Course of the Week: Ballybunion Golf Club in Ballybunion Ireland
When we finally arrived in Cork, Ireland for our golfing trip, we were already off to a rough start. Our flights had been delayed, forcing us to fly out a day late. And to make matters worse, only one out of our four pieces of luggage made it with us. As golfers, we had brought two sets of clubs and two bags of clothes, so this was definitely a setback.
Being in another country, we had to figure out our phones first before we could do anything. Once we did, we hired a cab to take us to our resort. However, upon arrival, we discovered that only my clubs made it, while my companion had no clubs or luggage at all. It was incredibly frustrating to start our trip of a lifetime without any clubs or proper attire.
Thankfully, the cab service and our resort were incredibly gracious. They gave us suggestions for nearby stores where we could at least get some golf attire. Since our caddies and rounds of golf were already paid for, we wanted to make the most of our situation. We went into town, bought one outfit and some necessities, and then returned to our resort to explore in the rain.
The hotel staff and cab service informed us that it would take an hour and a half to get to Ballybunion Golf Club, where our first tee time was set for the next day. Originally, we were told it would only take half an hour. So, wanting to be prepared for the big day, we decided to go to bed early.
When we arrived at the course the next morning, Mark asked for a rental set of clubs since they wouldn't let us share mine. Unfortunately, he was given senior shafted clubs instead of the stiff shafts he requested. It seemed like everything was going wrong.
Despite the setbacks, the course itself was absolutely stunning. It had the iconic and old feel of a links course, with rolling hills, fast greens, and native grasses along the Atlantic Ocean. It truly felt like playing on one of the oldest courses known today. Each hole had its own unique challenges and breathtaking views.
The standout hole for many at Ballybunion is the par-4 11th, named after Tom Watson. This hole winds its way along the shoreline, with narrow entrances and dips and hollows guarding the green. A par here feels like an accomplishment worthy of an eagle. We both got a par!
Ballybunion Golf Club Old Course is undeniably one of the best golf courses in Ireland. Its rich history and stunning location on the Atlantic coast make it a must-play for any golfer. Despite the challenges we faced at the beginning of our trip, playing at Ballybunion was an experience we will never forget.
