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Phil Benedict

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Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« on: July 08, 2006, 09:26:22 AM »
There's a very good article in the travel section of the Sunday New York Times singing the praises of golf in Northern Ireland.  Friendly people, easy logistics and courses every bit as good as the best of Scotland and the Irish Republic.  Lengthy discussions of three courses:  Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and Portstewart. The first two are of course well-known but I haven't seen any mention of Portstewart on this site or any where else for that matter.  Seven holes were designed in 1992 by a local member, a schoolteacher named Des Griffin.  That's kind of cool.  
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David_Tepper

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2006, 09:34:14 AM »
Phil -

I have posted a link to the article on another thread. I do believe Portstewart has been mentioned here a number of times before. It and nearby Castlerock are two courses that get mentioned here often (after Portrush & RCD) whenever anyone inquires about visiting NI. The #2 course at Portrush, known as the Valley course, is also well worth playing.

DT  
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Phil Benedict

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2006, 10:03:44 AM »
David,

Sorry to horn in on your thread.  You must read the paper earlier than I do.  I wonder how you get a copy of the Herbert Warren Wind article that was mentioned in the story "North to the Links of Dornoch?"  He was a great writer and the '60's were the time when links golf was rediscovered in the US - when Arnie and Jack started playing in the Open Championship.
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Dan Moore

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Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2006, 11:01:52 AM »
While not at the level of its neighbor in Portrush, Portstewart is a wonderful, enjoyable course.  It suffers somewhat of a personality disorder in that the new holes built in the dramatic dunes are quite different in character from the older holes.  We had two members caddy for us which greatly enhanced our enjoyment of their course.  Not to be missed if you are in the area.  

View from #1 tee



Reverse view from #1 tee looking back at town of Portstewart.



View of #1 fairway.  Dogleg right with #8 green in distance.



One of the older holes on back nine.  Willie Park I believe.  

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"Is there any other game which produces in the human mind such enviable insanity."  Bernard Darwin

Tony_Muldoon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2006, 12:37:46 PM »
I also want to say Portstewart is a great place. Smaller and more friendly than Portrush.  I'm completely baised as I spent a month there as a kid every summer in the 60's and 70's.   I think you can get rooms at the Anchor - but if not it was always the best pub for miles around.  There's also a Promenade at the other end of town form the course with a lovely harbour. Every sunday night in summer the kids used to borrow dad's car and with some really 'hot metal' in attendance it was like cruising in American Graffiti -happy memories indeed. ( and no I didn't even play golf!)
« Last Edit: July 08, 2006, 12:38:55 PM by Tony Muldoon »
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Tommy Williamsen

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2006, 01:19:29 PM »
The first nine at Portstewart is a joy to play.  It is too bad that the back nine can't quite compete with the front nine.  But all in all it is a great place to play.
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Michael Whitaker

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Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2006, 05:10:52 PM »
I thought I had read that Portstewart had recently built some new holes for the back nine that were also in the dunes. Is this not correct?
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"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Michael Whitaker

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2006, 05:19:22 PM »
I found an article that mentions the seven new holes were built in the dunes to replace the many of the flat "parkland" holes. Here is the link: http://www.golfeurope.com/clubs/portstewart/index.htm

It has been said in the past that if you could combine the front side at Portstewart with the back nine at Ballybunion you would have the greatest links in the world. With seven new dune holes to go with the already outstanding front Portstewart must really be something special.
« Last Edit: July 08, 2006, 10:12:17 PM by Michael Whitaker »
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"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

mike_malone

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Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2006, 05:32:13 PM »
 I enjoy those holes on the back where the greens sit up and test your ability to control your distance and the flight of the ball. I recall a downhill par three as quite daunting as well. The difference between these holes and the dunes holes makes for a different kind of experience.
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AKA Mayday

David_Tepper

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #9 on: July 08, 2006, 07:02:20 PM »
Phil Benedict -

"Following Through" is a book that is collection of 30 golf articles that Herbert Warren Wind wrote for The New Yorker over the years.  Most of the articles focus on various major golf tournaments at famous golf courses and/or famous golfers.

The book does contain his well known pieces "North to the Links of Dornoch" and "Ballybunion."

I imagine you would be able to find a copy for sale at amazon.com. It might have to be a used copy, as I do not think the book is still in print.

DT    
 
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JSlonis

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Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #10 on: July 08, 2006, 07:02:59 PM »
A friend of mine who is a member here on GCA, the Head Professional and GM of a featured course, and an occasional poster, grew up playing Portstewart.  I'm sure if he sees this thread, he'll give you all the info you'll ever need.

Calling Ian.....
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Bill_McBride

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Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #11 on: July 08, 2006, 07:03:59 PM »
There's a very nice paperback issue of "Following Through," I imagine it's for sale on Amazon.  It includes the great story of the President's Putter at Rye which is the inspiration for the world famous King's Putter, or as some call it, The Emperor's Putter Cup!  ;D
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Phil Benedict

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Northern Ireland - Portstewart
« Reply #12 on: July 08, 2006, 09:14:05 PM »
David and Bill,

Thanks for the reference on "Following Through."  I'll definitely try to find it.  

Phil
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