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.