The Luxury Collection
Choosing Carr Golf Your trusted travel partner for nearly 30 years The Carr family have welcomed golfers to Ireland and Scotland since 1989. Founded by Joe Carr, one of Ireland’s greatest golf heroes with over 40 championship victories including three British Amateur titles, Carr Golf has built its reputation on creating the ultimate golf escapes in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.
Carnoustie 2
Carr Golf is still a family business, now led by Joe’s son Marty, who is deeply passionate about the game’s history and traditions. Tailoring exceptional itineraries that include guaranteed tee times, luxury accommodation, transportation, culture, sightseeing, fine dining, caddies and concierge, a Carr Golf vacation is a stress-free, unforgettable golf vacation, for a group of any size.
With a focus on exceptional customer service, in depth golf knowledge and with an established network of luxury travel partners, Carr Golf is the market leader in golf travel and is Golf Digest’s 2016 Editors’ Choice for “Best Tour Operator.” Carr Golf also curates a calendar of prestigious golf tournaments, the flagship being the World Invitational Father & Son. Carr Golf boasts high levels of repeat custom and is the preferred travel partner for PGA club professionals, golf associations, private clubs and country clubs. A collection of Carr Golf’s tailor made vacations and tournaments are detailed in this brochure. When you choose Carr Golf, you experience exceptional service, exceptional golf and guaranteed memories for life.
Old Head of Kinsale
33
Experience Incredible Golf
Contents
6
Carr’s Heritage
8
Exquisite Ireland
14
Spectacular Scotland
20
Northern Ireland’s Finest
24
England’s Jewels
28 Our Tournaments 34
4
Beyond the Course
6 Carr’s Heritage
8
Exquisite Ireland
24 England’s Jewels
14 Spectacular Scotland
20 Northern Ireland’s Finest
28 Our Tournaments
34 Beyond the Course
5
Golf through the blood A family steeped in golf tradition, a passion deeply rooted Joe Carr, founder of Carr Golf, was one of Ireland’s greatest sporting heroes, winning over 40 golf championships, including three British Amateur Titles in 1953, 1958 and 1960. His stature as a world golf figure was cemented on receiving the Bobby Jones Award in 1961 and the Walter Hagen Award in 1967. In 2007, Joe was the first Irishman to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame. Joe played in the Walker Cup a record 13 times and led the British & Irish team as playing captain in 1963 and non-playing captain two years later. He was honored with the Captaincy of the Royal & Ancient, the highest honor in world golf in 1991 – 1992, the first Irishman ever to hold this position. Joe played in the US Masters three times. At his 1967 debut at 6
Augusta, he was paired for the opening two rounds with defending champion, Jack Nicklaus. Carr qualified for the four rounds whereas Nicklaus missed the cut. A year later, his partner was Arnold Palmer, the 1964 champion. Again, Carr qualified for all four rounds; Palmer missed the cut. At that point, the Chairman of Augusta at the time, Clifford Roberts, remarked “We’re inviting Carr back next year but who’ll play with him?” Despite his success, Joe Carr retained that sense of humor that appears inherent in all golfing legends, amateur and pro alike. One anecdote is told by Joe himself about revisiting County Louth Golf Club at Baltray, where he won the event 12 times. Joe was assigned a callow young caddy who to the amusement of Carr’s playing partners, had no idea as to his
Tiger Woods & Joe Carr
Jack Nicklaus & Joe Carr
Joe Carr wins his first British Amateur Championship at Hoylake in 1953
The Carr family in 1972
Joe as R&A Captain
employers’ achievements. During the round, the youngster inquired whether Carr had ever played in the East of Ireland, whereupon Joe informed him that he had in fact won the event twelve times. As luck would have it, on the very next hole, Carr did the unthinkable by topping his drive. At this point, the caddy remarked wryly: “it must have been fierce easy to win in those days”. Joe passed away in 2004.
Today, Joe’s son Marty, himself a respected authority on golf, runs the company, which now includes golf management, maintenance and marketing divisions based in Ireland and Scotland. Marty’s brothers are actively involved, as was their late brother, Gerry. The Carr family touch is at all times apparent, through their connections, attention to detail and personal level of service.
Marty Carr 7
Capital:
Dublin
International Airports:
Regional Airports: Currency:
Weather:
Golf courses:
GMT, 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time Mild, moist and changeable with rainfall
Playing season:
Kerry, Knock EURO â‚Ź
Time Difference:
Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Belfast (Northern Ireland)
March to October 320
True Links Golf courses: 48 Golfing Regions : 8
South-West, & North-West and East Coast
Ballybunion
Ireland Visit the Emerald Isle’s veritable treasure chest of golfing gems, which lays claim to over a third of all the world’s true Links golf courses. Experience a number of incredible golfing regions, each with its own unique culture, history and hospitality. Based in Ireland, Carr Golf’s experience on their home turf is unrivalled. Golf passionate guides, drivers and representatives will help to fulfil your dream trip, no matter what size your group.
9
With many exceptional courses, it’s hard to choose a route. Here is a showcase of some recent vacations. Carr Golf works with you to prepare the best itinerary to suit your group.
Golf in Ireland The South-West Trip of a Lifetime With breath-taking golf, scenery and hospitality, this seven day trip for eight golfers captured all the superlatives. Six Championship rounds, taking in the “7th wonder” of the golfing world, the Old Head of Kinsale, Waterville, Ballybunion, Killarney and Tralee, arguably Arnold Palmer’s finest creation, and the hidden gem of Martin Hawtree’s Dooks Golf Club. Their luxury accommodation included suites at Perryville House, Kinsale and the five star Killarney Park Hotel, with a full Irish breakfast served each morning. The group enjoyed a VIP chauffeur driven luxury coach, with their guide and driver remaining throughout the tour. It was their ‘buddy trip of a lifetime’. John O’Hagan, the organizer of the group said, “I can’t accurately express what a wonderful vacation the seven guys and I had. Everything went like clockwork! Ireland is beautiful, your selection of hotels were terrific. The golf courses were beautiful although our game was not always so! Bottom line, the Carr Golf team made our 10 year anniversary trip very special, easy from beginning to end, thank you.”
Tralee 10
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com
Exquisite An East-West Mix Brings the Best of Two Coasts
Doonbeg
Trinity College, Dublin
A ‘bucket list’ tick for a group of lady golfers which showcased two dramatically different Irish coasts, this group played Links golf on the East, embracing Dublin and the Irish Sea coastline and the rugged scenery of the West coast, travelling via helicopter to capture the essence of Ireland in one unique trip. The itinerary included sightseeing, cultural highlights and leisure time. Staying in VIP suites at the luxurious five star Merrion Hotel in Dublin’s city center, the group played rounds on three of the best East coast courses, County Louth (Baltray), the European Club and Portmarnock. In their downtime they enjoyed sightseeing and culture, including a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, fine dining at the Michelin Star Chapter One restaurant, and a show at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre.
Dromoland Castle
Portmarnock
On the West coast, the group played the sandy dunes at Doonbeg and Lahinch, which is described as the St. Andrew’s of Ireland, where Hawtree, McKenzie and Tom Morris have toyed. They stayed and played golf at the stunning five star Dromoland Castle and Golf Resort, dining at the new Gastro Pub at the Inn at Dromoland. Lisa Resnick commented, “We were thrilled. It was such a gorgeous whistle stop tour of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast and the city charm of Dublin and the East Coast. The golf blew us away, sometimes literally! Peter, our guide, was fantastic – he made our trip. He met us every day and came with us to County Clare. It was a perfectly executed itinerary.”
11
Royal County Down Returning golfers head North-West From Rosapenna in County Donegal to Enniscrone in County Sligo, this part of Ireland lies along the Wild Atlantic Way and offers stunning scenery on and off the course. You can be sure of a warm welcome from the locals who will stop at nothing to ensure your stay is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy golf at Rosses Point, where Joe Carr won the West of Ireland Championship twelve times, County Sligo Golf Course, Rosapenna and Ballyliffin. Spend your nights resting
at the exquisite Rosapenna Hotel or the elegant Victorian manor house of Mount Falcon Estate. Carr Golf’s trip for 50 people from a regional US golf association covered this itinerary over eight days. Half of the group were non-golfers, who experienced sightseeing and culture, the City of Derry, falconry, seaweed baths and spa treatments. Each evening, the group enjoyed a variety of fine dining, distillery visits, music and storytelling.
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com 12
Rosapenna
Ireland and Northern Ireland: A whistle-stop tour of two great destinations Embrace two fantastic golfing regions in one trip. Play the highest ranking courses in Ireland; Royal County Down, Golf Digest’s Number One course in the world, and Royal Portrush, host of the 2019 British Open, where Joe Carr won his third British Amateur Championship, while also experiencing the best of Dublin culture and East Coast golf. A self-drive ten day tour covering this itinerary easily impresses golfers and nongolfers. Championship golf at Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Portstewart, The Island and the legendary Portmarnock will exceed even the highest expectations, and
unwind afterwards as a member of the Carr family hosts dinner at the Members Bar at Portmarnock or in the Joe Carr Room at Sutton Golf Club. Stay in suites in the five star Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin and the Slieve Donard Hotel & Spa, Newcastle. Experience the history and charm of Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast, with lodgings at the historic Merchant Hotel. The non-golfers will enjoy the best sightseeing – Trinity College, the Giant’s Causeway and lavish spa treatments. A Carr Golf representative is on hand throughout the trip for any assistance required.
Portmarnock
13
Capital:
Edinburgh
International Airports:
Edinburgh, Glasgow
Inverness, Aberdeen
Regional Airports: Currency:
Time Difference: Weather:
GMT, 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time Variable weather patterns, often with four seasons in one day
Playing season: Golf courses:
GBP ÂŁ
March to October 550
True Links Golf courses: 120 Golfing Regions :
14
St. Andrew’s (Fife), Ayrshire, West Coast, Aberdeen & Highlands and East Lothian
Turnberry
Scotland The “Home of Golf” and synonymous with the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland’s abundance of great and historic Links means that Carr Golf’s clients are forever returning. It has some of the greatest courses in the world, not to mention incredible scenery. Experience these and some of the great sights such as Edinburgh Castle, whiskey distilleries and famous resorts like Turnberry, St. Andrews and Gleneagles along the way.
15
Golf in Scotland An iconic itinerary to “Golf’s Mecca”
North Berwick
Carnoustie
The vacation of legends. Mathew Enright and seven friends travelled with Carr Golf for their golfing dream. “I know its cliché,” said Mathew, “but we just had to play St. Andrews. Some of the guys, myself included, played here before, some hadn’t, either way, it’s a dream come true. The itinerary from Carr Golf kept everyone on their toes, a mix of old and new courses, all Links; that was the deal. Hotels, the whiskey tasting, the guide – everything was great. We enjoyed it immensely.” The group stayed three nights in St. Andrews old town, in upgraded suites at the Old Course Hotel, steeped in golfing tradition. Championship golf was at St
Andrew’s Old Course, Kingbarns, both British Open Venues, and a day at Carnoustie, all with guaranteed tee times from the point of booking. Transferring by luxury chauffeur to East Lothian, they spent the remaining nights at the five star Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, enjoying the world-class Capital of Culture. Golf was at the No.1 course at Gullane, Muirfield, and the West Links at North Berwick, one of Scotland’s oldest courses. The group enjoyed full Scottish breakfast each morning, luxury coach and driver throughout, and a mix of cultural and scenic activities.
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com 16
Carr Golf’s connection to St. Andrew’s goes back to 1958 when Joe Carr experienced his fondest victory at the Old Lady in winning the British Amateur at the Old Course. Befitting a champion, as Joe would say, he went on “to marry the Old Lady”, becoming the first Irish Captain of the R&A.
St. Andrew’s
17
Golf in Scotland Aberdeen & the Highlands: Scotland as you truly imagined
Royal Dornoch
Royal Aberdeen
Cruden Bay 18
Scenic and awash with history, golf in the Highlands is as spectacular as the majestic landscape. Royal Dornoch is the crown jewel, the inspiration for Donald Ross’ finest hour in designing Pinehurst. Cruden Bay is Old Tom Morris’s finest work aside from the Old Lady at St Andrews and Martin Hawtrees Links juggernaut at Trump Aberdeen and the Gil Hanse designed Castle Stuart are two of the best modern built courses. To experience this, 32 golfers and non-golfers travelled by Carr Golf VIP coach to Aberdeen’s Marcliffe Hotel & Spa. Golf was at Trump Aberdeen, Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay, while the nongolfers enjoyed sightseeing of Aberdeen, spa treatments, and a visit to Balmoral Castle. The group gathered for breakfast and dinner each evening, and embraced the best whiskies at a private tasting.
They moved north to Inverness, to stay at the beautiful Kingsmill Hotel. Golf was at Nairn, Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart Golf Club, while the non-golfers enjoyed Urquhart Castle, Woolen Mills and a Loch Ness cruise. Gourmet dining was at the Mustard Seed and a farewell dinner at The Burns Room at Kingsmill. It was Tim and Tina MacPhie’s first group trip. Tim said, “The golf was extraordinary. The Ross connection is awesome and to play Royal Dornoch was a highlight for me. My wife enjoyed spending time sightseeing and relaxing at the spa, she even found our tartan! We’ve made new friends who we’re in touch with since. It’s the way to go.”
Turnberry
Dundonald
Seeing is believing on the West coast The west coast is blessed with Championship Links courses. Words fail to paint the beauty of either Royal Troon or the Ailsa course at Turnberry, seeing really is believing. Prestwick of course is the originator and sponsor of the Open and its hallowed claret jug, famously staging the Open from 1860 to 1870.
Prestwick
A popular trip is a seven night stay at the secluded Lochgreen House Hotel, situated in the heart of the Ayrshire countryside. Travel in a luxury coach, with reclining seats and fridge, for a week, as local driver and guide talk about the history of the area. Play Championship golf at Turnberry, Royal Troon, Prestwick, Western Gailes, Dundonald Links, Glasgow Gailes and the most unique of courses, Macrihanish Dunes.
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
Royal Troon
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com 19
Capital:
Belfast
International Airports:
Regional Airports: Currency:
Weather:
Golf courses:
GMT, 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time Mild, moist and changeable with rainfall
Playing season:
Derry GBP ÂŁ
Time Difference:
Belfast, Dublin (Republic of Ireland)
March to October 100
True Links Golf courses: 13 20
Royal County Down
Northern Ireland With rugged landscapes, glacial valleys, Norman castles and a storied history, this region of just 1.8 million people boasts Links courses that are consistently ranked in the Top 100 in the world, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. Off the course there’s plenty to occupy from the thriving city of Belfast to traditional villages like Portrush, Bushmills and Newcastle.
21
Northern Ireland A world class golf destination
Royal Portrush
Madeline Jones, who travelled with her husband Peter and their friends on a Carr Golf luxury vacation to Northern Ireland, spoke about her experience. “What a trip! The guys golfed at the best Links in the world. We loved seeing the Giant’s Causeway, the famous Bushmills distillery, the Titantic quarter and shopping in Belfast. Relaxing in the spa at the Slieve Donard was high on my list. There’s enough here to keep a non-golfer very entertained. Carr Golf did a great job.”
The non-golfers enjoyed sightseeing, spa retreats and a shopping excursion. The group spent three nights are suites in the Bushmills Inn, originally a 17th century coaching inn for saddle sore travelers, now one of Ireland’s most well-known luxury hotels. They spent two nights’ in executive rooms at the five star Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa. They travelled by automatic Mercedes with a knowledgeable local driver on hand throughout.
The seven day visit included golf at Royal Portrush, the 2019 British Open host and, Royal County Down, two clubs consistently rated in the Top 10 in the world, Portstewart and the stunning Adrglass Golf Club.
Portstewart 22
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com
Bushmills Inn
Ardglass
The Giant’s Causeway
23
Capital:
London
International Airports: Currency:
Weather:
GMT, 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time Mild, moist and changeable with rainfall
Playing season: Golf courses:
GBP ÂŁ
Time Difference:
London, Manchester, Liverpool
March to October 1,900
True Links Golf courses: 69 Golfing Regions :
North-West, London and
South-West
24
Sunningdale
England Remarkable Links and “heathland” courses are unique to golf in England. Sunningdale, Walton Heath, Wentworth, and Royal St. George’s, the jewels in the crown, surround London. Along the Lancashire coast, three historic Open venues are close to one another. They are the “Royal” family of Liverpool (Hoylake, where Joe Carr won one of his three British Amateurs), Birkdale, and Lytham St. Anne’s. The great Links juggernauts of Deal, Sandwich and Princes are on the East coast.
25
Golf in England Experience the jewels in the crown A group of twelve golfers arrived to Liverpool and were greeted by a Carr Golf representative and driver. Luxury coach transfers were used throughout the six day tour of the Lancashire coast. The trip included six rounds of Championship Golf at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Hillside, Southport and Ainsdale, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Formby Golf Club.
Southport
Six nights of luxury accommodation at the gorgeous Vincent Hotel, with full English breakfast every morning, ensured the teams were rested and sustained for golf each day. Don Meadows, a PGA Pro travelled with a group of his clubs members, “We’ve done Scotland and Ireland twice, so England was next on the list. Carr Golf work for me. Each time I travel I need an impressive itinerary, exceptional ground service and it needs to be hassle free. I’ve tried other operators, but I return to Carr Golf because of the service, the team are great.”
Wentworth
Ainsdale
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com 26
Hillside
27
Tournaments & Other Pairings
28
Carr Golf curates a number of exclusive golf tournaments in Ireland and Scotland, including the prestigious World Invitational Father & Son. Combine a European vacation with one of these tournaments, or with one of the legendary sporting and cultural experiences Ireland, Scotland and England has to offer. It’s the perfect pairing.
29
To u r n a m e n t s
World Invitational Father & Son At Waterville Golf Links, Co Kerry, Ireland. Carr Golf’s flagship tournament, the prestigious World Invitational Father & Son is one of the world’s most exclusive events, attracting major figures from business, sport and politics, and their families, to picturesque Waterville every August. Father and son pairings return each year to spend time together and to compete together, meeting friends both old and new. It’s an exclusive opportunity to build exceptional memories.
30
World Invitational Father & Daughter At Waterville Golf Links, Co Kerry, Ireland. Grown from the success of the Father & Son, the Father & Daughter Tournament is now a fixture in the diary of many families. Held in July, it is a unique opportunity for fathers and daughters, and their families, to spend quality time together in Ireland while playing the best golf course in the world. It is three days of fun, laughter and friendship.
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com 31
A LD R
it
a t io
Travel to the birthplace of Donald Ross and compete at his home course for one of the most exclusive golf events of the year. Celebrating the life and heritage of one of the most influential designers in the history of the game, the tournament is open to members of other Donald Ross clubs. The exclusive four day pilgrimage must be taken by any Donald Ross aficionado. Royal Dornoch is one of the best Links courses in the world, currently ranked number five in the world.
32
n
v
17
al
20
in
At Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Scotland.
N
SS O
Donald Ross Invitational
DO
To u r n a m e n t s
World Links Invitational Pro Am South-West, Ireland.
The best buddy trip going! The World Links attracts well-known Pros and teams from private clubs to Ireland’s South-West for a week of incredible rivalry, revelry and hospitality. Held each September, experience five rounds on the best Links in the world – Waterville, Dooks, Tralee, Doonbeg and Lahinch, while staying at Ireland’s most luxurious accommodations – the five star Europe Hotel, Killarney and The Lodge at Doonbeg.
To plan your next golf experience, contact Carr Golf
US TOLL FREE 1 855 617 5701 or enquiries@carrgolf.com 33
Beyond the Course Combine a luxury golf vacation to Europe with one of the many legendary sporting and cultural experiences Ireland, Scotland and England has to offer. Whether it’s the British Open and the Ryder Cup, NLF, fishing or horse racing, Carr Golf will work with you to create a perfert itinerary. It’s the perfect pairing. NLF in London in October
Enjoy a great day out at Wembley Stadium or Twickenham Stadium, watching NFL before hitting the Links to play the region’s top Championship Courses, 2011 Open venue Royal St Georges, Royal Cinque Ports and Princes. Horse Racing Trips to Europe Fishing
Embrace world class “national hunt” horse racing while enjoying a few days on the course. Summer racing at The Curragh in Kildare, Killarney and Galway, or the Cheltenham races in England in March are all worth a visit. Warm up, or unwind after, with a few days of well-deserved exceptional Links golf. 34
Renowned for salmon, trout and fly fishing, combine Links golf with the tranquility of fishing at Mount Falcon in County Mayo Ireland, Gleneagles in Scotland or one of the many prolific rivers which grace these lands.
Proud connections Carr Golf is proud to be associated with many friends and peers across the travel industry and is a member of a number of recognized organisations.
GAA All Ireland Football or Hurling Championships
Unique to Ireland since 1887 but renowned internationally, the GAA All Ireland Finals are the Superbowl of Irish sport. Combine golf at Ireland’s East Coast greats, Baltray, Portmarnock and the Island, with the September Finals at Dublin’s 82,000 seater Croke Park Stadium.
St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrate the 17th March on its home soil. Experience the green green grass of Portmarnock, the K Club and Mount Juliet, while embracing the joviality and festivities of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin.
35