We arose early to make the stunningly beautiful coastal drive from Clifden to Strandhill. Unusual scenery -- stark and desolate, but vibrant nonetheless amidst the piles of peat bricks and grey rock outcroppings. Strandhill Golf Club is a friendly club sitting a few miles outside Sligo, quite near its tonier golf cousin Rosses Point. It struck us as a working class club, fiercely proud of its natural terrain and welcoming tradition, the latter emphasized by a club logo with the motto: Friendship in Sport. The West Coast Challenge began here today under cloudy skies, with heavy rain expected in the evening. In a mild surprise, we were paired with members of other teams -- which is understandable under the rules of competition. We wished each other well and joined our fellow competitors. Mike and Bino led the way with 33 Stableford points, with one birdie each (Mike off the birdie snide!) while Chuck scored 28. The course, sitting in the shadow of the Knocknerea Mountain, is not overly long but provides breathtaking views of the sea from its undulating fairways and elevated greens. Lots of good shots today and lots of laughs. Our competitors made us feel welcome -- which is the stated goal of Strandhill. All of us are beginning to feel very comfortable with our drivers and with our games. A good scoring start -- and one that we are hoping to improve tomorrow at the formidable links of Enniscrone.
Strandhill Golf Club, County Sligo, Ireland
Monday, September 7, 2009
WCC - Day 1 - Strandhill GC
We arose early to make the stunningly beautiful coastal drive from Clifden to Strandhill. Unusual scenery -- stark and desolate, but vibrant nonetheless amidst the piles of peat bricks and grey rock outcroppings. Strandhill Golf Club is a friendly club sitting a few miles outside Sligo, quite near its tonier golf cousin Rosses Point. It struck us as a working class club, fiercely proud of its natural terrain and welcoming tradition, the latter emphasized by a club logo with the motto: Friendship in Sport. The West Coast Challenge began here today under cloudy skies, with heavy rain expected in the evening. In a mild surprise, we were paired with members of other teams -- which is understandable under the rules of competition. We wished each other well and joined our fellow competitors. Mike and Bino led the way with 33 Stableford points, with one birdie each (Mike off the birdie snide!) while Chuck scored 28. The course, sitting in the shadow of the Knocknerea Mountain, is not overly long but provides breathtaking views of the sea from its undulating fairways and elevated greens. Lots of good shots today and lots of laughs. Our competitors made us feel welcome -- which is the stated goal of Strandhill. All of us are beginning to feel very comfortable with our drivers and with our games. A good scoring start -- and one that we are hoping to improve tomorrow at the formidable links of Enniscrone.
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Jeez, Bino....looks like you've gained a little weight and are turning a little smarmy!! Congrats on your nice scores and birdies..."handy holes"! Keep it up in the next round and god bless the spouses!
ReplyDeleteA moment of silence was held in Dr. Doug's memory at the conclusion of Championship play at SGC on Monday, September 7. I noticed the U.S. Flag was at half-staff at the clubhouse as I walked up #15 fairway with Jim Nejaime and Ed Goldstein. After a moment of reflection right there, I felt the spirit of our friend, Doug, to "play on!".
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