There is nothing less interesting than reading about someone’s “bucket list” golf trip. So rather than regaling you with a blow-by-blow of my recent rounds at Waterville, Ballybunion, Old Head, Tralee and Lahinch, I will take a path less traveled—no caddie stories, no charming recaps of encounters with the locals, no descriptions of incredible golf shots played in the shadows of the game’s greats.
If spending a career in the golf business has taught me one thing it is this—no one, not even your spouse, gives a BLEEP about the eight-iron you hit to 3 feet on #16. Thirty years of collecting scorecards has convinced me that others are not remotely concerned that you three-putted 10 times. And unless that is bacon in your pocket even your dog won’t raise an eyebrow when you tell him about that four-iron you kept under the wind to set up a finishing birdie.
So, what do you say about a “bucket list” trip to Southwest Ireland? Thanks to Sullivan Golf Travel I was able to accompany our group of 32 golf enthusiasts on our third CGA-sponsored trip to Great Britain and Ireland. The team at Sullivan made the trip seamless, comfortable and entertaining. Our bus driver, John, kept us well informed on the local history and most importantly, knew how to handle the “Coach” so we could relax and enjoy the views. I never could have imagined how much fun it would be to be with a group of this size. I had assumed that a smaller group would be much easier to manage and create a more intimate experience. Much to my surprise, the size of the group felt just right and the diversity of our golfers in age, ability and gender created a feeling of unity.
At a time when we are so divided, this golf trip was a welcome reminder of all the things we have in common. For us, that “common ground” was the game of golf—played on the “commons” along the Irish coast.
As part of my trip I decided to add a deeper meaning and benefit by raising money for the CGA’s Youth on Course program by turning my rounds of golf in the U.K. into a 100-Hole-Hike. The Irish golf trip ended at Lahinch. With 90 holes in the books I needed to check off 10 more before the official day of the CGA hike on September 23rd.
On the final day at Lahinch, the answer revealed itself. I didn’t realize that Lahinch boasts two wonderful golf courses. The more famous, “Old Course” and the delightful, “Castle Course.” Both of the golf courses are nestled into the town giving the place a similar golf “heartbeat” as St. Andrews. So after completing 90 holes on “the Old” and enjoying (another) post-round pint of Guinness (it really is better in Ireland) it was off to the Castle Course to squeeze in 10 more before the sun went down.
The golf shop advised me to be patient as it was after school when the juniors were given run of the Castle Course. I smiled at the serendipity. What a perfect metaphor to complete my 100 holes for the Youth on Course cause. The world suddenly felt quite small knowing that giving kids access to the game is a universal priority.
After playing the first hole I caught up to a single in front of me who was also squeezing in a few holes before dark. Peg Quinlan (picture with me) is 88 years young. She lost her husband some time ago but continues to play the game the two enjoyed together for many years. Peg could not have been more welcoming and when I shared my 100-hole objective she became my partner in crime. Recognizing the challenge of playing behind the juniors, Peg used her local knowledge of the Castle Course to skip holes here and there to find openings. I could not have done it without her!
Hole number 100 turned out to be the 16th hole on the Castle Course. A decent drive and a crisp approach left me 8 feet for birdie. Missing the putt meant nothing as the tap-in for par put the perfect “period” on my Irish Golf Adventure.
In the car park after the round I asked Peg to attest the final 10 holes which she was more than happy to do. We exchanged contact information and I helped her navigate the somewhat blind exit out of the parking lot.
As I walked back to the hotel with my bag on my shoulders I passed a junior doing the same thing walking in the opposite direction (pictured below).
Fellow travelers, on this journey we call golf.
To help Ed reach his $15,000 goal for Youth on Course in Colorado: