Author: Callum Taylor, Managing Director, Golf Concierge Scotland Ltd, Edinburgh.
While playing South West Ireland’s Dooks Golf Club on the Ring of Kerry last year, something occurred which can only really happen on a GB&I trip, our group experienced all four weather seasons in 2 hours.
The round began in dry mild autumn like conditions, but by the time we reached the 1st green the heavens opened. The raindrops were almost as big as the Natterjack Toad, a large and rare species of amphibian found locally, which is also the Dooks logo. The rain then turned to sleet which battered us for the next 3 holes with 35 mph winds pushing the rain in at a 45-degree angle.
By the 4th hole at Dooks we were enjoying glorious sunshine and the now blue skies revealed the stunning views of Dingle Bay and the McGillycuddy Reeks mountains. For the remainder of the round we experienced multiple weather pockets thanks to our proximity to the North Atlantic.
My playing partner Douglas is a native of Australia and resides in sunny California. Douglas enjoyed the quality of links golf on offer and the challenge these conditions presented. Although he observed that travelling golfers like himself have NO IDEA what this GB&I weather can be like and are unprepared for the experience.
With this in mind, here are some essential items to take on any GB&I golf trip:
Waterproofs
Most international golfers have a lightweight jacket. This is fine as we recommend lots of thin layers to help you keep loose. But also invest in the waterproof trousers or the full suit and a Gore-Tex bucket hat. The golf umbrella is also a must. Even in a battering of wind and rain, it can act as a sideways shelter.
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Hipflask
During your round there are going to be at least 3 or 4 stand out moments. Whether your playing partner holes a bunker shot, you knock in a 45-foot tram liner putt or you simply reach a vista and take a minute to enjoy the view. Get your hipflask ready and enjoy the moment! Recently my flask was filled with the Speyside single malt Glen Grant.
The "go to" wind shot
Practice this at your home club or on the range before arriving in Scotland or Ireland. We recommend a swing which does not go past 3 quarters and punches the ball about 150 yards with a driver or long iron. Into a 35mph wind and rain this will be considered a career shot, keep you in the round and save you the time and hassle of searching for balls blown into deadly gorse bushes.
Golf books
Kill some time at the airport or en route to your morning tee time with some enjoyable and informative reading material. Two exceptional golf books which provide adventurous tales of journeys around the courses in GB&I are by the USA writer Tom Coyne. A Course Called Ireland and A Course Called Scotland.
Jacket and tie
If your golf itinerary is rich in history and includes some of the great links courses such as Prestwick Golf Club, the birthplace of The Open Championship, or sixteen time host Muirfield Golf Club, you should immerse yourself in the full clubhouse experience by wearing your Jacket and Tie. Prestwick offers the long table in the formal dining room; numbers are strictly limited to 32 each day for a traditional Scottish three-course lunch. Other top-quality lunches at Muirfield and Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society are also worth dressing up for and soaking up the clubhouse ambience.
Handicap Certificate
Many of GB&I’s top courses will require a minimum standard of a 28 handicap for men and 36 for ladies. However, some venues such as Muirfield require an 18, Royal Troon-20 and St Andrews Old Course-24. Although, not always religiously checked by starters, get your home club to draft up a letter or have your e-copy ready.
Cosmetics
We are not talking guyliner here; but bring some lip balm, sun lotion and a moisturiser. Also, insect repellent is advisable, particularly if enjoying some of the scenic courses in the West Highlands of Scotland. These are typically surrounded by stunning Bays, Lochs, Islands and forests which are notorious for being host to our native midges.
