golf in ireland – G Golf Ireland

1 Nil to Europe (Sort of!)

Solheim & Ryder Cup week update. It’s 1 nil to Europe. Sort of. But not really!

Well, that was a Solheim Cup for the ages this past weekend! The first tie in Solheim Cup history, meaning that Europe as holders retained the trophy. After Europe were hammered 4:0 in the opening foursomes session on Friday, it was difficult to see past a victory for USA. However, Europe’s ladies rallied superbly to draw level heading into Sunday’s singles. Fittingly, Spaniard Carlota Ciganda, fired 2 incredible approach shots on holes 16 and 17 in her singles match to win the point which retained the cup for Europe.

And, what are the chances of a tie this coming weekend when the Ryder cup tees off at Marco Simone in Rome? History would say, very little, as it’s only happened twice. The first time was at Royal Birkdale in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus famously conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin to tie the match and retain the cup for the USA. The Belfry in 1989 was the stage for the second tie when Europe retained the cup. So, it’s 1 tie, 1 retention each for Europe and USA in the Ryder Cup.

On paper, Team USA had higher average world rankings than Team Europe for the Solheim Cup. Same goes in the Ryder Cup. But the matchplay format doesn’t care about world rankings or reputations. The singles matches are 1 to 1 combat while the foursomes and fourball formats present very different challenges to the strokeplay events the world’s elite golfers play week in, week out.

We think it’s going to be a close call. Check out the video to see my chat with Frank Gannon about the tournaments.

Don’t forget, the centenary of the Ryder Cup will be held at Adare Manor in 2027. Get ahead of the crowd and experience this amazing venue and others on your golf trip of a lifetime. Contact us to start planning your next dream golf vacation in the British Isles and Europe.

GO EUROPE!

News

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at G Golf Ireland!
As we reach the end of the 2022 golf season, we give thanks and reflect on the good year that was for Irish golf tourism.

This time last year, we were facing into another uncertain winter with ongoing covid lockdowns. Thankfully, 12 months on, we’ve had a solid recovery year at G Golf Ireland and are looking forward with optimism to 2023.

At this time of year, we are especially thankful to the great game of golf for giving us the ongoing opportunity to create new memories with our clients and friends.

As you gather with your nearest and dearest this Thanksgiving, consider pressing the green button to start planning your next golf trip with G Golf Ireland – we would be very thankful if you do!

Contact us today for itinerary ideas and inspiration!

We would like to wish all of our clients and friends a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Yours in Golf,

Interviews

Golf Digest – 9 Irish courses in the World top 100!

In conversation with Jamie McConnell

The latest biennial Golf Digest World Top 100 golf courses list has recently been published and 9 Irish courses have made the grade! It’s amazing really that our little country has almost 10% of the world’s best golf courses according to Golf Digest. But, for those of us involved in Irish golf tourism we’re not surprised and also very proud!

To discuss the courses on the list, I caught up with proud Irishman, Jamie McConnell, Director of Instruction at the Claude Harmon Performance Academy in Dubai. To hear Jamie’s take on the latest Golf Digest World Top 100 and his advice on playing golf in Ireland check out the video below. We’re very grateful to Jamie for his time and insight.

Royal County Down has remained at #1 and Co. Sligo (also known as Rosses Point) has made the Top 100 for the first time at #91. The full list including the previous rankings are below. The truth is that there are several other courses from the more than 400 courses on the Island of Ireland that could stake a claim to be included!

The 9 Irish courses in the 2022 Golf Digest World Top are:

Royal County Down 1 (1)
Royal Portrush 8 (8)
Ballybunion 18 (17)
Lahinch 41 (31)
Waterville 60 (75)
Portmarnock 62 (40)
Old Head of Kinsale 85 (68)
Co. Sligo 91 (NR)
European Club 93 (95)

When we consider that Ireland also has approximately 1/3 of the true links courses in the world, it is no wonder that demand for premium Irish golf continues to grow. If you want to play our world famous courses in 2023 and beyond, contact us without delay to make plans.

We look forward to welcoming you to the land of Saints, Scholars and world class golf!

News

Golf in the North West!

The second edition of the Irish Legends Tournament, hosted by the McGinley Foundation, was a tremendous success this August at Rosapenna Golf resort on Ireland’s north west coast.

Ryder Cup Legends and Major Champions teed it up alongside amateur players in this unique format in professional tournament golf. If you’re interested in playing in next year’s Irish Legends event please contact us for details.

Ireland’s north west coastline is a beautifully scenic region where the mountains, sand dunes and Atlantic Ocean frame some of the best links golf courses in Ireland. Check out the video below to hear Paul McGinley’s take on golf in this part of Ireland.

Here are our favourites:

Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort – choose from the Old Tom Morris course, Sandy Hills or the recently opened St. Patrick’s Links designed by Tom Doak. All 3 courses have spectacular views of Sheephaven Bay and provide different, challenging tests of your golf skills.

Ballyliffin – The Old course and Glashedy Links are both world class links courses with contrasting styles. There’s also the excellent 9 hole par 3 Pollan course to hone your short game. Host to the 2018 Irish Open tournament, put Ballyliffin on your list of must plays.

Portsalon – Founded in 1891, Portsalon also has the distinction of being one of the 9 original founding members of the Golf Union of Ireland, the oldest golfing union in the world. Redesigned by Pat Ruddy of the European Club in 2000, and tweaked by Paul McGinley more recently, Portsalon is well deserving of the title, “Hidden Gem”.

Narin and Portnoo – Matt Ginella from the Golf Channel’s quote describes it best “So here’s a little story about Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner coming to Ireland to renovate Narin & Portnoo: They worked wonders. The end. And now everyone will come and compare it to Pebble Beach, Pacific Dunes & other seaside spectacles.”

Co. Donegal (Murvagh) – Built on a promontory of 182 acres that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean, Co. Donegal enjoys a spectacular location and a very fair test of links golf. 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke describes it as one of his favourite courses in the world. And, he should know!

Co. Sligo (Rosses Point) – Home to the elite West of Ireland championship every year, Co. Sligo has made it into the 2022 Golf Digest World Top 100 courses for the first time at #91. Deservingly so. Benbulbin Mountain provides a spectacular backdrop to this world class links layout.

Enniscrone – The links weaves its way through towering, majestic dunes overlooking Killala Bay. Enniscrone is one of the finest pure links courses in Ireland and is a regular host to elite Irish golf tournaments. This is a championship golf course par excellence.

Carne – Wild Atlantic golf at its finest and rawest. Carne is arguably the most spectacular links course in Ireland. Cheek by jowl with the Atlantic Ocean, the holes weave their way through the biggest dune system in the world. Simply stunning.

So, what are you waiting for? DON’T DELAY – 2023 time sheets are open and filling fast. Please contact us to book your golf trip of a lifetime.

Yours in Golf,

News

All Eyes on Ireland this July!

In early July, there are two golf tournaments in Ireland that will see most of the world’s Top 50 golfers play in the Emerald Isle.

First up is the Irish Open at the beautiful Mount Juliet Estate where defending champion Lucas Herbert will tee it up alongside a host of Ryder Cup stars including: Shane Lowry, Padraig Harrington, Tyrrell Hatton, Thomas Pieters and Thorbjørn Olesen.

The world famous Jack Nicklaus signature design golf course is the jewel in the crown of the 5* Mount Juliet Estate. The Manor House at Mount Juliet dates back to the 18th century but has the very finest contemporary comforts, state-of-the-art facilities and excellent dining experiences.

Hot on the heel of the Irish Open is the much anticipated JP McManus Pro-Am at the stunning Adare Manor. The entry list reads like a who’s who of golf. The world’s top 5 ranked players – Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas – headline the list of major champions and global golf superstars in the field. A certain Mr. T. Woods is also still listed to play at time of writing!

Since a complete refurbishment in 2017, the luxurious 5* Adare Manor resort has won award after award for the outstanding offering at the 19th century castle estate. Boasting exceptional food and beverage, Spa and a world class Padel facility, it’s easy to understand why Adare Manor is chosen as the host for the centenary Ryder Cup in 2027.

Check out the video below to get a taste of what is on offer at Mount Juliet and Adare Manor. It’s no wonder the world’s top golfers are stopping for golf in Ireland on route to the 150th Open at St. Andrews!

REMINDER – 2023 time sheets are open. Please contact us without delay to book your golf experience of a lifetime.

Yours in Golf,