2012

The Weather Goats of Lahinch

October 24, 2012
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Today we are at Lahinch and there are goats on the course – this means the weather will remain stable. When the rain approaches the goats are at the clubhouse. In the shop we find home-made wooden putters and photos of all the PGA-stars that have played on the course. We feel at home as […]

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Tralee with Palmer

October 15, 2012
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It has been claimed that Arnold looked at the course and said, “I designed the first nine holes and mother nature did the rest.” After a night in a castle we arrive five minutes before our start time and two minutes before a busload from the States. We hurry out to the 1st tee and […]

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Sun and Gales at Ballybunion

October 11, 2012
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This is not the first time we have looked out over a graveyard on the 1st tee. The last time was at West Cornwall but then the wind was not a problem. “Don’t use the driver,” advises the starter. We manage, using a sliced 3-iron to land on the graveyard’s wall and see a LINKS75 […]

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Four Seasons at Waterville

October 8, 2012
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In the morning we awake at Waterville House. The evening before we had eaten freshly caught shellfish at The Smuggler’s Inn before finishing late in the Honor Bar. Outside the breakfast room hangs a photo of Tiger & Mark O’Meara. Our hostess assures us drolly that it is finer weather today than for the entire […]

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Royal Dublin on Bull Island

October 3, 2012
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From the moment we drive over the old wooden bridge ( built 1819) to Bull Island and the sandbank that is home ground for the Royal Dublin, we get a familiar feeling in our bones. At the end of the 1800s it was decided to secure Dublin harbour for safe passage and a protective sandbank […]

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Port Marnóg in the September Sun

September 30, 2012
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Already at the entrance to the airport we stand with our ambassadors and practise low shots and think “no backspin.” The Emerald Isle will test our links skills. We land over a waiting fairway. We head for Dublin’s finest – Portmarnock. Surrounded by water in three directions we decide to count the number of balls […]

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Stormy Weather Sets the Scene at Seacroft

September 24, 2012
Seacroft Golf Club

In the shop we are met by the pro who asks curiously if it is we who are touring around playing all the links courses – LINKS75 delight. Spirits are high. Unfortunately the day began with a night-time assault on our rental car, which required masking tape repairs. The BBC has confirmed approaching storms on […]

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Hunstanton – There is No Place Like Home

September 23, 2012
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Already in the shop we feel at home with advice and forewarning concerning the walking paths, water obstacles and a blind par 3. The putting green becomes a place of conversation – “We are to follow two giant Swedes – is that you?” A week ago the Ladies British Amateur Championship was played and the […]

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