A MOUTH-WATERING SEASON FOR 2016 - THE DEFINITIVE VOICE OF GOLF IN IRELAND - selectmedialtd
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WIN COVER 2016 09/12/2015 12:07 Page 1
INSIDE: IRISH ON TOUR • GOLF IN IRELAND 2016
Annual Edition 2016
Price €4.95 £3.50 stg
A MOUTH-WATERING
SEASON FOR 2016
POLAND FOR CHOICE
Please keep on sale
until March 31st,2016
THE DEFINITIVE VOICE OF GOLF IN IRELAND
THE DEFINITIVE VOICE OF IRISH GOLF
foreword
Annual 2016
Publisher/Editor:
Robert Heuston
Advertising:
James Small t says much about the standards set over the last eight years that in a season
Design:
John Barrett
Production:
Emma Meade
I without a ‘Major’ 2015 comprised of many fine victories and highlights with
four different winners on the US PGA Tour, while two of the four World Golf
championship events were claimed by Irish golfers. Since 2007 no other country
with the exception of the United States can come close to our percentage wins in
the flagship events totalling nine Major Championships and three WGC triumphs
Contributors:
in that period which is impressive.
Charlie Mulqueen
The 2015 list of winners includes Padraig Harrington (Honda Classic), Shane Lowry
(WGC Bridgestone Invitational), Graeme McDowell (OHL Mayakoba Classic) and four
Philip Reid
wins from Rory McIIroy (Dubai Desert Classic, WGC–Cadillac Match Play Championship,
(Irish Times)
Wells Fargo Championship and DP World Tour Championship).
For McIIroy his ankle injury suffered during a soccer ‘kick about’ mid–season was
Greg Allen
(RTE Radio)
a key factor in him losing his status as World No. 1 (for now). The end of season
victory however in Dubai provides us with a sign that Rory is coming back to his
Declan Brennan
best form and we look forward with great anticipation to the revival of his rivalry
(Freelance)
with Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler amongst others in 2016.
There were other highlights including Amateur Paul Dunne who shocked the golf
Emma Meade
world by leading The Open Championship at St. Andrews after 54 holes and while
(Freelance)
his hopes evaporated on the Sunday he went on to claim his Tour card in November.
We hope that the Greystones man leads the charge of the new generation that will
Photography:
Alex Jackson
keep Ireland at the forefront of International golf.
Wayne Scott
The year ahead promises a mouth–watering selection of quality golf with Paul
PGA of America
McGinley, Irish Captain for the Olympic Games and Darren Clarke assuming the
Polish National Tourist Office
mantle of European Ryder Cup Captain.
TaylorMade Adidas Golf
The Olympics take place in Rio de Janeiro in August with Team Ireland likely to
Visit Scotland
be comprised from 2 of 3 from McIlroy, Lowry and McDowell in the Men’s event and
Stephanie Meadow and possibly Leona Maguire in the Ladies. Much may change in the
Front Cover Picture:
months ahead however golf’s return to the Olympics will be seen by many as a welcome
Darren Clarke – addition to the 2016 calendar.
TaylorMade Adidas Golf Hazeltine is the venue from September 30th – October 2nd when Europe and the
Poland Pictures:
United States lock horns and re–commence battle for the Samuel Ryder Trophy.
Front Cover – Sand Valley Golf
Clarke’s good friend Davis Love 111 is the rival captain and one thing for sure is that
& Country Club
the battle for places will be exciting and intense.
www.sandvalley.pl
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open heads to the K Club in May and offers a purse of
Contents – Sierra Golf Club
€4million, a 60% rise from 2015 making the event one of the highest prize funds on
www.sierra.pl
Tour. It also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Straffan venue and the
10th anniversary of Ryder Cup 2006. Looking further ahead the R&A announced
Distribution: earlier this year that Royal Portrush will host the 148th Open Championship in 2019
Easons
Newspread
which is also a significant boost for the island of Ireland.
WNS
In this edition our Travel pages visit Poland which is now firmly on the map as a leading
golf destination and has established itself as having some of the best courses in Europe.
Published by:
Also Scotland – The Home of Golf where top–class golf courses are available for visitors.
Select Media Ltd
Closer to home we explore a selection of great golf course and accommodation options
26 Clare Street,
throughout Ireland which will offer Societies and Visitors alike great value in 2016.
Dublin 2, Ireland
There is so much to appreciate about the golf courses of Ireland and we are
blessed with some of greatest designs in the world today. This issue comprises of
Tel: + 353 1 6622266 Golfing Gems including Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club, Macreddin Golf Club
Email:
in County Wicklow, Headfort Golf Club in the Royal County of Meath and the stunning
info@selectmedialtd.com
links that is Portsalon in County Donegal.
Irish Golf Review will continue to keep you fully in touch with what’s been happening
All material contained in this
in all facets of the game on an island where golf’s popularity has never been greater.
edition is copyright of Irish Golf
The team at Irish Golf Review would like to wish our readers, contributors and
Review 2015 and may not be
advertisers a Happy New Year and all the best for 2016.
reproduced or electronically
stored without the permission
Until the next time…………..
of the publisher. However items Robert Heuston
Publisher/Editor
may be freely reproduced provided
the source is acknowledged.
Irish Golf Review 3
Contents
Annual Edition 2016
Features Poland For Choice
Irish on Tour
Poland is now firmly on the map as
a leading golf destination and has
established itself as having some of
Page 42
the best golf courses in Europe.
The season past reflected many fine victories and highlights
for Irish Golfers on the European and US PGA Tours,
Page 24
writes Greg Allen (RTE Radio)
Dar Golf Construction
DAR Golf Construction is an Irish Company that specialises
2016 in Focus
in Golf Course Construction as we report in this edition of
Page 56
Irish Golf Review.
Charlie Mulqueen looks forward to a mouth–watering season
Golf in Ireland 2016
Page 28
in 2016 which includes The Olympics and Ryder Cup.
In this edition we provide a profile on a selection of leading
golf courses and accommodation providers throughout the
Page 60
provinces of Ireland.
Scotland Delights Golf Course Features
Macreddin Golf Club
Irish Golf Review explores Scotland – The Home of Golf
where top-class golf courses and quality accommodation
Page 34
await for visitors.
The spectacular Macreddin Golf Club is set within the scenic
Wicklow countryside. It was designed by Ryder Cup winning
Captain, Paul McGinley who has created a challenge for all
Page 32
golfers.
4 Irish Golf Review
Dromoland Castle Golf Portsalon Golf Club
& Country Club Portsalon Golf Club is one of
the nine founding members of
The Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club golf course on the the Golfing union of Ireland and
Dromoland Estate is a captivating test of golf, surrounded by has a proud tradition with a great
Page 54
the wonders of the Irish Countryside.
A Golfers Getaway in The
Page 72
golfing history.
Royal County
Make it your mission in 2016
Titanic Golf Club
to visit one of Ireland’s leading
parkland courses at Headfort
Golf Club in Kells, County Meath
and stay in the equally renowned
Page 74
Titanic Golf Club in Turkey offers golf lovers a very special Headfort Arms Hotel.
Subscriber Offer
experience and is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and
Page 58
the Mediterranean.
Subscribe to Irish Golf Review and have each delivered
Page 81
to your doorstep over the next 12 months.
Irish Golf Review 5
ROYAL PORTRUSH TO HOST THE OPEN IN 2019
NEWS
Royal Portrush Golf Links
he R&A has announced that The 148th Open will be played at Peter Unsworth, the Chairman of The R&A’s Championship Committee,
T Royal Portrush in 2019, marking a historic return to Northern
Ireland for golf’s oldest Championship after nearly 70 years.
The Open, which was played at Royal Portrush in 1951, when
Englishman Max Faulkner lifted the famous Claret Jug, is expected to be
the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland, generating
said: “We are very much looking forward to bringing The Open to Royal
Portrush in 2019 and believe it will be a tremendous venue for the
Championship. We know there is great anticipation throughout Ireland
at the prospect of welcoming the world’s top golfers and it promises to
be a hugely memorable week. We are delighted with the progress being
more than £70 million in terms of economic impact and destination made on the course preparations and they will undoubtedly enhance the
marketing benefit. challenge presented by these historic links.”
Northern Ireland will be at the centre of the global sporting spotlight Ryder Cup Captain Clarke said: “This is going to be absolutely huge for
from July 18th–21st, 2019, as The Open is staged outside of Scotland Northern Ireland and, indeed, Ireland as a whole. To have the world’s
and England for only the second time in the Championship’s more than biggest and best golf Championship played at such a fantastic venue as
150–year history with sports fans from throughout Ireland and around Royal Portrush, with all the passion that the Irish fans will bring to the
the world expected to descend upon the town of Portrush. event, is going to be amazing.”
Royal Portrush proved a huge success when it hosted the Irish Open in His fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, who lifted the Claret Jug at
2012, when tickets sold out on all four tournament days – a first on The Royal Liverpool in 2014, added: “Royal Portrush is one of my favourite
European Tour. golf courses in the world. I think it will be a fantastic Open venue. They
are going to add a couple of new holes to the golf course and I think
that will be a great addition and will make the course even stronger. I’m
really looking forward to it.”
Course preparations and the work to create the two new holes on the
renowned Dunluce Links are well underway. The new seventh and
eighth holes will utilise land from the adjacent Valley Course to develop
a new par five hole, playing down into the valley encompassing that
course’s sixth hole, and then a par four, playing back over its fifth hole
into some beautiful duneland. Both holes will have an immediate air of
maturity using some of the most stunning land at Royal Portrush. The
new holes will replace the current 17th and 18th holes on the Dunluce
Links, freeing up that land to be used to accommodate the Spectator
Village and Championship infrastructure.
Earlier this year the proposals were approved by the Royal Portrush
membership and the work is being overseen by Martin Ebert of Mackenzie
& Ebert the Club’s golf course architects. As well as creating two new
holes, a series of other changes are being made to the course to enhance
the challenge that will face the world’s top golfers while remaining true
to the ethos of Harry Colt’s original design.
The most significant changes will be to move the second green to
lengthen the par five hole by around 40 yards and on the current tenth
hole, which will be the 12th at The Open, to alter the line of the hole
and extend it by 50 yards. Elsewhere, the existing eighth green (the
tenth at The Open), which was not designed by Colt, will be reshaped
and several new back tees will be created.
The overall length of the course will increase by just under 200 yards
to 7,337 yards and the number of bunkers will be increased by three to
62 in total, still leaving Royal Portrush with the fewest bunkers of any
of the courses which host The Open.
The work on the Dunluce Links is due to be complete by the middle of
2016 with the two new holes being given time to grow–in ahead of the
following season.
8 Irish Golf Review
GOLF AT ROGANSTOWN
NEWS
enise McLoughlin built Swords Open Golf Course 25 years
D ago as a pay and play facility on part of the family farm at
Roganstown. In 1996 Swords Golf Club was founded and
since then Swords Golf Club has operated out of the Coillte Log Cabin
Clubhouse on Balheary Avenue.
In 2004 the family engaged Christy O’Connor Jnr. to design the
Roganstown Course on the rest of the farm and the Georgian Country
House homestead was converted to a 52 bedroom hotel, with function
rooms, restaurant, bars, and a state of the art leisure centre.
The members bar for Roganstown Golf Club is housed within the
hotel complex. Where many other clubs have been forced to curtail
their food and beverage operations due to the downturn, Roganstown
has continued to offer members food and beverage service from 7am
till late 7 days per week.
The Broadmeadow river flows through the land and water is a feature
on many holes. There are also rich gravel deposits underground at
Roganstown which means that drainage is spectacular and both
courses are playable 365 days of the year. Graeme MacDowell played
the course in November and said that the greens were among the facilities as the Roganstown Club. The Swords Golf Course will be
best he had played all year. re–routed so that the first hole on both courses will be adjacent to
Located in Swords, Co. Dublin and just four miles from Dublin one another.
Airport the courses have hosted the Irish PGA Southern Championship The combined complex will offer all members access to 2 courses,
in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and the Irish PGA Championship in 2013, and extensive practise facilities, state of the art leisure centre and clubhouse
the Roganstown Course was the first venue in Ireland to host a EuroPro facilities that will be the envy of any club.
Tour Event in 2006. There are a range of membership options with prices starting at
From January 1st it has been decided to close the Swords Clubhouse just €800. For more information drop in to see for yourself or call
and re–house the Swords Golf Club members in the same clubhouse Orla on Tel: 01-8409819 or Elaine on Tel: 01-8432360.
10 Irish Golf ReviewMALAHIDE GOLF CLUB – KELLOGG’S ALL–IRELAND
NEWS
MOTHER AND SON STROKES COMPETITION
alahide Golf Club proudly hosted its Annual All–Ireland This year the event was won by Sue Reynolds
M Mother and Son Strokes Competition, which was once
again kindly sponsored by Kellogg’s Nuti–Grain.
The event now in its twenty–second year has a rich and proud
(Corrstown GC) and Mark Reynolds (Balbriggan
GC) with a Nett 65 Score; in second place
was Maire O’Flynn and Neil O’Flynn (Clontarf
history and past winners include Padraig Harrington and his mother. GC) and in third place were Claire and Paul
Word is that it was his mother’s score on the day that won them Coogan (Malahide GC), only separated by their
the trophy! respective back nine scores.
Over forty different golf clubs from across Ireland were represented Jim McNeill from Kellogg’s was on hand to present the prizes,
24th DUNMORE EAST GOLF CLASSIC
in the event. On the day all entrants received Kellogg’s goodie supported by Captains Paul Tomsett and Rose Clarke.
bags, full of various items including the ever popular Nutri–grain For further information please visit the following website
bars to keep competitors sustained over the course. www.malahidegolfclub.ie
APRIL 25th–28th,2016 www.discoverdunmore.com
Royal Portrush
Waterford Castle Golf Club From €399.00 enjoy a five night stay in picturesque Dunmore East,
four days of competitive golf and four sumptuous evening meals.
Over the years the Dunmore East Golf classic has established itself as
the No 1 event of its kind in Ireland. Played over 4 top class golf courses
which will both challenge and delight our competitors, the beautiful
seaside village of Dunmore East with its renowned restaurants, cafes and
bars provides the perfect backdrop to a wonderful few days that for
many truly marks the start of Summer.
Over the years we have put in place the procedures which result in a
smooth and efficiently ran competition over four days. As well as the
Overall Winners prizes we also reward the following categories – Best
Overseas, Best Irish, Best Ladies, Best Gents and Best Mixed.
Players will also contest a Single Stableford Competition on each
course each day and the Charlie Boland Perpetual Memorial Trophy will
be presented for best overall performance. All prizes are pieces of the
world–renowned Waterford Crystal with a total value this year of
€10,000.
The number of teams that return to us year after year is testimony to
the unique welcome and hospitality offered to both our Irish and
overseas visitors. This welcome is open to all our friends old and
new and we hope you avail of the great value this fantastic event
he Dunmore East Golf Classic April 25th – 28th, 2016 is now in offers.
T its 24th Year. The Classic has hosted thousands of golfers over the
last 23 years. It is a 4 person team event played over 4 superb
golf courses in the sunny south east of Ireland. The golf courses are
Please see our website www.discoverdunmore.com
You can register on–line or contact Kim Judge on
Tel: 00353 (0) 87 955 0349
Waterford Castle Golf Club, Waterford Golf Club, Faithlegg Golf Club Email: kimjudge@discoverdunmore.com
and Dunmore East Golf Club. Book early to avoid disappointment.
12 Irish Golf ReviewCOMMERCIAL FEATURE
ARDS & NORTH DOWN
HOME TO IRELAND’S OLDEST GOLF CLUB AND WORLD
STAR– RORY McILROY
Save €€€€s this year and golf in Ards & North
Down, Northern Ireland, this season. Steeped in
golfing history and first class courses, from
parkland to links, we have courses to suit all!
Photo: Kirkistown Castle
ory McIlroy declared Northern Ireland, “the golfing capital of the
R world” and with three major winning golfers from these shores
over the past few years who could argue!. Ards and North Down,
with Bangor and Newtownards the two main towns, is located on the
North East corner of Northern Ireland and conveniently on Belfast’s stunning scenery including views of Belfast & Strangford Lough’s and
doorstep. even Scotland what more could you ask for?
The area has a proud golfing tradition, long preceding even Rory’s exploits, With green fees starting from as little as €25 and a special tourism
with golf dating back over 125 years when The Royal Belfast Golf Club discount off your green fee at most clubs, it is now even more attractive
became Ireland’s first, in 1881. Since these early days the fine clubs and to play golf here.
courses, all within a short and accessible distance of each other, have Award winning accommodation ranges from 5* luxury to affordable
continued this tradition. B&B’s, Guest Houses and Self–Catering, with many offering golfers special
Courses designed by names such as H.S. Colt, James Braid and Peter deals. Award–winning cuisine, from fine dining to gastro pub, will answer
Alliss sum up the quality on offer. Quality that has seen five of the clubs, the appetite built up on the fairways and coupled with the best craic and
The Royal Belfast, Bangor, Clandeboye, Kirkistown Castle and Rory’s own nightlife on offer, Ards & North Down really is the perfect destination for
club, Holywood, awarded the “Quality Assurance” stamp by Tourism Northern your next golfing break.
Ireland, an award only held by 25 clubs in the North. For further information on golf in the area contact:
Many of our finest golfers have emerged from these fairways and greens Bangor Visitor Information Centre: T: +44 28 9127 0069
including Ryder Cup and Walker Cup players Norman Drew, Garth McGimpsey E: bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
MBE, David Feherty and of course world number one McIlroy. Ards Visitor Information Centre T: +44 28 9182 6846
A short drive north, only 11/2 hours from Dublin, Ards & North Down is E: ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
ideally located for the perfect golfing break. With its 13 diverse courses, www.visitardsandnorthdown.com
Irish Golf Review 132nd BOYNE VALLEY GOLF CLASSIC
NEWS
AUGUST 12th–14th,2016
Royal Tara Golf Club
www.rathcoregolfandcountryclub.com
www.knightsbrook.com
Rathcore Golf and Country Club
www.royaltaragolfclub.com
eath/Boyne Valley Tourism in conjunction with Knightsbrook Knightsbrook
M Golf Resort, Royal Tara Golf Club and Rathcore Golf and
Country Club announce the 2nd Boyne Valley Golf Classic which
will be held from Friday August 12th to Sunday August 14th, 2016.
This unique golfing opportunity offers golfers from around the
world the opportunity to visit one of the most historical areas of
Ireland. The Boyne Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations entrants have the opportunity to test their golf skills on three fantastic
in Europe and Irish and overseas visitors are ensured a warm, royal courses and compete each day for prizes for Nearest the Pin and the
welcome with top class hospitality in the heart of Meath, Ireland’s Longest Drive competition. The total prize fund this year will be in
Royal County. excess of €3,000.
As well as areas of immense historical value the Boyne Valley also There are three outstanding value packages available for golfers
boasts the finest golf courses in the country and three of those exceptional with a three night B&B stay at Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf
parkland courses have again joined forces to offer golfers of all levels Resort, one gala dinner and three rounds of golf for just €360pp
the opportunity to visit the north-east, stay in one of the country’s (£255pp). There is also a golf only package for just €149, and a
leading four-star hotels and compete for the title of Boyne Valley Members Offer at €109 both of which include the gala dinner.
Golf Classic champion 2016. One or two night packages are also available.
The classic format will be a four person team event played on the BOOKING DETAILS
three courses over the three days, with a shotgun start on the final Play & Stay: Tel. 00 353 0(46) 948 2100 to book or check
day. Stable ford scoring with two scores to count on each hole. website: www.knightsbrook.com
The winning–team will pocket a €1,000 voucher as well as being Golf Only: Tel: 00 353 0(46) 9025508 to book or check website:
CASSIDY GOLF CELEBRATES
presented with the Boyne Valley Golf Classic Perpetual Trophy. All www.royaltaragolfclub.com
30 YEARS IN BUSINESS
GOLFING HOLIDAYS ARE FIRMLY BACK ON THE
AGENDA FOR THE IRISH!
Golf clubs and societies and smaller groups of avid golfers are travelling
the world with Cassidy Golf so far this year, and bookings are up 30% year
on year, in a year which coincidentally has seen Cassidy Travel’s 30th year
in business.
Cassidy Golf can attribute its continuing success in golfing holidays to
the fact that its staff know Golf, golfers needs... And with the choice of
holidays it offers worldwide – to destinations such as Argentina, South
Africa, and Thailand as well as the USA and Europe - golfers will be
spoilt for choice both for this Winter – Spring and Summer Golf 2016.
Cassidy Golf can offer groups a combination of elements needed to run
a successful trip – whether you are looking for an all-inclusive package
including flights, transfers, hotels, special nights out, and golf hire, or any
elements of these to suit you.
Cassidy Golf can also organise trips to Golfing Events and also participatory
Pro–Ams. The choice is yours. Cassidy Golf’s long term partnerships with
golf hotels and golf
clubs worldwide will
guarantee that you get
the best prices – as well
as the best golfing
advice for your golf trip!
Call the Team at
Cassidy Golf now on
Tel: 0818 332535 or
www.cassidygolf.ie
14 Irish Golf ReviewATHLONE GOLF CLUB EDEL CUSTOM BUILT
NEWS
A LONG HISTORY OF GOLFING EXCELLENCE
PUTTERS AND WEDGES
NOW AVAILABLE IN IRELAND
www.athlonegolfclub.ie
thlone Golf Club has been serving visitors to Athlone for
A almost 125 years. The course itself is recognised as being
amongst the leading Golf Courses in Ireland. This beautiful
championship course is situated on the magnificent Shannon Erne
Waterway which makes up the most extensive inland waterway in
Ireland and Britain. The challenging course occupies the magnificent
Hodson Bay peninsula and is surrounded by Hodson Bay on its southern
shores and Bally Bay to the north. WHAT IS A PUTTER?
The course has undergone major upkeep and development in recent David Edel, founder, owner and guiding spirit of the Austin, Texas–based
years. The carefully manicured greens have been highly praised. The Edel Golf has an answer satisfying to both the soul and the mind. “A putter
beauty of the course is that every hole is very different. The Esker is a motion system and an alignment system,” says Edel. “Everyone should
landform which snakes its way along the centre of the course ensures figure out first what type of putter they can aim correctly, and then figure
a natural landscape formed in the Ice Age. out the motion. Those are the two criteria everyone should evaluate a putter on.”
With its undulating fairways and stunning views of the lake, you Custom built putters fitted to how you aim are at last now available
could play it 100 times and each time would be a new experience. throughout Europe and in Ireland through Andrew Norrby after he underwent
training in July 2015 at Brockett Hall under the watchful eye of Edel golf's
From the medal tees the course is a great challenge and any golfer
Master Fitter Bobby Dean.
who plays to their handicap should be well pleased with their game.
Andrew has been training in recent years with some of the foremost
The 'Lough Ree Challenge Course' is becoming extremely popular
names in putting including Mark Sweeney and Jamie Donnaldson from
and appeals to those who are looking for fun and are in with a
AimPoint, Dr Craig Farnsworth aka The Putt Doctor and Andrew Rice.
chance of a good score.
Andrew's Edel fitting system is highly portable and he is travelling throughout
The adjacent Hodsons Pillar is considered by many to be the centre the country offering fitting days to clubs or individuals. Andrew will be
of Ireland. Therefore Athlone Golf Club occupies a central and uniquely arranging fitting days throughout Ireland in 2016. Clubs, individuals and
accessible location. The Club is only minutes from Athlone Town and PGA members should contact him to book a date for their venue.
visitors may access the course from via the M4/M6 motorways. If you'd like to know more contact Andrew on Tel: (+44) 07740973180
For further information Tel: 090 6492073, or email:andrewnorrby@hotmail.com, you can also follow @anorrby
Email:athlonegolfclub@gmail.com or visit www.athlonegolfclub.ie on Twitter and @edelgolfEU
16 Irish Golf ReviewCASSIDY GOLF CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS...
Golfing holidays are firmly back on the agenda for the Irish!
olf clubs and societies and smaller We at Cassidy Golf believe our customers are resort and will Include 3 green fees on the
G groups of avid golfers are travelling
the world with Cassidy Golf so far
this year, and bookings are up 30% year on
our number one priority and we pride ourselves
on our customer service, from the minute your
call or email is answered until you arrive back
Troia course, to be in with a chance of
winning please answer the following very
difficult question and send your answers
year, in a year which coincidentally has seen from your trip we are here to help. If there is a by email to info@cassidygolf.com
Cassidy Travel’s 30th year in business. particular country or a resort you are looking Closing date for the competition will be
Cassidy Golf can attribute its continuing for and we do not have it advertised on our 31st January 2016, a name will be drawn
success in golfing holidays to the fact that website please contact the team, just because its at random and the winner notified in due
its staff know Golf, golfers needs. not there does not mean we cannot source rates course, one entry per person.
And with the choice of holidays it offers for you. We now also offer 24/7 assistance
worldwide – to destinations such as Argentina, should you ever encounter a problem in resort, Which Irishman will captain the
South Africa, and Thailand as well as the
call our emergency mobile number where there European Ryder cup team in 2016?
USA and Europe-golfers will be spoilt for
will always be someone there to assist you. We
choice both for this Winter – Spring and Prize Includes: Hotel & Golf only
also believe that as well as having the best
Summer Golf 2016.
service we also have the most competitive Not included: Flights, transfers or Insurance
Cassidy Golf can offer groups a combination
deals around and if not let us know and we
of elements needed to run a successful trip –
will try and price match thus ensuring you Cassidy Golf’s long term partnerships with
whether you are looking for an all-inclusive
get the best deal possible. We look forward golf hotels and golf clubs worldwide will
package including flights, transfers, hotels,
special nights out, and golf hire, or any to hearing from you in the future guarantee that you get the best prices – as
elements of these to suit you. To celebrate our 30 years in Business we well as the best golfing advice for your golf
Cassidy Golf can also organise trips to would like to offer a Golf break in the Lisbon trip!
Golfing Events such as the Open, Masters, area in conjunction with our partner the
Players championship the Ryder cup and Algarve Tourist Board, the winner will Call the Team at Cassidy Golf now on
many more.... The choice is yours. receive 4 nights in the Fabulous Troia Golf Tel: 0818 332535 or www.cassidygolf.ie1st WILD ATLANTIC WAY CHAMPIONSHIP CUP
NEWS
A MASSIVE SUCCESS
unday 8th November saw the inaugural Wild Atlantic Way
S Championship Cup take place at Connemara Championship Golf
Links. All the golf clubs along the Wild Atlantic Way Route had
been contacted by Club President Michael Moran and invited to take part
with 22 teams braving the elements to play in the event. The competition
was a mixed 4 ball scramble, which proved very popular with all the
teams involved. The first group started at 9am under some wet and
windy conditions but as the morning continued the weather improved
and by late morning all rain had cleared and blue sky appeared. The
wind remained, but what would a Wild Atlantic Challenge be without a
little wind. Connemara Isles were the winning team and proved they
were no strangers to the elements. After an eagle on the first hole, they
felt it was going to be their day but it was a case of hard graft and pars Pictured at the prize giving which took place in the Abbeyglen Castle
that brought them home. Although it took them till the 14th to get a Hotel, Clifden are Connemara Golf Links Lady Captain Colette McGrath,
winning team players Micheal O’ Domhnall, Peadar O’ Flatharta, Team
birdie, they never dropped a shot all round with a final score of 62.1 nett.
Captain Liam O’ Maolaodha, Connemara Golf Links President Michael
The team were made of Peadar O’Flatharta 14, Micheal O’Domhnall 17, Moran and Captain Brian Hughes. Missing is team player Sean Seoige
Sean Seoige 10 and Liam O’Maolaodha 8. who started them on their winning way by chipping in for an eagle on
The fun continued in the Clubhouse Bar with live music from Ciaran the first hole, 22 teams took part in the event which is scheduled to take
Storey & Mike Corbett members of The Good Hustle, Galway and Carmel place again next year on Sunday, November 6th, 2016 at the Connemara
Championship Golf Links.
Dempsey, a regular performer in Clifden. The party didn’t finish in the
clubhouse bar; all entrants were shuttled into The Abbeyglen Castle Connemara Golf Links host the event again, with more prizes, music,
Hotel, Clifden for a champagne reception and prize presentation, followed food, fun and perhaps a little wind.
by a 3 course meal. The party then moved downstairs where the music If your club is on The Wild Atlantic Way route and you would be
continued, until the early hours. The day and night proved to be a great interested in taking part in next year’s event please contact us at
CLUB CHOICE EXPANDS
success, with wonderful complements from all participants, so much so, a Connemara Championship Golf Links on (095) 23502 or via email:
date has been selected for next year. Sunday, November 6th, 2016 will see proshop@connemaragolflinks.net.
GOLF EVENTS FOR 2016
ollowing the success of their two sold out events in 2015 (The
F Gourmet Golf Classic & The UK Pro-Am Challenge), Club Choice
Ireland have extended their Events Calendar for 2016 by adding
three new and unique tournaments which are open to both Irish &
UK participants.
The first event begins on US Masters Sunday, 10th April, at Knightsbrook
Golf Resort in Trim and is a Senior Mixed Pairs format over 3 days.
Their second event is a Senior Gents tournament based in the medieval
city of Kilkenny from the 23rd May. And the last of their new events
is a Ladies Classic hosted by Mount Wolseley Resort in Carlow from
the 5th June.
The trio of events are also being sponsored by Stena Line Ferries.
Club Choice Ireland MD, Tiernan Byrne said “The positive reaction
we received from the two events in 2015 gave us the confidence to
expand and grow this side of our business. We’re really very excited
about these new events and our sponsorship agreement with Stena
Line is the icing on the cake.”
EVENTS:
April 10th: Stena Line Senior
Mixed Pairs
May 23rd: Stena Line Seniors Open
June 5th: Stena Line Ladies Classic
For more information check out
www.clubchoiceireland.com/events
email: info@clubchoiceireland.com
or call 01 8011490.
18 Irish Golf ReviewPOWERSCOURT GOLF CLUB
NEWS
estled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains and surrounded As well as world accolade–winning Gardens, the Waterfall and
N by breath–taking views, you will not find many places in
the world like Powerscourt Golf Club, only 30 minutes from
Dublin airport, you feel like you have entered a different world.
Garden Pavilion the estate also boasts the beautiful Powerscourt
Hotel Resort & Spa which offers five star luxury just a stone’s
throw from the club and has excellent golfers packages available.
The two championship golf courses are situated among the truly Powerscourt welcomes visitors all year round and has some great
magnificent Powerscourt Estate which is home to 1,000 acres of what value packages available – to book a round of golf, or to make a
needs to be seen to be believed. Powerscourt is everything that symbolises group enquiry contact:
Ireland’s natural beauty. Powerscourt Golf Club, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.
The spectacular scenery and facilities have an immediate draw Tel: (01) 204 6033 Email: golf.shop@powerscourt.net
and it’s not difficult to see why Powerscourt is so highly–regarded Web: www.powerscourtgolfclub.com
among golfers. The professional maintenance and conditioning of
the courses means that full greens are in operation all year-round,
allowing you to enjoy championship quality golf every time you
play.
Groups and societies are always welcome at Powerscourt. Unlike
many clubs, they can offer groups availability at weekends with a
choice of great tee times and two championship courses.
Powerscourt are renowned for hosting large corporate & society
events, with excellent courses, clubhouse and catering facilities and
the staff at the club are always welcoming and will make sure your
event is a success.
Irish Golf Review 19EXCLUSIVE GOLFING HOLIDAY DEALS
NEWS
AT HOLIDAY WORLD SHOW DUBLIN 2016 Of particular interest to golfing fanatics will be the Turkish Airlines
and Go Turkey exhibition stand which will showcase holidays to Antalya
with Agne Tours. Some of the world’s most beautiful courses are located
in Antalya, including the Montgomerie Maxx Royal venue for the
recent Turkish Airlines Open. For those who decide to book a golfing
holiday to Turkey, Turkish Airlines are also offering to carry your golf
equipment for free.
The annual Holiday World Show is ‘the’ travel show to learn of new
trends and ideas and allows visitors the opportunity to plan their holiday
with confidence, offering a huge range of options. With numerous Holiday
World Show only deals available, this is the ideal opportunity to book a
holiday and see the world without breaking the bank.
With over 50 countries represented, almost 1,000 travel and tourism
professionals will be ready to give advice and detailed, expert information
on how to make the most of a holiday and how to get the best value.
Instead of trawling through endless confusing websites, the experts on
hand at the show will be able to give one-to-one guidance and the
he Holiday World Show, taking place in the RDS Simmonscourt
T from January 22nd – 24th, 2016, is the must visit event for all
golf enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the delights of the World’s
finest golf courses while availing of first class advice from Irish travel
information that visitors need to ensure a terrific holiday that’s best
suited to them.
Holiday World Show 2016 will again host the free ‘Eoghan Corry Travel
Summit in association with Dublin Airport’ facilitated by renowned
professionals who specialise in golf holidays. travel journalist Eoghan Corry where leading industry experts will give
Showcasing the best in Spanish golf facilities will be Alicante, Costa talks and answer visitors’ questions on topics such as Golf Holidays,
Brava, Costa Daurada, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Majorca, Cruises, Solo Holidays and Exotic Destinations, as well as Home Holidays.
Murcia and Tenerife. Portugal will be represented by the Algarve. Along These informative and enjoyable seminars prove hugely popular with
with Ireland’s finest courses, other world class courses on exhibit include visitors every year.
Cyprus, Morocco, Thailand and the USA giving visitors the inside track For up–to–date information on Holiday World Show 2016 visit the
PLAY THE SOUTH EAST OR EAST
on the world’s best golf retreats. website www.holidayworldshow.com
FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
nd here’s why, we have been organising away golfing breaks
A for Irish golf groups for 25 years. We offer you a choice of 20
hotels and self-catering, 30 golf courses and superb restaurants
in Counties Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Meath, Laois,
Louth and Dublin.
You can Tailor Make your golf break in discussions with us,
from top hotels and flagship courses to lesser known places you
will be surprised at their quality and value. Whether your group
is 2 or 50 in number, whether you are young or older, you decide
if you want town centre action or out of town tranquillity?
Why waste time checking availability etc for your golf break options
when one call to us can do it all for you, we guarantee you a
QUOTE within 3 days. And we have some of Ireland’s great Bars
and Restaurants we can book for you also.
For further information contact Larry Byrne on
Mobile Tel: 086 2537539 Email: info@golfsoutheast.ie
Web: www.golfsoutheast.ie
20 Irish Golf ReviewLINKS GOLF IRELAND
COMMERCIAL FEATURE
Making your dream trip to The Masters a reality.
he first major of 2016 is already in our thoughts and following
T Rory’s recent return to form we are hopeful he can get the job
done at Augusta National.
You can’t help but imagine what it would be like to be there at Augusta.
That bucket list dream is something you achieve with the help of specialist
tour operator Links Golf Ireland.
There are 7 days to experience The Masters from the practice days of
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday to the tournament days of Thursday to
Sunday. Each day is equally in demand with the cost of a trip increasing
as the week progresses. Although you can be very fortunate and get
practice rounds tickets through a lottery system, the process of securing have the opportunity to pay a deposit and start putting funds away for
tickets is more of a guaranteed process if buying a packaged trip with a the trip of a lifetime. A lot of people will venture to the event for
reputable company. 2-3 days and combine their experience with a family holiday or golf
Why do people love this event so much? Once you get inside you will with some buddies at some of the fine nearby resorts such as Kiawah
feel giddy with excitement. There are so many great spots to view the Island.
golf. The concessions are inexpensive and everything is wrapped in In 2016 Links Golf Ireland embark on an epic Masters adventure with
green packaging to blend in with the surface in case they are discarded. legendary Irish golfer Christy O’Connor Jnr who will escort a group of 40
Attention to detail inside Augusta is precious. for a 5 night trip including Friday and Sunday at The Masters and golf
The pro shop is the only authorized place you can purchase Masters days on the Thursday and Saturday. Due to over-subscription of this
memorabilia. All Masters logo items are so popular that guests will particular trip they plan to take a group of 80-100 to the 2017 Masters
save empty packaging and you will even see people take the nice plastic with an objective of making the trip as affordable as possible. Demand
beer cups from bins. Phones are not permitted inside Augusta and will for this will be strong judging by the 2016 interest. With such a strong
be confiscated by the tight security on entry but on the practice days field of Irish golfers expected to play and Rory chasing his green jacket,
(Mon to Wed) you can take a traditional or digital camera in and enjoy the demand to step on the turf of this Bobby Jones masterpiece will be
great freedom to take pictures and see the players in a relaxed atmosphere. there come April 2016.
If you are serious about going to The Masters you should really be For further information go to www.LinksGolf-Ireland.com or
getting organized in April of the year prior to travel. That way you will email: Gar@LinksGolf-Ireland.com. Tel: 01-883-1940.
Irish Golf Review 21COMMERCIAL FEATURE
ATLANTIC COAST CHALLENGE 2016
Award– Winning European Golf Destination, The North West of Ireland announces,
6th year for Atlantic Coast Challenge Competition with an increased €6000 Prize
Fund. Carne Golf Links / Enniscrone / Co. Sligo (Rosses Point).
Enniscrone Golf Links
ponsored by Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone, The North & West Many teams from 2015 are returning and have already booked in for
S Coast Links is again the venue for the Atlantic Coast Challenge
which takes place on July 4th, 5th & 6th 2016 at Carne Golf Links,
Enniscrone Golf Club & County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point). These
our 2016 event to try their luck again and we expect a bigger turnout
in 2016. All three courses are along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way:
starting in Rosses Point on a spectacular peninsula on the outskirts of
links courses offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sligo town; meandering along a picturesque network of hedgerows
North West of Ireland making them deserving winners of the prestige lanes and the infamous North Coast drive to the surfing village, which
International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) “European Golf is home of Enniscrone Golf Club; the final destination is the most
Destination of the Year 2011” award at a ceremony held in Valencia, Spain westerly golf course in Ireland at Carne located just outside the bustling
in late 2010. The entry fee of €139 offers a huge discount on the normal seaside town of Belmullet in Co Mayo.
cost of playing on these pristine fairways and attracts teams from across The Atlantic Coast Challenge is a joint venture between the three
the globe. clubs of Carne, Enniscrone & County Sligo Golf Club.
The three day festival offers links golfers a great opportunity to play The 3 clubs came together to promote a new event that in its first year
“This competition offers the avid golfer a chance to experience three of the
on three of the least played top class courses in Ireland. The event had proved its worth and provided a well–needed boast to the local tourism
best links courses in the World, during the height of summer, when these
courses are at their very best” – David O’Donovan, County Sligo Golf Club
offers individual and team prizes. Those who have been lucky enough and hotel sector in the North West. The event alone has attracted teams
to visit the North West, are aware that the appeal of the area lies not from Spain/UK/France/USA/Australia/Scotland & Ireland and will firmly
only in the quality golf product, but in the value & quality of the be placed on the golfing yearly calendar.
complete package – first class accommodation, restaurants, lively bars,
EARLY BIRD RATE OF €125 IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 31st DECEMBER.
stunning scenery, value for money, and genuine hospitality. Given the
unique product that is links golf, the West and North West of Ireland is For bookings please Contact: Mary Walsh Carne Golf Links at
the ideal destination for today’s golf enthusiast, offering a world class, email: info@carnegolflinks.com or 00353-97-82292.
value for money destination. All the clubs are positioned on the Wild County Sligo Golf Club
Atlantic Way.
David O’Donovan, General Manager of County Sligo Golf Club said
“We are offering a huge prize fund of €6000 and our title sponsors The
Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone are on board again this year. This
competition offers the avid golfer a chance to experience three of the
best links courses in the World, during the height of summer, when these
courses are at their very best. We are lucky that the local communities
surrounding our courses offer true Irish hospitality and a top quality
experience. We are delighted that we had international entries from
Spain to USA to Australia that took part in our 2015 event, our 2015
event was our biggest to date with 122 teams taking part.
22 Irish Golf ReviewIRISH ON TOUR
IRISH ON TOUR
The season past included many fine victories and highlights for Irish Golfers on
the European and US PGA Tours, writes Greg Allen (RTE Radio).
Rory McIIroy
t says something about the standards which have Starting the back nine in the final round four shots
I been set in the last eight years that in a rare season
without an Irish major victory, it was still a very
successful 2015 with four different Irish winners on
off the lead, Harrington made a move at a time when
many expected him to fall away.
This time though, he made birdies when he needed
the PGA Tour in America, while two of the four World them to take a one shot advantage with two holes to
Golf championship events were won by players from play only to strike a shocking 5 iron into the lake to
this island. the right of the 17th green. The resultant double bogey
This is the reality of Ireland’s position in the game dropped him one behind the young American Daniel
right now. No country in the world outside of the Berger.
United States can come close to the win percentage Facing a birdie opportunity on the par five final
in majors enjoyed by Irish players in the last nine hole, Harrington’s caddy Ronan Flood said to him on
seasons, a period which has yielded no fewer than the 18th tee: “ You know it’s not over. We could birdie
nine major championship successes and three WGC down the last and we’re in a play–off. You’d have
triumphs. taken this situation at the start of the week. Let’s go
Those victories have been spread around five Irish and do it”.
players with 26–year–old Rory McIlroy and 28 year– The words were both inspiring and prophetic. When
old Shane Lowry in a position, age–wise at the very Harrington rolled in a 15–foot putt to take the tournament
least, to keep the run going for some time yet. to sudden death extra holes, he faced exactly the tee
The man who was the architect of the building of shot on the watery par three 17th that had almost
the new golden era, Padraig Harrington, began the undone his challenge in regulation play. This time
run of Irish success in the USA this year with his though, he hit one of the purest shots of his life, a
Honda Classic win in late February. three–quarter five–iron which rested just four feet
It was utterly a bolt from the blue, although a from the cup. After Berger missed the green, Harrington
tournament win near the end of 2014 did feed into had two from there to win and he duly did just that.
the confidence he showed on the final day at Palm The success was one he savoured like few before,
Beach Gardens as the tournament literally spilled into outside of his major victories.”It’s not about what it
Monday following a rain–soaked weekend in Florida. means to my career or what it means going forward.
24 Irish Golf ReviewIRISH ON TOUR
The one thing you learn is you don’t win as often first three events, a run which also included a strong
as you think so I’m going to enjoy this one”. 8th place finish in the Players Championship.
He also revealed that the lean winless period in But his engine was running on fumes at the BMW
America since 2008 had taken a toll.”There’ve been Championship at Wentworth where his second round
low points since then, when I was very much in the 78 saw him miss the cut while the following week
penthouse. I wasn’t quite down to the doghouse, but at the Irish Open in Royal County Down, he opened
not far away from it,” he said ruefully afterwards. with a disastrous 9 over par 80 to again miss the
That win by Harrington aside, the first half of 2015 weekend by a distance in a tournament he hosted
saw Rory McIlroy appear to pick up just as he had to great beneficial effect.
left off in 2014, a year which saw him win back The formline was beginning to run thin until the
to back majors to take his career tally to four. final round of the US Open at Chambers Bay in
McIlroy’s first tournament outing in January saw Seattle where a late spectacular run for the title
him shoot a final round 66 in Abu Dhabi to finish ended with a couple of missed short putts from
in second place by a stroke behind the unheralded inside five feet on the 14th and 15th greens.
French player Gary Stal. He tied for 9th place with a final round 66 and
Two weeks later though, it was back to the winners unbeknownst to him at that point, it was to be his
circle for McIlroy as he claimed victory in the Dubai last competitive round for two months, right in the
Desert Classic on 22 under par. fillet of the majors season.
That was the beginning of a stretch of strong form His now well–documented ankle injury suffered
over the next eight tournaments, which included during a soccer ‘kick about’ with friends in early
two other victories at the World Matchplay in San July, brought the momentum generated in the early
Francisco and the Wells Fargo Championship in part of the year to a shuddering halt.
North Carolina. The ruptured ligament forced him to miss the
The World Matchplay win saw McIlroy deliver Scottish Open, the Open at St Andrews and the WGC
some serious grinding victories over Billy Horschel Bridgestone Invitational. In the latter two events he
(2 down with 2 to play) and over Jim Furyk (2 down was due to defend his title.
with 3 to play) before a relatively stress–free 4 & 2 He spent the week of the Bridgestone 3,800 miles
success over Gary Woodland in the final. away in the Algarve in Portugal where he played
Grinding out results has not often been one of on four consecutive days to test the fitness of his
McIlroy’s strengths but the manner of his 2014 still–recovering ankle.
US PGA Championship triumph where he came from He decided to give the defence of his US PGA title
three off the lead with nine to play, to win in darkness a try the following week and while it was a decent
on the 18th hole in Valhalla, was real evidence that effort to finish on 9 under par and in a share of
he possesses the required mental resourcefulness not 17th position, there was no mistaking the sense of a
always associated with his other more obvious ball– lost season in the majors.
striking talents. “It won’t be a year that I will look back on at the
A couple of weeks after the Matchplay win, he end of my career,” he admitted at Whistling Straits.
was back to his dominating best, blowing away the “Missing arguably the biggest tournament that we
field in the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow have, the Open at St. Andrews which only comes
by seven shots – a victory helped in no small part by around once every five years – having to sit that
a brilliant third round of 61. one out, that was one of the big disappointing moments.”
What happened from there on though, through the He made those comments before his victory in the
summer, would challenge him in a way he could season–ending European Tour Championship in
not have predicted. An ambitious attempt to play Dubai, which offered some real promise of a return
five weeks–in–a–row had yielded two wins from the to his best form in 2016.
Padraig Harrington
Irish Golf Review 25IRISH ON TOUR
Graeme McDowell Two months later, he found himself two off the
lead entering the final round of the WGC Bridgestone
Invitational and when he reached the 10th hole on
Sunday, he found an unlikely and also somewhat
fortunate tap–in birdie from the trees to take a two
stroke lead.
The par–save from twenty feet on the 14th “was
massive” he admitted and the birdie on the 18th was
the kind of stroke–of–luck that seemed to reinforce
the feeling within him that destiny played a part.
Having pulled his drive long and left into trees, he
caught a lie that was in a small depression. When he
went at it with a sandwedge, the ball came out lower
than he had hoped but as it dropped apparently
short of the green, it caught a tree–limb and bounced
benignly forward onto the putting surface, settling 12
feet from the hole. Needing two to get down and
win, he holed the putt for a dramatic two stroke
success – a first prize of €1.45 million, and enough
world ranking points to lift him to his highest ever
ranking of 19th.
“I think this is going to give me the confidence,
hopefully, to drive on and win more events and
hopefully the floodgates will open,” he commented
afterwards. “To shoot 11 under par on this course
His putting touch, which was poor by his standards just shows a lot about my game – that it’s good
on his comeback from injury in August, showed enough to compete at this level,” he concluded.
signs of returning in that season–ending event and Graeme McDowell’s year which had started promisingly
it greatly encouraged him as he attempts to climb on the Desert Swing, was heading towards the
from his year–end ranking of 3rd up to World No 1 territory of losing his playing rights in the US,
again. until he sprung out of the pack to win the OHL
“I know if I can putt like this and I can putt like Mayakoba Classic in November.
this regularly, then this is what will happen”, he said Like Lowry’s win in Akron, the victory featured a
after his final round 66 to post 22 under in Dubai, dramatic conclusion, this time in a three–way play–
“I’m really appreciating the perks of this victory, like getting into the Masters,
which tied his lowest 72 hole total of the season. off against Jason Bohn and Scotland’s Russell Knox.
the Players, things that were question marks on my schedule at the start of
the year” – Graeme McDowell
McIlroy’s Matchplay victory in Harding Park was On the first play–off hole, the 18th, McDowell hit
the first of two World Golf Championship successes the shortest drive off the tee but then struck “as good a
by Irish players in 2016. The other one in August five iron as I could hit” to 3 feet from the hole for
was a bit of a bolter to say the least and provided the birdie which won him his first PGA tour title in
one of most dramatic conclusions on the PGA Tour 31 months and his first success of any kind on tour
all season. since the 2014 French Open.
Shane Lowry’s year had been steady enough but “I’m really appreciating the perks of this victory,
without a real spark until the PGA Championship in like getting into the Masters, the Players, things that
Wentworth in late May. His love of the West course, were question marks on my schedule at the start of
evidenced by his top four in 2011, helped him to a fine the year,” he said afterwards with more than a small
6th place finish in spite of putting that was really no sense of relief that a bittersweet year, in which his new
better than average. family had clearly become a priority in his life, had
But the quality of his long game and tidiness come to a suitably upbeat conclusion.
around the greens at Wentworth where he went There were other highlights of the year, like the two
three consecutive rounds without a bogey, was pronged Irish challenge in the Open Championship
encouraging for the season’s ultimate test of grinding at St Andrews where amateur Paul Dunne shocked
– the US Open which was held on Irish–style links the world to share the lead after three rounds while
turf at Chambers Bay, near Seattle in the Pacific North Harrington then led jointly with 13 holes to play.
West. But the four separate victories of Ireland’s elite
From his opening tee shot through to Sunday’s closing players on the PGA Tour was a ‘first’ that marks
71, Lowry found himself in the territory of being in the year down as unique, even in the recent history
contention, albeit as an outside challenger, all the of great success for Irish golfers world–wide.
way to Sunday. His ninth place finish was an And with Dunne claiming his European Tour card
experience rich in what he needed – the sense that in November there are signs that the new generation
he belonged not just in the world’s elite top 50 but have been suitably inspired to keep Ireland at, or near
that he was on the cusp of a serious breakthrough. the top of world golf, for some time to come.
26 Irish Golf ReviewYou can also read
