St.Patricks

Our first night was quite restless, but along the way I’m sure we got enough shut eye that would see us through the day. Today is a big one……..our first round of golf……..starting with St.Patricks Links at Rosapenna, the new hottest course in Ireland some say. But first things first…….time for breakfast, clearly my favourite meal of the day, and if memory serves me correct, this hotel has a good one waiting for me in the dining room. We are so impressed with the way this hotel is run. Quite formal in a lot of respects, but with a very casual friendly flair. The maitre d’ greets us in a sharp three piece suit and takes us to our view table by the window with freshly ironed tablecloth (they actually iron them once they are on the table to get all the wrinkles out), and the wait staff are all in classic black bottoms, crisp white shirts with ties. They are quick to arrive with French press coffee in hand, and take our orders for hot food right away. The buffet is a large open table with all the fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries, etc., etc., etc., that you could ever imagine. Way too much food. I know many of you are waiting for my order, but I decided to change it up a little this trip………my breakfast will now be known as the “MFI”…….Modified Full Irish. My MFI consists of two poached eggs, with bacon, sausage, black pudding, and dark toast………yes I know I am missing a few elements from the full meal deal…….grilled tomato (who eats that anyway), fried mushrooms (like the tomato), and of course the baked beans (do I have to tell you why?).

St.Patricks is just down the road from the hotel, and we are there with plenty of time to spare, and actually tee off fifteen minutes early. The course is just stunning…….designed by Tom Doak…….just Google him to see some of his work…….and was ranked #59 in the World right out of the box when it opened in June 2021, and now sits at #49. It is a BIG golf course and requires good length of the tee, proficient shot making, and when the greens are cut shorter this summer, they will be diabolical. The course is quiet and we have nobody behind or in front of us, all day long………perfect. This is a walking only track, and a big test for my injured leg, but I made it through without too much trouble. Pictures of golf courses never really show how great the are, and the pictures below are more of the same. A full on clubhouse and hotel are in the works for the property, and will elevate this entire area to a must visit golf destination when coming to Ireland. There are many other really good courses close by in County Donegal. Scores????……with or without the mulligans????………Jutta very happy with an 87…….Hugh lying through his teeth with an 81.

After golf we scoot up to the Harbour Bar overlooking Downings Beach and the hotel, order up a couple of Guinness and settle in with the locals. Once refreshed we run up the road and visit the local woolen mill…….Jutta shops……..Hugh figures out how to link his new Euro SIM Powered phone to the car so we have onboard guidance working, then it is back to the hotel to prep for dinner. Great food, great service, great day all round. Getting to sleep this evening will not be a problem.

Short road trip tomorrow to Portsalon Golf Club for round #2.