New Blog for 2011 Southwest Ireland Schwing

Here's the link: www.southwestschwing.blogspot.com

Lifelong Friendship

Mike & Chuck - As far as I am concerned, Lifelong Friendship was the "phrase" of the week. I was once told that the definition of a lifelong friendship is that after not seeing each other for many years, the conversation still flows as if you were a next door neighbor. That feeling of the most comfortable shoes or clothing that you wear. We three have been through many an adventure and this was one of the best. As usual, golf was the excuse to travel and meet new and friendly people in a truly genuine place. Mike - Our captain, commissioner, travel planner and restaurant selector - Props for all of the effort! Chuck - Man of philosophy, golf, cigars and all things "T" - Tanks! The loss of Doug while on the trip gave time for reflection as memories of him will stay within our hearts.
Any reader that has the chance to spend time with either of these two...let that time envelope you and savour it, for it is worth every minute. As you both have heard me say, I am not sure most people realize just how much fun it is to be me! You are a couple of the reasons why.
Until the next time that we meet on the First Tee!
Slainte!
Bino

WCC - Day 4 - Donegal

Donegal GC is located in a gorgeous setting on the Murvagh Peninsula. In fact, members refer to it only as Murvagh, and it is accessed by a narrow 3-mile road giving rise to a welcome clubhouse and expansive links. Unlike some other difficult, even punishing links layouts, Murvagh is a course anyone can play and enjoy repeatedly. It was where we completed the final round of the WCC. Fabulous day in Ireland -- sunny and little wind. (There is always wind in Ireland, so "little wind" usually translates into a 2-club wind.) The problem for us visitors is that the course was playing to a distance of 6800 yards, no small challenge for any golfer. We placed a friendly last-day 5-Euro wager with our Dublin competitors who were licking their chops at the prospect of taking money from their new American friends. And how right they were to expect the cash! Murvagh proved a huge test, and, despite the course length, we fell short of our expectations and paid our collective debt. It was difficult golf -- demanding solid and accurate ball-striking. Chuck and Mike tied for 27 points each, with Chuck rolling in a terrific birdie putt on his final stroke of the tourney. Mike garnered one bird to grab the tourney birdie title with four. Bino struggled with his driver all day (links lesson #1: keep the ball in the fairway off the tee) and was able to muster 24 points. We finished the tournament in the veritable middle of the pack -- not scaring the WCC leaderboard, but not embarrassing ourselves either. It was a remarkable experience to compete in this 23-year-old tournament and to share food, drink, and fellowship with Irish players. We were invigorated by this supreme golfing challenge but are looking forward to coming home -- where the rough is manageable, where the lies are level and not as tight, and where the wind is gentle. Once again, we thank our spouses for allowing us to do it. And thanks to all for your encouraging comments.

Ode to Bungee Cords

We were fortunate to heed Bill Healy's advice and use bungee cords on our golf trolleys (walking carts). The cords enable the bags to remain stabilized on the trolleys while searching high and low for errant balls over and atop drumlins and dunes. They also kept the bags on the trolleys when the wind blew them over! A must-carry accessory for any links trolley user.

Boyle, Ireland

Here's to Weezie Boyle Rubino -- expert blog commentator -- whose husband insisted on driving to Roscommon County tonite to visit the town which bears the name of Weezie's ancestors. And a grand and friendly place it was. This is a photo of Boyle Abbey which is being renovated in the town center.

Fellow Competitiors from Dublin

Pictured with Team Torrington USA is a 3-ball team from Dublin City, a golf course located seven miles south of Dublin. This is a trio of very good golfers. They demonstrate a mastery of the Stableford scoring system, registering very few "dings" in their team play. They hit it straight; they recover well; and they are excellent 5-10 foot putters.

In short, they are beating us soundly at the links game. We have, however, placed a wager on tomorrow's competition at Donegal that includes post-round drinks to the Stableford victors, and maybe that will provide the incentive for Team Torrington to play to its potential, to get beyond poor efforts and try not to do too much with any recovery shots.

We all dined together at the wonderfal Fitzgerald's Hotel tonite, with rousing and animated discussion about politics and healthcare. Guinness and healthcare --quite an evening. Tom (far left), the owner of Dublin City GC, has extended an open invitation for us to visit his course. Peter (next in line) has a driving range and multiple real estate interests in Dublin. Gerard (on the right) is a retired farmer and possibly the most intelligent golfer in the photo. All great guys -- and three reasons why we visit Ireland.