Ballybunion

As American sports announcer Keith Jackson said of the Rose Bowl, “welcome to the granddaddy of them all.” Ballybunnion Old Course exudes a majestic feel that simply cannot be compared. A James McKenna design first laid out as 12 holes in 1893, was summed up in an 1897 news story as, “a rabbit warren below the village, where a golfer requires limitless patience and an inexhaustible supply of golf balls.” More than a century later such an observation may still hold true.

Our day included a bit of an early wobble as the crack backseat navigation team lobbied for a route not suggested by GPS. Welcome to 20 minutes of unanticipated “L” roads. Upon arrival we were then informed no caddies or electric trolleys were available due to a full tee sheet. Without other options we set off with old fashioned small wheel pull carts.

At the last minute an older caddy just finishing his morning loop was convinced by the starter to head out again with us. M&M volunteered to push/pull so he managed P&G’s bags. Not ideal but sufficient guidance was provided to all as we went around. Given the hills and wind, needless to say that Brendan was completely knackered at day’s end.

The course starts with a bang as you have to avoid a cemetery with the opening tee shot and then climb your first steep hill on #2.

Five of the first six holes played into a fresh breeze which meant an extra clothing layer and an extra club or two.

The sixth and seventh holes occupy the flat, north end of the property with the latter playing along the ocean’s edge.

Then it was back into the massive dunes where each hole required fairly precise shots both off the tee and certainly to the green.

Sometimes a search party was called into action.

And so it went. Every hole demanded accuracy otherwise the scores mounted (no pun intended).

Our good fortune weather wise continued and clothing layers came and went.

The wind was such that on two par threes on the back nine, Driver was required. Curiously, one such hole for the ladies played as a par 4 on the scorecard.

And if wind, dunes, knee high grass, hills and fatigue weren’t enough other hazards came into play.

We concluded Ballybunion’s reputation was accurate and well deserved. Not overtly penal yet relentless in avoiding having any weaknesses or soft holes. Definitely a need to play again course to unlock the proper angles and approaches. A thoroughly enjoyable day.