The CSGA Links Volume 2 Issue 3 May, 2014 | Page 31

I’ve been fortunate to travel to many places around the world; mostly through adventures related to
golf. That trip to Ireland remains my favorite. J.P. had been right. There was a joyful atmosphere and
an appreciation of competitive golf at Mullingar that was truly unique. There were crowds of people
cheering every great shot, groaning over every missed putt, and laughing intermittently at the latest
joke. It’s hard to believe those magical seven days happened twenty-four years ago. I remember it
like it was just last week.
***
Postscript: Darren Clarke would go on to become one of the world’s great professional golfers, a
mainstay on the European Ryder Cup Team, and winner of 22 professional tournaments including the
2011 Open Championship…Raymond Burns made the Walker Cup Team in 1993, won twice on the
European Challenge Tour then became a teaching professional after limited success on the European
Tour…Gary McNeill won the Irish Amateur in 1991, turned pro and has been the head golf professional
at Royal Portrush for the past 15 years…J.P. Fitzgerald became a professional caddy, worked for Ernie
Els, and since 2008 has been on the bag for Rory McIlroy…Albert Lee still directs the Scratch Cup…
Robert Shaw grew up to join the family business, Shaw Hardware in Mullingar, County Westmeath.

Trip Of A Lifetime
Itinerary Includes

Seven Nights Superior Accomodation:
- Four Nights in Four Star Bushmills Inn
- Three Nights in Four Star Slieve Donard Hotel (Overlooking Royal County Down)
Six Rounds of Links Golf at a Selection of the Worlds Finest Courses
Guaranteed Times on:
Royal Portrush, Portstewart, Ardglass, Ballyliffin Old & Royal County Down (Twice)
Chauffeur Driven Transportation throughout the trip and Chauffeur Driven Transportation to Airport on Final
Morning

Ireland Trip Itinerary
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day

One: Arrive Dublin Airport
Two: Portstewart Golf Club/Strand
Three: Ballyliffin Golf Club/Old Course
Four: Royal Portrush Golf Club/Old Course
Five: Ardglass Golf Club
Six: Royal County Down
Seven: Royal County Down
Eight: Depart

» Click here for more information
about the 2015 Ireland Trip