Ireland is my favorite country in the world to play golf in and nowhere in all of Ireland is the combination of luxury and pure Irish links golf better than on the west coast of Ireland at Doonbeg.
The golf course, designed by Greg Norman, is a true links gem with nine holes going out and nine more bringing you home. The course plays 6,885 yards from the back tees and it has everything from pot bunkers, to undulating greens, exciting, driveable par fours and treacherous par threes. The five par threes are exhilarating with the shorter 9th, 11th and 14th leading the pack.
The signature 14th hole plays to 111yards from the back tees and I have hit every club in my bag from a seven iron up in to the green. Or at least the vicinity of the green! As you can tell from the picture above it really is a case of do or die! While the ocean is in view from sixteen of the eighteen holes it certainly does not come into play (on all of them!) and all skill levels should be able to have a fantastic day of golf. There are five different sets of tees offered. Other than one questionable green complex (#12) I thought all the holes were memorable, very playable and interesting. Actually quite a rare combination.
From a golf vacation perspective Doonbeg's location in County Clare is excellent as you are in close proximity to Shannon airport and the esteemed Ballybunion and Lahinch links courses.
While the course has been known to abuse a few of it's guests you will not experience anything of the sort at the Lodge at Doonbeg. I have had the privilege of spending a handful of nights within her solid stone walls and I have never experienced a finer hotel in all my travels. The food, bedding, customer service and attention to detail are second to none! Oh, and the view is not too bad either! Should the Guinness not have done the trick after the round, the ladies, and gents if you prefer, have access to the world class spa to soothe away those few too many swings out on the course.
Terri and I will travel with a group of 'friends' to Doonbeg later this year to compete in the Norman Trophy. We cannot wait to experience all the luxury and links Doonbeg has to offer.
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Things to Ponder:
- The other day my son asked asked me why I had a Bobby Jones haircut?! That boy is getting crazy about golf....
- My prayers are with the Mickelson family at the moment. Occasions like this make me realize what truly is important. Tell someone you care about that you love them!
- Look for my pick this week, Mr. Ian Poulter, to dominate the field!
- Thanks to you all for feedback on my post "Family Golf" - I appreciate the words of encouragement.
- Charles Barkley is a funny man, but Hank Haney has had no chance from day one! You cannot cure yips with instruction! The only hope Sir Charles has is cross handed (my choice) or left handed. End of story!
- Anybody out there know of some secret links golf destinations please let me know.
Here's a toast to all things Irish! It is the greatest country in the world to play golf; to make a new friend out of a complete stranger; and of course enjoy a lovely pint of Guinness.
