has not seen a decline in members and subscriptions. We at Limerick Golf Club have an active membership and I think we have the biggest, or second biggest, lady membership in the province. It is important that we do everything we can to keep our numbers high, so we can keep our course in top condition.” Limerick Golf Club has seen plenty of talent through its doors over the years with a new breed of player excelling, under the tutelage of Harrington. “Limerick has a huge tradition in Irish golf. We are fortunate to have had a large fountain of talent through the years - from the legendary Vincent Nevin, Pat Walsh, Jack Lynch, Billy Rice, Ivan Morris and my late father Jackie to Cian McNamara, winner of Junior British Open, the South Of Ireland, the Irish Boys, and many more youth titles. Cian is now a qualified PGA professional and is attached to Monkstown Golf Club – he also competed very successfully in this years’ Irish Open. Another player to bring great honour to himself and to this club is current manager Pat Murray. Pat Has won the Irish Close in 2008 and the south Of Ireland last Year. Lee Harrington is yet another of the new breed of professional in the the province’s golf clubs and like other young guns his knowledge of the game’s history, as well as the present makes him a great addition to Limerick and Munster golf.
Quick fire questions and answers. Pet hates? Slow play. The lack of respect for others on the course is also annoying.
Best location for a round? Crail golf club near St Andrews, St Andrews itself and Killarney’s Kileen course on a hot summer’s evening.
Dream fourball?
Ernie Els, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and me - now that would be great (for me anyway).
Fav book? I recommend everyone to read “Golf in the Year 2000”. Lee Harrington is a teaching professional and he can be contacted in Limerick Golf Club at 061 415146.
Dromoland Estate is a 450 acre estate located 10 miles from Ennis Town in County Clare. The Dromoland Estate offers a choice of 2 hotels. Activities on Dromoland Estate include: 18 hole Championship Golf with Golf Academy, The Spa, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Falconry, Clay Shooting, Archery, Fishing, Pitch & Putt Course.
Dromoland Castle, with history dating back to 16th century, Dromoland Castle is one of Europe’s top luxury Castle Hotels. www.dromoland.ie
This 3 Star Hotel is nestled in the wooded countryside on the Dromoland Estate and overlooking the panoramic Shannon Estuary. www.theinnatdromoland.ie
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The Dromoland Castle Estate & Country Club, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare, Ireland Telephone: 1 800 201 300, Email: Fiona@dromoland.ie, Web: www.dromoland.ie
TWENTY YEARS AND GROWING
WEST WATERFORD GOLF CLUB
The West Waterford Golf Course was the 100th creation by the renowned golf course architect Eddie Hackett. On the 9th July 1993, he officially opened this magnificent facility declaring that it would be twenty years before the full fruits of his endeavours would be evident. Now, twenty years later, that prediction has come true. Set in in the beautiful Brickey Valley, the gently rolling fairways are now guarded by thirty-foot native hardwood trees and all the nuances of the Hackett design are coming to the fore. Highly regarded as an outstanding test of golf for all standard of player, the back nine dominated by the Brickey River calls for a high degree of accuracy and skill.
OPEN WEEK 2013 Friday 19th July to Sunday 28th July
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd
OPEN CELEBRATION RUMBLE Over the last twenty years, a strong and loyal membership has built up with particular emphasis on the juniors. Indeed, it is the juniors that have made West Waterford a household name in Irish Golf, with no fewer than six Irish titles to their credit. Three players from the club have represented Ireland at all levels. Another wonderful asset and welcome haven of relief at the end of your round, is the beautifully appointed Tuscany Style Clubhouse which many have commented on the unique atmostphere and warmth that abounds within. Green fees for both individuals and groups are available at very competitive rates. “Best Value in Ireland” Dermot Gileece Golf Correspondant. Visit our website @ www.westwaterfordgolf.com
Team of 3, Ladies/Gents or Mixed, Sunday 4th August
SUPER SUNDAY FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 20th Anniversary Get Together, A Little Golf – A load of of Fun
JUNIOR OPEN COMPETITIONS Hosting U-15 All Ireland Championship Junior Opens 9th/16th & 22nd July, €12 incl Food
INTERMEDIATE & MINOR SCRATCH CUP 9th/10th & 11th August, ring office 058 43216 OR Book online at www.westwaterfordgolf.com
AL EILE OPEN MENS 18 HOLE QUALIFIER Every Wednesday until end September Entry €20, subsequent entry €15
MNÁ EILE LADIES OPEN QUALIFIER 1st Thursday Each Month until September, Entry €12
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FOCUS ON
DROMOLAND CASTLE
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
T
here are very few golf rating sites and magazines that don’t have this course up near the top of their charts and while the Irish Clubhouse Magazine doesn’t get involved in the rating game, we still are well able to appreciate class. Regarded as one of the finest 18-hole parkland golf courses in the country, Dromoland Golf Course is a venue that has to be experienced and a place that will never be forgotten. This course is a stern challenge for amateurs of all abilities but is more forgiving than some of the other top graded courses. This means Dromoland isn’t a course that should intimidate the standard golfer looking to test him/herself. Dromoland is one of those places that tempt you into playing shots, rewards you when they come off and if you fail to execute the risky shot well, punishes you heavily. Patience is rewarded. Simply put, Dromoland is a beautiful example of what a parkland golf course should be.
HISTORY Set against the impressive backdrop of Dromoland Castle and designed by the renowned American golf architect Brook L. Wigginton, the course has been around since 1961 and while this doesn’t make it as old as some others in the province. It has matured spectacularly. In 2003 the owners embarked on an ambitious upgrade with the par 72 Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club championship parkland course being carefully redesigned by legendary architect Ron Kirby and Irish golfing legend J.B.Carr. It is clear when one visits and plays Dromoland that the duo succeeded at every turn, creating the world-class 18-hole course that plays 6,824 yards for men and 5,242 yards for ladies. The 18 enchanting holes sweep through 450 acres of shady
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woodland, open rolling pasture, feral lakes, streams with the magnificence of the 16th Century baronial Dromoland Castle presiding over the estate. GOLF ACADEMY When Kirby had completed his work revamping of the course at Dromoland he eyed up the practice facilities. This turned into another triumph as he designing the most modern golf practice facility in Ireland. The stoneclad, slate-roofed structure houses nine driving-range bays and a fully enclosed teaching bay. Technology is to the fore at this facility as all the bays are fitted with Golf-Tech’s second generation fully automated ‘Power Tees’ - alleviating the need for bending down for your next ball and allowing more enjoyable and better quality practice time. The range boasts four bunkered target greens ranging between 100 and 250 metres and at a total length of 300 metres. Therefore this driving range will provide a wide variety of shot selection. During the summer months, two 500 square metre grass teeing areas are also open for se which allows golfers get instant feedback from conditions, exactly as they would find on the fairways on the golf course. The short game area includes two USGA specification greens with the same Penn A4/G6 Creeping Bent grass as used on the golf course - a 500 square metre putting green to hone the perfect stroke before you tackle Kirby’s greens on the course and a 450 square metre bunker and chipping green. The bunker and chipping green, which offers a number of lies, slopes and grass lengths to practice from. In addition to a well-shaped, large greenside bunker there is also a links style bunker which is modelled on the famous ‘Road Hole’ bunker on the 17th at St Andrews. Dromoland Castle’s resident resort PGA Golf Professional, David Foley, is available to provide tuition to all levels of golfer. Personalised programmes and state-of-the-art teaching aids and methods will be used to allow the golfer to enjoy learning and developing the unique challenges that golf has to offer. We advise that all lessons or programmes are booked well in advance
to avoid disappointment. To book a lesson or for more information telephone 061 368 444 or e-mail david.foley@dromoland.ie The academy is open to members of Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club, hotel Residents of the Castle and Dromoland Castle Golf Academy Privilege Card Holders only, with a 12-month membership to the academy only €250.00 per person. The membership includes 1,500 balls in the new members packs’. Range balls can then be purchased at the golf club when required. THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT On the 5th of March 2012 the new club house was opened for
business. The hand-painted walls in the reception and the corridor leading into the bar still stun visitors today. Designer Orla Murphy had certainly lived up to the expectations of the Dromoland owners as she incorporated unique features from the Dromoland grounds in her work such as The Temple of Mercury, The Walled Gardens and of course the prize feature, The Golf Course. A relaxing ambience was created with the addition of soft furnishings, wool carpets and an added library area, where one can read the papers in front of a blazing fire in peace! A meeting area was also extended, allowing for private
office lunches or dinners. With the extra room made available through this refurbishment the club is now in a position to welcome and cater for all the visiting societies and guests’ catering requirements. The Fig Tree Bar and Restaurant has become a homefrom-home for visitors and members alike with top quality fine food and wine available in comfortable surroundings. All of the staff at the Fig Tree are more than happy to discuss menus or private party requests. The Fig Tree serves hot food everyday from 9.30am to 9.30pm during the summer months, with hours changing for the winter period. If you have any queries contact 061 368444 ext 8308 or e-mail figtree@dromoland.ie
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LEFT range by night.
side bunker on your left is to direct players away from entrance road that skirts along the fairway. This is a strong one shot hole from the back tee and friendly from the forward tee positions. SOCIETY GOLF DAY AND GOLF PACKAGES Dromoland Golf and Country Club welcomes all golf societies to enjoy their world-class facilities. They have devised some attractive packages to suit your budget. Visiting societies also have the advantage of using the splendid Golf Academy and can pre-book tuition with the resident AA PGA professional, David Foley. Why not speak with the golf team and arrange a shotgun start for your golf event? Due to popular demand, Dromoland Golf & Country Club is delighted to offer their loyal golfers the very best in golf deals for 2013. SUMMER DEAL Available from the 12th March 2013 to the 31st of October 2013. Simply book your society of 16 or more at Dromoland Golf and Country Club twice during the summer months for an unbeatable price of €75.00 per person. SOCIETY ORGANISERS For societies that play twice in the year (minimum 24 players each round) the society organiser you will receive a complimentary night for two people sharing in Dromoland Castle during the winter months! STAY AND PLAY WITH THE INN AT DROMOLAND Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club is delighted to offer the amazing opportunity for your society to play golf at Dromoland and stay in the nearby hotel, The Inn at Dromoland. The below offers include 2 rounds of golf and one night’s stay at the Inn at Dromoland including
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breakfast and dinner (based on two persons sharing): Minimum of 20 rooms €110.00 per person Minimum of 10 rooms €120.00 per person Minimum of 6 rooms €130.00 per person One round of Society Golf
HOLE 4 - 469 Yards - Par 5 This hole has been extended to a Par 5. Playing with a steady uphill grade, the new tees set up a tight tee shot over a low valley area. One fairway bunker on your left side is out of tee shot range for average players but defines the left side limits of the fairway. Your tee shot is critical to success on this hole. The approach to the green is set up with a low swale across the front and a deep green side bunker protects the left half of the green. This should play as a friendly three shot hole.
Society Days (Min 12 pax) April – October --- Weekday €48.00 --- Weekend
COURSE DESCRIPTION HOLE 1 - 378 Yards Par 4 From the first tee you are looking at Orchard Woods to your right. You will be playing uphill with the fairway sloping sharply to the right. Players should favour the higher left side of the fairway on the tee-shot. The green has been placed at the top of the hill and is very receptive to run up shots or high lofted shots. The green shape provides for friendly pin placements and the back right putting surfaces will provide the challenge to this hole. HOLE 2 - 457 Yards - Par 4 A reverse of the hole one, here we have a friendly downhill tee-shot where the slope feeds the ball out to the left and opens the visibility to the green. The first fairway bunker at 185 yards carry from back tees. The left side of the fairway is the prime landing zone. The approach shot to the green is long and demanding. Two bunkers along the left side should show you that the right side to green is the perfect line. A large green is bunkered left side and continues around the back of the green to contain any balls long and left. HOLE 3 - 197 Yards - Par 3 A slight uphill long par 3 hole. The Green is set into trees and shaped with a longer back right challenge area. The Green
HOLE 5 - 412 Yards - Par 4 A nest of short fairway bunkers on the right side set up the tee shot for this hole. A 200 yard carry will open up a receptive second shot to a well bunkered green. The right side of the green is the friendly entrance. HOLE 6 - 593 Yards - Par 5 Fairway mounds and a bunker on the left side approximately 250 Yards out set up the landing area to the right along the trees. A second fairway bunker and low valley on the right side direct the player to the left side trees. This sets up the approach shot for this three shot hole. The tee shot rises slightly and then the hole is downhill all the way to a very sculptured green. The green is framed by forest affording the perfect target shot. The back right pin position will be the tough one and test all approach shots. HOLE 7 - 179 Yards - Par 3 This scenic downhill Par 3 has everything anyone could ask for in a golf hole: Large lake vista with Dromoland Castle as a background, well shaped green with green side bunker on the right and a feature pond short and left of
BELOW Stunning Golf Academy
the green. Three tee levels give the golfer a choice of challenging shots plus the most spectacular views of the lake and castle. HOLE 8 - 407 Yards - Par 4 Your tee shot is from an elevated tee area to a friendly right side slope and receptive landing area. Feature trees on your left side provide the challenge for this Par four hole. The approach to the green is open on the right and the green has two levels. Three greenside bunkers protect the raised part on the left.Any long approach shots over this green will be collected in a deep grass hollow. HOLE 9 - 323 Yards - Par 4 The short Par 4 has the choice of two options. You may play it as a two shot hole; this approach makes for a sharp dogleg right over a feature pond protecting the small green. Otherwise, take a gamble and choose the option of going for the green from the Tee shot. (A 300 yard carry from the back tee) A 275 yard carry from the middle tee. The pond is the feature that sets up the challenge on this hole. The green is small but shaped to hold the approach shots.
the right over the marsh area will be rewarded with a much shorter second & third shot. The challenge off the Tee is from 150 Yards of carry to 300 Yards of carry. Each player can select his own line to carry the marsh. The marsh area is a special area of conservation & carries with it a two penalty Should you be unfortunate enough to loose the gamble & place a ball in the marsh. The average player should aim to trust their usual game & not make undue demands on the tee shot. The average second shot will play just short of the marsh area in front of the green. A bunker is located on the fairway side to contain running balls from entering the marsh. A large contoured green awaits the player & two putts will be a good result on this green. A Par 5 with choice & challenge. HOLE 12 - 411 Yards - Par 4 This is a new construction at Dromoland. The trees are set out as islands in the marsh and play back out from the lake area to a gently rolling fairway that rises up to a small style target green. Playing from the marsh the tee shot is a bit of a breather with a generous landing area. The approach shot will need accuracy in length and direction to this small target.
HOLE 13 - 158 Yards - Par 3 Short and downhill with a natural stream across the hole and a culvert in parallel to add to the test. A large ash tree is just off the putting surface to the left and the green is surrounded with sand bunkers Finesse is the type of shot required here, not brut force. HOLE 14 - 442 Yards - Par 4 The extended new tee area back over the stream has given the golf course a very demanding long Par four hole. New fairway bunkers are located 235 yards short right and 260 yards long left. These bunkers define the landing area for the long uphill approach shot.
HOLE 15 - 273 Yards - Par 4 This short Par four has qualities like the ninth hole where the player has the option to go for the green and have a putt for eagle. The length of carry to the putting surface is only 250 Yards. However the green is not easy to land on and stay from the angle of the trees to the green. A much safer two shot hole is to play out to the left 200 Yards and then pitch into the green using the long open approach.
BELOW The daunting par 3. 7th
HOLE 10 - 355 Yards - Par 4 The play is over a part of the lake from the back tee. The visitor’s tee box is set just off the lake and the fairway runs along the water edge to the green which has been moved more to the right to accentuate the difficulty of the hole. The green is gentle and friendly and should give the player a comfort hole to start the inward nine holes. The marsh area has been extended across and in front of the green. This is the major feature of the second and third shots. A large greenside bunker is located on the left to penalise the bailout shots away from the marsh. HOLE 11 - 543 Yards - Par 5 The tee shot for this Par 5 is a risk & reward type decision. The player that bites off more carry to
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RIGHT The Par 5. 18th leads to the splendour beyond.
HOLE 16 - 439 Yards - Par 4 Two holes were used to create this strong Par 4. Using the flat riverside area for the new fairway, the hole plays with the river on the left and then crosses the river to an uphill green site. The tee shot is set up by the big tree at 200 Yards in the centre of the fairway and the short fairway bunker 190 Yards on the right side. Any Tee shot carrying the bunker is in the prime spot. Tee shots to the left of the tree are risky if long because of the river on the left. This will be a tough Par 4 and an easy bogie 5. With the river crossing 100 Yards in front of the green it may be a lay-up shot required if the tee shot does not get to the prime landing area. The green is protected short right with a deep bunker and two smaller bunkers on the left side of the green. HOLE 17 - 225 Yards - Par 3 It is a strong demanding hole with only a small chance for recovery if a wayward shot is played. The marsh and green site were features in place before construction of this hole and the results of shaping the green, exposing the water feature and marsh have given the course a great Par three seventeenth hole. HOLE 18 - 563 Yards - Par 5 With the Lake and Castle as given features the eighteenth hole was developed into one of the finest Par 5 finish holes in golf. A tee shot from the marsh along the lake to a generous fairway is the start of this long Par 5. Cutting the comer is a possible way of messing up this hole. The open save carry is best for most players. The second shot is long and scenic. The large sycamore tree is the line on the castle. The carry to the big sequoia tree is 240 Yards from the prime landing area. From the large sycamore tree the player has 100 Yards left to the very contoured green, which protrudes to the front left with a deep bunker. A definite three shot hole for most players.
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PICTURES COURTESY OF DROMOLAND CASTLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
BEAUFORT GOLF CLUB Open Single 18 hole Stableford every Friday until end of September. Entry: Visitors €20 Members €10. Ordinary Membership and Points4Golf Membership available. Special Green Fee rates available during the week. Visit our website http://beaufort-golf-club.com and check out our special offers, open days etc.
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9 HOLE RULES QUIZ JULY 2013 HOLE 1 What is the penalty for playing from a wrong place in stroke-play? HOLE 2 Is a player permitted to smooth sand or soil in a hazard before playing from it? HOLE 3 What is the penalty if a gust of wind moves the ball after it has been addressed? HOLE 4 If a player’s ball moves after he has addressed it, other than as a result of a stroke, what is the penalty? HOLE 5 If a player’s ball at rest is moved by another ball in motion after a stroke, what must happen? HOLE 6 What is the penalty if a player plays from a wrong place in match-play?
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29 ANSWERS 1. Two strokes and then replay from correct position. 2. Yes, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and nothing is done to breach Rule 13-4 with respect to his next stroke. A player cannot be deemed to be testing the sand. 3. There is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position. (Rule changed to this in 2012.) 4. One stroke (unless it can be clear that the player did not cause it to move as per 3 above). 5. The moved ball must be replaced. 6. He loses the hole. 7. No. He must be asked to do so. It is a penalty of one stroke. 8. His side loses the hole. 9. He is disqualified for the hole, but his partner incurs no penalty, even if the wrong ball belongs to him? 10. Yes.
11. The committee (the player is responsible for the name, handicap and scores per hole). 12. He may have a different caddie for each hole, but he is limited to only one caddie at any one time. 13. There is no penalty, but your opponent may request you to replay your stroke, provided he does so immediately. 14. When it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole. 15. Yes, provided that the total number of clubs carried by the partners, so sharing, does not exceed 14 clubs. 16. It is determined by the order of the draw, i.e. timesheet. 17. Yes, but before doing so, he must announce his intention to his opponent or partner and mark the position of the ball. 18. Yes. 19. The player must count the stroke and add a penalty stroke, making two strokes in all. 20. 4 Âź inches (108mm).
HOLE 9 In fourball match-play, if a player plays a wrong ball, what is the ruling?
HOLE 16 May a player lift his ball for identification?
HOLE 10 If a player considers that a ball might assist any other ball, may he ask to have that ball lifted?
HOLE 17 To assist him in gripping the club may a player wrap a towel or handkerchief around the grip?
HOLE 11 In stroke-play who is responsible for the addition of scores and application of handicap recorded on score card?
HOLE 18 If a player’s club strikes the ball more than once in the course of a shot, what is the penalty?
HOLE 12 May a player have more than one caddie?
HOLE 19 What is the diameter of the hole?
HOLE 13 In match-play if you play outside the tee markers, what is the ruling?
HOLE 20 What is the depth of the teeing ground?
HOLE 8 In Foursomes match-play, if a player plays when his partner should have played, what is the penalty? HOLE 7 Through the green, may a player lift his ball solely because he considers that it might interfere with the play of another player?
HOLE 16 When starting play of hole at the 1st teeing ground, how is the honour determined? HOLE 15 May partners in a fourball share clubs? HOLE 14 When is a ball holed?
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FOCUS ON BANTRY BAY GOLF CLUB It was always likely to be special when beautiful Bantry Bay became the canvas for Christy O’Connor Junior and Eddie Hackett to design a USGA standard course. The result of their vision (Hackett, 1975 and O’Connor, 1997) is a 170-acre course that ticks all the boxes for a worldclass golfing destination. Winding its way around the spectacular parkland 18-hole course is an even more spectacular coastline which can be experienced on 14 of the 18 challenging holes.
As well as the scintillating views of the famous bay there are also lovely sea views to the islands and the Beara mountains. The Bantry Bay golf course is another fine example of top class clubs that are available on the doorstep of the Munster golfer. 6,117 metres in length, Bantry Bay serves up a nice challenge to the scratch and handicap golfer alike and with holes varying in length from the 126 metre par 3, to the long 487 metre par 5, this course is sure to provide a fair but difficult test to the visiting golfer. Although a relatively new course, Bantry Bay has attracted over 100 overseas members, who no doubt all consider themselves very fortunate to be part of this terrific club. CLUBHOUSE The new clubhouse, which was completed in 2000, offers spectacular views over the course and of the Bay and is open to the public and members alike so all are welcome to drop in at any time to sample the atmosphere on the edge of the spectacular bay. SOCIETIES Bantry Bay Golf Club has a warm welcome, good food and a great test of golf for all societies with the club
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taking all the hassle out of the day by organising the prize table, if required. Prior to a society’s, the club management can prepare and agree a prize table with the organiser that will suit all budgets with prices for this starting at €50, with the society members being able to see what they are competing for on their arrival. If the prize table value is over €100 then the club will provide a complimentary round of golf as the nearest the pin and long drive prizes. SOCIETY RATES FOR 2013 High Season
Low Season
15+ €33 each
€30 each
25+ €27 each
€25 each
Any society visiting Bantry twice will receive 30% off the above prices on their 2nd visit of 2013 if this is before 31 December 2013. If you would like to make use of this service please contact Steve on 027-50579 or e-mail info@bantrygolf.com quoting your prize fund and date of visit.
AUGUST OPENS Friday 2nd August: Open Mixed Foursomes 5pm Tractors Restaurant Monday 5th August: Open Mixed Scramble Sunday 11th August: Club Summer Classic Thursday 15th August: AIB Ladies Open Saturday 31st August: Bantry Blues GAA Classic Friday 6th September: Open Mixed 4Somes 5pm Tuesday 10th September: Senior Men’s Open Monday 28th October: Open Mixed Scramble GOLF COURSE Hole 1: Par 3 – 145 metres A beautiful yet challenging opening hole. Water on the front left keeps you on your toes right from the off. If you are not loose standing on the first tee box then trouble is likely to be in your immediate future. A great test, right from the off. Front right is the place to aim for regardless of pin position. Hole 2: Par 5 – 463 metres After dealing with the tricky opening hole it is straight into the Par 5, 2nd. Marker on left side of the fairway is the line to shoot at with big hitters needing to stay right of this. This hole is reachable in two but trouble is all around with OB down the left and water just behind the green. Bravery will be rewarded but that needs to be tempered or you’ll be getting your feet wet. Hole 3: Par 4 – 352 metres. This is a lovely hole that rewards patience and accuracy . Plenty of trouble if the ball is lost left. Be straight off the tee. Best to come in on left side of green.
Hole 4: Par 4 – 390 metres. A really good par 4. You can’t see the green from the tee so need to stay on fairway or close to the white marker. The approach will be a downhill tight shot that needs all your attention. Front left is best with a tricky bunker on right had side of green. Hole 5: Par 4 – 320 metres Really big hitters can have a go at this in one but if they slip up then the trees on the left will make a bogey seem like a good score. Bunkers on left and right of the green make the second a difficult approach for us mere mortals. The second will need to carry all the way to the green otherwise the sand wedge will be your next club. Hole 6: Par 4 – 396 metres Right of fairway is the ideal drive here with no end of trouble down the left. The second in this terrific par 4 needs accuracy as the green is at its narrowest coming in from the right and the well positioned bunker front right catches anything dropping short. Hole 7: Par 4 – 292 metres Another hole that will tempt the long hitters into having a go but a perfectly positioned tree in front of the green could make this a 50 / 50 gamble not worth taking. An iron off the tee may be best option with another short iron making this a good chance of a par. Straight with both shots is key or another chip out will be required. Hole 8: Par 4 – 397 metres Staying on right hand side of the fairway is the way to go here but conservatism is key as a long drive up the fairway is could see you fishing your ball out of the well positioned lake. A beautiful second over the water should be aimed at the back of the green as the slope will bring your ball back to the flag. Hole 9: Par 3 – 126 metres The second par 3 is a challenging short hole where the only aim should be to land on the dance floor. This is not a hole where the risk/reward can be justified. Putting for a birdie and getting a par should be considered a very good return from a whole that has plenty of out of bounds all the way down the left.
Hole 10: Par 4 – 387 metres One of the most beautiful tee shots in Ireland. Driving straight at the ocean down the centre of the fairway the views that wait for you when you get to your ball are spectacular. The second should be another straight forward shot except that the cliffs wait to take anything that leaks a little right. Wind will be a factor but this hole is well worth the effort. Hole 11: Par 5 – 501 metres A beautiful driving hole that demands you stay straight off the tee. This hole should be played as a proper par 5 with rewards for the patient player. Ocean on left side shouldn’t be too much of a problem if the hole is played correctly. Hole 12: Par 4 – 416 metres Another stunning hole that has plenty to test the average golfer. Players need to be as long as possible off the tee without sacrificing accuracy. Hole 13: Par 3 - 144 metres A par 3 that has it all - distance, water and two nasty bunkers waiting for those who are over clubbed. The 13th is a beautiful hole that demands confidence. Short is wet while long is beached. If you are not committed to this shot it will leave you with a big number on your card. Hole 14: Par 4 – 387 metres If you can carry 230 metres then you can aim for the green and try to land in perfect position on the fairway. If you are not so sure about that shot then a tasty long iron or rescue will give you a 165 metre straight shot to a long but narrow green. Two sensible shots will be rewarded, bravery also gets the nod but anything outside your comfort zone will result in failure. Hole 15: Par 4 – 358 metres Great hole with plenty rewards for the long and the brave. Lots of trouble left and right so it is imperative that positional decision is at the top of your agenda. Second should be dropped just short while anything off the back will mean you will be lucky to get a six.
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Always time to reflect at Bantry Bay.
Hole 16: Par 4 – 437 metres Another challenging hole with out of bounds all the way down the left. This means that anyone thinking of cutting the corner will need to hold their breath. Played to the centre of fairway at 220 metres is ideal which will leave a long iron second at a bunker-less green. Hole 17: Par 3 – 188 metres The last of the par 3’s also happens to be one of the most difficult. No major water near the green but a stream, green side bunker and out of bounds on the left means that everyone will aim to the right and while there is space off to that side you could find yourself chipping towards the afore mentioned sand for you second.
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Hole 18: Par 5 – 445 metres. Another dog-leg par 5 that gives the long hitters the chance of reaching in two. Trouble all over the place here with trees lining both sides and five bunkers protecting a tight green. This is the perfect finishing hole to a course that will challenge your game from the first to the last shot. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Caddy Hire: Yes • Course Designer: Christy O’Connor Junior • Course Type: Clifftop/Parkland • Dress Code: Smart Casual • Holes: 18 • Opening Times: 9am to 5pm, 7 days • Par: 71 • Practice Green: Yes • Course Distance: 6,117m • Visitor Tee Times: All day everyday, up to 12pm on Sundays • Green Fees €38 peak times; €34 off-peak. • Visitor Tee Times: All day everyday, except up to 12pm on Sundays
HIRE SERVICES & RATES • Pull Trollies available • Golf Cart/Buggy • Club Hire • Please note *Buggies are only allowed for medical reason* • Visitor tee times are available as follows • Mon. Tues, Thurs, Fri 7:30am - 2:30pm • Wednesday 7:30am - 10:30pm (Excluding June, July & August) • Saturday 10:06am - 2:30pm
PICTURES COURTESY OF BANTRY BAY GOLF CLUB
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DUNGARVAN GOLF CLUB
Dungarvan Golf Club is a Championship Parkland course located 4km outside the town of Dungarvan, County Waterford, and set against the backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains. This attractive and excellently maintained course including 7 lakes has been architecturally designed to challenge all levels of golfer. Members and visitors comment on the excellent course in a lovely setting, and the warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere that is always felt.
Dungarvan Golf Club offer significant savings particularly if you watch out ONLINE for the latest REDUCED RATES/SPECIAL OFFERS Presently subject to internet booking availability we have a reduced Weekday rate of €20p.p. with some bonus times of ’4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3 SPECIAL ONLY €60’. At weekends we also have a reduced rate of €30p.p. with some bonus times of 4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3 SPECIAL ONLY €90. VISITORS CAN ALSO AVAIL OF OUR • EARLY BIRD GOLF OFFER just €12 before 10a.m. Monday to Friday. • GOLF + 10oz SIRLOIN STEAK €34 Monday to Friday. • TWILIGHT GOLF OFFER after 6p.m. Monday to Sunday, Golf and a pint only €15. • SUPER SUNDAY greenfee only €15. • Internet pre-booking essential, all offers subject to availability. • Early booking is advisable for the Club’s popular OPEN DAYS - always sure to have a busy timesheet. • Every Monday: Open Ladies and Gents Seniors • Every Thursday: Open Gents Singles Golf & Grill €25
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND • Friday 2nd Open Gents Singles • Saturday 3rd Open Ladies and Gents Singles • Sunday 4th Open Gents Singles • Monday 5th Open Gents & Ladies Singles. DUNGARVAN GOLF CLUB AUTUMN OPEN WEEK • Fri. 6th September Open Gents Singles S/F • Sat. 7th September Open Gents Singles S/F, Open Ladies Singles S/F • Sun. 8th September Open Gents Singles S/F • Mon. 9th September Open Gents & Ladies Singles S/F Special Value Monday • Tue. 10th September Open Ladies Singles S/F • Wed. 11th September Open 2 Person Rumble Any Combination • Thu. 12th September Thursday Open Gents Singles S/F - Visitors €25 Golf & Grill • Fri. 13th September Open 3 Person Rumble • Sat. 14th September Open Gents Fourball/Open Ladies Fourball • Sun. 15th September Open Gents Fourball/Open Ladies Fourball DUNGARVAN OPEN INTERPUB CLASSIC Fri. 27th & Sat. 28th September Open Team of 4 Interpub Classic, Teams of 4 - Ladies, Gents or Mixed Teams €80 per team
New members to Dungarvan Golf Club are always welcome, a special Introductory Membership Offer is available for 2013.
Dungarvan Golf Club, Knocknagranagh, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
T 058 43310 F 058 44113 email: dungarvangc@eircom.net website: www.dungarvangolfclub.com
GOLD COAST GOLF CLUB Ballinacourty, Dungarvan • • • • • • • •
18 Hole-Par 72 Golf course Magnificent panoramic views Friendly welcome Golf memberships for all budgets No entrance fees Course playable all year round Consistently good greens Full hotel catering facilities on site
Discounted Dual Leisure Centre Membership
EVERY TUESDAY Open Seniors (50+) Ladies & Gents Golf €12 Golf & Carvery Lunch €20 EVERY FRIDAY Open Mens Singles Golf €15 Golf & Carvery Lunch €25 Tel: 058 44055 Email: goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com Web: www.goldcoastgolfclub.com
”Golf is an awkward set of bodily contortions designed to produce a graceful result.” - Tommy Armour
GOLFING QUOTES ”If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.”
”The reason a pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can’t see him laughing.”
(Jack Lemmon)
(Phyllis Diller)
”Golf appeals to the idiot in us and the child. Just how childlike golf players become is proven by their frequent inability to count past five.”
”Golf is the most fun you can have without taking your clothes off.” (Chi Chi Rodriguez)
(John Updike) “We learn so many things from golf—how to suffer, for instance.”
”Golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being good at.” (Jimmy Demaret)
(Bruce Lansky) “Golf isn’t like other sports where you can take a player out if he’s having a bad day. You have to play the whole game.”
”Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose.”
(Phil Blackmar)
(Winston Churchill)
”While playing golf today I hit two good balls. I stepped on zzrake.”
”Golf is a fascinating game. It has taken me nearly 40 years to discover that I can’t play it.”
(Henny Youngman)
(Ted Ray)
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THE IRISH CLUBHOUSE
”It is good sportsmanship not to pick up lost balls while they are still rolling.” - Mark Twain
”Golf combines two favorite American pastimes; taking long walks and hitting things with a stick.” (P.J. O’Rourke) ”My swing is so bad, I look like a caveman killing his lunch.” (Lee Trevino) ”On a recent survey, 80 percent of golfers admitted cheating. The other 20 percent lied.” (Bruce Lansky) ”The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.” (Billy Graham) ”I read the greens in Spanish, but I putt in English.” (Chi Chi Rodriguez) ”Golf is not, on the whole, a game for realists. By its exactitude’s of measurements, it invites the attention of perfectionists.” (Heywood Hale Broun) ”The golf swing is like a suitcase into which we are trying to pack one too many things.” (John Updike) ”The older you get, the stronger the wind gets; and it’s always in your face.” (Jack Nicklaus) ”I never learned anything from a match that I won.” (Bobby Jones)
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MUNSTER GOLF CLUBS ABBEYFEALE Ph. 068 32033 www.abbeyfealegolfclub.com
CASTLEROSSE Ph. 064 6631144 www.castlerosse.com
ADARE Ph. 061 605274 www.adaremanor.com
CASTLETROY Ph. 061 335753 www.castletroygolfclub.ie
ADARE MANOR Ph. 061 396204 www.adaremanorgolfclub.com
CHARLEVILLE Ph. 063 81257 www.charlevillegolf.com
ARDFERT Ph. 066 7134744 www.ardfertgolfclub.com
CEANN SIBEAL Ph. 066 9156255 www.dinglelinks.com
BALLYBUNION Ph. 068 27146 www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie
CLONMEL Ph. 052 6124050 www.clonmelgolfclub.icom
BALLYHEIGUE CASTLE Ph: 06232117. www.ballyheiguecastlegolfclub.com
CO.TIPPERARY Ph. 062 71717 www.dundrumhousehotel.com
BALLYKISTEEN Ph. 066 7133555
COBH Ph. 021 4812399 www.cobhgolfclub.ie
BANDON Ph. 023 8841111 www.bandongolfclub.com
CORK GOLF CLUB Ph. 021 4353451 www.corkgolfclub.ie
FRANKFIELD Ph. 021 4363124 www.frankfieldgolfclubmembers.com
DONERAILE Ph. 022 24137 www.donerailegolfclub.com
GLENGARRIFF Ph. 027 63150 www.glengarriffgolfclub.com
DOOKS Ph. 066 9768205 www.dooks.com
GOLD COAST Ph. 058 44055 www.goldcoastgolfclub.com
DOONBEG LINKS Ph. 065 9055246 www.doonbeglodge.com
KANTURK Ph. 029 50534 www.kanturkgolf.com
DOUGLAS Ph. 021 4895297 www.douglasgolfclub.ie
KENMARE Ph. 064 6641291 www.kenmaregolfclub.com
www.ballykisteengolfclub.com
BANTRY BAY
Ph. 027 50579 www.bantrygolf.com
BEAUFORT Ph. 064 6644440 www.beaufortgolfclub.net BEREHAVEN Ph. 027 70700 www.berehavengolf.com BLARNEY Ph. 021 4516472 www.blarneygolfclub.ie CAHIR PARK Ph. 052 7441474 www.cahirparkgolfclub.com
DROMOLAND
Ph. 061 368444 www.dromolandgolf.com
ENNIS Ph. 0656824074 www.ennisgolfclub.com FAITHLEGG Ph. 051 380587 www.faithlegggolfclub.com FERNHILL Ph. 021 4372226 www.fernhillcountryclub.com FERMOY GOLF CLUB Ph. 025 32694 www.fermoygolfclub.ie
FOTA ISLAND
Ph. 021 4883700 www.fotaisland.ie
KILKEE Ph. 065 9056048 www.kilkeegolfclub.ie KILLARNEY Ph. 064 6631034 www.killarney-golf.com
CARRICK-ON-SUIR Ph. 051 640047 www.carrickgolfclub.com
DUNGARVAN Ph. 058 43310 www.dungarvangolfclub.com
CASTLEGREGORY Ph. 066 7139444 www.castlegregorygolflinks.com
DUNLOE Ph. 064 6644578 www.dunloegolfcourse.com
CASTLEISLAND Ph. 066 7141709 www.castleislandgolfclub.com
DUNMORE Ph. 023 8834644 www.dunmoregolfclub.ie
CASTLEMARTYR Ph. 021 4219001 www.castlemartyrresort.ie
DUNMORE EAST Ph. 051 383151 www.dunmoreeastgolfclub.ie EAST CLARE Ph. 061 921322 www.eastclare.com
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EAST CORK Ph. 021 4631687 www.eastcorkgolfclub.com
KILRUSH Ph. 065 9051138 www.kilrushgolfclub.com KILLORGLIN Ph: 0669761979. email: Killorglin_golf_club@eircom.net Web: www.killorglingolf.ie KINSALE Ph. 021 4774722 www.kinsalegolf.ie LAHINCH Ph. 065 7081003 www.lahinchgolf.com
LEE VALLEY Ph. 021 7331721 www.leevalleygolfclub.com
SHANNON Ph. 061 471849 www.shannongolfclub.ie
LIMERICK Ph. 061 415146 www.limerickgolfclub.ie
SKELLIGBAY Ph. 066 9474133 www.skelligbay.com
LISMORE Ph 058 54026 www.lismoregolf.org
SKIBBEREEN Ph. 028 21227 www.skibbgolf.com
LISSELAN Ph. 023 8833246 www.lisselan.com
SLIEVENAMON Ph. 052 6132213 www.slievenamongolfclub.com
LISTOWEL Ph. 087 4156010 www.listowelgolfclub.com
SPANISH POINT Ph. 065 7084198 www.spanishpointgolfing.com
MACROOM Ph. 026 41072 www.macroomgolfclub.com
TEMPLEMORE Ph. 0504 31400 www.templemoregolfclub.ie
MAHON Ph. 021 4292212 www.mahongolfclub.com
THURLES Ph. 0504 21983 www.thurlesgolfclub.com
MALLOW Ph. 022 21145 www.mallowgolfclub.net
THE OLD HEAD Ph: 021 4778444 www.oldhead.com
MITCHELSTOWN Ph. 025 24072 www.mitchelstown-golf.com
TIPPERARY Ph. 062 51119 www.tipperarygolfclub.com
NENAGH Ph. 067 31476 www.nenaghgolfclub.com MONKSTOWN Ph. 021 4841376 www.monkstowngolfclub.com MUSKERRY Ph. 021 4381445 www.muskerrygolfclub.ie NEWCASTLE WEST Ph. 069 76500 www.newcastlewestgolf.com PARKNASILLA Ph. 064 6645195 www.parknasillahotel.ie/golf
If your club isn’t included in our listings, then please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@irishclubhouse.ie and we’ll include your club on our next issue.
TRALEE
Ph. 066 7136379 www.traleegolfclub.com
TRAMORE Ph. 051 386170 www.tramoregolfclub.com WATERFORD Ph. 051 876748 www.waterfordgolfclub.com WATERROCK GOLF COURSE Ph. 021 4613499 www.waterrockgolfcourse.com THE
RAFFEEN CREEK Ph. 021 4512624 www.raffeencreekgolfclub.com
WATERFORD CASTLE Ph. 051 871633 www.waterfordcastle.com
RATHBANE Ph. 061 313655 www.rathbanegolfclub.com
WATERVILLE Ph. 066 9474102 www.watervillegolfclub.net
RING OF KERRY Ph. 064 6642000 www.ringofkerrygolf.com
WEST WATERFORD Ph. 058 43216 www.westwaterfordgolf.com
VISIT US ONLINE AT
RINGENANE Ph. 021 4772197 www.ringenanegolfclub.com
WILLIAMSTOWN Ph. 051 853131 www.waterfordcity.ie
or sign up to receive our email newsletter, for more news, tips, competitions and more...
ROSCREA Ph. 0505 21130 www.rosreagolfclub.ie ROSS Ph. 064 6631125 www.rossgolfcourse.com
WOODSTOCK Ph. 065 6829463 www.woodstockgolfclub.com YOUGHAL Ph. 024 92787 www.youghalgolfclub.ie
IRISHCLUBHOUSE.IE
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS GOLF
CHARLEVILLE
SPECIAL FLAG
GARY FLEMING
FRANK GRIFFIN
GERARD CROWLEY
JOHN O’ RIORDAN
JOHN SINGLETON
SARAH HYLAND
DENIS FITZGERALD
WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE?
CONTACT US!
INFO@IRISHCLUBHOUSE.IE DIARMUID@IRISHCLUBHOUSE.IE
KEN BROWNE
KEVIN O’ CALLAGHAN
KIERAN O’ CONNOR
LOUISE HOGAN
MICHAEL LYNCH
PETER KAVANAGH
SUPPORTERS AT THE SKILLS
VOLUNTEERS AT THE SKILLS
Time to think about Tourism With over 150 Golf Clubs already assessed and approved for the Golf Accreditation Scheme to date – it’s time to think about Tourism. Being a Fáilte Ireland Quality Assured golf club gives you access to a range of platforms you can use to grow, sustain and continuously improve your business.
Some of the benefits include: ·
Quality Assessment
·
Internationally Recognised Certification
·
Promotion in Tourist Offices
·
Business Support & Development
·
Discover Ireland website listings
·
Marketing and Event Promotion Opportunities
For further information please visit www.failteireland.ie/golf or email golf@failteireland.ie
P32027 FI Golf Quality Scheme 340x255 V2 AD.indd 1
22/04/2013 11:02