Play today was in the Republic of Ireland, County Donegal – a little over an hour drive. The route took us through Londonderry/Derry then up to Ballyliffin, a small village located in the north-western tip of the Inishowen peninsula in Ireland. There was nothing to note a border crossing. We only knew because signs for petrol pricing went from GBP to Euro.
Londonderry/Derry, known as the ‘walled city’, shows as ‘Londonderry’ if you are using a Northern Ireland map and ‘Derry’ if one from the Republic. Maybe one day they’ll come to agreement (probably not – lot’s of passion still).
The Ballyliffin Golf Club has two courses – we played the Glashedy Links. The course runs through coastal dunes with water views and Glashedy Rock in the distance. Gorgeous.
The greens are the best we’ve played. Except for the massive pot bunkers guarding each. Check out the bunker count – a daily record! Plus, deep, penal rough if you drift from the airway. We played the ‘white’ tees which ran about 6400 yards – a little longer than our normal distance. Everyone we spoke with regarding the course talked about the wind. Thankfully, it was calm. And, again, no rain! Shirtsleeves. Incredibly good fortune.
We dined at the clubhouse. It’s a beautiful setting overlooking the course. Finally, a long drive back to Portstewart and a late return to our B&B.
Daily Team Stats
- Lost Balls – 5
- Bunkers – 24!
- Low Gross – Kevin @ 90
- Low Net – Kevin @ 76
- Birdies – 2: Dick & Don
- Dram o’ Day – Hinch Single Batch Irish Whiskey
