Michael Solender’s seven-page feature on his Carr Golf trip to play Links golf in Ireland. The feature appears in the January 2017 issue of SouthPark Magazine.

Read the full article here

 

“The northwest of Ireland has several of the most dramatic ‘must play’ golf destinations in the world including Enniscrone Golf Club,  Carne Golf Links and Rosses Point,” says Sean Benville, Carr Golf travel expert.  “It also features one of the great options anywhere for luxurious accommodations in County Mayo’s Mount Falcon Estate. A recent client in a group of six golfers was so wowed by the stay there he is returning next year with his family.”

The elegant Victorian manor house features 32 guestrooms and resides peacefully amid 100 wooded acres along the banks of the River Moy – one of the acclaimed salmon fishing waterways in the world. In fact, Mount Falcon has exclusive fishing rights to one of the most beautiful spots on the river. Golfing great Mark O’Meara is a regular visitor at Mount Falcon and plies his fly fishing skills there.

Originally a baronial lodge completed in 1876, the estate was purchased about a dozen years ago by the visionary proprietor and co-owner, Alan Maloney. After an extensive renovation, Mount Falcon reopened in 2006 to wide acclaim.

For rejuvenating nightly, the rooms and suites are grandly appointed with stately furnishings and beds so comfy it’s tough not to hit the snooze button and sleep just a bit more in the morning. The property also highlights 45 luxury rental lodges fully-equipped with three- or four-bedrooms that are ideal for golf groups.

Having dinner in The Kitchen Restaurant just off the lobby is an absolutely must. The chef-driven restaurant is located, as its name suggests, where the original kitchen in the old manor house used to be with tables nestled around the nooks and crannies of the original layout.

True to its name, guests can additionally enter the world of falconry with the resident “falconer” who will personally introduce the various magnificent birds of prey on display. Experience a “Hawk Walk” in the magical woodlands on the grounds. It’s well worth doing.

“Mount Falcon is one of the most luxurious resorts I have ever experienced. It’s the perfect place to retire for the night after playing one of the many great links courses an easy drive away like Carne or Enniscrone,”

says Rob Duca, editor of New England Golf & Leisure Magazine.

“Everything in this converted manor is elegant and tasteful, from the brick-walled Kitchen Restaurant to the spacious, well-appointed rooms.

And where else can you walk with a falcon on your hand, fish for rainbow trout and go clay pigeon shooting?”

For more information on Carr Golf and Mount Falcon Estate: www.carrgolf.com, 1.855.617.5701 (U.S. toll free) or +353.1.822 6662.

The Donald Ross Invitational Tournament will be held at Scotland’s renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Oct. 8 – 12 2017.

Born in the town of Dornoch in 1872, Ross immigrated to America in 1899 and became known as the “Father of U.S. Golf Course Architecture.” His world-class designs include Pinehurst No. 2, Aronimink Golf Club, East Lake Golf Club, Seminole Golf Club, Oak Hill Country Club, Inverness Club and Oakland Hills Country Club. Over 100 U.S. national championships have been played on his courses.

Ross developed his passion for golf playing Royal Dornoch as a boy. Acclaimed as one of the finest links style layouts in the world, its superb routing and use of raised putting surfaces was a major influence on his roughly 400 design projects.

He was a founding member and first president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and admitted to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977. The tournament is open to members and representatives of golf clubs with a Donald Ross affiliation and connection. Starting at $3,425 per person (at the current exchange rate for 2,750 GBP), the two-person team competition includes three rounds on Royal Dornoch as well as a practice round at nearby Brora Golf Club, home of the James Braid Golfing Society.

 

This one-of-a-kind golf pilgrimage to Dornoch also features four nights’ luxury accommodation, welcome reception and dinner, daily breakfast and lunch, gala dinner and prize ceremony, premium gift bags and souvenirs, entertainment, airport transfers, local transportation, and concierge service both pre-trip and during the event. Guest speakers include noted golf architecture writer Bradley Klein, author of “Discovering Donald Ross” and winner of the Donald Ross Award.

“This wonderful event at Dornoch celebrates the genius and memory of Donald Ross on the course where he learned to love the game,” says Marty Carr, executive chairman of Carr Golf. “We invite you to journey with us to the north of Scotland and discover why we’re the world’s premier golf tour company.”

“Royal Dornoch is delighted to be working with our friends at Carr Golf on the inaugural Donald Ross Invitational Tournament,” says Neil Hampton, General Manager of Royal Dornoch.

“Famous for his work around the world, and his origins in Dornoch, it seems fitting, and overdue, that a competition bears his name and is played over the links that he grew up on. Much of his talent as player is overlooked as people discuss his work as an architect so we hope that both will come to the fore during the event.”

For more information on this event contact : www.carrgolf.com, 1.855.617.5701 (U.S. toll free) or +353.1.822 6662.

A big THANK YOU as €28,000 raised for St Luke’s and Movember in memory of Gerry Carr

Thanks a million to the 160+ donors who contributed to our fundraising in honour of our dearly missed Gerry Carr. The Carr family and the teams at Carr Golf and eXpd8 set out to raise €20,000 for #Movember and St. Lukes in Gerry’s memory.

We are absolutely delighted that we exceeded this and we cannot thank Gerry’s friends enough for supporting his memory in this way. The fight against cancer is endless and we hope that this contribution can help in some small way. Again, we cannot thank you enough for your thoughtful and amazing support.  Gerry would be chuffed.

The teams at Carr Golf and EXPD8, would like to thank you for your generous donation in memory of Gerry Carr in support of Movember and St Luke’s.

Thanks for your support,
From the Carr and Branagan Families

 

Thank you to the following (just some of those who donated)

Adam Byrne

Aileen Martin

Alastair Johnston

Albert Sharpe

Alex Saul

Andrew Hampel

Andy Kirby

Angela Bradley

Anthony Collins

Art Gillin

Ashy O Sullivan

Avis, Stuart, and Mister T

Bill Pierce

Bob Fitzpatrick

Bob Henninger

Brian & Jackie Heery

Brian and Hilary

Brian O’ Farrell

Cathal O’Sullivan

John Cassidy

Catherine Murphy

Charley & Lindsay Moore

Chris Corcoran

Chris Gibney

Chris McFerran

Cian Crosse

Colin Ryan

Collie Dunne

Colm Mc Cole

Conor Horan

Conor McGrath

Corry Estates

Dave Keogh

David Burke

Deirdre O’Connell

Denis O’Brien

Don Beatty

Don Chapman

Donal Quinn

FitzGerald Solicitors

Gary Bernard

Gary Severson

Gearoid Doyle

Gearóidín Charlton

Gerard Mullaney

Hugh Rundle

Jack and Barbara NIcklaus

Jane Magnier

Jerry York

Jim O Sullivan

Joe Carr

John Fitzpatrick

John Woods

John& Eileen Callely

Jon O Callaghan

Josef F

Julia Carr

Julian Douglas

Kate McMahon

Kevin Given

Kevin Marley

Kingsley and Claire Aikins

Kirstie Viljoen

Lou & Sam Hight

Lousty

Luke Burdess

Luke Dixon

M3 Medical

Mark Byrne

Mark Kavanagh

Mark Slevin

Maureen Black

Michael Bonallack

Michael Bowe

Michael Sullivan

Michael Walsh

Michellle Carr

Mike Brassil

Mike Healy

Miriam Barker

Moira Cassidy

Myki & Maria Heather

Myles Brown

Nicola Sludds

O’Doggs

Ormsby & Rhodes

Page Chapman III

Pat Ruddy

Paul and Matt Deninger

Paulo Malzoni

Pearse Dunne

Peter and Mary

Peter O’Hara

Peter and Pamela Williams

Ray Daly

Rick Shube

Rob & Róisín

Rob Allen

Ron and Sally Kirby

Ron Kirby

Ru Macdonald

Rupert Hampel

Sam & Ita Slattery

Sarah Caulfield

Scott Murray

Sean Benville

Sean McTernan

Shane & Noelle Fleming

Sophie Carr

Steve Hodsdon

Steve Mara

Steve Maritz

Susan McCann

Susanne Wang

The Layden Family

The Murray Family

Tim Finchem

Timothy Baxter

Victoria Graham

William Carroll

The first thing you’ll likely notice when planning a trip to Ireland or Scotland is that working with our travel experts is an enjoyable experience. One of our core values is that customers are friends, so when you talk to our travel team about your luxury golf vacation, you’ll feel as if you’re discussing your plans with an acquaintance. We’ll combine your vision with our local expertise to create your dream vacation. And we’ll only offer what we know we can deliver so as not to give you false expectations. Because we take every detail – from the kinds of courses you want to play to the overall experience you hope to have – into consideration, you’ll find your itinerary is truly tailor-made to ensure the trip of a lifetime.

As many golf travellers know, it can be difficult to secure a tee time on some of the better-known courses around the world. Our relationships with the top courses in Scotland and Ireland grant us access to the best tee times and caddies. Whether you want to play famous courses like St Andrews or Royal County Down or hidden gems such as Crail or Enniscrone, your trip will include some of the top golf courses in Europe.

The types, terrains and surroundings of courses, even within the same county, can be quite varied, but our team can help you find the ones that best suit your needs. With decades of golf experience throughout Ireland and Scotland, we’re happy to recommend courses based on everything from degree of difficulty to most scenic views.

Playing true links courses with breathtaking vistas will give you the quintessential Irish – or Scottish – golf experience and make your trip unforgettable. After experiencing the combination of exceptional courses and brilliant scenery, you’ll see why Ireland and Scotland are two of the best golf destinations in the world.

While here, you’ll likely want to engage in some sightseeing. With Carr Golf, getting from one destination to the next is half the fun. We pride ourselves on providing not only the most modern transportation, but some of the most knowledgeable and friendly drivers you’ll find. An important part of the Carr Golf family, our drivers are passionate about local history and culture and enthusiastically share their knowledge and recommendations with visitors. Our guests tend to form a unique bond with their drivers and have called them everything from “an absolute pleasure” to an “Irish gem.”

In addition to world-class golf, wonderful dining is an important part of the Carr Golf experience. No matter where you’re staying, we know where to find the most delicious food and drink and can recommend the best restaurants and pubs to get the full local experience. Of course we’re also happy to point out any popular tourist destinations you may want to tour such as the Guinness Storehouse or the Old Bushmills distillery.

After a day of breathtaking views, challenging golf and delicious food, a comfortable place to rest one’s head is essential. When making lodging recommendations, we take much more than just location and availability into consideration. We’re happy to arrange your stay at perpetual favourites such as Dromoland Castle and Slieve Donard or to find equally luxurious accommodations that suit your particular preferences. We pride ourselves on knowing the ins and outs of every property we recommend. Whether you want to stay in a historic castle, a resort with a luxurious spa or a hotel where you can walk to your morning tee time, your luxury accommodations will exceed your expectations.

When you take a trip with us, you can expect a truly first-class experience where every detail is just right.

The only decisions you’ll have to make are whether to lay up on a daunting  par-5 and what to order at the 19^th hole.

What’s the deal with Earthworm Casting?

The first in a monthly series on golf course maintenance and management, Carr Golf Regional Superintendent, Paul Walsh, unearths the problems that can put golfers off-line and gives some top tips to tackle the challenges

 

 

Earthworm casting is fast becoming one of the most challenging aspects of golf course maintenance, with the sports turf research institute recently rating earthworm casting as the main problem about which they receive queries. Greenkeepers throughout the world are trying find a solution amid growing pressure from club golfers and committees.

 

Firstly, what is Earthworm Casting?

Earthworms ingest soil and organic matter for nutrients, and they then deposit the resulting faecal matter as mounds on the soil surface. These mounds or “casts” adversely affect playability and surface firmness. When maintenance equipment rolls over the casts during mowing, the smearing of soil causes a loss of density and thinning of turf in heavily affected areas.

 

Why has this problem become more widespread in recent years?

Historically the pesticides used to kill earthworms would reduce the population to such an insignificant level, that it would take several years before the problem would reoccur. The residues of these strong chemicals are finally dissipating from soils and the result is a dramatic increase in population. In more recent years the use of the fungicide Carbendazim provided some relief as an unintended side effect was to deter casting earthworms from surface activity. Carbendazim was deregistered in the Republic of Ireland a number of years ago and the UK has followed suit recently.

 

Carr Golf’s Top Tips to Manage Earthworm Castings

 

1. Collect your grass clippings

Reducing the availability of food influences the population of earthworms. Returning grass clippings during mowing creates a limitless supply of organic matter for earthworms to feed on. Collecting or boxing off clippings on fine surfaces may be one strategy to reduce the problem of casting. This tactic has worked very well for us in clubs such as Royal Curragh, Foxrock and Charlesland – it’s simple, but effective.

 

2. Undertake a fairway topdressing program

Earthworm populations are highest in light and medium textured loam soils, common place throughout Ireland. Smaller populations exist in coarse, abrasive, sandy soils, such as those found on golf course greens. The abrasiveness of sand particles and the susceptibility of such soils to drought can influence the species composition and population. Our fairway topdressing program at Castleknock Golf Club over the last number of years has all but eliminated the problem.

 

3. Trialling tea seed oil

In recent years, we have trialed tea seed oil with some positive results. This can be an effective approach to managing the casting problem though the efficacy is dependent on the organic matter content of the soil and environmental factors during the time of application. The resulting accumulation of dead earthworms on the surface should be removed promptly for the benefit of golfers!

 

4. Use ammonium sulphate fertilisers

Research in the US has reported declines in the earthworm populations directly related to declining soil pH or increasing acidity. From our experience, this is evident in Ireland where earthworm populations on the acidic, peaty soils found in bogs is typically low. Therefore, using sulphate based fertilisers is beneficial by increasing acidity at the soil surface. We are trialling a sulphur based product at the moment with a similar intention at a number of our golf courses.

 

It’s not all bad news though……

There are over 200 species of earthworms in the soil and the vast majority of these do not create casts. In fact, the benefits of a healthy earthworm population on your golf course are several. Earthworm’s tunnels relieve soil compaction and create passageways through which air and water can percolate. They help to breakdown the thatch and accelerate nutrient recycling, all of which improves the functional and visual quality of surfaces.

 

The fact is that Earthworms provide more benefits than harm to our golf courses so we need to learn to live with our little friends. The more we understand this issue the better we can manage it. The best solution is likely to involve a combination of the aforementioned approaches, depending on the financial means of a golf club.

 

Paul Walsh

Regional Superintendent

Carr Golf

 

Paul joined Carr Golf in 2015 as Regional Superintendent. Paul has worked at a number of Ireland’s most renowned golf courses as well as internationally in Switzerland and France. Paul was awarded GCSAI Student Greenkeeper of the Year, a finalist for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award, and he completed Penn State’s Turfgrass Management program.

Carr Golf was founded in 1989 by well-known Irish amateur golfer Joe (JB) Carr and his son’s Marty and John. While initially focused on golf travel and events, delivering world-class golfing experiences for US travelers in Ireland, Scotland and Portugal, Carr Golf has since evolved and is now also one of Ireland’s best Golf Maintenance and Management Service providers, working with over 20 courses and clubs in a variety of client  arrangements. Carr Golf employs over 40 green keepers across these courses, who are experts in golf course maintenance.

Tell us about your experience with Earthworm Casting on golf courses – we’d like to know your thoughts!

Do you want to know more about a particular golf course maintenance issue? Let us know and we’ll include it in our green-keeping series.

When deciding the best time of the year to travel to Ireland, in many ways, spring is ideal. Mother Nature begins showing off all her glory as the always picturesque Irish countryside and golf courses becomes even more vibrantly green. Temperatures hover in the “sweater-wearing” regions with the weather clear and crisp. And in March, where else is better to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than in the homeland of its patron saint?

“By the time the best players in the world tee it up at Augusta National for The Masters in early April, golf is already in ‘full-swing’ here in Ireland,” says Mark Byrne, Carr Golf Travel Expert. “Here are some ideas to prepare for an incredible 2017 Irish golf vacation next spring.”

Perhaps best of all, world-class courses like Royal County Down, Waterville, Royal Portrush and Old Head Golf Links are easier to book through Carr Golf before the busier summer months set in. “We’ve been experiencing unprecedented demand for top links courses in both Ireland and Scotland for the 2017 season, so it’s imperative to book as soon as possible,” says Byrne. “We also recommend including a few of the lesser known ‘must-play’ gems like Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone Golf Club, Dooks Golf Club and Ardglass Golf Club as well on your itinerary.”

When planning a spring visit, classic Lahinch Golf Club is an ideal spot to start as it’s only a 50-minute drive from Shannon Airport. Affectionately known as “the St. Andrews of Ireland” due to its Tom Morris-designed Old Course and charming vibe, the town of Lahinch has been a golfing mecca for over 100 years. In 1999, the Old Course underwent a dramatic renovation under the supervision of famous British golf architect Martin Hawtree. Sixteen tees were rebuilt and 14 greens reshaped, restoring them to their original character conceived by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who resigned the layout in 1927. However, the magical Klondyke (No. 4) and Dell (No.5) holes created by Old Tom remained untouched. Lahinch is links golf at its best

Also close to Shannon Airport and worth playing is County Clare’s Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club set against the regal backdrop of the ancient castle. In 2003 the parkland course was redesigned by acclaimed architect Ron Kirby and Irish golfing legend (and the founder of Carr Golf), J.B. Carr. The course’s 18 holes showcase the magical Irish countryside as it winds through 450 acres of shady woodland, open rolling pasture, natural lakes and streams. The five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a beguiling setting.

For St. Patrick’s Day celebrations throughout the land there are certainly no shortage of first-class pubs, especially in Dublin. When playing golf at Portmarnock Golf Club or The Island Golf Club both just north of Dublin, it’s a quick jaunt down into the city centres Temple Bar area, the wildly popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Porterhouse Temple Bar, a multi-story pub, offers Dublin’s best selection of microbrews. Also try The Stags Head, the backbone of the Temple Bar neighbourhood as well as The Temple Bar Pub with its lively beer garden and over 450 types of whiskey. But no matter where you are in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a safe bet a friendly pub is close by with open welcoming arms and lively Irish music filling the air.

“Come on over this spring,” says Byrne. “It’s the perfect time for an Ireland golf vacation of a lifetime.”

To plan your Ireland Golf Experience contact one of our Travel Team today
Ph: +353 1 822 6662
US Toll Free: 1 855 617 5701
Email: enquiries@carrgolf.com

 

 

Royal Birkdale will host The Open in 2017, so why not think about a visit with your friends or family to this incredible links course?

By basing yourself in Southport you have easy access to some of the finest links course on the west coast, including Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club and Royal Liverpool Golf Club  – Hoylake.

 

Royal Birkdale, one of Britain’s finest golf clubs, has been voted the No.1 course in Britain and is undoubtedly among the best in the world. 

Located in the coastal resort of Southport, home to many of the finest links courses in England, Royal Birkdale is for many golfers, quite simply, the best of all the great golf courses to have staged The Open Championship. The course relies heavily on the natural terrain with it’s many contours, abundance of scrub and dunes. Although difficult, the course is a pure test of golf as it does not contain any nasty tricks. It can be enjoyed by golfers of all handicaps. Padraig Harrington successfully defended his championship here in 2008 for the second time.

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Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club

Bounded by a railway, the links of Royal Lytham near Liverpool is one of the great venues on the Open rota. Often played with assistance from the prevailing wind, top players can often annihilate the front nine holes before coming unstuck on the difficult back nine. Like all memorable major championship venues Royal Lytham & St Anne’s has had a fantastic list of champions including Bobby Jones, Bobby Locke, Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros.

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Royal Liverpool Golf Club  – Hoylake

Built in 1869, Royal Liverpool Golf Club is one of the oldest courses on the English seaside. The course, known among locals as Hoylake, was built on what was formerly the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club and for the first years it was open, it doubled as both a golf course and a horse racing track. Over the years the golf course has hosted several major tournaments, with the most memorable being the 1930 Open won by Bobby Jones.  Joe Carr won his first British Amateur Open here in 1953. Avid golfers know the Hoylake layout as being a formidable test but also unique in that there is nothing artificial about its design. Although it’s seemingly flat, the subtle undulations become more pronounced once you’re playing. There are only a few holes that play in the dunes while the rest are subject to the ever‑changing winds.

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Some of the lesser known courses in the area are little hidden gems that you may enjoy

 Formby Golf Club  –  South Port and Ainsdale, two time Ryder Cup venue  –  West Lancashire.

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So get in touch now to plan your Golf Experience with one of our Travel Team today

Ph: +353 1 822 6662
US Toll Free: 1 855 617 5701
Email: enquiries@carrgolf.com

Carr Golf Announces 2017 Father & Daughter Tournament

High Demand for Tenth-Annual Event on Acclaimed Waterville Golf Links                                             

(DUBLIN, Ireland) – Carr Golf  – Ireland and Scotland’s premier provider of unforgettable golf vacations – announces its 10^th annual World Invitational Father & Daughter Tournament will be held July 24 – 26 on County Kerry’s acclaimed Waterville Golf Links.

The wildly successful event has already seen a 30% increase in team applications for 2017. The tournament includes three rounds of golf at Waterville, deluxe nightly accommodations, reception, full Irish breakfasts each morning, tournament photo, shuttle transportation throughout and prize ceremony complemented by a BBQ dinner. This past July, Carr Golf hosted 32 teams hailing from the U.S., Canada and Ireland at Waterville, widely known as one of the world’s finest seaside courses.

“The interest in this joyous tournament has been off the charts and we’re looking to double the size of the field in 2017,” says Marty Carr, executive chairman of Carr Golf. “To see fathers and their daughters sharing their love of golf on one of the world’s finest links courses makes this event especially unique and compelling.”

Next year at Waterville, Carr Golf will also host its 28th-Annual World Invitational Father & Son Tournament, Aug.  9 – 13. In 2016, 82 teams from 11 different countries competed including the U.S., Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Italy, Spain, South Africa, The Bahamas, Barbados and Denmark.

The premier event featured four nights’ accommodations, daily full Irish breakfast and lunch, welcome cocktail reception, practice round, three tournament rounds, long drive competition, tournament gift and photo, transfers within Waterville, nightly entertainment, gala dinner, prize ceremony and tournament concierge.

For further information on both events, please email Susan McCann at smccann@carrgolf.com or call 1.855.617.5701 (U.S. toll free) or +353.1.822 6662.

Carr Golf Announces Winners of World Links Invitational Pro-Am

 Prestigious Event Featured Play on World-Class Southwest Ireland Links Courses

 (DUBLIN, Ireland) – Carr Golf  – Ireland and Scotland’s premier provider of unforgettable golf vacations – announces the winners of the World Links Invitational Pro-Am held in the southwest of Ireland Sept. 26 – Oct. 1.

The eight-person “Straight Down” team finished with an aggregate score of 689 strokes in the competition held on three of Ireland’s most acclaimed links courses: Ballybunion Golf Club (two rounds), Tralee Golf Club and Waterville Golf Links. A practice round was played on Dooks Golf Club. The event was hosted in partnership with The Pinnacle Experience, one of the world’s premier event coordinating companies.

The victorious team was comprised of PGA professional Evan Belcher and his amateur team: Spencer Rowley (San Luiz Obispo Golf & Country Club), Damon Vickers (Talatin Country Club), Jeff Anderson (Arizona Country Club), John Ciciora (Whisper Rock Golf Club), Chris Nash, Joe Dollarhide (Boomerang Golf Links) and Ann Walker (Kings Country Club).

This one-of-a-kind experience featured nightly accommodations in the five-star Europe Hotel, luxury transportation, daily breakfast and lunch, evening receptions, dinner functions, nightly entertainment, awards ceremony and professional hospitality throughout from the first-class staffs of both Carr Golf and The Pinnacle Experience.

“This year’s World Links Invitational Pro-Am was an incredible display of competition and camaraderie played on incredible world-class links courses,” says Marty Carr, executive chairman of Carr Golf. “We were honored to team up with The Pinnacle Experience to provide our participants with a Southwest Ireland golf experience they all will long savor.”

For more information on Carr Golf: www.carrgolf.com, 1.855.617.5701 (U.S. toll free) or +353.1.822 6662