"Holy Cow, Holy Cow..."

We almost almost didn't make it to Enniscrone.

En route we were greeted by a stream of bovine jaywalkers which were preventing any moo-ving vehicles from passing on the narrow entrance road. We were udderly stymied for a while. We herd the farmer shouting to no avail. Bino caught this shot as we hoofed it by...

Doug Astion (1950-2009)

This website is dedicated to the spirit and memory of one of Stockbridge GC's finest members and sportsmen. A round of golf with Doug was often a life and swing-changing experience. He exuded openness and compassion in pastel-colored style. His orbit was ever-expanding and inclusive of all.
Life is greyer without him.

Random thoughts...

Irish drivers are fond of acknowledging road courtesies by signalling with one finger -- which we are calling "the digit." (Note to Weez: just like Uncle Herb in Bermuda!) We like getting the digit.
A good score resulting from a nice save on a hole is called a "handy hole."
Failing to score a Stableford point on a hole: "a ding."
Tidy Towns in Ireland are very clean indeed.
We have yet to be served by an Irish waiter or waitress in Ireland, all restaurant employees being of Eastern European descent.
Food has been excellent -- Vegetarian Chuck very pleased.
Stableford competitions are the order of the day here, rarely medal play, and occasionally match play.
So far, Irish golfers of every handicap level appear to be superb putters.

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.

Kilkenny 28, Tipperary 23

Hurling needs to be seen to be believed. A combination of rugby, hockey, polo, lacrosse, baseball and soccer. This is non-stop action for 70 minutes. Players wield clubs or hurling cudgels which enable them to hit small hard balls with amazing accuracy into soccer/football goalposts.

The physical non-padded contact is intense -- with some players not wearing helmets. Today's championship match featured perennial powerhouse Kilkenny, winners the last three years, against upstart Tipperary which was seeking a major upset. Tipperary as a 10-1 underdog almost pulled off the miracle. Extremely exciting game with an earnest and appreciative audience. Kevin educated us about the rules and finer points of hurling. There were 82,000 screaming fans in the stadium, and the entire country keenly watching on the telly. Great stuff. The guinness tastes better in this environment. Note photo in the Ballyconneely Grill Room .

The adventure continues -- onto the West Coast Challenge!!!

P.S. Thank you again to our spouses -- Hi to Nora in Montreal!

Le Deluge

There were two events today in Ireland. One was the torrential downpours and strong winds that greeted us at the Connemara Golf Club (known only as "Ballyconneely" to the locals) as we arrived for our 1PM tee time. Sunday is traditionally Members' Day at Irish golf clubs. Connemara GC was kind enough to allow us to enter the member team competition which pitted two-person teams against a local field. Bino and Chuck paired off together while Mike was teamed with Kevin, a 9-handicap member who displayed fine form and true courage in playing with us. Today, weather was the victor as 25-30mph hour winds in steady rain forced us off the course after nine holes. Tremendously difficult golf. For the record, Mike and Kevin had two pars each, Chuck one, and Bino none. That was how hard it was. The photo depicts the wet, beleaguered foursome in the Ballyconneely bar -- where patrons are strangely prevented from wearing golf shoes before or after golf. We were drenched and beaten. (Note to Buff and Wagon: this was Portsalon all over again.) The golf course and mother nature won this round. Besides the conditions, what lured us off the golf course after nine holes was the second event of the day...
The All-Irish Hurling Championship being televised that afternoon...

Londoner Dave

We promised David from London that we would provide proof of his round at Lahinch by posting this photo.

He is in our personal hall of fame for being an affable companion on the golf course and for buying the first round of guinness of the trip. Slainte, Dave!