sampler plate was a perfect end to a wonderful meal .
I will close todays log early to catch up on the lost sleep traveling since Tuesday morning .
Day 2 ( Thursday , August 23rd ): Today marked the first of six rounds for the group on our trip through the Southwest of Ireland . We began the journey at Dooks Golf Club , in the county Kerry . The club has been in existence since 1889 and the western perimeter of the course boarders a cove off the North Atlantic Ocean . All fifteen of our golfers walked 18-holes today in dry , but very windy conditions . The brutal wind was certainly a challenging factor , but it did not deter our members from having a great time . The backdrop for the round made everyone ’ s spirits perk up even after a difficult hole . It is hard to get completely frustrated with the game when you have mountains in the background and the look of whitecaps in the distance .
The ten non-golfers that are part of our 25-person group enjoyed a day exploring by bus , parts of the Ring of Kerry .
Overall , the group had positive things to say about their opening days and they look forward to tomorrow ’ s round . Mother Nature may throw us a good doze of “ Irish mist ” ( i . e . light rain ) based on the forecast for tomorrow , but the weather may change between Thursday night and Friday Morning . We will come prepared tomorrow with our rain gear to play Arnold Palmer ’ s first course designed in Ireland , Tralee Golf Club .
Day 3 ( Friday , August 24th ): There are days when you play golf in the rain and then there are days when you play golf in a torrential downpour . The golfers on this trip got the latter today at Tralee Golf Club . The golf course , which borders a cove off the Atlantic Ocean was designed by Arnold Palmer in the 1980s . It has some spectacular holes with castle ruins and sandy beaches . The round was challenging for all because of the brutal gusts and various levels of misty and pouring rain that golfers had to ensure . The golf shop made a profit when the LGA group arrived as few people had winter hats and heavy enough waterproof gear . Few stayed warm , but none stayed dry by the end of the round . Hopefully we draw a better weather day the next time we return to Tralee GC .
Day 4 ( Saturday , August 25th ): Today the group was off to Old Head Golf Links outside of Kinsale . Old Head is one of the most picturesque golf courses you will ever find . I had the pleasure of playing today with Ellis Samspon , LGA Board Member from LaPlace , Randall Stafford , and Martin Crawford in a best ball competition . Every single hole on the golf course warranted someone in the group to their phone out and take pictures of the breathtaking scenery . Golf is secondary playing Old Head ; the views and the layout relax your mind even if you are playing poorly . It sure did for me as I struggled to gage the speed of the greens properly . The others in the group said they absolutely loved the course and played well today . It helped our group that we drew a perfect weather day for Ireland , low 60s , sunny , and minimal wind . The photo accompanying this post does not do justice for the experience everyone had today . I may be biased in this statement , but a round at Old Head GL is enough of a reason for a golfer to visit Southwest Ireland .
Day 5 ( Sunday , August 26th ): Sunday brought the group to Waterville Golf Links , in the county Kerry . The course has the distinction of being ranked the # 1 golf course in the Republic of Ireland . Payne Stewart was named captain of the club in 1999 before his sudden death in a plane crash . The course , like many “ links ” style courses , borders the Atlantic coast on its far edges , while presenting equally difficult challenges on its inland holes . The weather was fair for the day , early sprinkles gave way to overcast skies with consistent 10-20 mph wind off the water . I have learned after four rounds here that one needs to take advantage of the down wind holes . The wind can be your friend on a par 5 , but it can be your foe on the next hole when you turn in the opposite direction . There have been plenty of par 4s that felt like par 5s by the time you reach the green in three . The round of golf was good , but the best part of the day was dinner that evening . I joined up with a small group of people from our travel contingent for dinner at Danny Mann ’ s Pub in Killarney . The food was great . An appetizer of mussels , pita with hummus , and prawns followed by entries of lamb shanks and traditional Irish meat or seafood pies was a great touch . The group was serenaded by two fine gentlemen who were playing Irish Folk Music on the pub ’ s stage .
Day 6 ( Monday , August 27th ): The Old Course at Ballybunion GC is world renowned for having some of the finest golf holes . After playing a round there , I can see why that is a
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