Monthly Archives: July 2017

Fathers and their daughters journeyed from around the globe to Southwest Ireland to compete in the 10th annual “World Invitational Father & Daughter Golf Tournament” this week. The prestigious event was hosted at County Kerry’s Waterville Golf Links for the third consecutive year. Once again, it was a resounding success!

The Waterville Mascot was seen taking in the action

In addition to playing one of the world’s finest links-style courses, participants also enjoyed traditional Irish food and local music. Nightly dinners and entertainment provided fun opportunities for golfers to form friendships to last a lifetime.

Participants began to arrive on Sunday, just in time to watch Jordan Spieth’s exhilarating win at The Open. They gathered in the newly renovated Waterville Clubhouse to mix and mingle. Practice rounds at Waterville Golf Links commenced on Monday in perfect weather. Check out our Perfect Pairing on Waterville Golf Links to learn more about this brilliant course.

Special mention to Wendy Foster and Michael Bowe – of Bellport Country Club and Tramore Golf Club, respectively – who carded a 65 to best the practice round field.

Following the practice round, participants congregated at the Waterville House – an iconic 18th century Georgian Manor – to pose for the traditional group photo on the bridge and enjoy a beverage reception. The night wrapped up at the Butler Arms Hotel with great entertainment including traditional Irish music.

Tuesday began with lovely weather, but the occasional shower forced the field to break out their raingear. Despite having to battle the elements (What do you expect from links golf?), the participants scored well. Michael and Stephanie Dolik, representing Oakland Hills Country Club, recorded 49 points to earn a spot atop the leaderboard. Competition was fierce as Annie and Jim Layden of Bel Air Country Club sat just one point behind Team Dolik at the end of the round.

Jim Layden – a two-time winner in 2008 and 2016 – aimed to become the first Father & Daughter participant to win the event three times and, perhaps more impressively, to win with three different playing partners.

Michael and Stephanie Sullivan of Garden City Golf Club led the Gross category, with Steven and Kaitlyn Lee of Westchester Country Club just two shots behind. Dooley’s restaurant then hosted the players for a night of delicious food and dazzling entertainment.

Our best dressed winners were Team Haines with matching Father & Daughter outfits all week.

While all participants had their eyes on the title, prizes weren’t just limited to on-course play. Congratulations to Carly and Jared Haines of Wykagyl Country Club, who won the award for “Best Dressed,” and Klea Armstrong of Kingsbury National Golf Club, who won “Best Social Media Post.”

Klea Armstrong (left) is seen collecting her winners prize for best social media post. If you’re not doing so already, follow her @klea1213.

Wednesday was picture-perfect for the final round. With numerous teams still in contention, the day was highlighted by competitive, exciting links golf. Clare and Larry Foley, from the Country Club of Fairfield (CT), added 50 points to their 47 from the first round to finish with an impressive 97 points, good enough to capture the title. Congratulations, Team Foley!

Net category winners: Team Foley collect their trophy from the Laydens

“Clare and I had a wonderful time this week,” said Larry. “We’re thrilled to take home the trophy as the field was quite strong, but more importantly we appreciated the opportunity to play on a team together.”

Kristen and Charles Deubel of Montclair Golf Club finished second, two strokes shy of the winners, with a total of 95 points. Team Layden took third as Jim continued his streak of impressive finishes in the Father & Daughter. Team Sullivan maintained their lead to win the Gross category with Team Lee finishing second.

Gross category winners: Team Sullivan collecting their award from Jim Layden.

“Thank you to Carr Golf for hosting such a phenomenal event,” said Michael Sullivan. “We had as much fun off the course as on it!”

The event joyously concluded with drinks, dinner and an awards ceremony at The Sea Lodge Hotel.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve already been hosting the Father & Daughter for 10 years,” says Marty Carr, Executive Chairman. “This event has quickly become one of our favorites as the competition and camaraderie is unsurpassed.”

Registration for next year’s event is already open. For more information, or to register, click here.

One of the most anticipated tournaments of the year is upon us: The Open Championship. The 146th edition of this prestigious event will be contested at Royal Birkdale on England’s northwest coast.

The stout links course has previously hosted the tournament nine times, most recently in 2008. Royal Birkdale was originally tapped to host the 1940 Open Championship, but the tournament was cancelled due to World War II. The stunning seaside layout hosted its first Open Championship in 1954 and carved a prominent place in The Open’s storied history over the past 60 years.

In 1961, after finishing second the year before, Arnold Palmer won his first Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in dramatic fashion (of course). A plaque on the 16th hole (which, in 1961, was the 15th) commemorates Palmer’s iconic shot from thick rough amongst blackberry bushes. Instead of playing a wedge to get back in the fairway, Palmer selected a 6-iron and set his sights on the green. With a soaring shot still talked about to this day, he hit the putting surface and went on to win the tournament by a single stroke.

The King: Arnold Palmer going on to win the 1961 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

If you’re feeling inspired while watching The Open this weekend, why not plan your own European golf vacation in this golf-rich neck of the woods? We have tee times available on Royal Birkdale as early as September, an ideal time to visit and play in England.

Imagine teeing it up where legendary golfers such as Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington have won titles. In 2008, Harrington captured his second consecutive Open victory, becoming the first European to do so since James Braid in 1906. He will aim to take the Claret Jug home from Royal Birkdale for the second time in less than a decade. Good luck, Padraig!

Padraig Harrington lifts the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in 2008.

In addition to Open Championships, Royal Birkdale has also hosted the Curtis Cup (1948), Walker Cup (1951), two Ryder Cups (1965, 1969) and four Women’s British Open Championships (2000, 2005, 2010, 2014).

A popular course for both men and women since its founding in 1889, Birkdale elected its first female members in 1890. In fact, one of the first tournaments it hosted was the 1909 Ladies British Open Match-Play Championship. This course is enjoyable for golfers of all playing abilities.

Although the fairways are surprisingly flat, they are also extremely narrow making accuracy essential. Pot bunkers sprinkled throughout the course place a premium on precision for approach shots. Thanks to clever routing, consecutive holes rarely play in the same direction ensuring exposure to a variety of wind conditions.

Not once but eleven times Open Championship host, Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Royal Birkdale is a “must-play” for both its history and design. For a truly epic European golf vacation, add fellow Open Championship venues Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club and Royal Liverpool Golf Club to your itinerary.

Situated on the coast an hour’s drive north of Royal Birkdale, Royal Lyntham & St. Annes is just as prolific a tournament host. The challenging layout has welcomed The Open 11 times, most recently in 2012. It has also hosted numerous other esteemed events including the Walker Cup in 2015, two Ryder Cups, four Women’s British Open Championships and four Senior Open Championships. Featuring more than 200 bunkers, this renowned design requires solid strategy and accurate shots.

Carr Golf Founder, Joe Carr collecting the British Amateur title at Royal Liverpool in 1953.

An hour’s drive southwest of Royal Birkdale lies equally prestigious Royal Liverpool. A 12-time Open Championship venue, most recently in 2014, Royal Liverpool’s Hoylake is the second oldest English seaside course. Built on a racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club, the golf course doubled as a horse racing track in its earliest years. With only six holes nestled amongst the dunes, wind is an important factor. Our founder, Joe Carr, won his first British Amateur Open at Royal Liverpool in 1953.

To round out your itinerary, we recommend playing Formby Golf Club, Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club and West Lancashire Golf Club. These hidden gems are all less than 15 miles from Royal Birkdale.

To plan your Royal Birkdale Open Experience, contact our travel team today for a bespoke itinerary made for you only, using the contact form below, or call +353 1 822 6662 or US Toll Free 1 855 617 5701.

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We love combining our clients’ visions with our local expertise to create a dream golf vacation. While every Carr Golf trip is outstanding, some are particularly legendary. Every once in a while, we like to highlight a truly epic itinerary.

Keep reading to learn more about a once-in-a-lifetime journey that’s sure to make you envious.

Take luxury to another level by choosing to fly private.

Day One

Hop on a private red-eye flight to Edinburgh. Sleep on the plane and dream of the extraordinary golf adventure ahead.

Arrive at the Edinburgh Airport greeted by a member of the Carr Golf team who will escort you throughout the trip. Grab your clubs and overnight bag and jump in your helicopter for the quick flight to Castle Stuart Golf Links. (Don’t worry, the rest of your luggage will be transported to your hotel by road.)

Tee off at Castle Stuart to kick of the epic golf vacation. Located in the Scottish Highlands, the championship links course overlooks the Moray Firth, Kessock Bridge and Chanonry Lighthouse. These magnificent views are jaw-dropping.

Enjoy lunch in the distinctive Art Deco clubhouse after your round before taking the helicopter to Skibo Castle in Dornoch. Situated on 8,000 acres of majestic natural beauty, Skibo Castle was once the home of steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and offers brilliantly opulent accommodations.

Relax with a massage at the hotel. Then, unwind with cocktails in the drawing room followed by dinner and entertainment in Mr. Carnegie’s Dining Room. Settle into a wonderfully comfortable room for the first of two nights at Skibo Castle.

The design and architecture of Skibo Castle can only be admired.

Day Two

Take in the beauty of the Highlands during the quick drive to Brora Golf Club for your morning tee time. The seaside course celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and is known as one of James Braid’s finest designs. After a stimulating round, make the short drive down the A9 to Royal Dornoch.

Order lunch in the clubhouse before teeing off on legendary golf architect Donald Ross’ home course. Said Ross of his beloved home layout, “Modesty forbids me saying more than it is the most beautifully situated links in the world, and that no American golfer should omit to go there, where he will find the best golf, a royal welcome and no rabble.”

Return to Skibo Castle for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Royal Dornoch: Home of the Inaugural Donald Ross Invitational, brought to you by Carr Golf. Register your team here.

Day Three 

Fly by helicopter to Carnoustie Golf Links for your morning round on the Championship Course. This iconic layout has hosted seven Open Championships to date and will welcome The Open again in July 2018.

Appreciate dramatic views of the North Sea during the quick helicopter ride to Kingsbarns Golf Links, situated on 1.8 picturesque miles along the North Sea coast. Although golf has been played on the links land of Kingsbarns since the late 18th century, the course in its present form wasn’t opened until 2000. Kingsbarns, in conjunction with Carnoustie and the Old Course at St Andrews, co-hosts the annual European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship each fall and will host The Ricoh Women’s British Open next month.

After your round, hop in the helicopter for another quick trip, this time to The Gleneagles Hotel. This majestic countryside estate features the only restaurant in Scotland to hold two Michelin stars, Andrew Fairlie. The exquisite menu combines French and Scottish cooking for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Give into your food coma as you fall into the plush pillows in your luxurious room.

When playing twelve rounds of golf in the space of seven days, there really only is one way to travel.

Day Four

See more of the Scottish countryside during the morning helicopter ride to Muirfield Golf Club. The Tom Morris course, renovated by Harry Colt in 1923, features two concentric rings comprised of the challenging front and back sides. The front runs clockwise along the outer ring of the ripping topography, while the back nine runs counterclockwise before ending at the stately clubhouse. This unique feature ensures a wide variety of wind conditions.

Next on the docket is Royal Troon Golf Club, host of the 2016 Open Championship. Founded in 1878, Royal Troon has hosted the Open nine times in its storied history. After a quick lunch at the clubhouse, tee off on the Old Course. Deep rough and unpredictable winds make this track as challenging as it is fun.

Depart via car to coastal Turnberry, the world’s first golf resort. Eat dinner at the Duel in the Sun, situated within the recently renovated clubhouse. Then settle for your first of two nights in the decadent hotel.

Recently announced ‘Authorized Tee Times Provider’ for 2018, The Old Course in St. Andrews is one for every golfers bucket list.

Day Five

Walk to your morning tee time at the Ailsa Course. Home to four Open Championships – most recently in 2009 – the dramatic course is set alongside the magnificent Turnberry Bay and features a dramatic eight-hole coastal stretch.

Then, it’s on to the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews. Partake in some traditional Scottish fare for lunch in the clubhouse before teeing off on the Old Course, the oldest and most iconic layout in the world.

After an unforgettable round, head to the airport for your private flight to Belfast. Journey east to the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa where you’ll be spending the next two nights. Originally built as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down, the magnificent hotel overlooks Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline.

The picturesque views that Royal County Down provides, leaves no question marks as to why it is so highly rates by the worldwide golfing community.

Day Six

Play Royal County Down, a mighty course situated in the stunning Murlough Nature Reserve. Set against the striking background of the Mountains of Mourne, its zigzag design offers glorious views from virtually every hole. Eat lunch at the clubhouse before making the quick, scenic trek to Ardglass Golf Club.

Featuring unpredictable winds, hard fairways and firm, tiny greens, Ardglass is not for the faint of heart. Its clubhouse, dating back to 1405 AD, is the oldest in the world.

Return to Culloden for dinner at the Mitre Restaurant. One of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland, the Mitre is known for its gourmet Irish cuisine and stunning views across Belfast Lough.

Take advantage of the world-class spa with a rejuvenating post-dinner massage before bed.

Host of the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, the stunning Portstewart and it’s sand dunes exemplify what links golf is all about.

Day Seven

Tee it up at Royal Portrush, home of the inaugural Irish Open Amateur Championship in 1892. The championship layout, Dunluce Links, is a “must-play” for lovers of golf course architecture. The Harry Colt design consistently ranks among the world’s greatest courses and is widely noted as one of the game’s sternest tests.

Grab lunch in the clubhouse before journeying down the road to Portstewart Golf Club. Host of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Portstewart’s Strand Course hugs the Causeway Coast and features one of the most stunning opening holes in links golf.

Close out your trip with a night at the K Club, Ireland’s first AA 5 Red Star Hotel. Each bedroom in the luxurious resort – set on 550 immaculately maintained acres – has been individually designed so no two rooms are alike. Enjoy dinner at the Legends Restaurant before retiring to your room for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Home to the 2006 Ryder Cup and famous, Legends Restaurant, The K Club and it’s grounds prove the perfect resort to unwind.

Day Eight

Wake up early to depart for the Dublin Airport. Head home to regale your friends with stories from your once-in-a-lifetime golf vacation.

Speaking on the trip, Carr Golf’s Customer Service Manager, Peter Keighery who assisted the group said, “In my 27 years working with Carr Golf and with many spectacular trips, this trip was perhaps the most amazing due to the fact we played all Open Championship courses over the course of 6 days and travelled via helicopter in and out of all courses. We also stayed in the most amazing venues including Skibo Castle, Gleneagles, Turnberry and the wonderful Culloden House just outside Belfast City. A trip I’ll never forget!

*Transatlantic airfare not included in trip.

To replicate this once in a lifetime experience, contact our travel team today using the contact form below, or call +353 1 822 6662 or US Toll Free 1 855 617 5701.

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