Jump to content
IGNORED

I'm going to Ireland!!


Note: This thread is 3201 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Not sure how much fun it'll be for him, having to scour the rough all day looking for yet another lost Nike.;-)

They're used to it. Part of the job.

 - Joel

TM M3 10.5 | TM M3 17 | Adams A12 3-4 hybrid | Mizuno JPX 919 Tour 5-PW

Vokey 50/54/60 | Odyssey Stroke Lab 7s | Bridgestone Tour B XS

Home Courses - Willow Run & Bakker Crossing

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

They're used to it. Part of the job.

I'll be sure to tip him well. What is considered a good tip BTW?

my get up and go musta got up and went..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Moderator
My main concern when it comes to a caddie, is that I'm a high HC (18) and I'd really hate to embarrass myself AND my caddie by hacking it all over the place.

Don't worry, there are plenty of people who play there with handicaps like that and have caddies. You don't have to be a Pro to have a caddy, it just makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

Yeah nothing to be concerned about, most players have caddies. A lot of those guys have seen players that are a lot worse than an 18 handicapper. It's not "required" to get a caddie but it's highly recommended. Otherwise you don't know where the heck you're going on some holes and they have a pretty good idea where the ball goes when you hit it in the gorse. Or at least I've heard about that, I obviously never hit it in the gorse :whistle:

Nice pics ... a few of mine ... Lahinch .. I think the fourth hole ... maybe ... but you have to hit over the mound ... wait for the guy to give you the clear, and aim for the white rock ...

Ballybunion first hole old course ... what out for the graveyard on the right!

Nice pics, makes me want to go back, didn't get a chance to play Ballybunion.

I'll be sure to tip him well. What is considered a good tip BTW?

I forgot how much tip I gave, think it was slightly different at each place. I just asked the caddie masters at each course.

Mike McLoughlin

Check out my friends on Evolvr!
Follow The Sand Trap on Twitter!  and on Facebook
Golf Terminology -  Analyzr  -  My FacebookTwitter and Instagram 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Speaking of caddies, I remember one that we used at Tralee. No matter where you hit the ball, he would go after it. Risked his life climbing down one of the cliffs, looking for a ball. Balls must be really expensive in Ireland these days!

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'll be sure to tip him well. What is considered a good tip BTW?

I only tipped 10 euro at Ballybunion because the rate was 60 euro so I thought 70 euro total was plenty.

At Lahinch I didn't tip at all.....the rate was 40 euro I think? Let's just say I didn't get a very good caddy. I'm sure they're not all like he was though. The course is great though.

 - Joel

TM M3 10.5 | TM M3 17 | Adams A12 3-4 hybrid | Mizuno JPX 919 Tour 5-PW

Vokey 50/54/60 | Odyssey Stroke Lab 7s | Bridgestone Tour B XS

Home Courses - Willow Run & Bakker Crossing

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Speaking of caddies, I remember one that we used at Tralee. No matter where you hit the ball, he would go after it. Risked his life climbing down one of the cliffs, looking for a ball. Balls must be really expensive in Ireland these days!

That's awesome. I was looking at the scorecard for Tralee, Damn that thing is long! Lol.

my get up and go musta got up and went..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie Bunker

Speaking of caddies, I remember one that we used at Tralee. No matter where you hit the ball, he would go after it. Risked his life climbing down one of the cliffs, looking for a ball. Balls must be really expensive in Ireland these days!

That's awesome. I was looking at the scorecard for Tralee, Damn that thing is long! Lol.

Don't worry - you'll get an extra 50 yards of roll on your drives....

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Don't worry - you'll get an extra 50 yards of roll on your drives....

I'm sure I'll need it. I really don't wanna play from the ladies tees :-)

my get up and go musta got up and went..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • 3 weeks later...

Honestly, you have a very tough decision to make. All of those courses are worth a visit, and everyone has their own opinions on which is the best and why.

As an Irish golf writer, I get into the Ballybunion/Lahinch debate all the time. I prefer Ballybunion (Old) but conversations about the better course often lead to arguments. Tralee has its amazing back nine but it doesn't have that 'old links' feel. Waterville is a peach - it has a slightly manicured feel, but I still think it's the most picture-perfect links on the island.  Portmarnock has a huge reputation and is a strategic monster, but it's not a big-dune course, and doesn't offer the same thrills and views as nearby The Island.

I have full sets of these courses up on my Flickr page:

Ballybunion

Lahinch

Portmarnock

Tralee

Waterville

Island Photos

Of those courses, if you're playing on your own, I'd go for Ballybunion. If your wife fancies a beautiful walk, then Tralee or Waterville.

And if you play Ballybunion Old, see if you have time to play the back nine on the Cashen course - you won't be sorry.

As for a caddie, get one. Doesn't matter if you're a great golfer or an average golfer, a good caddie will make the game more enjoyable for you - save you shots and lost balls.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


[quote name="kmarkham" url="/t/75393/im-going-to-ireland/18#post_1020999"]Honestly, you have a very tough decision to make. All of those courses are worth a visit, and everyone has their own opinions on which is the best and why. As an Irish golf writer, I get into the Ballybunion/Lahinch debate all the time. I prefer Ballybunion (Old) but conversations about the better course often lead to arguments. Tralee has its amazing back nine but it doesn't have that 'old links' feel. Waterville is a peach - it has a slightly manicured feel, but I still think it's the most picture-perfect links on the island.  Portmarnock has a huge reputation and is a strategic monster, but it's not a big-dune course, and doesn't offer the same thrills and views as nearby The Island. I have full sets of these courses up on my Flickr page: [URL=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157621756138607/]Ballybunion[/URL] [URL=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157621923665365/]Lahinch[/URL] [URL=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157644274689605/]Portmarnock[/URL] [URL=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157636574802975/]Tralee[/URL] [URL=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157621881417894/]Waterville[/URL] [URL=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157621970326421/]Island Photos[/URL] Of those courses, if you're playing on your own, I'd go for Ballybunion. If your wife fancies a beautiful walk, then Tralee or Waterville. And if you play Ballybunion Old, see if you have time to play the back nine on the Cashen course - you won't be sorry. As for a caddie, get one. Doesn't matter if you're a great golfer or an average golfer, a good caddie will make the game more enjoyable for you - save you shots and lost balls.[URL=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157621970326421/] [/URL] [/quote Thanks so much for the photos, they all look amazing and I wish I could play them all, unfortunately I'll only be able to play one so I'll give a breakdown. I'm a pretty high HC at an 18. I will definitely be getting a caddie. This is a bucket list round for me so it has to be an ocean course. I'll be going out on my own, my wife has no desire at all to walk a golf course with me lol. Ballybunion, Lahinch & Tralee are my top three choices, as of now. For this round, I really don't care much about the cost. So in your experience which one do you think would be best? I also have a buddy who lives in Glenealey (sp) who is going to set me up with some of his friends to play golf but I haven't been able to find much info on courses in that area. Any ideas? Thanks again, your help is greatly appreciated.
my get up and go musta got up and went..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Quote:
Originally Posted by jetsknicks1 View Post
Quote:


[/quote

Thanks so much for the photos, they all look amazing and I wish I could play them all, unfortunately I'll only be able to play one so I'll give a breakdown.
I'm a pretty high HC at an 18.
I will definitely be getting a caddie.
This is a bucket list round for me so it has to be an ocean course.
I'll be going out on my own, my wife has no desire at all to walk a golf course with me lol.
Ballybunion, Lahinch & Tralee are my top three choices, as of now.
For this round, I really don't care much about the cost.

So in your experience which one do you think would be best?

I also have a buddy who lives in Glenealey (sp) who is going to set me up with some of his friends to play golf but I haven't been able to find much info on courses in that area. Any ideas?

Thanks again, your help is greatly appreciated.

Well then - in a word - Ballybunion. It's a slowish start, but once you get to the 6th, it's brilliant.

As for Glenealy - I'm assuming that's Co. Wicklow, which is on the east coast. Golf courses around there would be Wicklow and Blainroe (both seaside courses), The European Club (you've probably heard of the famous links), Arklow (another small links) and Macreddin and Woodenbridge, which are very picturesque parkland courses in the Wicklow Mountains. Macreddin was designed by Paul McGinley. Again, plenty of photos on my Flickr page.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Well then - in a word - Ballybunion. It's a slowish start, but once you get to the 6th, it's brilliant. As for Glenealy - I'm assuming that's Co. Wicklow, which is on the east coast. Golf courses around there would be Wicklow and Blainroe (both seaside courses), The European Club (you've probably heard of the famous links), Arklow (another small links) and Macreddin and Woodenbridge, which are very picturesque parkland courses in the Wicklow Mountains. Macreddin was designed by Paul McGinley. Again, plenty of photos on my Flickr page.

Thanks so much for the help buddy. I'll defly check out the rest if the photos and perhaps PM you from time to time if I have any further questions, If that's ok with you.

my get up and go musta got up and went..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Sure. Happy to help

Looking at your pics makes me want to play every single one of those courses :-D

my get up and go musta got up and went..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I'm on my way to Ireland soon to visit my long gone ancestors and will sneak in a few rounds.  I will go as soon as i can shoot under 90 3x in a row.

.  But, IMO, not offering a tip to the caddy, whether in Ireland, Scotland, China or Thailand, is the wrong play.  Ask at the caddy shack or the clubhouse or pro shop for the minimum tip range.   I play in Asia and except in Hong Kong , I'm always required to take a caddy.  It's just part of the day.  And frankly, putting the few dollars directly into the hands of the worker i feel contributes more to the welfare of individuals and families, than dumping money towards 'luxury resorts'.

I played Mission Hills, Shenzhen China, many times. Owned by massively rich family and i green fees of   RMB1000 as a guest.  Common tip 100 RMB.  But if  you score a HIO, then you give  all  caddies in your group  500 RMB each.  And once informed of your HIO, the manager zooms out in a buggy with a photog in tow.

And so since you voluntarily choose to take a caddy, and he/she worked on your behalf for 4 hours, seems only fair  to offer a money tip.  Even if she was ugly, or he smoked.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'm on my way to Ireland soon to visit my long gone ancestors and will sneak in a few rounds.  I will go as soon as i can shoot under 90 3x in a row. .  But, IMO, not offering a tip to the caddy, whether in Ireland, Scotland, China or Thailand, is the wrong play.  Ask at the caddy shack or the clubhouse or pro shop for the minimum tip range.   I play in Asia and except in Hong Kong , I'm always required to take a caddy.  It's just part of the day.  And frankly, putting the few dollars directly into the hands of the worker i feel contributes more to the welfare of individuals and families, than dumping money towards 'luxury resorts'.  I played Mission Hills, Shenzhen China, many times. Owned by massively rich family and i green fees of   RMB1000 as a guest.  Common tip 100 RMB.  But if  you score a HIO, then you give  all  caddies in your group  500 RMB each.  And once informed of your HIO, the manager zooms out in a buggy with a photog in tow.   And so since you voluntarily choose to take a caddy, and he/she worked on your behalf for 4 hours, seems only fair  to offer a money tip.  Even if she was ugly, or he smoked.

Tipping the caddies is a given, I never indicated otherwise.

my get up and go musta got up and went..
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I played Lahinch and Ballybunion last year ... It's the trip of a life time for me.

The people in Ireland were SO nice to us.

Congrats!

Going there in September. Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee and Doonbeg. Taking a day to go to the Cliffs of Moher as well.

Bill M

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Going there in September. Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee and Doonbeg. Taking a day to go to the Cliffs of Moher as well.

I like Scotland better just for the history aspect so I'll make another trip there before Ireland but it's on my bucket list and damn, I envy you guys.

In my Bag: Driver: Titelist 913 D3 9.5 deg. 3W: TaylorMade RBZ 14.5 3H: TaylorMade RBZ 18.5 4I - SW: TaylorMade R7 TP LW: Titelist Vokey 60 Putter: Odyssey 2-Ball

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Note: This thread is 3201 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • Thanks for the feedback. @StuM, we are a "club without real estate" so no facilities or pro. We have a membership of around 185 players and we only play together as a group at our tournaments, which are held at public access courses. A group of us setup the tournaments, collect the money and dole out the prizes.
    • In general, granting free relief anywhere on the course isn't recommended.  Similarly, when marking GUR, the VSGA and MAPGA generally don't mark areas that are well away from the intended playing lines, no matter how poor the conditions.  If you hit it far enough offline, you don't necessarily deserve free relief.  And you don't have to damage clubs, take unplayable relief, take the stroke, and drop the ball in a better spot.
    • If it's not broken don't fix it. If you want to add grooves to it just because of looks that's your choice of course. Grooves are cut into putter faces to reduce skid, the roll faced putter is designed to do the same thing. I'm no expert but it seems counter productive to add grooves to the roll face. Maybe you can have it sand-blasted or something to clean up the face. Take a look at Tigers putter, its beat to hell but he still uses it.     
    • I get trying to limit relief to the fairway, but how many roots do you typically find in the fairway? Our local rule allows for relief from roots & rocks anywhere on the course (that is in play). My home course has quite a few 100 year old oaks that separate the fairways. Lift and move the ball no closer to the hole. None of us want to damage clubs.
    • Hello, I've been playing a Teardrop td17 F.C. putter for many years and love it. It still putts and feels as good or  better than any of the new putters I've tried and it's in excellent condition except the face has dings in it ever since I bought it used that kind of bother me. I was just wondering if it's possible to have some really shallow horizontal grooves milled into the face on a "roll face" putter. I think I would rather spend some money on it instead of trying to get used to a new putter.  Thanks
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...