Old Head Golf Links, Ireland

April 2, 2010April 4, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

Old Head Golf Links has gone through a massive refurbishment over the past few years; transforming into a beautiful five star resort. With 15 brand new suites, all overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the golf course, or both, it’s proving to be one of the most charming golf resorts in Ireland. I was privileged to be invited to stay overnight shortly after the suites opened…and what a visit it proved to be. The rooms are as good as any you’re likely to find in Ireland; tastefully decorated, and extremely spacious with everything (and more) that you’d expect from a five star hotel. The highlight for me was the relaxing in the bath while enjoying watching golf on the bathroom’s flat screen TV…the perfect way to finish the evening after a mouth watering seafood platter in the main restaurant.

Having never played the course before, it made the trip even more special as it’s a fantastic links, and possibly the most spectacular I’ve ever played. It stands at the top of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 9 holes play directly along the cliff tops and all 18 have views out to sea. Add that to the beautiful lighthouse at the far end of the course, and you have an awe-inspiring view no matter which way you’re facing. Don’t be fooled though, as the Old Head Golf Links is much more than just an exceptionally scenic course – it’s a great test of golf, with some mind blowing holes. It’s also an immaculately looked after course and so tends to be in absolutely perfect condition all season. Even the weather was exceptional and my golf was up to the test for once, having carded a gross 75…so it was a great trip all round. If you’ve never been to Old Head before, be sure to add it to the list of ‘must plays’. With the fantastic new suites, it’s got to be considered a ‘must stay’ as well.

By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

Golf Lesson at Turnberry

March 16, 2010February 23, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

Working for PerryGolf for 10 years has opened up my interest in golf; learning about all of the courses and ‘golfing regions’ but having never played a game of golf, I realised it was time to change that. On a visit to the Turnberry Resort I was lucky enough (when you see my clip you will understand) to have a golf lesson at The Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy’. It is a great facility showcasing an open-air driving range with a landscaped target area, a state-of-the-art audio-visual theatre, simulator and swing analyzer. After my consultation and a few practice swings, the problem with my swing was clear…to put it bluntly…it was awful! Once the professional advised where I was going wrong and made a few small changes to my swing, a definite improvement was evident. Spending a further 20 minutes in the teaching bays hitting balls found that my swing was massively improved; there’s a long way to go, but certainly with practice I could be better.

It was a great experience and they have the space and capability to take groups for lessons and offer different options depending on your skill level and what you need to improve on. This is an ideal addition to your stay at Turnberry and will no doubt improve your round and your experience on the Ailsa Course.

Click below to view my experience at Turnberry’s Golf Academy:

Denise’s Golf Lesson

By Denise McKee. Denise is a member of PerryGolf’s admin team.

Huka Lodge and a Visit to the Falls – New Zealand

March 12, 2010February 16, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

New Zealand is a beautiful country with so many unique and breathtaking sights. One of my most memorable experiences there was when I visited Huka Falls in Wairakei Park; the largest falls on the Waikato River (New Zealand’s longest river) near Taupo on New Zealand’s North Island. Huka Falls is only a short 5-minute drive north of Lake Taupo.

The Falls have to be one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen; there are several viewing platforms and a 30-minute riverside walk that incorporates the many observation points. Located along the banks of the Waikato River (about 300m from Huka Falls ) is the award-winning Huka Lodge – you couldn’t imagine a better place to stay! With just 25 rooms in total, they offer a relaxing, intimate and first class service. Their dining experience is a must thanks to the Michelin star chefs working with local produce to provide an unforgettable culinary event for guests. Located in the grounds is their wine cellar, an underground chamber that can seat up to 10 guests for dinner – but this is just one of the fun and innovative ideas that the Lodge has in place.

In my mind, Huka Lodge is worth the expense, and incorporating a trip to the Falls is an absolute ‘must do’ on any vacation to New Zealand.

By Denise McKee. Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our team members responsible for our South Pacific programs.

Killarney Town

March 8, 2010February 16, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

The South West of Ireland has some spectacular golf courses and when scheduling a golf vacation that includes Ballybunion, Tralee and Waterville, the schedule must include a stay in Killarney. It is a great location and a fantastic base to play the well-known courses while the town itself is full of charm, excellent food and traditional Irish pubs.

The accommodation is not a disappointment with the 5 star Killarney Park Hotel and other great hotels…you can’t go wrong. There are over 40 bars in Killarney, which offer live traditional Irish music throughout the season. Killarney is also the starting point of the drive around the Iveragh Peninsula; a dramatically scenic route commonly known as the Ring of Kerry. The complete route is about 100 miles long, definitely an unmissable experience. There are also many excellent restaurants in the area and seafood is a big influence; I recommend Gaby’s Seafood Restaurant in the main street while staying in Killarney…here seafood is served at its best. If steak is your preferred option then Foley’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant is ideal.

Killarney is quaint and colourful with a vibrant town centre – a great place to relax during your golf vacation!

By Denise McKee. Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of the admin team.

O’Callaghan Hotels, Dublin

March 3, 2010February 1, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

Dublin City Centre is the perfect place to be based for a few nights as you can play some of the great courses in the surrounding area – Portmarnock, European Club, The Island, K-Club and County Louth to name but a few.

It’s also a city blessed with five star properties; however, as is the case with all major cities, these can prove to be on the expensive side for the average traveller. There are however excellent, yet relatively inexpensive options in the city centre courtesy of the O’Callaghan Group; a privately owned Irish group of hotels. They own four properties, all in ideal locations within the city centre; either overlooking Merrion Square or Stephen’s Green; making them perfect for exploring the city’s fantastic shops, sights, restaurants and bars.

The 4 star properties include the traditional Davenport, the contemporary Alexander, the boutique style Stephen’s Green and the charming Mont Clare.

With something for every type of traveller, and at great prices, one of the hotels is bound to suit.

By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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