The Great Debate! Lahinch, Ballybunion, or Tralee??? Which is your fav.

[hammergolf]

Well, we’re back from Ireland. Now that we’ve played Lahinch, Tralee, and Ballybunion our group rated them as follows:

 

1 Tralee

2 Lahinch

3 Ballybunion

 

Its really more like 1a, 1b, and 1c but the guys as well as myself could not stop talking about the back nine at Tralee. 

[Bargegolf]

Yep they are all really close (and awesome). Would add waterville for your next trip😀 it is another great one.

[hammergolf]

12 hours ago, Bargegolf said:

Yep they are all really close (and awesome). Would add waterville for your next trip😀 it is another great one.

Looking into planning another trip starting in Dublin, playing The Island, The European Club, Old Head, and Waterville. 

Edited October 11, 2021 by hammergolf

[Chanceman]

I think if I could only play one it would be Lahinch. The Klondyke and The Dell swing it for me.

We played Ballybunion at the end of a very hot summer and it was in poor condition so maybe I am under-rating it.

Tralee would be on any itinerary and Waterville not far behind.

Having said that I will drive right past them on my next trip with the lady wife and play Castlegregory, Connemara Isles and Mulranny. All 9 hole gems - by all accounts.

[Serenity Now]

Spread my ashes on the Klondyke is the message I have given to my children. Lahinch is Heaven anyway

 

[ajgoodal.704]

Spread my ashes on Number 6.  That view coming down the hill to the green looking out to Liscannor is where I'd gladly rest for eternity.  

[hammergolf]

6 hours ago, ajgoodal.704 said:

Spread my ashes on Number 6.  That view coming down the hill to the green looking out to Liscannor is where I'd gladly rest for eternity.  

It is a incredible spot no doubt. Here’s a pic from my 1st round on Oct. 3rd.

[Chilidog]

After seeing Ballybunion and Lahinch so far on my trip, I could never see how anyone would rate Lahinch over Ballybunion. Ballybunion has dramatic views being set right on the ocean with dramatic dunes and Lahinch is just plain Jane. Nothing to it. I am perplexed by the comments rating Lahinch over Ballybunion. 
 

(Lahinch top pic and Ballybunion bottom pic)
 

Edited November 12, 2021 by Chilidog

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, Chilidog said:

After seeing Ballybunion and Lahinch so far on my trip, I could never see how anyone would rate Lahinch over Ballybunion. Ballybunion has dramatic views being set right on the ocean with dramatic dunes and Lahinch is just plain Jane. Nothing to it. I am perplexed by the comments rating Lahinch over Ballybunion. 
 

(Lahinch top pic and Ballybunion bottom pic)
 

For me, the biggest reason for ranking Lahinch over Ballybunion was that the first 6holes at Bally are just ho hum. Now, that being said, between Tralee, Lahinch, and Ballybunion it’s just arguing over which supermodel you prefer over the other. Was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by all of them!

[Bargegolf]

100% agree with this based on my experience. This SW Ireland rota is amazing.

[Chilidog]

On 11/13/2021 at 1:52 PM, Bargegolf said:

100% agree with this based on my experience. This SW Ireland rota is amazing.

Northwest is giving southwest a run for its money as well. Played Portstewart today in brilliant weather. 

[Bargegolf]

i definitely want to head up north from Galway to play Sligo and Enniscrone…also need to get to Northern Ireland ⛳️⛳️⛳️⛳️⛳️

[hammergolf]

5 hours ago, Chilidog said:

Northwest is giving southwest a run for its money as well. Played Portstewart today in brilliant weather. 

Looks like they need to cut the grass on the fairways in the first pic…..😉

[2bGood]

Tough call between the three. Having only played all three twice, I still find Tralee the most memorable. The back nine just blew my mind both times. I was playing well, and had I been struggling I am sure I would not have loved the back of Tralee nearly as much as you do not to be able to hit shots. 

 

I would have tough time arguing strongly that anyone of the three is better than the other though as they are all a treat to play.

Edited November 15, 2021 by 2bGood

[hammergolf]

4 hours ago, 2bGood said:

Tough call between the three. Having only played all three twice, I still find Tralee the most memorable. The bag nine just blew my mind both times. I was playing well, and had been struggling I am sure I would not have loved the back Tralee nearly as much. 

 

I would have tough time arguing strongly that anyone of the three is better than the other though. 

The back 9 at Tralee may be the best 9 hole stretch in the world.

[silverbackster]

Lahinch is great but 

what about

OLD HEAD?

Doonbeg?

 

How would you rate them?

[hammergolf]

1 hour ago, silverbackster said:

Lahinch is great but 

what about

OLD HEAD?

Doonbeg?

 

How would you rate them?

We did not play Old Head on this trip, however we did play Doonbeg. I was surprised how much my group liked Doonbeg. It was a very solid layout and in immaculate condition. (Best of all the courses we played) It is just a notch below the others we played, but I definitely rank it high and a must play. Some really great holes in the Dunes.

[Schley]

On 11/16/2021 at 7:58 PM, hammergolf said:

We did not play Old Head on this trip, however we did play Doonbeg. I was surprised how much my group liked Doonbeg. It was a very solid layout and in immaculate condition. (Best of all the courses we played) It is just a notch below the others we played, but I definitely rank it high and a must play. Some really great holes in the Dunes.

Doonbeg is a solid course and although I never played it pre-Hawtree renovation (from Norman) I give it solid scores. Hole 1 is a wonderful opening hole IMO. Like Riviera as a short par 5 teeing off from elevation and nice scenery. Obvioulsy without the trees and Doonbeg's massive due background is pretty epic.

Edited November 19, 2021 by Schley

[El Gringo]

On 11/12/2021 at 9:44 PM, Chilidog said:

After seeing Ballybunion and Lahinch so far on my trip, I could never see how anyone would rate Lahinch over Ballybunion. Ballybunion has dramatic views being set right on the ocean with dramatic dunes and Lahinch is just plain Jane. Nothing to it. I am perplexed by the comments rating Lahinch over Ballybunion. 
 

(Lahinch top pic and Ballybunion bottom pic)
 

Ballybunion is architecturally the better course, but it's playability is hampered by silly rough. Lahinch offers more space to play the game and it has the added funky touch Ballybunion lacks. That said, I can't see how anybody could say the opening six at Ballybunion are ho hum. The opener is lovely, the 2nd tough as nuts classic links hole, the 3rd one of the best long par 3s in Ireland and 6 isn't a looker, but the green is outstanding. 

Edited February 5, 2022 by El Gringo

[hammergolf]

8 hours ago, El Gringo said:

I Ballybunion is the architecturally better course, but it's playability is hampered by silly rough. Lahinch offers more space to play the game and it has the added funky touch Ballybunion lacks. That said, I can't see how anybody could say the opening six a Ballybunion are ho hum. The opener is lovely, the 2nd tough as nuts classic links hole, the 3rd one of the best long par 3s in Ireland and 6 isn't a looker, but the green is outstanding. 

We will have to agree to disagree. While 7-18 at Ballybunion are indeed world class links, the first 5 holes and 6th tee shot at Ballybunion are ho hum in my opinion. Most courses, including Lahinch and Tralee also have 5 or so holes that are ho hum. However, the rest of the holes on those courses are breathtaking and world class links too. As far as #3 at Ballybunion, I don’t think it’s even the best long par 3 on the course. Holes #12 and #15 are much better and tougher holes, not to mention #3 and #16 at Tralee are INCREDIBLE long par 3’s. But once again, we are debating which one is the best supermodel. All of these courses are among the best in the world. Imagine if it were possible to make a composite course from all three……. 

[Schley]

If I had to choose 1, which we don't have to when traveling, I'd like to repeat Ballybunion. The plush wide natural grass walking paths really add alot to the round for enjoyment.

[ajgoodal.704]

Four more months till our rebooked trip from last year!  Ballinrobe (jetlag round), Strandhill, County Sligo, Enniscrone, Carne, Galway Bay, Lahinch and Doonbeg.  

[hammergolf]

5 hours ago, ajgoodal.704 said:

Four more months till our rebooked trip from last year!  Ballinrobe (jetlag round), Strandhill, County Sligo, Enniscrone, Carne, Galway Bay, Lahinch and Doonbeg.  

Sligo, Enniscrone, Carne are on the list for my next trip! Looking forward to your reviews.

[puttnforthe8]

4 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Sligo, Enniscrone, Carne are on the list for my next trip! Looking forward to your reviews.

all awesome.  I played Enniscrone and Rosses point 2x a month for 4 years when I lived there.

 

[hammergolf]

2 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

all awesome.  I played Enniscrone and Rosses point 2x a month for 4 years when I lived there.

 

It’s on the list as well in addition to Donegal, Rosapenna, Portsalon, and Ballyliffin. If I could find a good job there I would move tomorrow.

Edited February 4, 2022 by hammergolf

[CDM]

..... all dog tracks...  what are you guys talking about..!!     Look at those photos and the weather conditions... PPPFFFT  

 

 

 

🤣    *Someday I will get over there...!!!!!

[ajgoodal.704]

LOL.  Total dog tracks.  Munis on water!  The 2024 trip will be Donegal & Northern Ireland.  The boys have already signed off on it.  After that I'll tackle Kerry.  

[DandyDon]

Not to threadjack (ok, maybe a slight one)...I am planning a trip for summer of 2024.  Definitely Ballybunion old, Lahinch, Tralee, Oldhead.  We also were tentatively looking at Dooks, Waterville and Kilarney Golf and Fishing club.  Any thoughts about substituting one of these last three with the Cashen Course?  Any other suggestions?

 

Second part, played in Scotland a few years ago (Kingsbarns, Old Course, Jubilee, Muirfield, Turnberry, Royal Troon), how would compare the two different trips in terms of quality of courses?

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, DandyDon said:

Not to threadjack (ok, maybe a slight one)...I am planning a trip for summer of 2024.  Definitely Ballybunion old, Lahinch, Tralee, Oldhead.  We also were tentatively looking at Dooks, Waterville and Kilarney Golf and Fishing club.  Any thoughts about substituting one of these last three with the Cashen Course?  Any other suggestions?

 

Second part, played in Scotland a few years ago (Kingsbarns, Old Course, Jubilee, Muirfield, Turnberry, Royal Troon), how would compare the two different trips in terms of quality of courses?

You’re off to good start planning your Ireland trip! Ballybunion, Old Head, Tralee, and Waterville are top level courses. I’ve played all the courses you listed as well as many others in Scotland. The courses in SW Ireland are different than the Scottish links. They have much more hilly terrain and have huge dunes. Kingsbarns would be the closest in resemblance to the Irish courses you’re looking at. The Scottish courses you’ve played tend to be much flatter. We were in SW Ireland in early October and I can’t recommend Tralee, Lahinch, Ballybunion, and Old Head high enough. They are all fantastic. If you’re looking for other rounds to add to them I would rate Waterville first, then Doonbeg, then Dooks. We did not play the Cashen Course but I had heard a rumor that Tom Watson was coming in to redesign it. Not sure if or when that happens, but even the members don’t play it. The reviews are that it’s on the verge of unplayable in windy conditions. We were going to play a fun scramble round just to see how goofy it was, but decided to just stay and drink more Guinness and Jameson…. As much as I love and enjoy Scotland, if I was only allowed to play golf in on,y one country in the world, I would pick Ireland and it’s not even close. If you have other questions, let me know.

Edited February 13, 2022 by hammergolf

[Hawkeye77]

I'd settle this debate in a few months but not playing Ballybunion.  The wife and I are playing Tralee and I picked Tralee as the course I wanted to play twice on the trip and when I called about an additional time as a single, they volunteered a replay rate! So I guess it will be Lahinch or Tralee to rank -- but will Connemara, Killarney Killeen, Dooks, Castlegregory, Ceann Sibeal or a wild card or two edge them out? Was just working on the map and sites to see this morning --- we are really looking forward to the trip.