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Killarney report by Simon Turner

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Killarney Report by Simon Turner

 

Killarney, Ireland 2nd-6th May 2013

Carlos Ferreira presenting the winner’s trophy to Brian Lenihan

A trip by The Chez Carlos Golf Society to the Emerald Isle to sample some of its legendary courses and Guinness was long overdue.  It was stalwart member Fraser Graham who pulled together a superb itinerary making the historic town of Killarney as base. Accommodation was at the well-appointed 5*Fairview Hotel whose location was ideal to sample the many hostelries and restaurants that proliferate this pretty town.

Unfortunately it was the weekend of ‘Race of the Lakes’ and the town was subjected to a display of boy racers with their ‘toys’ that cruised the streets at night. Regardless, the hotel was very welcoming, comfortable and sent us away with a hearty breakfast each morning.

Tee times at both the two courses at Ballybunion had been secured by Fraser with his local knowledge and contacts.  No small mean feat as one of the days play was a Saturday. It was to be the turn of the Cashen Course for our first day of golf in Ireland. It is set amongst even taller, more alarming, sand dunes than the Old Course and its feel is slightly harder, despite being 300yds shorter in length, possibly due to the fairways being much tighter. Probably to the purist there are too many blind holes but it is hugely entertaining and should the wind and rain pick up as it did the last hour of play then wish your scorecard goodbye.

We must consider ourselves fortunate as playing conditions improved overnight to make a game on the Old Course a truly memorable one. The golf course begins gently but by the seventh hole, it is clear why it is ranked as one of the best in the world. Golfers at Ballybunion should be prepared for a formidable test of their shot-making, placement, and trajectory control skills. The layout brings the golfer back to the Atlantic on three separate occasions and each time with a challenging tee shot waiting to be punished if it strays. The Old Course was in supreme condition and the greens much quicker than the day before. This is simply a must play golf course and well worth the cross country journey to find it.

Our final day took us to Adare Manor Golf Resort home of the 2007 & 2008 Irish Open.  After two days of links golf it was a welcome break to play a championship parkland course in calm conditions. However, this is no stroll in the park golf course with a monster 7453yds off the back tees.  Our 6590yds was long enough compounded by a large inland lake and the river Maigue which meanders through the course.  It was a later tee off today so we elected to dine at the Clubhouse followed by our prize presentation on the terrace.

It is testimony to the degree of difficult that out of the 14 players over the three days that 30pts was reached or exceeded just five times.  Special mention must go to Brian Lenihan (aka Barney off h/c: 5) who played some exceptional golf especially after winning on each day and being cut two shots on each occasion! – a demonstration on how to play links golf.

Our competition was based on the two best aggregate stableford scores from the three rounds.  Brian Lenihan combined 64pts was a great score especially as he played off an ever reducing single figure handicap.

It was a great trip and our thanks go to Fraser for pulling the accommodation, golf and players together to play on his home turf.  Some of the members headed north of the border as guests of Jim & Deidre Kearney to sample some of the wonderful courses there as well.  Submissions are being received for the next official Chez Carlos Golf Society tour. So far we have the links of Southport in the north-west, Cardiff and North Yorkshire under consideration.  Watch out for an update on our website and Facebook page.

Thanks again for all those that participated and helped in this special event. It was a weekend to remember.

Results:
Friday 3rd May – Bally bunion Cashen Course
1st: Brian Lenihan (h/c 5): 31pts
2nd: Jason Adams (h/c 21): 30pts

Saturday 4th May – Ballybunion Old Course
1st: Brian Lenihan (h/c 3): 30pts
2nd: Gerry McInerney (h/c 12): 29pts

Sunday 5th May – Adare Manor Golf Resort
1st: Jim Kearney (h/c 17): 34pts
2nd: Brian Lenihan (h/c 1): 33pts

Chez Carlos Golf Society Tour Trophy
Overall Winner: Brian Lenihan: 64pts

Simon Turner

Chez Carlos Golf Society at Silves Golf Course

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Chez Carlos members and guests made the journey to Silves Golf Club for this week’s competition. It is a very pleasant “parkland” course due to the unique beauty of the surrounding countryside. A local train passing by from time to time just adds to the ambience.

The designers have taken good advantage of the landscape by creating spectacular views from some elevated tees and greens. It is not a championship course, but still offers a good challenge to lower handicap players with rolling greens and thick rough in places as well as one or two interesting dog leg holes.

Despite some strong wind and cool weather it was a fine day to play golf and the players universally commented on the good condition of all areas of the golf course.

Creditably, 7 players broke the 30 points barrier on the day. Some of the party took advantage of their Pestana memberships but alas, on the day, their local knowledge did not result in prizes!

Carlos Ferreira was pipped to the nearest the pin prize on the 16th hole by one of the last shots of the day from Ron McLachlan.

Carlos made up for that, though, by winning for the second week running with a fine score of 36 points, beating Mike Dickson into second place by two points with Peter Bell and Jim Herschell a further point behind.

We returned to Parky’s where Del provided some lovely nibbles and dips to revive the group after their endeavours.

I was a good day out.

Oceanico Laguna , 11th May 2013

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On a lovely summer day 11 players took part on a stableford competition at Laguna golf course. The course was in very good condition – tee boxes, fairways and greens.

Most of the semi-rough was cut well so didn’t add any extra difficulty to the game. The wind was pretty strong, especially on the back nine, where it was head on from fourteen almost to eighteen. It was Carlos Ferreira who adopted pretty well to the conditions and took the win with 34pts, leaving 2nd for the new member John MacElrean with 29pts who also won Nearest the Pin on the 17th. It was a demanding shot today requiring a 4 iron for most players.

laguna golf course

It would appear that last week’s trip to the west coast of Ireland paid dividend for Carlos in the blustery conditions. Afterwards the group went back to Chez Carlos restaurant where Filipe presented us some complimentary tasty black pork ribs and carpacho with toast. Member David Bowles and friend Andrea enjoyed their last meal in Portugal till October at the Chez Carlos restaurant – a delicious plate of fresh crab and grilled lobster. ‘Some of the best we’ve ever had’ they commented. We look forward to seeing them back in later in the year.

It was another great day of golf played in the best of spirit