For my first meaningful golf course experience here in Ireland Ballybunion has gone and set the standard for hospitality, experience, attention to detail, and overall enjoyment at an incredible height. One that is going to be incredibly hard for another to come close to, both here and state side. Two names here get a massive shout out Lyndsey (Pro Shop) and Padraig (Caddie) or Pod when he first introduced himself. (Please note, that everyone here is wonderful, kind, and eager to partake in molding your experience. So many people are being left out here because I was overwhelmed with the amount of names and new ones I learned in one round of golf). First, not only was my visit to Ballybunion wonderful but so was my wife’s. She does not golf but didn’t want to miss seeing or experiencing the sleepy town of Ballybunion, so she came along. I was rather nervous about her having enough to do while I played golf and so she planned to go into town during. As I got through check-in with Lyndsey, who was very kind and cordial; my wife started to discuss our parting of ways. I went do to the range and began my pre round routine. During my routine I got the unlikeliest of text from my wife that a very kind individual had offered to take her into town to a B&B for a great breakfast. Which the individual spoke highly of cause her daughter worked there. I was so pleasantly surprised, I texted my wife back on who was this individual so I could thank them after. I went about finishing up at the range and got back up to the Pro Shop with about 15 minutes left before my round, to then run into Lyndsey. She said “Hi, again - Blake.” I looked at her with surprise to say “that is so very kind you remembered my name.” Lyndsey smiled and said “Of course, and your wife is just lovely.” The moment passed very quickly that her and Katie didn’t meet while I was checking in. Then switch quickly to the fact that Lyndsey was the wonderful person to help out Katie. I thanked Lyndsey repeatedly to express my overall gratitude, and as any good person would, she said “You’re welcome, but honestly she’s just lovely and I enjoyed meeting her very much.” This level of courtesy is never to be expected any where we travel, and because of that this spoke volumes to me of the overall care The Ballybunion Golf Club takes of its guest. Thoughtful, rich in kindness, and honest. The job of a Pro Shop member is never easy, dealing with the madness of so many people demanding so much. So for Lyndsey to open up to a complete stranger is in the full sense of the word ‘Heart-Warming.” So again Lyndsey, thank you for being so kind to both me, and my Wife.

Padraig, again who goes by Pod-Pauid, who is a local lad. Was an incredible kind and knowledgeable caddie. To be frank all of the caddies are of this nature. Thank you for bearing through all of the extra up and downs of my golf round. Matching through fescue endlessly, and doing so with a smile. I feel as though this is your natural disposition day to day, but it made playing such a challenging course so much more enjoyable. I hope this upcoming school year is as much fun as our last round of golf.

Now for the overall opinion on the course. The people really make everything about the experience top notice. I can see why it’s rated so high, the course is easily to-date the most challenging course I’ve ever played. If you’re not in the fairway, whelp you are in the shit/fescue. The way this course is tucked between the ocean and the edge of town is beyond beautiful. The course plays extremely tight and can quickly begin to claw its way into your confidence. The pot bunkers are almost always going to take two shots to get out of. The sand is beach like, and the height is daunting. I can see why course in the states like Erin Hills and Arcadia Bluffs - two of the best link style course if not the best in the Midwest pride them self of the Irish style of golf. Courses like Ballybunion are clearly inspirational. The greens are wildly different than those in the states. This course should be on everyone’s bucket list.