Monthly Archives: November 2017

Perhaps no vacation showcases the glory Mother Nature has bestowed upon the Emerald Isle better than a fishing & golf vacation. Ireland is second to none for both pursuits with exceptional links courses and fishing hot spots that make anglers giddy with delight, especially in the southwest of Ireland. Keep reading below for a suggested itinerary with golf clubs and fishing gear in tow.

Day One: Arrive at the Shannon Airport. Check into your accommodations at Perryville House. Situated in the center of the medieval fishing port of County Cork’s Kinsale and overlooking the marina, Perryville House combines the grandeur of the past with the luxuries and convenience of today. Perryville House delights guests from the moment they step inside. Built in 1810, the property was completely refurbished in the late 1990s and is known for its elegant aesthetic, delicious food and close proximity to world-class golf and beaches. Small details such as oil paintings, fresh cut flowers and scented candles add to the Irish country house’s charm.

Day Two: Play Old Head Golf Links. Occupying a peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, Old Head features some of the most breathtaking, panoramic vistas in the game. Whirling winds off the sea and rolling topography create stimulating natural challenges that are all a golfer could ever want.

Named the most spectacular course on the planet by LINKS magazine, Old Head combines jaw-dropping views with a thrilling layout for a truly memorable experience.

Joe Carr – our late founder – was part of the all-star design team at Old Head, which also included Ron Kirby, former designer at Jack Nicklaus’ Golf Design Services; the late, great Eddie Hackett, former Irish golf professional and golf course designer; Paddy Merrigan, Australian course architect and agronomist; Liam Higgins, one of Ireland’s best-known golf professionals; and Haulie O’Shea, building contractor extraordinaire.

“The Old Head’s location, its scenic reality and spectacular terrain remind me of Cypress Point and Pebble Beach,” said Joe. “It is a golfer’s paradise with the potential of being the eighth wonder of the world, in golfing terms.”

The striking resemblance between two of the world’s greatest golfing landscapes – Cypress Point and Old Head Golf Links

The layout is home to one of our favorite par 3s as well as one of Ireland’s most challenging par 5s. The seventh tee box boasts a stunning view from one of the highest points of elevation on Old Head. This all-or-nothing par-3 forces accurate club selection. Miss short and you’ll land in a greenside bunker or end up in the rough. Overshoot the green and you’ll lose your ball in the Atlantic.

Regarded as one of the most intimidating holes in golf, the par-5 12^th at Old Head begins with a daunting tee shot over a clifftop to a blind landing area. The challenge doesn’t end there as the fairway dramatically narrows near the green, making laying up difficult and almost impossible. Bunkers and intimidating high slopes guard the right side. Don’t miss left or your ball will be gobbled up by the turbulent sea below. Good luck on both holes!

Kinsale Harbour: It is clear to see why this beautiful town is one of Ireland’s most popular fishing destinations.

Day Three: Go fishing in Kinsale. Whether you’re after cod, bass, dogfish or flounder, Kinsale has a spot for you. Some of our favorites are Garretstown Beach, Coolmain Beach, Harbour View, Burren Pier, Courtmacsherry Pier, Courtmacsherry Strand and Broad Strand.

Day Four: Play Dooks Golf Club. County Kerry’s Dooks Golf Club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014 and is one of the Emerald Isle’s 10 oldest golf clubs. Home to the 6,586-yard 18-hole links course along rugged Dingle Bay, Dooks derives its name from the Irish word for “dunes.”Dooks is awash with natural beauty with beguiling ocean views throughout and framed inland by Ireland’s highest mountain range, the McGillycuddy Reeks.

Despite the relatively modest yardage, ever-present tricky southwest winds put a premium on the “Old School” method of keeping your shots low to ground. Numerous greenside collection areas await wayward approaches and compel imaginative bumps, chips and pitches.

Golf course architect Donald Steele aptly assessed the course as follows: “Dooks is a rare gem, it has a special place in the annals of links golf and must be preserved at all costs. Its character typifies the true meaning of what this form of the game should represent.”

A nine-hole layout for most of its first 80 years, Dooks was expanded to 18 in 1970. The most recent renovations were completed by renowned golf course architect Martin Hawtree in 2006, elevating Dooks to “must play” status like neighbors Ballybunion and Tralee.

Hawtree, whose resume includes acclaimed makeovers of Lahinch and Royal Dublin, rebuilt all bunkers, relocated tees and fairways, and shaped 16 new greens – 10 in new locations. A sporty par 71, Dooks is a fun test of golf that drips with an endless supply of charm.

Following your round, settle into your accommodations at Waterville House. This 18^th century manor house sits on a narrow strip facing the wild Atlantic with beautiful Lough Currane on its eastern perimeter. The Currane River bisects the 50-acre estate as it flows into Ballingskelligs Bay.

From the golf course to the river: Famous visitors to stay at Waterville House and fish include Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara, David Duval and the the late, Payne Stewart.

Day Five: Go fishing in Waterville. Waterville House has extensive fishing rights on rivers and lakes throughout the region. The Cummeragh River with its five upper lakes – Derriana, Namona, Cloonaghlin, Na Huisce and Coppal – flows into Lough Currane before entering the sea. All these lakes contain salmon and sea trout.

Higher in the mountains there are numerous smaller lakes, rarely fished, containing mainly brown trout. Waterville House guests also enjoy access to the famous Butler’s Pool, which is part of Ireland’s Salmon Research program, supplying critical spawning migration data.

Day Six: Play Waterville Golf Links. Host venue for our famous World Invitational Father & Son and Father & Daughter Tournaments, Waterville is one of the finest links courses in the world. A visual masterpiece set on a 220-acre peninsula alongside the Atlantic, Waterville is one of County Kerry’s brightest jewels.

Consistently ranked one of the best courses in Ireland, Waterville is also a favorite amongst the Carr family as they holidayed there throughout the 60’s and 70’s.

“It’s like playing golf on the moon,” says Carr Golf customer services manager Peter Keighery. “The remoteness, beauty and the way each hole flows into the next all make it a ‘must-play’ course.”

Day Seven: Play Tralee Golf Club. Representing the first European design of Arnold Palmer, Tralee Golf Club is one of the most spectacularly beautiful courses you’ll ever encounter. “I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course,” commented Palmer upon completing his masterpiece.

“I am happy that we have one of the world’s great links here.” With views of the Atlantic and white sandy beaches from almost every hole, this superb layout earns rave reviews from all who play it.

Close out your trip with a night at majestic Dromoland Castle. One of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, Dromoland was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin. They were one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), High King of Ireland in the 11^th century.

Step inside this regal estate and you’ll find grand staircases beneath glittering antique chandeliers. Unwind in plush, sink-in sofas in front of large, ornate fireplaces with blazing log fires.

Day Eight: Depart from Shannon Airport.

This unforgettable package includes seven nights’ luxury accommodation with daily breakfast, four rounds of world-class golf and coach and driver throughout your trip, starting from €3,480 per person. Click here to view it in more detail.

If you wish to experience a fishing and golf  vacation, 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.

Error: Contact form not found.

Few sporting events in the world are as grand as The Open. With over 150 years of rich history – including all the biggest names and many of the greatest finishes in golf – The Open is a tradition like no other.

Imagine if you could play all 14 venues to have hosted this illustrious event. Well, we’ve put together an epic golf itinerary like no other! This once-in-a-lifetime journey through Scotland, England and Northern Ireland is a golf lover’s dream come true!

Day One

The incredible odyssey begins in southern Scotland with a round at Turnberry’s Ailsa course. Home to four Open Championships – most recently in 2009 – Turnberry is perhaps best known as the site of 1977’s “Duel in the Sun.” Tied after two rounds, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson both carded 65s on the third day to remain tied heading into the final round. In dazzling sunlight, hence the nickname, Watson fired another 65 to edge out Nicklaus by a single stroke. This memorable tournament is commemorated at Turnberry’s 19^th hole, “The Duel in the Sun” restaurant.

Following your round, settle in for the first of two nights at Turnberry, the world’s first golf resort. Enjoy marvelous ocean views of the Ailsa Craig and beyond.

Day Two

Head up the coast to Royal Troon Golf Club, long known for its deep rough and unpredictable winds. A nine-time Open host, Royal Troon is home to the notorious “Postage Stamp.” The par-3 8^th features a tiny, narrow putting surface protected by a “coffin” bunker to the left of the green. According to Carr Golf Sales Manager, Mark Byrne, “The Postage Stamp at Troon is one of the most famous holes in golf and can often be a deciding hole in The Open.”

Day Three

Make the quick morning journey up to Prestwick Golf Club for your final round on Scotland’s west coast. The birthplace of The Open, Prestwick dates back to 1851. The first Open was held at Prestwick – then just a 12-hole course – in 1860. It went on to host 24 Open Championships with the last being in 1925. Today, a simple collection of stones marks the place where the first Open tee shot was struck.

Next, move from Scotland’s west to the east coast for incredible accommodations at the Greywalls Hotel. This elegant Edwardian country house is conveniently situated on the edge of Muirfield championship golf course, the next on your list of Open venues to play. Built in 1901, Greywalls still retains its original charm and features delightful walled gardens complete with a hard and grass tennis court, croquet lawn and putting green. The interior contains elegant drawing rooms and charming dining areas in addition to its 23 en suite bedrooms.

Day Four

Make the short walk to over to mighty Muirfield, home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers since 1744. This iconic course has hosted 42 national and international competitions – including 16 Open Championships – averaging one approximately every three years. Like the Old Course – still to come on this ambitious itinerary – Muirfield is a true “must-play” at least once in a golfing life. Originally 16 holes, it expanded to 18 before hosting its first Open in 1892.

Renovated by Harry Colt in 1923, this Tom Morris design features two concentric rings comprised of the challenging front and back nines. The front runs clockwise along the outer ring of the dramatic topography, while the back nine runs counterclockwise ending at the stately clubhouse. This unique feature ensures a wide variety of wind conditions. Cast your mind back to 2013 and enjoy Phil Mickelson winning his first Open Championship below in what he described as ‘the best round of his life.’

Day Five

After another night at the Greywalls Hotel, it’s time to play Musselburgh Links, the world’s oldest golf course. The final of this layout’s nine holes was added in 1870 in preparation for hosting its first Open Championship. An original Open venue, Musselburgh hosted the competition six times between 1874 and 1889. Fun Fact: You can rent hickory clubs for the full historic experience.

Try avoid hitting the Old Course Hotel as you tee off on the famous Road Hole

Speaking of historic experiences, now it’s time to visit the place that needs no introduction: St Andrews. You’ll be spending three nights at the Old Course Hotel, situated right on the 17^th fairway of the famous “Road Hole” on St Andrews. The five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of St Andrews courses, West Sands Beach and the scenic Scottish coastline.

Day Six

After a relaxing evening surrounded by Scottish golf history, look to the future by visiting the site of the 2018 Open: Carnoustie Golf Links. In 2007, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington captured his first of his back-to-back Open titles here.

Flashback to his back and forth duel with Spaniard, Sergio Garcia by viewing the video below.  This Championship Course is generally regarded as one of the toughest and fairest Open venues with the entire golfing world highly anticipating the Open return.

Day Seven

Next, it’s time for a round at the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews. We have a special connection with St Andrews as our founder, J.B. Carr, was the first Irishman to captain the R&A. St. Andrews has hosted The Open 29 times dating back to 1873.

An iconic moment in Open history occurred on the Old Course’s par-3 11^th over 90 years ago. “The 11^th on the Old Course at St Andrews is unofficially named after Bobby Jones,” says Carr Golf’s Peter Keighery. “The first time he played it in 1921 in the Open Championship, he went into a bunker, took four swipes and, when he couldn’t get out of the bunker, walked off the course. He came back six years later and won The Open!”

After winning the British Open on the Old Course at St. Andrews, in 1927, Bobby Jones won the heart of the townspeople for life by letting the Royal and Ancient Golf Club have custody of the trophy.

The win secured Jones’ place in history as the first amateur to win back-to-back Open Championships as he had won the previous year at Royal Lytham & St Annes. He went on to win one more Open in 1930 at Royal Liverpool.

Close out the Scottish part of your journey with one final night at the Old Course Hotel before journeying south to England.

Day Eight

Kick off the English leg of the trip with a round at 11-time Open host Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Founded in 1886, this challenging design houses 206 bunkers making both a solid strategy and accurate shots essential. Although this renowned layout isn’t on the water, the sea breeze can still affect your game.

Following your round, settle in for the first of two nights at the opulent Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa. Highlights include the newly refurbished swimming pool, steam room and Himalayan salt sauna.

Day Nine

Test your abilities at Royal Liverpool. A 12-time Open 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 horserace track in its earliest years. Only six holes are nestled amongst the dunes making wind a key factor.

Our connection with this historic track dates back to 1953 when J.B. Carr won his first British Amateur Open at Royal Liverpool. As perhaps Ireland’s greatest ever amateur golfer, J.B. was rightly inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2007 by longtime friend, Jack “Golden Bear” Nicklaus.

Day 10

Conquer the most recent Open venue, Royal Birkdale. This stunning seaside layout has hosted the Open 10 times dating back to 1954. Keep an eye out for the plaque on the 16^th hole commemorating Arnold Palmer’s iconic shot from thick rough amongst the blackberry bushes in 1961. He went on to win the tournament – his first Open victory – by a single stroke.

Don’t let the unexpectedly flat fairways lull you into a false sense of security as their narrowness places a premium on accuracy. Pot bunkers sprinkled throughout the course further demand precision.

In 2017, Jordan Spieth pulled off the unthinkable by finishing the final five holes in 5 under at Royal Birkdale, having found himself on the driving range playing his third shot into the par 4, 13th hole.

After your round, venture to England’s southeast coast for the first of four nights at The Lodge at Prince’s. This area is a hotbed for spectacular English golf with three Open venues – Princes, Royal Cinque and Royal St Georges, the next three courses on your itinerary – all within a five-mile radius.

Situated on the Bay of Sandwich, The Lodge is located at the entrance of Prince’s Golf Club. Each room has a unique format, but all feature club storage and tea-making essentials. On-site facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, sun terrace, fully equipped gym, conference suite and snooker room.

Day 11

Play 18 of Prince’s Golf Club’s 27 holes. Each of the three nine-hole layouts – Shore, Dunes and Himalayas – have wonderful history and provide a stern test. The present-day layout Prince’s has hosted the Open just once back in 1932. Fun Fact: American Gene Sarazen debuted his new club, the sand wedge, at the 1932 Open and went on to win.

Day 12 

Explore Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, home of the 1909 and 1920 Opens. Regarded as one of the finest links challenges in England, it was one of four Final Open Qualifying venues from 2014 – 2017. Royal Cinque Ports has hosted the largest amateur tournament in the world – the Halford Hewitt Public Schools Championship – every year since 1924.

Day 13

Experience 14-time Open host Royal St. George’s Golf Club. One of England’s finest links courses, it will host the Open again in 2020. Its undulating fairways and fast, true greens challenge amateur and professional golfers alike.

Day 14

Close out your epic golf itinerary with a visit to Northern Ireland’s only course in the Open rota, Royal Portrush. Test your skills on this championship layout in 2018, prior to the historic event taking place in 2019 after nearly a 70 year absence. The 148^th Open marks just the second time golf’s oldest and most international championship will be staged outside of Scotland and England.

Dunluce Links – one of Royal Portrush’s two layouts – is a “must-play” for lovers of golf course architecture. The championship layout consistently ranks among the world’s greatest courses and is widely noted as one of the game’s sternest tests. Playing through rugged terrain and featuring dramatic elevation changes, Dunluce captivates even the most accomplished golfers. Vivid views of the North Atlantic and 13th Century Dunluce Castle enhance its timeless charm.

Hear what some famous local heroes had to say about Royal Portrush and the importance of the Open Championship returning to their home region below.

Spend the evening at The Bushmills Inn – one of Northern Ireland’s most well-known luxury hotels. Roaring peat fires and nooks and crannies throughout the property – including a secret library – evoke the spirit and charm of a bygone era. The boutique cinema provides an ideal place to relax and watch golf and reflect on your trip.

What better way to celebrate the magic of The Open than experiencing all 14 venues for yourself?

Open Championship Itinerary

This once in a lifetime package includes:

• 14 rounds of golf on Open Championship venues
• 14 nights luxury accommodation
• Luxury vehicle transport with driver
• Pre, during and post trip concierge service

If you wish to enquire about this Open Championship course experience, please contact our travel team today using the contact form below, or call +353 1 822 6662 or US Toll Free 1 855 617 5701. Prices start from £10,626 per person.

Error: Contact form not found.

*Airfare not included.