On Sunday afternoon at Baltray, romanticism returned to golf. On one of Ireland's finest links golf courses we had Irish weather, a partisan Irish crowd, an Irish storyline, and a very Irish winner.In a field containing McIlroy, Harrington and McDowell, the best golfer over 72 holes was an unsuspecting and affable young amateur from County Offaly - Shane Lowry. He seemed to forget that he was playing in his first European Tour Event as an invitee. But throughout the week, he showed many of the qualities required to make it as a professional golfer. By shooting 62 in the second round, it's obvious that hes not scared of going low. He embraced the occasion and used the vociferous crowd to his advantage - a sign of maturity beyond his years. But perhaps the most important quality he displayed was his mental toughness and the ability to bounce back from adversity. At the final hole of regulation play, he had a four foot putt to win. It slid past the lip, and the crowd moaned in unison. But to pick himself back up, and win the ensuing playoff was a demonstration of immense character. Sunday afternoon will go down in Irish sporting folklore.
But Shane wasn't the only winner last week. In testing weather conditions, the course and greens stood up magnificently. It is undoubtedly one of Ireland's best links courses, and perhaps one that is occasionally forgotten. And it's strange to think why that might be? It may not have 'Royal' attached to it's name, or it may not lie within the land of milk and honey down in Kerry (an area many golfing tourists don't venture beyond), but it is one fantastic golf course. It is perfectly placed in between Portmarnock and Royal County Down, and can be easily added to most itineraries. At 125 euros, it is still fairly priced considering the extreme inflation of many lesser courses' green fees. In fact, there is no reason not to play it. I have a feeling Shane Lowry's famous win on Sunday could be responsible for opening this course up to the world, and there is no more deserving recipient that Baltray.
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2 comments:
Nice piece Jim. I was there all week having worked at the range, the atmosphere was unbelievable on Sunday. We won't forget this day in a hurry. The course was in top top nick too so hopefully you will the oppotunity to send some punters there this summer.
Good luck on Sunday !
Glad you enjoyed it. I used to help out on the range at The Dunhill in St Andrews, and there's nothing like watching these guys' hit balls up close. Was there any stand out ball-striking at Baltray? I always remember Olazabal as being a seriously impressive iron player. His wayward driving has obviously cost him a lot of further successes over the years.
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