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 was built – Bull Island. The club owns the land, 65 hectares, which is even home to another true links course – St Anne’s GC. We get lost in an enormous locker room before heading for the 1st tee. Today we need to plan. Before commencing we exchange, as is tradition, links experiences with the natives. The Island GC is the hot tip and we follow it. The course quickly gets us into classic links mode.
The two chimneys behind 10th flag, Royal Dublin
The course was designed by Harry Colt after it had literally been razed to the ground during WW1. With yesterday’s Ryder Cup battle in mind we remember that it was here that Ballesteros and Langer had their epic battles when the Irish Open came to town between 1983 and 1985. In 1983 Ballesteros won and in 1984 it was Langer’s turn. In 1985 they were all square after 72 holes, Ballesteros winning by holing a long putt on the extra hole and clenching his fist in a classic victory pose. The 1st hole is as narrow as a hotel corridor. We go for gold and hit a second serve straight down the middle of the course – Yes! Rather unexpectedly we are thrown out into needle-thin links holes of a classic vintage. The holes meander straight out along the sandbank. We struggle to keep up. There is a tailwind from the side so we hit a little to the left and let the balls sail away a little to the right. Bravery suffers a setback when self-confidence gets carried away and a potential eagle ends up a double bogey. Behind us, in a burst of sunlight sent by someone up above, we can see Dublin harbour’s red cranes, before the next short shower of rain makes its presence felt. With broad smiles and before we know where we are we have arrived at the turning point. The 9th is a wonderful par 3, which inspires one of the ambassadors to try a hairy, long putt over a rollercoaster green – birdie!!
9th hole, Royal Dublin
Towards the clubhouse. We meet the wind head on. The course has changed character – it’s now broad and flat. We fire low shots and force 4-irons without backspin towards the protected greens. The 15th turns up and we encounter a hole 300 yards long. The 16th is a short par 4 so we go for the green but are met by a wall of bunkers. The 17th goes in minus. The 18th tests tactics and courage, a dogleg right with out of bounds down the entire side. We are brave and hit low 5-irons with topspin in Mickelson class. A finish in the true spirit of Ballesteros at Bull Island. Mr J wins 1 up.
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