Just back home from our 19 day Golfaround Ireland trip and boy was it great. Accolades to Swing Golf Ireland for putting together a fantastic itinerary and we were so pleased with our coach driver/tour guide Chris. He was fantastic, such a delight, just the right combination of fun, humor and skill, in addition he was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with a mix of folklore, history and facts. Throughout our 19 days we visited breathtaking and wild seascapes, centuries old castles, marvelous little villages, emerald landscapes and of course some amazing golf courses.
First stop Dublin where we were introduced to Guinness and Gaelic football, we were able to join the locals to watch the final game for the All Ireland Senior Club Football championship between the Dubs, Dublin, and Kerry, Chis’s favorite. This city is filled with history and with its seamless blend of classic visitor sights, excellent social scene which of course included several pubs and the natural playgrounds of Dublin Bay, this laidback city was an adventure in itself. Golf at St Anne’s Golf Club introduced us to “links” golf and also to the friendly folk of Ireland. It was their ladies league that day and I can’t tell you how many of these gals took the time to chat and offer their assistance, what wonderful people. Chris told us that “links” means the place between the sea and land and whose characteristics include being built on sandy soil along a coastline. Links courses are buffeted by strong winds that require deep bunkers to prevent the sand from blowing away. They are also completely or largely treeless. Our first experience was a bit windy but warm and everyone enjoyed.
Kinsale, the home of Old Head Golf Course was our next stop and we can’t believe how lucky we were to have a picture perfect day for experiencing the most spectacular golf course ever. We have played some beautiful courses but the scenery and views at Old Head stand head and shoulders above any course we have ever played, another checkmark on Kristy’s bucket list.
Killarney offered us more beautiful scenery as we explored parts of the Ring of Kerry and rode in a jaunting car through Killarney National Park. We also stopped at Ladies View, the queen really missed out the day she didn’t go with her ladies in waiting to see this. It is untouched incredible nature that offers wonderful views of the lakes. Pictures just can’t do it justice. Golf here at Dooks and Killeen was lovely with no weather issues, how lucky we have been.
Dromoland (pronounced Drumolen) was a magical place, a once in a lifetime experience. This magical castle offered absolute luxury and service. We had a beautifully appointed suite overlooking the courtyard and it had a fabulous bathroom with a de-fogging mirror. The staff were wonderful and the dining room was lovely with white linen cloths and silver service.. This is what I imagine it would be like if the Queen invited you to stay at Windsor Castle. The golf course was also beautiful located on the estate, we did experience a little Irish mist but it wasn’t cold. We sure hated to leave it was great being a royalty for a couple of days.
On our way to Westport our driver Chris took us on the Taggert Ferry which crosses the Shannon estuary. We then traveled along The Kilkee Cliffs, a remote and wild stretch of stunning coastline in County Clare. You really feel in harmony with nature here, the scenery was outstanding. Our golf in Eniscrone was also a little wild the wind was at gale force I am sure. However, what a golf course, absolutely fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable despite the wind. This is links golf on steroids, giant sand dunes with narrow undulating fairways and immaculate greens.This place is not easy by any means and I am sure many of us had a so so score, but it was an amazing experience and we had lots of laughs.
Belfast, our last destination, offered more history, more pubs, more scenic opportunities and a last round of golf for some of us. The Royal Belfast Golf Club was founded in 1881, and is Ireland’s oldest golf club and there are panoramic views across Belfast Lough from this delightful park course.
Back to Dublin for most of us to get our direct flight back to reality, an amazing adventure with great people, amazing weather and memories to last a lifetime. We are truly blessed.

Two Golfaround members Diane & Bev were the last 2 people to play Richmond Green. Beautiful day for golfing and if Diane had her wish she will have hit the last ball into the final tee. “Bev and I were proud that we had the last booked tee-time (6:45pm) Sept 2/19 for the Richmond Green course before it closed for good.  Playing in the beginner league, we had golfed there a few times with Golfaround.  Golfing was free that day, so apparently some golfers did a few rounds! So many people agreed they should keep the course open, but you know, of the 6 others I invited over the summer, only 1 had golfed there before.  It was perfect for families and seniors and those who wanted to fit in a quick practice game in the morning and the price was good. While we were going to miss it, the cashier, a 31 year old female, mentioned she had been going there with her dad since she was 5.  It was filled with good memories for her!

It was wonderful to golf with Bev when we were out with Golfaround, but also to meet new people!  At Richmond Green, Mary and I found out we both wanted to brush up on our French language.  So we would meet a few minutes prior to the game to chat.  We still golf (speaking in French bien sur!) and did until the season was done.  Bev and my friendship started in an interesting way.  We both worked for TELUS in Calgary, but didn’t meet until a 3-year Telecom assignment close to Washington DC.  Lots of get-togethers, a Canadian Club, and golf lessons with Mickie.  But never golfing.  On separate journeys, we both ended up back in Calgary.  So glad to golf weekly with her through Golfaround!”

“If June was the beginning of a hopeful summer, and July the juice middle, August was suddenly feeling like the bitter end.” I guess this quote says it all but we didn’t have much juice.

Where has the time gone? Golf season just seems to fly by and this year was no exception. It has been a very challenging year for both you our members and for us. The 4pm storms were the pitts for sure and ruined many a nice night. Thanks for being so understanding and showing up at the golf courses,  it was very difficult for us to make a call on the weather and we appreciate the inconvienience this may have caused.

While we were at the courses this last week of Golfaround we were happy to hear the positive comments and pleased that the season wasn’t a total bust. We were able to join the gals at D’Arcy on Monday night and what a wonderful night it was, in fact I do believe that all the golf rounds this last week of August were, at long last, very pleasant. In addition to a great round of golf the majority came to the restaurant following and it brought back good memories of the early Golfaround days. We don’t have quite the following for the 19th hole here in Calgary but our Edmonton gals always do a good job of this up well.

Stay tuned to the newsfeed this winter to find out about hitting balls and socializing at the domes. Have a great winter wherever you may be and we hope to see you next year.

Pat gets another birdie at Cochrane golf course – making it a “hat trick” for her this season. Colleen gets a birdie on Hole #5 at Wintergreen – the 1st time the Day league 9 holers have played here. Beginner golfer Georgina gets her best score “46” at The Mccall Lake Par 3 – it is a tricky little nine. Sharon hits the green in 2 at Shaganappi  – all the play and practice is paying off. Bhamisha and Di get birdies at Springbank Links –  Sippy Cow birdie juice was once again enjoyed.

There was some great feedback from the members about the article “Don’t be a Slowpoke” and we have attempted to provide you with a summary of this:

Initially we got good vibes about the article:

I also really appreciate the specific directions regarding pace of play. Then as a player, I am able to refer to specific actions that we could or should be taking if we are getting too slow.
Thank you again for showing this leadership. It is part of the value of my membership and being part of Golfaround to have you provide this direction.
I appreciate all the tips you suggested and I hope that the players take it to heart so that the golf round doesn’t take more time than allotted.

I think that some players feel they have to hit every ball down the fairway no matter where it lands and on a long course like Fox Hollow it makes the game painfully slow.
If the group in front is golfing too slow and holding up the play what is your recommendation for the group following? There is not much that you can do as that is a player’s assistant (marshals) job and we are seeing less and less of them these days. My hope is that someone in the group recognizes they are falling behind and lets everyone know they have lost the group ahead and suggests catching them by picking up and/or playing best ball.
Thanks again for sending out this email with the positive suggestion on how to speed up the play.

Although I am not a great golfer, I learned to golf with a group of ladies who were experienced and so they taught me etiquette, but when I started there was so much I didn’t know. I always pick up my ball and throw it down so I maintain pace of place with them.

The following tips were reinforced:

• take your pull cart with you to your ball do not hit the ball and then end up walking back to get the cart.
• when chipping onto the green the pull  cart is left at the front of the green (or earlier) and then when finished putting the player has to walk back and then all the way around to the back of the green.  So take your cart to the side or back of the green so the players behind are not delayed waiting for the area around the green to be clear.
• it is often thought that riding a power cart will be faster, not always so. There is a skill to maneuvering the cart on the course. Too often we see players putting their club away and grabbing their next club right after they hit. One should get in the cart with their club and when at the next shot put our club away while the other player hits. Or when done putting get in the cart with the putter and move to next hole and mark score and put club away.
• often it is possible to drop one player off and then drive to the other players ball and/or park in the middle
• ball hunting is another thing that slows the play.  I left 3 balls on the course last night so I wouldn’t slow the play down.
• taking three of four practice swings
• too much talking at tee off time
• waiting for the entire group to hit and then moving to their ball,  (still move toward your ball but just make sure you are behind the person hitting,)
• standing on the green and recording your score, when you can record it at the next hole while you are waiting to tee off.

We also received comments regarding requests to play early and also groups of three and four in a tee time. It is never a problem to put two friends together however if a starter has to change this to keep things moving we do hope that people will be understanding and be willing to split up if need be.

“Thank you so much for this. In my 3rd year of Golfaround, I have met some really great women who I will invite to other golf rounds in the city. I really value the opportunity to meet new women which is tougher when too many are already matched and play always together.”
“Many of us want to play earlier for lots of reasons. I appreciate that you responded to that. I have never requested playing earlier and wondered if I should have been. Now I know that I did not need to.”

Thanks so much for your feedback and also for keeping the pace.

Many of you have told us that you really appreciate the wide variety of golf courses we offer you. We are very lucky to have these golf course and have gained a very good reputation with them because our members are committed and always keep a good pace. Many years ago when Joanne Englehardt was alive we were out at Rivers Edge a group of firemen were to follow us, they complained being behind a group of women and Joanne told them they they probably wouldn’t see us for the dust. Another group of gals were in Alabama and because it is very redneck and male dominant there, they got the pace of play spiel, however, when they completed the round they were praised for their pace of play and the girls  told them they were trained well by Golfaround.
Slow play in golf is irritating. It’s the difference between getting a full round in on a summer’s evening or coming in in the dark, We have been aware that our reputation is in jeopardy as there have been numerous complaints of slow play from our members. Our concern is that we will loose some of our membership if this continues so thought we should try to fix the problem, however, we can’t do this,  only you can make a difference. You all need to pay more attention to pace of play and the game will be more enjoyable for everyone. Each player should recognize that his or her pace of play is likely to affect how long it will take other players to play their rounds, including both those in the player’s own group and those in following groups. How well one plays is not the determining factor here, there are many of high-handicappers who speed around the course, just like plenty of skilled golfers … take … all … day.
Pace of play is not about playing fast. It’s about playing efficiently and with consideration for others and don’t forget that proper spacing of tee times and a good marshal goes a long way. As does a golf trip to the other side of the pond, where players walk more than they ride, and walk directly to their own ball rather than becoming a caravan of golfers travelling to each other’s ball. Some of the offenders are those who are slow but don’t know it or they are oblivious to it. They feel like they’re going through their round at a good pace, but are really the one that everybody is waiting on…constantly. Whether it is being slow to the tee box, looking too long for balls, not being ready to hit in the fairway, always needing to go back to get another club, reading a putt for too long, etc., this golfer is just a little slower than everyone else and has absolutely no clue.
Many slow players don’t begin their pre-shot routine and practise swings until it’s their turn to hit, you can always do this while waiting to go the tee. Then there is the Tour-pro wannabe who takes six full practice swings every time, the 25-handicapper who waits for the green to clear before dribbling her shot 50 yards. Some of the things that we can do are hit when ready and when it is safe to do so, don’t be the last person to approach the tee box. Prepare for your shot as you approach the ball. Have the appropriate club in hand. Putt out the continuously. Mark your score at the next tee. Keep up with the group in front. Do your socializing after the round, gabbing on the tee when the fairway is open or not being ready to hit when it’s your turn is a major cause of slow play. Another thing is looking for lost balls, a quick look is fine but when they go into the deep rough it’s bye bye ball don’t waste your time and the time of others.
What can we all do? We can tell the course Marshall the next time he comes by. Sometimes a simple word from him is enough to increase the pace of play of a slower group. If it’s your own group that is slow (perhaps one of your number is a beginner and doesn’t hit very far, or keeps losing their ball in the rough), encourage your fellow player to pick up the pace, drop a ball in the fairway and keep on playing—especially if he or she is a high handicapper. Pickng up the ball to help speed the game along is no big deal. Other things you can do as a group, is to watch each other’s balls, at least off the tee, and help in the search if one goes off course. Another way to pick up the pace: once you have hit your own ball, is to move forward to your new ball position, focus and plan your next shot as you approach, so that you are ready to hit again when it is your turn. It is best to avoid difficult golf courses if you are a beginner golfer. Your fellow golfers and your own ego will benefit. We are wondering if a particular group notices they are slow and the group behind are waiting two or more times maybe they should offer to let them play through, your thoughts please.
The fact is, that slow play is a problem caused by many factors and we are concerned that we will not only loose some of the golf course we are love to play on but also some of our members who we love to play with as they are always ready and fun to play with. The best way to combat the issue and make rounds faster is for every golfer to play faster. You don’t have to rush, just be ready to hit when it is your turn and limit the extracurricular actions surrounding the game to what is absolutely necessary to hit the shot. To reiterate, we should always attempt to make the best score on every hole…we should just take less time to do it!

City Council have voted in favour of closing the Richmond Green golf course after the 2019 golf season as the financials indicate it is not profitable. If we remember the golf course was closed on two different occasions for a significant amount of time for maintenance to water infrastructure which lies beneath. Because of this It is not really developable at this point. This golf course has been great for our Beginner Program and also for many seniors in the area who enjoy getting out but can’t manage the longer tracks. It is a great place for grandparents to take their young grandchildren and closure would be a real shame. They are looking at some ways to generate revenue and we think there are options that would increase rvenue and they should explore this before making this decision. The city does have to contend with limitations imposed by collective agreements, the city isn’t able to solicit private firms to manage the golf courses unless union employees are hired to do the work. Can we do anything to delay this action? There is a survey which we would suggest you complete so that our members can express their opinion.

The Edmonton ladies had a fabulous day at Coal Creek. Carolyn Wright called it a Christmas miracle in July, the weather was fabulous that day.  I am sure some of them ended up in that black sand so that would have been an experience.   Lyn was quick on her feet with last minute adjustments and appreciated the flexibility of the members and the help she got.   A big thanks to Coal Creek for a great day!!!

 

Our Golf and Gamble get-a-way was a lot of fun. Upon arrival we found our rooms very comfortable and well equipped. The resort is situated amidst some outstanding scenery and is very picturesque. We started off with wine tasting where everyone could gather and get to know one another. Ryan, the sommelier, did a fabulous job, he was knowledgeable, quick witted and informative. We all enjoyed this event.
We woke the next morning to sounds of water under car tires……yes when we looked out the window it was raining. We donned our rainwear and headed for the golf course, a hop, skip and a jump away. After playing the first three holes in light rain it cleared up, although not really warm we stayed dry for the rest of our round. We enjoyed our round but did find the golf course not as pristine as we remembered it.
That evening we headed to the casino with our free vouchers for a bit of fun. Some lost it in a minute but Di had lady luck on her side and played for three hours at different machines without using a penny of her own money…..so much fun. Sunday we woke to a beautiful sunny day and headed over to Wildstone. What a fabulous golf course and it was in great shape. We played the sock game at St Eugene and some of the groups donated their winnings.  We have included the $35.50 with our donation to Foothills Family Hospice in memory of Suzanne Shutiak. In addition to this Melanie Shelley donated her Mystery bus winnings of $29.00. We all very much enjoyed our rounds and were sorry to have to head home as the sun had finally come out.
It was really great to have some new faces finally join us on our play and stay as well as getting to know some of the new members to Golfaround. We feel very fortunate to be in the company of so many terrific, fun women , after all girls just want to have fun you know.

Welcome to Belfast the last stop, well almost, as we do travel back to Dublin to fly home. This modern city is an eclectic medley of cultural treasures, with its mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. Here you will find a little bit of everything whether it’s comedy, maritime history, community arts, carnival parades, bluegrass music, song writing, European cinema, contemporary dance or the crème de la crème of local cuisine.
At Titanic Belfast delve into where it all began for the Ship of Dreams, this is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience and a “must see” visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Housed in an iconic 6-floor, 9-gallery building, the ‘hulls’ of which are the exact height of Titanic when she sat on the slipways, this state-of-the-art visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end.
Gaze up at the soaring crenellations of St Anne’s Cathedral, before hopping across the road to celebrate Belfast’s literary scene in Writer’s Square, where quotes from famous local writers CS Lewis, Hanna Bell and John Hewitt are carved in the stone underfoot.
Experience the City’s culture, politics, history, environment or landmarks from the back seat of an authentic Belfast Taxi, with your driver as your guide to see the murals, peacewall and living culture of the city.
Belfast is also perfect for foodies and we’ve got everything you need to discover your very own gourmet Garden of Eden from artisan bakeries, to traditional apple pies and garden parties galore throughout the summer months. You can enjoy Ireland’s oldest covered food market, the award winning St George’s Market, not to mention one of the liveliest and best value eating scenes in the UK or Ireland. You can also discover delicious Northern Irish breads like soda and potato, and gourmet chocolates in the city where Hans Sloane was educated.
Soak up the lively atmosphere, stroll along its fine Victorian streets, enjoy the range of world-class visitor attractions and indulge in a café, restaurant and entertainment scene that can rival any city in Europe.

The Royal Belfast Golf Club is where some of us will play an optional round. It is the oldest club in Ireland having been founded in 1881, Rory McIlroy is a member here. It is now located on the South shore of Belfast Lough where the views across the water to the Antrim hills is quite delightful. Heritage and tradition are bywords here, the magnificent former manor house that is the clubhouse has golfing memorabilia tucked everywhere. The golf course was routed over rolling parkland in a manner that is very easy on the eye. Stands of trees, lush fairways, gentle elevation challenges and intelligent bunkering all combine to make this course an absolute charmer to play on.  Some of the holes are right on the shoreline and a favorite of some of the members.