Ireland

Golfing in Layers to Keep Warm

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Yesterday, I was talking to my friend Padraig, who lives in Ireland, about his round of golf.

At first I thought what a beautiful day, but after a quick conversation, he reminded me that it was the time of year to dress warmly because looks can be deceiving. As I hit the the links today, this article will be of great value to my game.

Golfing in cold weather is a challenge for many of us living north of the 49th parallel. Our golfing season can last up to 7 months, but during 3 of those months, we had better be ready for turbulent weather. Excluding rain, cold weather is the greatest challenge for avid golfers in the north. It is not unusual to play golf in single digit (Celsius) conditions early and late in the northern golfing season.

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Golf Strategy: Playing a Par 3

/ The Grateful Golfer / 11 Comments

Playing par 3 golf holes usually provides the most exciting time on the golf course. Every player takes the time to plan and consider all the factors that might affect their shot! They line up and focus with hope that the perfect shot is in their bag at that time. Their thoughts shift to the elusive hole-in-one waiting for them at the end of the rainbow!

It is strategy time again! This picture of a player Patrick McLaughlin playing at the Slieve Russell Golf and Country Club, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Ireland. I received this picture last year, but I thought it would be a great hole to see “How you would play this challenging par 3!”

Patrick Mc Laughlin2

The 11th Hole – Heron Haunt. Advice is not to under club!

From the looks of the picture, the hole is about 170 yards (center of the green), downhill to a pin located in the back left. The wind is blowing from left to right. You are playing well and need a birdie to keep your awesome round going! What do you do?

Let us know where you aim, if you play safe, what type of ball shape you would want, and what club you would use! We all want to know!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

 

 

 

Golfing In Ireland

/ The Grateful Golfer / 9 Comments

Golfing in Ireland is on my bucket list! Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom hold a special place in my heart as places to golf. Until I have the opportunity to play in these three countries, and it will happen, this dream will stay alive and be fulfilled one day. In the meantime, I live vicariously through those who do golf in the promised land. My friend Kirk details his play at his home course of Northwood Golf Club in the UK. Also, he recently kept me spell-bound as he explained his round at St Andrews Old Course. Both sound amazing!

Ireland was the only country left of the three where I did not have any connection….until seven days ago. Through the power of social media, I was fortunate enough to talk to Patrick Mc Laughlin and Gary McLaughlin. (They are brothers, however spell their last names differently) It all started when they posted a picture of the signature hole at the Slieve Russel Hotel Golf and Country Club,  Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Ireland.

After answering this challenge, the conversation was on. He said that the Slieve Russell Golf and Country Club is a great place to play! In fact, he and his brother were playing there the next day and I asked them to send pictures. This is what they sent.

Playing the 11th hole - Heron Haunt

Playing the 11th hole – The Haunted Heron

Pactrick Mc Laughlin - 2nd shot lay up from bunker at 13th

Patrick Mc Laughlin – 2nd shot lay up from bunker at 13th

Patrick mc laughlin ‏@lochlainn1 Protected Tweets Jul 23 @TheGratefulGolf 12th tee shot, hit driver and 52* to 6ft but missed :( pic.twitter.com/gxJLZ2mKsA

Patrick Mc Laughlin – 12th tee shot, hit driver and 52* to 6ft but missed 😦

Patrick Mc Laughlin - 13th drove into bunker across the fairway

Patrick Mc Laughlin – 13th drove into bunker across the fairway

Not to be out done, the Slieve Russell Hotel sent this picture and comment along!  

Patrick Mc Laughlin and Gary McLaughlin both agree that the course is in awesome shape. The greens are fast and true and the fairways immaculate. The brief encounter with these two golf fanatics further increases my desire to play in Ireland. Actually, The Slieve Russell Hotel Golf and Country Club has made my bucket list.

I want to thank Patrick and Gary for taking the time to send me these awesome pictures. I am grateful you took the time and effort to share your experience on The Slieve Russell Golf Course.

If anyone wishes to use the pictures sent by Patrick and Gary, please contact them and ask permission as they have the sole rights to duplication.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!