2009 Reflections

Certainly 2009 was a banner year for GPW, perhaps even the best golfing year of my life. The journey included a 10 day journey in Ireland and Northern Ireland, a second visit to the remote links of Ballyneal and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see legendary Sand Hills. Here is the year in review...



The roads of Ireland are narrow, dangerous and incredibly scenic. As long as you can negotiate the wicked turns, avoid the sheep and cows, you'll find on the path, these roads will take you to magical places for golf. In July GPW visited Ireland for the first time, logging over 1,800 kilometers on a solo trip, which included visits to 8 different golf courses. Those who know GPW personally are amazed that no major mishaps occurred along the way.



The first stop was legendary Royal County Down, a place that cannot be properly described in words. Here, the short par 4 16th gives you a taste of the wonders of this golf course, which plays along Drumdun Bay and through natural sand dunes. It is simply GPW's favorite golf course, one of the most special places on the planet for golf.



Royal Portrush, two hours north of RCD, was next. Although not as scenic or dramatic as County Down, it is a wonderful place to tee it up. Portrush is a fair golf course that rewards excellent play. GPW had the pleasure of shooting 77 there, his best round of 2009. The view from behind Portrush's par 5 9th is shown above.



Lahinch is remarkably underrated and offers an incredible day of golf. It is one of the most natural golf courses GPW has ever seen, and was the most fun to play on the trip. The first hole plays directly up to the top of a huge dune, as shown in this picture.



The reputation of Doonbeg takes a beating from golf course architecture freaks. GPW couldn't find much wrong with the place. The dunes, the beach and the ocean all create a stunning environment in which to knock a little white ball around.



Ballybunion is epic. It is remote and quirky, wind and rain swept. It is everything you think Irish golf is, and more. Here, the par 4 1st includes the town graveyard off the tee.



Old Head is more of a fairy tale than a golf course. It plays along cliffs that tower 200 feet into the air. Tee boxes and greens and entire golf holes hang on those cliffs, suspended above the water. The back boxes at the par 4 second are no exception, as evidenced in the above picture.

The only regret GPW has about his trip to Ireland is that lifelong golf partners Jefe and JC couldn't tag along for the ride.



However, the triumvirate were reunited at beautiful Ballyneal, where the inaugural Ballynizzle Cup was contested by two old adversaries; Jimmy C and Jefe. It was a spirited contest held over 3 days in July, with over 20 players attending from all over the country, all competing for The Cup. Team Jefe pulled out a narrow victory on the final day in the final match. Above, Ballyneal's tranquil par 4 1st at sunset.



The long road ended at Sand Hills, the entrance seen here under a mean summer sky. The experience was enhanced by being able to play Sand Hills with Jefe and JC, and witness to Wyatt Halliday's unrelenting assault on the course. Man, that kid can PLAY.



The final picture shows the dunes and hills at sunset from Ben's porch. 2009 was a remarkable year for golf, and it was a privilege to play every one of the courses mentioned here.