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Golf Course Preview - Ballyliffin Golf Club

Posted by Big G under Buyers Guide, Golf Courses

History

The exact date of origin of the game of Golf in the Ballyliffin area is difficult to pinpoint. Clubs in Greencastle (1893), North West (1890) and the City of Derry (1912) were already well established by the 1940’s and supposedly their success acted as a reassuring prompt to the formal establishment of a Club in Ballyliffin. The game had been played spasmodically at Pollen Green (Gerard Grants Land) by members of the British Army, stationed at Leenan Fort and later in the 1920’s and 1930’s by Carndonagh Bankers and others who could afford the time. In any case by the middle to late 1940’s after the end of World War ll the concept of establishing a Club in the area gained momentum. A meeting of those interested in the formation of the Golf Club at Ballyliffin was held in Ballyliffin Hall on 2nd April, 1947. It was formally proposed by Dr. F. C. Friel, seconded by P.J. McCarroll and passed unanimously that the Ballyliffin Golf Club be established.

By the 8th August 1947, a lease of all the necessary rights for a period of ten years was granted by the ten landowners concerned to the newly elected trustees of the Club, namely; Rev. J. Gallagher, M.D. White, Patrick J. O’Doherty, Patrick Gallen and Bernard Harkin, for an initial annual sum of £1 per year per landowner. The course was unofficially declared open for play to Members in June, but because the newly laid greens were still quite rough it was decided to postpone the official opening until their condition improved. At the A.G.M. of this historic year, the Honorary Secretary Mr Patrick J. O’Doherty recorded the following prophetic assessment..”In the opinion of the Committee, the prospects for the Club in the coming years are bright. The initial work is now over and a course is in existence and although perhaps not up to the standard of other 9-hole courses, it is capable of great development, and has the advantages of being ideally situated and free from major obstructions…”. May 2nd, 1948 was the date eventually chosen to mark the official opening of the Club.

The Old Links
Work on the ‘new’ course began in 1970, that is what we now know as the ‘old’ links. At first 9 holes were prepared for play and eventually by 1973 eighteen holes were in play. Eddie Hackett who was the golfing architect attached to Bord Failte, visited the course on several occasions and helped to lay out the playing holes, although it is true to say that two English architects visited the course as well and gave their views on how it should be laid out. They were Lawrie and Pennick. In the final analysis, the course which emerged, perhaps took something from each of them, and quite a few suggestions from Martin Hopkins were incorporated in the final pattern.

Glashedy Links
A Development Committee was established by Council towards the end of 1991 following a proposal by the Captain for that year, Cormac McDonough. The purpose in setting up this committee was to try to draw up a long term plan for the clubs future which would address the problem of constant pressure on the course and clubhouse from visiting players.

Construction of the course began on 7th May 1993 and was completed in record time with the opening taking place on 3rd August, 1995. Even Ruddy & Craddock were surprised at the speed of construction.

The outstanding work of the committee has ushered in a new and exciting era for the club. Visiting golf journalists and professionals agree that the Glashedy Links is a course of stunning design and proportions. The Opening Day, on the 3rd August, 1995 was organised by the Committee and it proved to be a great success. Soon afterwards the first ball on the new course was struck as Jimmy Cuddihy, Captain, drove off in a competition for members and guests to mark the occasion.

Location

Ballyliffin is Irelands most Northerly Golf Club - exactly 10 miles due South of Malin Head (Irelands most northerly point!) Travelling from Derry (and Belfast) the quickest route is to cross the Foyle Bridge then take the A2 towards Moville, turning off for Carndonagh at Quigley’s Point/Carrowkeel. Ballyliffin is 6 miles (10 km) beyond Carndonagh.

From Letterkenny or Rosapenna take the R238 through Buncrana. At Cockhill Church (outside Buncrana) take a left over the bridge for Clonmany. At “The North Pole” Pub 5 miles from Buncrana keep left for Clonmany/Ballyliffin. Ballyliffin is located 2 miles from Clonmany.

Ballyliffin is 25 miles (40 km) from Derry, 98 miles (160 km) from Belfast and 172 miles (280 km) from Dublin.

• DUBLIN 4 hours ROSAPENNA 1 hour
• BELFAST 2 hours DONEGAL 1 hour
• SLIGO 2 hours SHANNON 5 hours

International Travellers

• Daily flight London Stanstead – City of Derry operated by Ryanair
• Daily flight Glasgow – City of Derry operated by BA/Loganair
• Twice Daily flight Dublin – City of Derry operated by BA/Loganair.

City of Derry Airport 40 minutes
Belfast International Airport 2 hours
Belfast City Airport 2 hours

Private Jet
The nearest landing strip for Private Jet is at City of Derry airport, International designated code; E.G.A.E

Local Transportation
Ballyliffin Golf Club will facilitate any transport requirements you may have simply by telephoning or by e-mail. Helicopter (details to follow).

The AA Route Planner
Click on image below, enter Departure and Arrival locations and print it out

Golf Clubhouse

The Clubhouse was opened in May 2000. The 25,000 square foot Building boasts all modern conveniences and has some of the most breathtaking views in the world. Completed at a cost of E2million, the facility has added to the undoubted quality of the Ballyliffin complex.

The Links Restaurant’ on the top floor, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Golf complex and Atlantic Ocean offers a full range of gastronomic delights which appeal to all ages and tastes. What could be more beautiful than sitting for dinner, overlooking both courses and watching the spectacular sunsets over Pollan Bay.

Comprehensive Menu’s to suit all tastes. Beautiful settings, spectacular scenery. Ballyliffin Golf Course Map

Green Fees & Booking

COURSE 2007 2008
Glashedy Midweek €75 €80
Societies (16+) €70 €75
Winter (1st Nov – 31st March) €50 €55
Weekend €85 €90
Societies (16+) €80 €85
Winter (1st Nov – 31st March) €60 €65
The Old Links Midweek €65 €75
Societies (16+) €60 €70
Winter (1st Nov – 31st March) €35 €45

Weekend €70 €80
Societies (16+) €65 €75

Winter (1st Nov – 31st March) €40 €50
2 Round Special:
1 Round on each
course on same day Midweek €120 €135
Weekend €130 €145

TO SECURE A TEE TIME THEY REQUIRE A 25% NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT. YOU ARE LIABLE FOR TOTAL NUMBER CONFIRMED DISCOUNT VOUCHERS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

METAL SPIKES ARE PROHIBITED - CLUB HIRE AVAILABLE FROM €25 PER SET

SENIOR CADDY €40,CADDY €35,BAG PULLER €20. TIPPING AT GOLFERS DISCRETION.

CARTS €40.00, PULL CARTS €3.00, ELECTRIC TROLLIES €15.00

ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE PRO SHOP BEFORE PLAY

HANDICAP CERTS REQUIRED.

SMART DRESS ESSENTIAL

WINTER RATES APPLY 1ST NOV. TO 31ST MARCH

Ballyliffin Golf Club, Ballyliffin, Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland.
Office +353 (0)74 9376 119 — Professional Shop + 353 (0)74 9378 100
Bar +353 (0)74 9378 111 — Restaurant +353 (0)74 9378 119
Fax +353 (0)74 9376 672 — Email info@ballyliffingolfclub.com

Course Gallery

Pro Shop

ACCOMODATION :

HOTELS - BALLYLIFFIN & SURROUNDING AREABallyliffin Hotel T: +353 (0) 74 93 76106 F: +353 (0) 74 93 76658 www.ballyliffinhotel.com info@ballyliffinhotel.comStrand Hotel T: +353 (0) 7493 76107 F: +353 (0) 7493 76188 www.ballyliffin.com strandhotel@ballyliffin.com The Trasna House Hotel T: +353 (0) 7493 78688 F: +353 (0) 7493 78945 www.trasnahousehotel.com info@trasnahousehotel.com Doherty’s Pollan Beach Hotel T: +353 (0) 7493 78840 F: +353 (0) 7493 78844 www.pollanbeachhotel.com pollanbeach@eircom.net Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa Hotel T. +353 (0) 7493 78200 F: +353 (0) 7493 78985 www.ballyliffinlodge.com info@ballyliffinlodge.com The Glen House Straid Clonmany T. +353 (0) 7493 76745 www.glenhouse.ie glenhouse@hotmail.com

BUNCRANA - (20 mins drive)Inishowen Gateway Hotel T: +353 (0) 7493 61144 F: +353 (0) 7493 62278 www.inishowengateway.com info@inishowengateway.comLake of Shadows Hotel T: +353(0) 7493 61005 F: +353(0) 7493 62131 www.lakeofshadows.com info@lakeofshadows.com An Grianan Hotel T:+353 7493 68900 F:+353 7493 68906 www.angriananhotel.com info@angriananhotel.com

CULDAFF - (20 mins drive)McGrory’s of Culdaff T: +353(0) 7493 79104 F: +353(0) 7493 79235 www.mcgrorys.ie info@mcgrorys.ie

MALIN - (20 mins drive)The Malin Hotel T: +353(0) 7493 70606 F: +353(0) 7493 70770 www.malinhotel.ie info@malinhotel.ie

REDCASTLE - (25 mins drive)Carlton Redcastle Hotel and Spa T: +353(0) 7493 85555 F: +353(0) 7493 85444www.carltonredcastle.ie info@redcastlehotel.com

DERRY - (35 mins drive)Tower Hotel Derry T: +44 28 71 371000 F: +44 28 71 371234 www.towerhotelgroup.com reservations@thd.ieRadisson SAS Roe Park Resort Radisson Roe Park Resort Limavady Co.Derry T: +44 28 777 22222 Da Vinci’s Hotel,Derry. T. +44 28 7126 4507 City Hotel T: +44 28 71 365800 F: +44 28 71 365801 www.greatsouthernhotels.com res@derry-gsh.com Waterfoot Hotel & Country Club T: +44 28 71 345500 F: +44 28 71 311006 www.thewaterfoothotel.co.uk info@thewaterfoothotel.co.uk Travelodge Hotel T: +44 28 71 271271 F: +44 28 71 271277 www.travelodge.ie info@derrytravelodge@yahoo.co.uk Everglades Hotel T: +44 28 71 321006 F: +44 28 71 349200 www.hastingshotels.com res@egh.hastingshotels.com

LETTERKENNY - (1 hrs drive)Letterkenny Court Hotel T: +353(0) 7491 22977 F: +353(0) 7491 22928 www.letterkennycourthotel.com info@letterkennycourthotel.ieRadisson SAS Hotel T: +353(0) 7491 94444 F: +353(0) 7491 94455 www.radissonsas.ie martina.gallagher@radisson.com Clanree Hotel, Conference & Leisure Centre T: +353(0) 7491 22977 F: +353(0) 7491 25389 www.radissonsas.ie info@clanreehotel.com

MOVILLE - (30 mins drive)Foyle Hotel T: +353(0)7493 82025 F: +353(0)7493 82843 www.foylehotel.com info@foylehotel.com

B&B’s - BALLYLIFFINDoherty’s Country Accommodation (beside Golf Club) Golf Links Road,Ballyliffin. T: +353(0) 7493 76929 dohertysbnb@yahoo.comCastlelawn House Ballyliffin,Co Donegal T. +353 (0) 7493 76600 Carrickabraghey House Ballyliffin,Co.Donegal T. +353 (0) 7493 76977 or +353 86807735 mofflin@eircom.net Ard Donn House Ballyliffin,Co.Donegal T. +353 (0)7493 76156 ASHDALE FARMHOUSE, Sharon Moore Tel: +353 74 9374017 ashdalehouse @eircom.net Website:http://www. ashdalehouse.net

SELF-CATERING

Sliabh Self-Catering
T: +353 (0) 7493 76408
damnick@eircom.net

Camus Luxury Cottages
T. +44 7710 355509
info@camus.ie
www.camus.ie

Lint House Ballyliffin Co Donegal-Self Catering
T:(+44)7808175233

www.ballyliffinvillage.com
cantillon@btopenworld.com

St. James Court Self-Catering
Ballyliffin,Co.Donegal.
T. +44 115 8498870
michaelgallanagh@yahoo.co.uk

Mamore Cottages
Urris, Clonmany, Co Donegal
T. +353 (0) 7493 76710

Aughrim Cottage
9 Aughrims Heights
Ballyliffin
Self Catering Luxury Cottage Sleeps 7
Contact John or Susanna Moore on
+353(0) 749376714
or email rachel_moore82@hotmail.com

Lenamore Stables & Country Accommodation
Muff, Co Donegal
T. +353 (0) 7493 84022

Hawthorn Meadows, Carndonagh
Self Catering 4 Bedroom house on the outskirts of Carndonagh.
Contact Elaine or Michael
Tel:0044(0)7493 74019 mobile 0876462305
email : michaelbmclaughlin@eircom.net

“Carnwood”,
Priestown,
Carndonagh
Detached 4 bedroomed house,sleeps 7.
Contact: Mary Cox
Tel: 00 44 1277 218901
Email: marycox@talktalk.net

Golf In Japan

Posted by Big G under Buyers Guide, Golf Courses

Gotemba Golf Club, Japan.

May 2007

Gotemba Golf Club is situated in one of Japan’s most famous country retreat areas at the base of Mt Fuji. It is a true hillside Japanese Golf Club that offers both the foreign and Japanese golfer a unique playing experience. Established in 1971, it is one of the original courses in the region.

Only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Tokyo by car with direct trains also available from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station daily.

Great accommodation options at the nearby Gotemba Kogen Resort only 7 minutes from the Club House with lots of natural hot springs, restaurants and great views of nearby Mt. Fuji available at every turn. See: www.gotembakogenresort.jp

www.golfblogger.co.uk 2007 GB&I Golf Course Rankings

Posted by Big G under Buyers Guide, Golf Courses

1. Carnoustie

2. Muirfield

3. Troon

4. Turnberry

5. Ballybunnion Old

6. Royal County Down

7. Waterville Golf Links

8. Royal Lytham

9. St Andrews Old

10.Royal Dornoch (4th & 5th hole pictured below)

11.Royal Birkdale

12. Kingsbarns

13. Lahinch Old

14.Machrihanish

15.Southerness

16.Blairgowrie Rosemount

17.Loch Lomond

18.Royal St. George

19.Woodhall Spa

20.Sunningdale Old

21.Wentworth West

22.Druids Glen

23.Royal Porthcawl

24.Nairn West

25.Gleneagles Kings

26.Aberdovey

27. Prestwick

28.Royal Aberdeen

29.Cruden Bay

30.Saunton West

31.Walton Heath

32. Murcar Links

33.Trevose

34.Seaton Carew

35.Moortown

36.Royal North Devon

37.Burnham & Berrow

38.The K Club

39.The Berkshire

40.Western Gailes

41.Glasgow Gailes

42.Skibo Castle

43.Royal Cinque Ports

44.St Pierre Old Course

45.Ballyliffin Glashedy

46.Prestwick

47.St Enodoc Church

48. Newmachar Hawkshill

49.Royal St Davids

50.Downfield

Newmachar Golf Club Worthy of a Visit

Posted by Big G under Buyers Guide, Golf Courses

Review of Dave Thomas designed par 72 (sss:74) Newmachar Golf Club Hawkshill Championship Golf Course
Telephone : 01651 863002; Fax : 01651 863055
Professional : Andrew Cooper ( 01651 863222); Secretary : Mr D S Wade (01651 63002)

Click on www (dot) newmachargolfclub (dot) co (dot) uk

E Mail; info @ newmachargolfclub.co.uk

Location/Description:
Two and a half miles north of Dyce on A947. Two courses: Hawkshill Championship standard wooded parkland course with ponds being main feature. 18 holes 6700 yards, S.S.S. 74, USGA Slope Rating 143; Swailend: undulating parkland course. 18 holes 6388 yards, S.S.S. 71, USGA Slope Rating 117. 12 bay driving range, practice bunkers and putting green