[Richard Choi]

I am finally making a trek across the pond to play some of my dream courses this Sept now that EU is open for travel.


This trip is all about Ireland and I already have arrangements to play RCD, Portmarnock, Portrush, and European Club. And since I am flying through London, I was able to arrange a round at Sunningdale. But I have an extra day in Dublin and London and would like to see if I can get an additional round each area.


I would appreciate it if I can get (always trustworthy) recommendation from GCA folks...

[David_Tepper]

Be sure to play the New as well as the Old at Sunningdale. The New is quite good.

[Adam Lawrence]

I am finally making a trek across the pond to play some of my dream courses this Sept now that EU is open for travel.


This trip is all about Ireland and I already have arrangements to play RCD, Portmarnock, Portrush, and European Club. And since I am flying through London, I was able to arrange a round at Sunningdale. But I have an extra day in Dublin and London and would like to see if I can get an additional round each area.


I would appreciate it if I can get (always trustworthy) recommendation from GCA folks...

You are aware that neither London, Royal Portrush nor Royal County Down are in the EU? As things stand, in order to enter the UK you will need to quarantine for ten days.

[Ira Fishman]

Assuming you can work out the quarantine challenge that Adam points out, for London, I would suggest Swinley Forest, Woking or St George’s Hill. For Dublin, The Island Club.

[Richard Choi]

Dang... our tour company did not warn us about this. Let me double check.

[Rob Marshall]

Dublin-The Island for sure

[Tommy Williamsen]

It is a pretty long trek from TEC to RCD. I'd stop at either the Island or County Louth on the way up. Either is an excellent choice. County Louth has a Dormie House. It ain't grand but it is fun to putt late into the night.

[Richard Choi]

Looks like the tour company is relying on the fact that there is no border in Ireland. So if the quarantine does not end this summer, Sunningdale and London would be out and fly directly to Dublin.

[John Mayhugh]

Richard,
I've been to the UK roughly 15 times in the past 12 years and after missing last year, I'm really yearning to get back there. But I'm pessimistic about quarantines being fully lifted and not sure I want to wear a mask for 14 hours straight (including airport time and connecting time) on my way there and home. If this is your first trip and a dream one, my unsolicited advice is to postpone a year if you can. Using a tour company is unlikely to be cheap and their reliance on a lack of a physical border in Ireland seems pretty reckless - it's your trip that could suffer.

Golf-wise, it would be great for you to try to see a course or two that's not a big name. You'll be surprised at how good the second and third tier courses can be. In the Dublin area, I agree that County Louth or The Island would be a worthy add. In London, there are loads of well-known courses like Swinley Forest, St. Georges Hill, & Woking. I think you should consider Huntercombe. It's the kind of course you're not going to see outside of England.
https://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/england/huntercombe-golf-club/

[Mike Hendren]

Excellent suggestion, John.  I have Huntercombe in my top 10 all-time favorites.  Even better if one can coax the Yank into joining you there as he provides outstanding transport service to and from the train station. 


Mike

[Richard Choi]

Thanks John! It has been a long time (you too, Mike)!


This is a trip that was originally planned for the last year and was postponed. We were going to postpone this year as well, but the tour company recommended just last week that they feel confident enough to keep the schedule for this year.


You guys are making me nervous now!


P.S. Wearing masks for 14 hours don't bother me much

[Tim Gallant]

Sounds like a great trip Richard! Agree with others that a 36 hole day at Sunningdale with drinks on the patio is tough to beat! If you were inclined to check out another club, you can't go wrong with Swinley Forest, or St George's Hill. If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path, perhaps Royal Ashdown Forest.


Around Dublin, a vote for the Island is a good one.

[Ally Mcintosh]

I’m a huge fan of County Louth and would pick that over The Island. But you can’t go wrong with either.


If travel to Ireland is open from the US, you will have no problem with RCD and Portrush: There is free movement between. The real border is on the Irish Sea these days.

[Richard Choi]

Thanks Ally. That makes me feel much better.

[Garland Bayley]

If you are playing Portrush, why not also play Port Stewart Strand? Spectacular front 9, and engaging back.

[David_Tepper]

If you are playing Portrush, the 2nd course there (called the Valley but also known as the Rathmore GC) is certainly worth playing as well.

[Tommy Williamsen]

If you are playing Portrush, the 2nd course there (called the Valley but also known as the Rathmore GC) is certainly worth playing as well.

I’ll second that. After we played Dunluce my wife went back the hotel for a nap. I played the Vaal.yes and enjoyed the heck out of it.

[Garland Bayley]

I missed the better version of the Valley as its best part had been taken for the British Open. Port Stewart was preferable to me.

[Sean_A]

I am finally making a trek across the pond to play some of my dream courses this Sept now that EU is open for travel.

This trip is all about Ireland and I already have arrangements to play RCD, Portmarnock, Portrush, and European Club. And since I am flying through London, I was able to arrange a round at Sunningdale. But I have an extra day in Dublin and London and would like to see if I can get an additional round each area.

I would appreciate it if I can get (always trustworthy) recommendation from GCA folks...

How are you getting around London and where are you staying?

Ciao

[Tom_Doak]

Richard:


I am going over next week, to check in on St. Patrick's [which I haven't seen in 18 months] and then to The Renaissance Club.


As of today, if you are vaccinated, you must quarantine in one place upon arrival in Ireland for at least five days, after which you can take a COVID test, and if negative, you're good to go.  You are allowed out of quarantine to exercise each day, but I don't think they'll accept you being on a golf tour as "exercise".  I believe it's wishful thinking that the quarantine rule will change before the fall, but your guess is probably as good as mine.


Also, as of today, once you have been in Ireland for ten days, you may fly to the UK without any COVID test or quarantine restrictions.


P.S.  If you go to Ireland and choose The European Club over St. Patrick's [which is about two hours from Portrush], you will have made a mistake.

[Richard Choi]

Thanks Tom... back to my panic mode.


Sean, don't know about London yet. We are going to wait till the last possible minute (July) to make final travel arrangement. I will keep my fingers crossed.

[Daryl David]

Starting July 19, fully vaccinated American travelers can visit Ireland without quarantine or pre-departure test. The country plans to ease border restrictions for both U.S. and UK visitors, Reuters first reported Ireland's two largest markets for tourists.
[/color]Currently, Americans are allowed to travel to Ireland, but there is a two-week mandatory hotel quarantine along with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours. When the new rules go into effect, American travelers will only need to show proof of vaccination.[/size]
[/color]https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/Ireland-Will-Reopen-to-American-Tourists-July-19[/size]

[Ally Mcintosh]

Daryl,


Part of that release is correct, namely that the intent is for Ireland to open for vaccinated US travel from July 19th (good news for Richard).


The US was removed from the 14 day mandatory hotel quarantine list a week ago (good news for Tom) so that bit is incorrect.


The proviso being that the July 19th date could move if something changes. But then that’s always the case.

[Thomas Dai]

What’s the position regarding travelling by car etc from the RoI into the North and vice versa?
Atb

[jeffwarne]

ugh...

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