u/OldHugger

Enjoyed a round on the former PGA National course at Palmerstown House Estate today. Given the lack of rain the fairways were in fair to okay condition. Tee boxes and greens were as good as ever. For the first time in as many months as I can recall- it rained!!! Much needed by most Irish golf courses right now. A great golf course, lots of water, long challenging holes. A must play if you haven’t already had a round.

Played Woodenbridge golf club today in an outing with the Roundwood Golf Society, a nicer group of golfers you struggle to find. To say the course was under several feet of water only a few months ago, it was the driest I’ve ever seen it. All credit to the club and ground staff, the fairways were very playable and the greens in excellent condition. Always a huge pleasure to play this stunning course which winds its way through the wooded river valley and has memorable holes across the river!

This dry weather is not helping the golf courses. Especially those with no sprinkling systems like Roundwood. It’s an exceptionally scenic course but very hilly. Fabulous views out to sea over Greystones, Mountain View’s over Djouce and Sugarloaf. Some awesome narrow holes through tall pines. At €30 a round it’s great value for money but take a buggy because it’s very hilly. The greens have burned off. It’s not Druid’s Glen or Powerscourt but for the money it’s well worth trying. We had a lot of fun today. Not many people about so with a buggy our two ball round took just 3.5 hours.

I was sorting out some old golf bags today, when I came across this golf ball. Glen of the Downs was a stunning golf club in County Wicklow and was one of the first clubs I played when I came to Ireland 16 years ago. Happy memories. Sadly it went under about 10-12 years ago and all that remains is the run down club house.

What memorabilia do you have from golf clubs that no longer exist? Do share!

I posted a few days ago about this fabulous par three course in North Wicklow. Played it this morning and wow, it’s in fantastic condition. The greens are the best I’ve ever seen them. Full credit to the groundskeepers. For €17 a round this is indisputably the best value golf around Dublin. Here’s a few photos from this morning. Sadly the pond on the signature 13th hole has dried up but that will soon be rectified when we have some rain.

Lots of people ask about good courses for beginners in and around Dublin. For anyone South side or in Wicklow, there’s an absolute gem of a challenging par 3 course at Glen Mill.

It’s opposite NewtownMountKennedy on the other side of the N11. It has long holes (200 yards) and short ones. It’s very scenic, with woodland and the greens are always in great condition. Water comes in to play on several holes and the signature 13th elevated tee over a lake would be a welcome addition to any normal club.

Give it a try. I’m going again tomorrow.

https://glenmillgolfclub.ie/

Enjoyed a challenging matchplay yesterday on the amazing Royal Dublin Golf Club. Blessed with a warm sunny evening and a strong wind to add some fun. The course is a fine example of a traditional links with fast greens and lots of danger if you stray from the fairways.

It was a bit of a change to see clouds and drizzle for this morning’s round on the Palmer South course. Like many courses it desperately needs a good downpour of rain but it’s playing well and the greens were excellent.

The Hibernian Golf Club plays every Saturday morning. Pay as you play. Membership €255 then 50% of the going green fee plus the competition fee. €60 for green and competition fees today. It’s a great deal for someone who doesn’t play every week but would like to obtain a handicap.
I’m a member 15 years now. Dovetails perfectly with my 5 day membership on Druid’s Heath.

https://www.hiberniangolf.com/

Enjoyable round this morning, in the IFSC Golf Society matchplay competition. Played on the West course at Powerscourt Golf Club. What a treat. The course has its own reservoir and the greenkeepers were out busy watering the whole course which is in excellent green condition. The greens were super fast and in tip top condition. Well done to the staff!
#powerscourt
#golf

Can anyone guess the course? Should be an easy one. Not many courses with this spectacular view on the 18th. Course in superb condition considering all the heat and lack of rain.

While over in the UK this week, I was invited to play Rockliffe Hall for the first time. What an amazing course! I didn’t want to be seen taking photos in case it offended our host, but couldn’t resist one of these spectators invading the fairways. Despite no serious rain in weeks, the course and especially the greens were in fabulous condition.

Love her to bits. Some think Shitzus are meant to be groomed and fancy. Not ours. We live on a small holding where she thinks she’s a sheep dog 🤣

Came across this old photo the other day. It made me smile. My dad’s car on the drive. Circa 1960. No idea what make or model the car was. Any suggestions?

More than anything else I love about our home, I just adore sharing our garden with these wild Sika deer. We have a large pond and they come to drink most days. They’re partial to a handful of rolled oats.