The pros favorite Irish course

[Jack_Marr]

The asked a number of pros at the Irish Open in Carton House what they thought the best course in Ireland was.

Darren Clarke - Royal Portrush
Harrington - Royal Portrush
McGinley - Royal Portrush

The non-Irish pros went mostly for Portmarnock, although one went for Ballybunion and another Carton House.

[Kevin Pallier]

The asked a number of pros at the Irish Open in Carton House what they thought the best course in Ireland was.

Darren Clarke - Royal Portrush

Jack

Darren Clarke would be expected to say that - it's where he grew up.

I'm surprised that none in your post mentioned Royal County Down ?

[Ian Dalzell]

Kevin,
I'll hve to correct you and say that Darren Clarke was born and raised in Dungannon, playing golf on a very pedestrian course there.  All of the players mentioned would have played RPGC on many occasions because it is the permenant home of the North of Ireland Amateur Championship every year.  Darren did not start playing Portrush regularly until he was an accomplished amateur turning to the pro ranks.  In fact, Darren is a member of Royal Portrush.

I have to agree with their assessment, but then again, anyone on here who knows me would have expeceted nothing less.  Even if Matt Ward thinks the fairways are too tight

[Jack_Marr]

The asked a number of pros at the Irish Open in Carton House what they thought the best course in Ireland was.

Darren Clarke - Royal Portrush

Jack

Darren Clarke would be expected to say that - it's where he grew up.

I'm surprised that none in your post mentioned Royal County Down ?

Nobody mentioned Royal County Down - I don't think so anyway.

All the Irish guys would have played a lot of amateur competitions in Royal Portrush. I'm not sure about RCD.

[Steve Curry]

Jack,

At a conference a couple of years ago I asked David Feherty what his favorite course was...  he replied, "the Old Course, or Royal County Down, no it’s Royal County Down"?

I will be over in September, but don't know if I'll have free time and hope to maybe see a few courses.

Best,
Steve

[Bob_Huntley]

The asked a number of pros at the Irish Open in Carton House what they thought the best course in Ireland was.

Darren Clarke - Royal Portrush

Jack

Darren Clarke would be expected to say that - it's where he grew up.

I'm surprised that none in your post mentioned Royal County Down ?

Nobody mentioned Royal County Down - I don't think so anyway.

All the Irish guys would have played a lot of amateur competitions in Royal Portrush. I'm not sure about RCD.

Could it be that the reception of younger men of a different stripe at RDC made them prefer Portrush?

Bob

[Tim Pitner]

Could it be that the reception of younger men of a different stripe at RDC made them prefer Portrush?

Bob, could you please explain this reference?

[Bob_Huntley]

Tim,

I am an avid fan of RDC, however less than ten years ago a good friend, an Irish catholic, was treated quite badly by an officer of the club and I have been annoyed by it ever since.

Bob

[Jack_Marr]

Tim,

I am an avid fan of RDC, however less than ten years ago a good friend, an Irish catholic, was treated quite badly by an officer of the club and I have been annoyed by it ever since.

Bob

There used to be a sign in the Grange Golf Club in Dublin saying that members of all GUI affiliated clubs are welcome, apart from Royal County Down. Christy O'Connor had to sign his card through a window there, as he wasn't allowed in the clubhouse. There are lots of stories about the place, although I believe it is changing.

[Eric_Dorsey]

RCD is the best course I've ever played, which included a tour of all the top courses in Ireland and Scotland a few years ago.  I did like RPGC, but not nearly as much as RCD or Ballybunion -  RCD simply blew me away with it's views, quality of holes, and wonderful bunkers.

I will say for certain though - I can remember the pro shop and clubhouse being VERY unfriendly.       As was Muirfield's, Troon, Turnberry, and Carnoustie.  hmmm - all Scottish.  

I do however remember the people in Ireland to be some of the nicest people I've ever met - very friendly and chatty.

my 2 cents.

[paul cowley]

Eric....worth every penny.

[Eamon Lynch]

Feherty once remarked that if you show up at RCD without dandruff on your collar, the club will provide it. Still, the stuffiness seems to have lessened a little in the years since a greenskeeper mowed right over the hole as my putt was moving toward it. Since I've always gone there in search of a great course rather than a welcoming hug, I've never been disappointed.

[Sean_A]

RCD is the best course I've ever played, which included a tour of all the top courses in Ireland and Scotland a few years ago.  I did like RPGC, but not nearly as much as RCD or Ballybunion -  RCD simply blew me away with it's views, quality of holes, and wonderful bunkers.

I will say for certain though - I can remember the pro shop and clubhouse being VERY unfriendly.       As was Muirfield's, Troon, Turnberry, and Carnoustie.  hmmm - all Scottish.  

I do however remember the people in Ireland to be some of the nicest people I've ever met - very friendly and chatty.

my 2 cents.

Its strange the perceptions we all have.  I liked RCD a lot, but was less than enamoured with the club.  There wasn't a proshop when I visited - it burned down the night before!  Arson was suspected.  This place (along with Ballybunion) remains one of the few places I have played anywhere with a separate bar for visitors - poor form.  It does effect my decision making about returning.  

The folks at Muirfield on the other hand were very friendly and inviting everytime I have visited.  The secretary has done favours for me.  She recognized me and was able to tell me when I last visited (five years previously!).

Ciao

Sean