[Bill Gayne]

From today's Irish Independent website:

"And it is significant that Ballybunion, which moves up from fourth to third, has embarked on a major upgrading programme in which Hawtree is being given a key role."

Anybody know what upgrades are being made? It's one of my favorite golf courses. I was there less than a year ago and I have hard time thinking anything needs "major upgrading."

[Paul_Turner]

I really, really, hope this isn't really a major redo of The Old.  I thought that it was the Cashen that would be remodelled?

Martin Hawtree has remodelled a lot of the classic Irish courses in recent years:  Dooks, Lahinch, Royal Dublin, Belvoir Park, The Island, Portmarnock.  Some of this was quite major work (a lot of new greens at Royal Dublin for example). 

I haven't seen any of the new work so can't comment on whether I like it or not...I hope they haven't gone too far.

[Paul_Turner]

I think a big factor in these clubs remodeling their courses is due to cash availablity.  Now there's lots sloshing around because of golf tourism and wealthier members.  And after the new clubhouse has been built, there's nothing left to do apart from changing the course....someone suggests the course needs "upgrading", the money is available and it gets done.

In the past the clubs were left alone because there was little money to spare.

[Tom_Doak]

Paul:

At least they are doing it with funds in the bank.  Some clubs in other locales are borrowing heavily to build a new clubhouse or make renovations to their courses in order to try and ATTRACT members ...

I was reading something H.W. Wind wrote about Tom Simpson the other night, that he had the sense to recognize the greatness of Ballybunion and suggested only small improvements to four holes.  I hope Martin H. will be as sensible ... but I wonder if he's doing one of his "safety audits" to prove they need new greens, as at Lahinch and Royal Melbourne (East).

[Neil_Crafter]

Tom
Also at Kooyonga now and Yarra Yarra too I understand.
Neil

[Paul_Turner]

That article is completely wrong and no work is planned for the Old.  Martin Hawtree will work on the Cashen only,  I wonder what his approach will be...larger greens??

Going back to that ranking article.  That has to be the worst ranking list I've ever seen, either that or I have to go recheck Adare Manor.

[Ally Mcintosh]

The Golf Digest Ireland rankings are very poor... The panel is tiny and not very representative...

I find the biennial GB&I Golf World rankings (due this month I believe) to be far better when looking at Irish courses

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