Ireland - Advice and whether my FIL can get a cart or will have to walk

[betarhoalphadelta]

Got a trip planned for early October to Ireland with my wife and her parents. None of us have ever been there, so it's exciting. Her dad is a BIG golfer, and actually visiting them during COVID and playing again after what was a 5+ year layoff for me is what brought me back into the game. He REALLY wants to play while we're there...

 

So I've got a few questions:

 

1. Most important is whether or not he'll be required to walk the course. He gets around ok for his age, but he has two replaced knees and I'm not sure he can handle walking 18 holes. Even with a cart he's usually getting a bit fatigued around the middle of the back 9. I know walking is the culture there (which is exciting for me; I prefer walking), but I'm not sure how far it extends. 
2. What's the situation with club rental? We're only going to have time for one round on the trip, and it seems silly to try to lug two sets of clubs halfway across the planet for one round of golf, and Shipsticks looks pretty expensive for, again, one round of golf. 
3. Any recommendation on courses? One half of the trip with likely be EITHER Galway or Killarney (unfortunately not enough time for both), and the other half Dublin. We could probably fit the round of golf into either. 
4. Are caddies commonplace? It's another thing I'm excited about, as I've never played with a caddy before; although I was a caddy back in the day. I'd love to experience it from the other side of the bag lol 😉 
5. I know there are some weird things in Scotland like courses where you only play foursomes (alternate shot). Is that a thing in Ireland? We'd like to avoid that if possible. If we're playing a round of golf, I think we'd both like to play our own ball. 

 

Thanks in advance! And if there's anything I'm missing or any additional color you want to add, I appreciate it. 

[jvincent]

Since you're only golfing on one day rentals are the way to go.

 

Pretty much all of the higher end courses will have clubs for rent.

 

Similarly, most will also offer caddie services. Typically you'll need to let them know in advance. Some courses offer buggies while others do not so if you're going to go that route you'll need to double check the website. Also be aware that some only offer buggies with a medical certificate.

 

There are so many courses to choose from. What your / your FIL skill level? 

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

3 minutes ago, jvincent said:

 

There are so many courses to choose from. What your / your FIL skill level? 

 

Thanks. He's mid-teens and I'm just over a 20 index. 

[jvincent]

8 hours ago, betarhoalphadelta said:

Thanks. He's mid-teens and I'm just over a 20 index. 

 

Based on that I think the best option for you might be Royal Dublin. Other than the 18th, which is a beast, it's pretty playable and there's not a lot of elevation changes which would make the walk easier.

 

RD, like most of the top courses in the Dublin area, require a medical certificate for a buggy. They do have caddies though so if your FIL can handle the walk with a caddie that would be my recommendation.

[st1800e]

Medical certificate in Ireland usually means a letter from a doctor.  Saying he needs a buggie to play.  BTDT.  But, you need to arrange in advance.  Once you have your booking in advance, and have confirmed they have buggies, transmit the letter and confirm with the course a buggie will be available.   Sometimes that will require a caddie who does the driving.   Caddie fee will apply.   
 

And I should add many courses have buggies that don’t require a medical certificate , just check with them prior to playing.   
 

 

Edited July 4, 2024 by st1800e

[ajgoodal.704]

If you are staying near Killarney, my recommendation would be to play Dooks Golf Links. You can rent clubs and buggies. They also have caddies as well.  It is a spectacular links experience that will check all your boxes.  https://www.dooks.com

 

If you are staying near Galway and exploring the Connemara region (which you should), I would recommend Connemara Golf Links.  Another fantastic links that will check all of your boxes https://www.connemaragolflinks.com

[betarhoalphadelta]

My FIL asked about Howth (https://www.howthgolfclub.ie/home-page/)... Anyone heard of it or has notes? 

 

Looks visually stunning. 

[Chanceman]

On 7/4/2024 at 9:25 PM, ajgoodal.704 said:

If you are staying near Killarney, my recommendation would be to play Dooks Golf Links. You can rent clubs and buggies. They also have caddies as well.  It is a spectacular links experience that will check all your boxes.  https://www.dooks.com

 

If you are staying near Galway and exploring the Connemara region (which you should), I would recommend Connemara Golf Links.  Another fantastic links that will check all of your boxes https://www.connemaragolflinks.com

+1 for Connemara.  Wild and windblown.

[hammergolf]

On 7/3/2024 at 12:48 PM, betarhoalphadelta said:

Got a trip planned for early October to Ireland with my wife and her parents. None of us have ever been there, so it's exciting. Her dad is a BIG golfer, and actually visiting them during COVID and playing again after what was a 5+ year layoff for me is what brought me back into the game. He REALLY wants to play while we're there...

 

So I've got a few questions:

 

1. Most important is whether or not he'll be required to walk the course. He gets around ok for his age, but he has two replaced knees and I'm not sure he can handle walking 18 holes. Even with a cart he's usually getting a bit fatigued around the middle of the back 9. I know walking is the culture there (which is exciting for me; I prefer walking), but I'm not sure how far it extends. 
2. What's the situation with club rental? We're only going to have time for one round on the trip, and it seems silly to try to lug two sets of clubs halfway across the planet for one round of golf, and Shipsticks looks pretty expensive for, again, one round of golf. 
3. Any recommendation on courses? One half of the trip with likely be EITHER Galway or Killarney (unfortunately not enough time for both), and the other half Dublin. We could probably fit the round of golf into either. 
4. Are caddies commonplace? It's another thing I'm excited about, as I've never played with a caddy before; although I was a caddy back in the day. I'd love to experience it from the other side of the bag lol 😉 
5. I know there are some weird things in Scotland like courses where you only play foursomes (alternate shot). Is that a thing in Ireland? We'd like to avoid that if possible. If we're playing a round of golf, I think we'd both like to play our own ball. 

 

Thanks in advance! And if there's anything I'm missing or any additional color you want to add, I appreciate it. 

1. Most important is whether or not he'll be required to walk the course. He gets around ok for his age, but he has two replaced knees and I'm not sure he can handle walking 18 holes. Even with a cart he's usually getting a bit fatigued around the middle of the back 9. I know walking is the culture there (which is exciting for me; I prefer walking), but I'm not sure how far it extends. 
   It depends where you choose to play. A great choice for you and you father in law would be Corballis, which is about 15 mins from Dublin airport. They have carts available and it’s a great little course. Par 66 5100yds but it’s a great links location right on the sea. If you want another option, The Island is right next door and they have carts also.
2. What's the situation with club rental? We're only going to have time for one round on the trip, and it seems silly to try to lug two sets of clubs halfway across the planet for one round of golf, and Shipsticks looks pretty expensive for, again, one round of golf. Almost all the courses will have rental clubs.
3. Any recommendation on courses? One half of the trip with likely be EITHER Galway or Killarney (unfortunately not enough time for both), and the other half Dublin. We could probably fit the round of golf into either. Dooks would be a great links option in the Killarney area that allow carts. 
4. Are caddies commonplace? It's another thing I'm excited about, as I've never played with a caddy before; although I was a caddy back in the day. I'd love to experience it from the other side of the bag lol 😉 Most courses will have caddies available. Just let the course know you would like a caddie when you make your tee time.
5. I know there are some weird things in Scotland like courses where you only play foursomes (alternate shot). Is that a thing in Ireland? We'd like to avoid that if possible. If we're playing a round of golf, I think we'd both like to play our own ball. You will be playing your own ball.