Yearly Archives: 2017

The 2018 Ryder Cup will be played on French soil for the first time in the event’s 91-year history as the biennial tournament will be hosted at Le Golf National. Set just outside Paris in Guyancourt, the venue lends itself to joyous group travel as the area boasts numerous options for golfers and non-golfers alike to savor life à la française. We’ve put together a premier, five-night package (Sept. 26 – Oct. 1) combining legendary golf and luxurious accommodations.

Day One: Arrive in Paris and enjoy a meet-and-greet with your local representative supplied with a treasure trove of information both on the area and what to expect during the sojourn. Then, take in the sights as you motor via a comfortable private coach to the well-appointed hotel in the center of the dramatic “City of Light.”

The beauty of being located in the center of Paris is you can witness sites like the Arc de Triomphe while en route to Le Golf National.

Day Two: The Ryder Cup experience commences with attendance at the final practice round as the players prepare for the upcoming battle. After watching many of the world’s greatest players tee it up, enjoy the much-anticipated opening ceremony announcing Friday’s pairings. The ceremony is followed by the inaugural Ryder Cup Musical Festival, the most elaborate concert ever scheduled at the world-class event.

The holy grail for any golf fanatic is to experience the atmosphere of a Ryder Cup 1st tee. Make Le Golf National your time.

Day Three: Savor the “bucket list” activity of attending the thrilling first round of the Ryder Cup as the crowds buzz with anticipation for the first tee shot. Opening day consists of fierce fourball and foursome competitions as the European and U.S. teams try to get out of the gate with momentum.

Day Four: Encourage favorite members of Team USA and Team Europe during the second day of match-play action. Visit any areas of the scenic French course you may have missed during the first two days at the venue and cherish the keen competition in the French countryside.

Day Five: Cheer on the teams in the final round of competition as they come down the home stretch with 12 singles matches determining the winner of the 42^nd Ryder Cup. Stick around for the trophy presentation, which promises to be a memorable experience as the victors will let the champagne fly.

Sure to give your Ryder Cup fever is this Rory McIlroy v Patrick Reed match at Hazeltine 2016.

Day Six: Indulge in a leisurely, elegant breakfast at the hotel in the City Centre of Paris before heading to the airport for the flight home.

Don’t worry about navigating an unfamiliar city during the trip as the package features daily ground transportation to and from the hotel and Le Golf National (Sept. 27 – 30).

To commemorate the trip, one evening will be highlighted by a gala celebration complete with delicious dining, libations and entertainment. Guests will also receive a Ryder Cup-branded jacket from ProQuip and hat. For more information, click here.

The incredible experience starts at €2,695 per person ($3,170 USD) for four-star accommodations and €2,995 per person ($3,524 USD) for five-star accommodations. Both options include daily breakfast, Ryder Cup tickets to the final practice day and opening ceremony (September 27) as well as three days of competition and trophy presentation (Sept. 28 – 30).

For those seekinge to play golf during their trip, Carr Golf can add to the unforgettable itinerary with tee times at top courses in France, Ireland and Scotland both pre- and post-Ryder Cup.

For further information, explore our Ryder Cup 2018 packages or contact our travel team today using the contact form below, or call +353 1 822 6662 or US Toll Free 1 855 617 5701.

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*airfare not included

Perhaps no vacation showcases the glory Mother Nature has bestowed upon the Emerald Isle better than a fishing & golf vacation. Ireland is second to none for both pursuits with exceptional links courses and fishing hot spots that make anglers giddy with delight, especially in the southwest of Ireland. Keep reading below for a suggested itinerary with golf clubs and fishing gear in tow.

Day One: Arrive at the Shannon Airport. Check into your accommodations at Perryville House. Situated in the center of the medieval fishing port of County Cork’s Kinsale and overlooking the marina, Perryville House combines the grandeur of the past with the luxuries and convenience of today. Perryville House delights guests from the moment they step inside. Built in 1810, the property was completely refurbished in the late 1990s and is known for its elegant aesthetic, delicious food and close proximity to world-class golf and beaches. Small details such as oil paintings, fresh cut flowers and scented candles add to the Irish country house’s charm.

Day Two: Play Old Head Golf Links. Occupying a peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, Old Head features some of the most breathtaking, panoramic vistas in the game. Whirling winds off the sea and rolling topography create stimulating natural challenges that are all a golfer could ever want.

Named the most spectacular course on the planet by LINKS magazine, Old Head combines jaw-dropping views with a thrilling layout for a truly memorable experience.

Joe Carr – our late founder – was part of the all-star design team at Old Head, which also included Ron Kirby, former designer at Jack Nicklaus’ Golf Design Services; the late, great Eddie Hackett, former Irish golf professional and golf course designer; Paddy Merrigan, Australian course architect and agronomist; Liam Higgins, one of Ireland’s best-known golf professionals; and Haulie O’Shea, building contractor extraordinaire.

“The Old Head’s location, its scenic reality and spectacular terrain remind me of Cypress Point and Pebble Beach,” said Joe. “It is a golfer’s paradise with the potential of being the eighth wonder of the world, in golfing terms.”

The striking resemblance between two of the world’s greatest golfing landscapes – Cypress Point and Old Head Golf Links

The layout is home to one of our favorite par 3s as well as one of Ireland’s most challenging par 5s. The seventh tee box boasts a stunning view from one of the highest points of elevation on Old Head. This all-or-nothing par-3 forces accurate club selection. Miss short and you’ll land in a greenside bunker or end up in the rough. Overshoot the green and you’ll lose your ball in the Atlantic.

Regarded as one of the most intimidating holes in golf, the par-5 12^th at Old Head begins with a daunting tee shot over a clifftop to a blind landing area. The challenge doesn’t end there as the fairway dramatically narrows near the green, making laying up difficult and almost impossible. Bunkers and intimidating high slopes guard the right side. Don’t miss left or your ball will be gobbled up by the turbulent sea below. Good luck on both holes!

Kinsale Harbour: It is clear to see why this beautiful town is one of Ireland’s most popular fishing destinations.

Day Three: Go fishing in Kinsale. Whether you’re after cod, bass, dogfish or flounder, Kinsale has a spot for you. Some of our favorites are Garretstown Beach, Coolmain Beach, Harbour View, Burren Pier, Courtmacsherry Pier, Courtmacsherry Strand and Broad Strand.

Day Four: Play Dooks Golf Club. County Kerry’s Dooks Golf Club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014 and is one of the Emerald Isle’s 10 oldest golf clubs. Home to the 6,586-yard 18-hole links course along rugged Dingle Bay, Dooks derives its name from the Irish word for “dunes.”Dooks is awash with natural beauty with beguiling ocean views throughout and framed inland by Ireland’s highest mountain range, the McGillycuddy Reeks.

Despite the relatively modest yardage, ever-present tricky southwest winds put a premium on the “Old School” method of keeping your shots low to ground. Numerous greenside collection areas await wayward approaches and compel imaginative bumps, chips and pitches.

Golf course architect Donald Steele aptly assessed the course as follows: “Dooks is a rare gem, it has a special place in the annals of links golf and must be preserved at all costs. Its character typifies the true meaning of what this form of the game should represent.”

A nine-hole layout for most of its first 80 years, Dooks was expanded to 18 in 1970. The most recent renovations were completed by renowned golf course architect Martin Hawtree in 2006, elevating Dooks to “must play” status like neighbors Ballybunion and Tralee.

Hawtree, whose resume includes acclaimed makeovers of Lahinch and Royal Dublin, rebuilt all bunkers, relocated tees and fairways, and shaped 16 new greens – 10 in new locations. A sporty par 71, Dooks is a fun test of golf that drips with an endless supply of charm.

Following your round, settle into your accommodations at Waterville House. This 18^th century manor house sits on a narrow strip facing the wild Atlantic with beautiful Lough Currane on its eastern perimeter. The Currane River bisects the 50-acre estate as it flows into Ballingskelligs Bay.

From the golf course to the river: Famous visitors to stay at Waterville House and fish include Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara, David Duval and the the late, Payne Stewart.

Day Five: Go fishing in Waterville. Waterville House has extensive fishing rights on rivers and lakes throughout the region. The Cummeragh River with its five upper lakes – Derriana, Namona, Cloonaghlin, Na Huisce and Coppal – flows into Lough Currane before entering the sea. All these lakes contain salmon and sea trout.

Higher in the mountains there are numerous smaller lakes, rarely fished, containing mainly brown trout. Waterville House guests also enjoy access to the famous Butler’s Pool, which is part of Ireland’s Salmon Research program, supplying critical spawning migration data.

Day Six: Play Waterville Golf Links. Host venue for our famous World Invitational Father & Son and Father & Daughter Tournaments, Waterville is one of the finest links courses in the world. A visual masterpiece set on a 220-acre peninsula alongside the Atlantic, Waterville is one of County Kerry’s brightest jewels.

Consistently ranked one of the best courses in Ireland, Waterville is also a favorite amongst the Carr family as they holidayed there throughout the 60’s and 70’s.

“It’s like playing golf on the moon,” says Carr Golf customer services manager Peter Keighery. “The remoteness, beauty and the way each hole flows into the next all make it a ‘must-play’ course.”

Day Seven: Play Tralee Golf Club. Representing the first European design of Arnold Palmer, Tralee Golf Club is one of the most spectacularly beautiful courses you’ll ever encounter. “I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course,” commented Palmer upon completing his masterpiece.

“I am happy that we have one of the world’s great links here.” With views of the Atlantic and white sandy beaches from almost every hole, this superb layout earns rave reviews from all who play it.

Close out your trip with a night at majestic Dromoland Castle. One of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, Dromoland was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin. They were one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), High King of Ireland in the 11^th century.

Step inside this regal estate and you’ll find grand staircases beneath glittering antique chandeliers. Unwind in plush, sink-in sofas in front of large, ornate fireplaces with blazing log fires.

Day Eight: Depart from Shannon Airport.

This unforgettable package includes seven nights’ luxury accommodation with daily breakfast, four rounds of world-class golf and coach and driver throughout your trip, starting from €3,480 per person. Click here to view it in more detail.

If you wish to experience a fishing and golf  vacation, contact our travel team today for a bespoke itinerary made for you only using the contact form below, or call +353 1 822 6662 or US Toll Free 1 855 617 5701.

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Few sporting events in the world are as grand as The Open. With over 150 years of rich history – including all the biggest names and many of the greatest finishes in golf – The Open is a tradition like no other.

Imagine if you could play all 14 venues to have hosted this illustrious event. Well, we’ve put together an epic golf itinerary like no other! This once-in-a-lifetime journey through Scotland, England and Northern Ireland is a golf lover’s dream come true!

Day One

The incredible odyssey begins in southern Scotland with a round at Turnberry’s Ailsa course. Home to four Open Championships – most recently in 2009 – Turnberry is perhaps best known as the site of 1977’s “Duel in the Sun.” Tied after two rounds, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson both carded 65s on the third day to remain tied heading into the final round. In dazzling sunlight, hence the nickname, Watson fired another 65 to edge out Nicklaus by a single stroke. This memorable tournament is commemorated at Turnberry’s 19^th hole, “The Duel in the Sun” restaurant.

Following your round, settle in for the first of two nights at Turnberry, the world’s first golf resort. Enjoy marvelous ocean views of the Ailsa Craig and beyond.

Day Two

Head up the coast to Royal Troon Golf Club, long known for its deep rough and unpredictable winds. A nine-time Open host, Royal Troon is home to the notorious “Postage Stamp.” The par-3 8^th features a tiny, narrow putting surface protected by a “coffin” bunker to the left of the green. According to Carr Golf Sales Manager, Mark Byrne, “The Postage Stamp at Troon is one of the most famous holes in golf and can often be a deciding hole in The Open.”

Day Three

Make the quick morning journey up to Prestwick Golf Club for your final round on Scotland’s west coast. The birthplace of The Open, Prestwick dates back to 1851. The first Open was held at Prestwick – then just a 12-hole course – in 1860. It went on to host 24 Open Championships with the last being in 1925. Today, a simple collection of stones marks the place where the first Open tee shot was struck.

Next, move from Scotland’s west to the east coast for incredible accommodations at the Greywalls Hotel. This elegant Edwardian country house is conveniently situated on the edge of Muirfield championship golf course, the next on your list of Open venues to play. Built in 1901, Greywalls still retains its original charm and features delightful walled gardens complete with a hard and grass tennis court, croquet lawn and putting green. The interior contains elegant drawing rooms and charming dining areas in addition to its 23 en suite bedrooms.

Day Four

Make the short walk to over to mighty Muirfield, home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers since 1744. This iconic course has hosted 42 national and international competitions – including 16 Open Championships – averaging one approximately every three years. Like the Old Course – still to come on this ambitious itinerary – Muirfield is a true “must-play” at least once in a golfing life. Originally 16 holes, it expanded to 18 before hosting its first Open in 1892.

Renovated by Harry Colt in 1923, this Tom Morris design features two concentric rings comprised of the challenging front and back nines. The front runs clockwise along the outer ring of the dramatic topography, while the back nine runs counterclockwise ending at the stately clubhouse. This unique feature ensures a wide variety of wind conditions. Cast your mind back to 2013 and enjoy Phil Mickelson winning his first Open Championship below in what he described as ‘the best round of his life.’

Day Five

After another night at the Greywalls Hotel, it’s time to play Musselburgh Links, the world’s oldest golf course. The final of this layout’s nine holes was added in 1870 in preparation for hosting its first Open Championship. An original Open venue, Musselburgh hosted the competition six times between 1874 and 1889. Fun Fact: You can rent hickory clubs for the full historic experience.

Try avoid hitting the Old Course Hotel as you tee off on the famous Road Hole

Speaking of historic experiences, now it’s time to visit the place that needs no introduction: St Andrews. You’ll be spending three nights at the Old Course Hotel, situated right on the 17^th fairway of the famous “Road Hole” on St Andrews. The five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of St Andrews courses, West Sands Beach and the scenic Scottish coastline.

Day Six

After a relaxing evening surrounded by Scottish golf history, look to the future by visiting the site of the 2018 Open: Carnoustie Golf Links. In 2007, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington captured his first of his back-to-back Open titles here.

Flashback to his back and forth duel with Spaniard, Sergio Garcia by viewing the video below.  This Championship Course is generally regarded as one of the toughest and fairest Open venues with the entire golfing world highly anticipating the Open return.

Day Seven

Next, it’s time for a round at the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews. We have a special connection with St Andrews as our founder, J.B. Carr, was the first Irishman to captain the R&A. St. Andrews has hosted The Open 29 times dating back to 1873.

An iconic moment in Open history occurred on the Old Course’s par-3 11^th over 90 years ago. “The 11^th on the Old Course at St Andrews is unofficially named after Bobby Jones,” says Carr Golf’s Peter Keighery. “The first time he played it in 1921 in the Open Championship, he went into a bunker, took four swipes and, when he couldn’t get out of the bunker, walked off the course. He came back six years later and won The Open!”

After winning the British Open on the Old Course at St. Andrews, in 1927, Bobby Jones won the heart of the townspeople for life by letting the Royal and Ancient Golf Club have custody of the trophy.

The win secured Jones’ place in history as the first amateur to win back-to-back Open Championships as he had won the previous year at Royal Lytham & St Annes. He went on to win one more Open in 1930 at Royal Liverpool.

Close out the Scottish part of your journey with one final night at the Old Course Hotel before journeying south to England.

Day Eight

Kick off the English leg of the trip with a round at 11-time Open host Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Founded in 1886, this challenging design houses 206 bunkers making both a solid strategy and accurate shots essential. Although this renowned layout isn’t on the water, the sea breeze can still affect your game.

Following your round, settle in for the first of two nights at the opulent Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa. Highlights include the newly refurbished swimming pool, steam room and Himalayan salt sauna.

Day Nine

Test your abilities at Royal Liverpool. A 12-time Open venue, most recently in 2014, Royal Liverpool’s Hoylake is the second oldest English seaside course. Built on a racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club, the golf course doubled as a horserace track in its earliest years. Only six holes are nestled amongst the dunes making wind a key factor.

Our connection with this historic track dates back to 1953 when J.B. Carr won his first British Amateur Open at Royal Liverpool. As perhaps Ireland’s greatest ever amateur golfer, J.B. was rightly inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2007 by longtime friend, Jack “Golden Bear” Nicklaus.

Day 10

Conquer the most recent Open venue, Royal Birkdale. This stunning seaside layout has hosted the Open 10 times dating back to 1954. Keep an eye out for the plaque on the 16^th hole commemorating Arnold Palmer’s iconic shot from thick rough amongst the blackberry bushes in 1961. He went on to win the tournament – his first Open victory – by a single stroke.

Don’t let the unexpectedly flat fairways lull you into a false sense of security as their narrowness places a premium on accuracy. Pot bunkers sprinkled throughout the course further demand precision.

In 2017, Jordan Spieth pulled off the unthinkable by finishing the final five holes in 5 under at Royal Birkdale, having found himself on the driving range playing his third shot into the par 4, 13th hole.

After your round, venture to England’s southeast coast for the first of four nights at The Lodge at Prince’s. This area is a hotbed for spectacular English golf with three Open venues – Princes, Royal Cinque and Royal St Georges, the next three courses on your itinerary – all within a five-mile radius.

Situated on the Bay of Sandwich, The Lodge is located at the entrance of Prince’s Golf Club. Each room has a unique format, but all feature club storage and tea-making essentials. On-site facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, sun terrace, fully equipped gym, conference suite and snooker room.

Day 11

Play 18 of Prince’s Golf Club’s 27 holes. Each of the three nine-hole layouts – Shore, Dunes and Himalayas – have wonderful history and provide a stern test. The present-day layout Prince’s has hosted the Open just once back in 1932. Fun Fact: American Gene Sarazen debuted his new club, the sand wedge, at the 1932 Open and went on to win.

Day 12 

Explore Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, home of the 1909 and 1920 Opens. Regarded as one of the finest links challenges in England, it was one of four Final Open Qualifying venues from 2014 – 2017. Royal Cinque Ports has hosted the largest amateur tournament in the world – the Halford Hewitt Public Schools Championship – every year since 1924.

Day 13

Experience 14-time Open host Royal St. George’s Golf Club. One of England’s finest links courses, it will host the Open again in 2020. Its undulating fairways and fast, true greens challenge amateur and professional golfers alike.

Day 14

Close out your epic golf itinerary with a visit to Northern Ireland’s only course in the Open rota, Royal Portrush. Test your skills on this championship layout in 2018, prior to the historic event taking place in 2019 after nearly a 70 year absence. The 148^th Open marks just the second time golf’s oldest and most international championship will be staged outside of Scotland and England.

Dunluce Links – one of Royal Portrush’s two layouts – is a “must-play” for lovers of golf course architecture. The championship layout consistently ranks among the world’s greatest courses and is widely noted as one of the game’s sternest tests. Playing through rugged terrain and featuring dramatic elevation changes, Dunluce captivates even the most accomplished golfers. Vivid views of the North Atlantic and 13th Century Dunluce Castle enhance its timeless charm.

Hear what some famous local heroes had to say about Royal Portrush and the importance of the Open Championship returning to their home region below.

Spend the evening at The Bushmills Inn – one of Northern Ireland’s most well-known luxury hotels. Roaring peat fires and nooks and crannies throughout the property – including a secret library – evoke the spirit and charm of a bygone era. The boutique cinema provides an ideal place to relax and watch golf and reflect on your trip.

What better way to celebrate the magic of The Open than experiencing all 14 venues for yourself?

Open Championship Itinerary

This once in a lifetime package includes:

• 14 rounds of golf on Open Championship venues
• 14 nights luxury accommodation
• Luxury vehicle transport with driver
• Pre, during and post trip concierge service

If you wish to enquire about this Open Championship course experience, please contact our travel team today using the contact form below, or call +353 1 822 6662 or US Toll Free 1 855 617 5701. Prices start from £10,626 per person.

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*Airfare not included.

The inaugural Donald Ross Invitational was a smashing success. The two-person team competition was hosted at spellbinding Royal Dornoch on October 8 – 12.

Played beneath clear blue skies in lovely 60 degree weather, the tournament brought together members of Donald Ross golf clubs and fans of the famed course designer.

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.

A special congratulations must go to the winners of the three divisions of the inaugural Donald Ross Invitational.

• Weekly Best Stableford: Tom Scarbrough and Sean Tobin (Country Club of Orlando)
• Weekly Best Gross: Nikki Christie (Carnoustie Golf Links) and Gareth Hall (Royal Dornoch Golf Club)
• Best Ball Stableford (from tournament sponsor Donald Ross Sportswear): Nathan Hoffman and Rob Stein (Brookfield Country Club)

The event kicked off with a practice round at Brora Golf Club, the fine James Braid layout established in 1891. After a fun and challenging 18, participants enjoyed a welcome drinks reception and buffet dinner at Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

All three tournament rounds were contested at famed Royal Dornoch, rated No. 5 by Golf Digest in its “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses,” where Ross developed his passion for playing golf 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.

The lively competition was complemented by nightly entertainment. Following the first round, participants headed to the Carnegie Courthouse, an important part of the Dornoch community since the mid-1800s, for a memorable evening. After a buffet dinner, they were treated to an audience with noted golf course architecture writer Bradley Klein, author of “Discovering Donald Ross” and winner of the Donald Ross Award. Klein was kind enough to answer audience questions on Donald Ross golf course architecture as part of an informal Q&A. A whisky tasting capped off the festive evening.

After the second round, guests dressed up for a gala dinner and entertainment at the Royal Golf Hotel. Prior to being seated for the gala dinner, the entire party stood for the address to a haggis, a great Scottish tradition.

In the end, the competition was won by Tom Scarborough and Sean Tobin playing out of the Country Club of Orlando. When speaking of the charismatic Scarbrough, tournament participant, Julian Douglas said. “Tom is a great gentleman who must have drunk the elixir or everlasting youth and has a wicked sense of humor. He’s retired from insurance but could have made as much money telling jokes. He was supported by a super golfer in Sean, who hits the ball further than I could jog.” To read his his recap of the Donald Ross Invitational, click here.

The event concluded with a prize giving ceremony at Royal Dornoch followed by a farewell dinner at Luigi Restaurant. For photos of the tournament, click here.

“It was a thrill to host this joyous occasion at Royal Dornoch as it 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. “Due to the incredible inaugural success, we look forward to announcing exciting details on our plans for 2018 as we now have another signature event for our guests and clients on our annual calendar.”

Championship winners, Sean Tobin and Tom Scarbrough celebrating the win with their better halves.

Non-golfers also had an action-packed trip joining the golfers for the evening activities and exploring Dornoch and the surrounding area during the day. Their itinerary included a candle-making master class workshop at Coast Candle Co. and visits to the Historylinks Museum, Urquhart Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Balblair Whisky Distillery.

While dates for next year’s tournament haven’t been finalized yet, it’s not too early to start getting excited for the second annual Donald Ross Invitational. Information about the 2018 event will be posted here as it becomes available.

Last week I spent three days golfing in Scotland with my great friend and golf tour operator Marty Carr.
The occasion was the Inaugural Donald Ross Invitational, organised by Carr Golf Travel and held at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. The course, founded over 400 years ago is about 50 miles north of Inverness, a mere well-struck 2 iron from John o’ Groats. Donald Ross was a Scotsman and golf apprentice with Old Tom Morris at St. Andrews, who emigrated to America over 100 years ago without a ‘bean’ in his pocket and started designing golf courses. Golf was exploding in America at the time and Ross became one of the most prolific and famous golf course designers in history. His courses include well known Pinehurst No. 2, Oak Hill Country Club and East Lake Golf Club. The competition held in Ross’ birthplace of Dornoch is open to members of any Donald Ross designed course.

So, expecting Baltic conditions I packed my best polar exploration gear but was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by clear sunny skies, very little wind and warm weather which held for all three days.
As most of the playing teams were Americans that I had never met I was a little concerned that current worldwide events would dominate the conversations and there would be a few sticky moments. Also, my love of golf has certainly waxed and waned over the years mainly due to the endless rules, dress codes, members, committees….. but in this case I couldn’t have been more wrong. They were the nicest and easiest-going bunch I had met in a long time. We had great fun.

In the end the competition was won by Tom Scarborough and Seán Tobin (pictured below) playing out of the Country Club of Orlando. Tom is a great gentleman who must have drunk the elixir of everlasting youth and has a wicked sense of humour. He’s retired from insurance but could have made as much money telling jokes for a living. He was ably supported by a super golfer in Seán who hits the ball further than I could jog.

Organising events is a skill that requires talents quite foreign to me. You need to be extremely organised, plan well in advance, have the hospitality gene switched on and be able to completely change all those well laid plans in an instant. Having the patience of a saint wouldn’t go amiss either. I can confirm that the Carr Golf team have all those attributes in spades. It was a super event, seamless organisation and great, great fun.

A highlight of the week was meeting the hugely well respected golf author Bradley Klein. Apart from caddying for Bernhard Langer on tour many years ago, Brad is a senior writer for Golfweek magazine and the author of seven books on golf course architecture. His speciality is his knowledge on the designs of Donald Ross and his gentle demeanour and love of golf course architecture is only rivalled by his love of chainsaws (go figure – as they say!). We had many laughs but if you really want to put a smile on Brad’s face he has many books available on Amazon entirely suitable for corporate gifts, birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs and Christmas presents.

The week would not be complete without a shout out to the super Carr Golf team that looked after us. Hospitality done well is like all things done well – it feels genuine, effortless and real. It takes a special type of person to do it and either the hospitality gene is switched on or it’s not. Nothing ever seems like too much trouble. So thanks to Ciara, Susan, Mark and Seán at Carr Golf, Neil Hampton and all at Royal Dornoch, Rob from Donald Ross Sportswear and last but certainly not least the legendary Peter Keighery. Peter (photographed above with Ciara from Carr Golf) is a man of unique charm, an entertainer, guide, piano player and a kind and wise counsel to Marty and his Carr Golf team. His autobiography about his many years of adventures at the ‘coalface’ of corporate and private entertainment is in the works as we speak – to be ghost-written of course by none other than Bradley S. Klein! Isn’t that right Peter?

Featuring a host of some of the most dramatic (and stunning!) links layouts in the world, the courses of  Ireland are both thrilling and challenging. We asked our travel experts to compile a list of the most demanding par 5s that they have had the pleasure  (or misfortune) of facing. Which do you think tops the list?

Have you say by getting involved with our Twitter poll.

Old Head Golf Links Hole No. 12

Don’t go left, or long right in fact. The Par 5 12th at Old Head provides one of the most iconic images in golf.

Regarded as one of the most intimidating holes in golf, the 12^th at Old Head begins with a daunting tee shot over a clifftop to a blind landing area. The challenge doesn’t end there as the fairway dramatically narrows as it nears the green, making laying up shots difficult and almost impossible. Bunkers and intimidating high slopes guard the right side. Don’t miss left or your ball will be gobbled up in the turbulent sea below.Fun Fact: Old Head boasts one of the largest groups of professional caddies in Ireland with approximately 160 working throughout the season.

Tralee Golf Club Hole No. 11.

Roddy Carr, The King and Marty Carr. Arnie’s first design of many greats would go on to be Tralee

Reaching a whopping 595 yards from the tips, Tralee’s No. 11 is the longest on our list. Aptly named, “Palmer’s Peak” plays uphill on the highest part of the course and features a mesmerizing panoramic view of rock pinnacles, pounding surf and stretches of beachfront. Don’t let the picturesque vistas distract you as the blind second shot requires your full attention. A well-hit long iron or wood will set you up nicely for a simple pitch to the green.

Fun Fact: Tralee was Arnold Palmer’s first design in Europe.

Doonbeg Golf Club Hole No. 1

The five story high dunes that shadow over the first green at Doonbeg, make it one of links golf’s greatest opening holes.

Focus is essential on the starting hole at Doonbeg Golf Club as it sets the tone for your round right off the bat. With its majestic clubhouse standing sentinel, the ocean lurking on the left, and out of bounds threatening the right side, accuracy is imperative. The prevailing wind from left to right provides an added challenge, although it can be used to your advantage if you’re feeling bold. Remarkably like the first hole at famed Portstewart in Northern Ireland, this stunning, well-protected green tempts longer hitters to try to carry the bunkers.

Fun Fact: Doonbeg has magnificent room rates available for September and October, making fall an ideal time to visit.

Doonbeg Golf Club Hole No. 13

A swarm of bunkers will test your ability to go pin seeking on the 13th hole at Doonbeg.

Measuring a manageable 514 yards from the back tees, Doonbeg’s No. 13 may seem reachable in two, however, more often than not a stiff breeze is right in your face. Hitting the fairway off the tee is no easy feat and doesn’t guarantee you a simple second shot if pulled off successfully. With an undulating landing area, a flat lie is highly unlikely. The approach shot doesn’t get any easier as it entails hitting into the ferocious wind and onto an elevated green.

Feel you know tougher links Par 5s within Ireland, they be sure to get inlvoved in the debate with our team and fans on our Twitter poll.

Nearly 100 teams from 12 different countries converged on County Kerry’s renowned Waterville Golf Links for the 28^th annual “World Invitational Father & Son Tournament.” Countries represented include the U.S., Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Spain, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil and South Africa. The home country took home the trophy as David and Hugh Foley, playing out of Royal Dublin Golf Club, won the prestigious event.

Winner of both the net and gross categories, David and Hugh Foley enjoying the moment.

Posting a 19-under-par total, the Foleys finished five shots ahead of the second place team of Ralph and Chad Woodman from Portsmouth Country Club and Old Mill Golf Club respectively. The teams of John and Tom Caravolas from Charles River Country Club and Gene and Joseph playing out of Connecticut’s Stanwich Golf Club, tied for third at 13-under-par.

The Foleys, compiling an impressive 18 birdies over the 54 holes of competition, also won the gross division for the second year in a row.

“The 28^th rendition of the annual father and son tournament was another smashing success for our signature event,” says Marty Carr, Carr Golf’s tournament host. “To witness the pure joy of competition and abundance of camaraderie while playing on one of the world’s great layouts was an incredible pleasure to be part of.”

As much fun was had off the course as on it. The extraordinary event featured four nights’ accommodations, daily full Irish breakfast and lunch, welcome cocktail reception, practice round, three tournament rounds, long drive competition, tournament gifts and photo, transfers within Waterville, nightly entertainment, gala dinner, prize ceremony and tournament concierge.

Matt Ginella and playing partner, John Ashworth celebrate a clutch putt.

Multiple well-known figures from the sports world participated in the tournament. Dignitaries in the field included the Golf Channel’s Matt Ginella, former horseracing jockey and sporting icon Sir A.P. McCoy, who has ridden over 4,000 winners, and former Ireland rugby captain Keith Wood.

Sporting legends, Sir AP McCoy & Keith Wood preparing to tee it up at Waterville Golf Links alongside Dery Desmond and Alexander Wood.

On-course highlights included a “slam dunk” hole-in-one from Chris Snow, playing out of The Country Club of Virginia, and Hugh Foley’s three eagle putts in the final round.

To view images of the event, click here.

Information about the 29th Annual World Invitational Father & Son Tournament, to be held Aug.  8 – 12, 2018, may be found here. For more details contact Alison Duffin at alison.duffin@carrgolf.com.

Ireland is awash in excitement as its sports fans pack grandstands for hurling matches leading up to the annual Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Hurling All-Ireland Championship Finals schedule to take place on labor day weekend. Area pubs are even livelier than usual (if possible!) as fans from across the Emerald Isle have arrive en masse to support their respective teams.

If you want (or need) to brush up on your hurling knowledge before journeying to Ireland during this most exhilarating time of year, keep reading.

Known as “the fastest game on grass,” hurling dates back 3,000 years. Despite the intensity of the sport, no padding is worn by the players save for a plastic helmet and facemask. It is played on a rectangular field 140 – 160 yards long and 90 – 100 yards wide bookended by H-shaped goalposts 21 feet wide, 20 – 23 feet high and connected by a crossbow 8.2 feet above the ground.

Players (aka hurlers) use a wooden stick coined a “hurley” to hit a small ball (called a sliotar) between the opponents’ goalposts. They receive one point for shots that fly through the goalposts above the crossbar and three points for those that make it past the goalkeeper beneath the crossbar (called a “goal”).

Watch the video below for highlights from last year’s All-Ireland Hurling Final.

While tickets to the GAA Football and Hurling All-Ireland tickets are not easily accessible –   it’s worth the trip alone just to be in Ireland during the championship, with the energy in Dublin City, unmatched on this special weekend that comes around once a year.

Consider visiting Dublin this September to combine the spirit of the GAA games with some of the finest golf in Ireland. Blessed with numerous wonderful courses within a short drive of Dublin including Royal Dublin, Portmarnock and The Island (to name only a few of the gems in and around the world-class city).

Royal Dublin is the second oldest golf club in the Emerald Isle (celebrating its 125^th anniversary in 2010), and continues to enchant and challenge golfers of all playing abilities. The traditional links course is situated on Bull Island, a nature reserve attracting more bird-watchers than any other location in Ireland. Royal Dublin has hosted the Irish Amateur Open 29 times since 1894 as well as multiple Irish Ladies Amateur Opens, Irish PGAs and Irish Opens. A massive renovation completed in 2006 resulted in an extraordinary 7,269-yard par-72 layout.

Portmarnock Golf Club holds an important place in the American golf psyche as it saw Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead capture the Canada Cup in 1960 and Phil Mickelson and David Duval win the Walker Cup in 1991. Founded in 1894, Portmarnock consistently ranks among the top links courses in the world. Its signature hole, the beguiling 15^th, is known for its stunning sea views and difficulty. With a trio of bunkers surrounding the green, the 204-yard par-3 is as daunting as it is beautiful.

The Island Golf Club sits regally on a peninsula nestled between the Irish Sea, the beach of Donabate and the Broadmeadow estuary. Featuring only natural challenges, the track boasts dramatic and intimidating sand dunes to be negotiated. The course blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings and is home to brilliant flora and fauna including wild dune flowers and melodious larks.

The sample itinerary below shows just one of countless possibilities. We can put together a dream trip combining remarkable golf and comfortable accommodations while leaving plenty of time for you to explore Dublin and all it has to offer, especially during the GAA Finals. Those looking to plan a trip around next year’s GAA Finals should note it will be held in August for the first time since 1903.