We are about to find out if we left the best for last on this west coast swing, but there is no question the buildup to playing Carne Golf Links has been substantial, so we are anxious to see what everyone has been talking about. Travel time from the Icehouse in Ballina is just over an hour so we have plenty of time to make our late morning tee time………we have been in touch with Meyrick’s/Mick’s who will also be playing Carne today, so hopefully we can hook up for a post round pint. Cash Cab is loaded, and we are off.
The course is located on the Mullet Peninsula……..named for the hairstyle worn by ancient settlers in the area………and is about as far west as you can get in County Mayo without getting your feet wet. Built on 200 acres of duneland, and when you see it you can’t believe that anyone could imagine building a golf course here, but Eddie Hackett did, and this was the last project he undertook before passing away in 1996. Hackett’s first 9 holes opened in 1992, with the second 9 the next year. A further 9 holes were added in 2013, but today we will play just the Hackett Links……me 6,358yds par 72…..the goats 5,206yds par 73.
We have booked a forecaddie again today, anticipating the need for some local knowledge as we make our way through the dunes………on the first tee we meet Gary….later to be known as Gorgeous Gary, and even later Gorgeous Good Smelling Gary. As I’m sure you know, I did not participate in the nickname selection……..pure goatspeak. Gary is back in town visiting family and is a former professional footballer (soccer) who played in the Irish League for 6 years before knee injuries have forced him to take some time off to recuperate……..he is doing that in Australia, nice, and will return there in a few weeks. If the knees don’t come around he will pursue a career in golf. OK, 6’4″, blonde, fit as a fiddle, you could crack walnuts on this guys ass…….the goats are happy. The course lays out perfectly, and every hole is a new adventure…….brilliant course design, and am I ever happy to be in a riding cart today!
We have another beautiful weather day, and as you can imagine there is a fairly stiff breeze coming in off the ocean just beyond the dunes. This is one tough golf course, but if you can forget about your score and just enjoy the surroundings it is fantastic.
Post round we find the Meyrick’s/Mick’s in the bar and we trade war stories and discuss what to do for dinner……..they are staying just outside Ballina at Mount Falcon Estate…….Lah De Dah……..where they did the fly fishing……hoped the boys might catch dinner…….not……..birds of prey…….spa……etc…….sounds like a great place. We decide to give “Poachers” restaurant a try……good reviews and located in the centre of town. They don’t answer the phone so we just go there to check it out……..Mr. Short Ponytail fancy pants maitre de dismisses us almost aghast that we would show up without a reservation……..sorry dude. The group decides a second night at Quay West Bar and Restaurant just down the road from the Icehouse is the best option, and we have another great meal with them before heading back to the hotel to pack. Goodbyes all around and another great day in the books…….the end of our west coast swing. Big drive tomorrow as we head back across the island……target Ardglass…….can’t wait.
HUGEBLOGSITE 
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