GO SOUTH YOUNG MAN

We are heading south from Ballyliffin…….really no other way to go from up there……and will continue our golfing adventure at four more courses along the western shore that we have never played before but come highly recommended. First is Narin-Portnoo…….you guessed it, right next to the towns of Narin and Portnoo. Unfortunately this course was hit with the same storm at the end of January that has affected the condition of many courses on the northwest shore. The greens are apparently hardest hit but we have been assured that if we can overlook their substandard condition, it will still be a great round of golf. We decide to proceed, and were given a fee reduction along the way. Driving into the course, we weren’t sure if we should be pitching a tent or getting the clubs out of Cash Cab. Typical of waterfront locations we have visited in Ireland and Scotland, trailer/caravan parks, and camping sites occupy some of the best real estate going, and that is the case here also. Trailers, tents, etc., are all over the dunes between the clubhouse and the ocean, so not a very appealing first impression. In the pro shop we are checking out the merch as usual and find that almost all the clothing has, in addition to the club logo, the Irish flag alongside the Stars and Stripes………the club was rescued from sure bankruptcy a number of years ago by a pair of US businessmen, and their investment has saved and revitalized the course………hence the S&S on all things Narin and Portnoo. This is a links track with 9 holes out and 9 holes back……..a local caddie tells me that there is trouble on the right hand side all the way, so if you do anything, stay left. It wasn’t long before we wished we had booked at least a forecaddie for this round.

The first two holes get you away from the hustle and bustle around the clubhouse, and the tents and trailers are quickly forgotten as the golf course unfolds before you. This is a beautiful piece of dunes property, and the golf holes that have been designed in, around, and on it, are wonderful. Elevated greens perched up on the hillsides, and others buried down low with the hairy monsters nearby ready to eat your wayward shots………my ammo is running low, but should have enough to make it through if I am careful. The twists, turns, and blind shots we are faced with, especially on holes 8 through 10, are when we really started missing having a caddie along, but it made it interesting as we tried to figure out where to hit. We did run into a couple of temporary greens along the way, but the others are not bad at all. I think the pictures tell a pretty good story about this one………a very enjoyable round………oh, did I mention the weather?????…….perfect!

Back in Cash Cab we are headed further south to County Sligo where we will play Rosses Point tomorrow. We have an overnight at a big Radisson Blu just outside of town, and guess what?……..another wedding……a big one…….must be good to be in the wedding business in these parts. Justin recommended a restaurant called Austies Bar and Grill for dinner, but when we call they appear to be fully booked. Driving by on our search for another option, Austies looks great so we decide to play the trump card and send in the girls to see what they can do. Sheila and Jutta are off discussing strategy along the way. She Goat (Sheila) plays it perfectly and asks the hostess for the reservation her travel agent made for like 7-7:30……….”Don’t have a Sheila” she says, “But I do have a Susan”…….”Oh that must be it” says Sheila, and we are in………sure hope Susan doesn’t show up. Yet another great meal, and we are all happy to get back to the Blu to hit the sack…….long day with the golf and lots of miles covered…….Rosses Point tomorrow.