My dad is 85 and I’ve been playing golf with him for as long as I can remember. For the last 10 years we’ve been pursuing the Greystones Golf Club Father & Son trophy, so far without success but it has been a lot of fun.
And that’s the joy of playing with your father… or your son. There are parent/child competitions (intra-club and opens) out there so if you’re lucky enough to have a father or a son who plays golf then try to enter one of these events.
Two of the most famous – and serious – are run at Castle Golf Club and St. Anne’s Golf Club, but now there is a new one-day open event being held at Dooks Golf Club.
The 2017 Kingdom Father & Son takes place on Friday 21st April, with entry generously priced at €60 per pair. It is open to all GUI members and the handicap limit is 24 (or 28 if under 18 years old). This is a straight foursomes strokes format – which will make it a challenging day for everyone, but Dooks is not a hugely long course, it is tremendous fun to play and it is one of Ireland’s prettiest links. The views are spectacular and the hospitality is legendary. You can book online at www.dooks.com or email office@dooks.com for further details. (Or just visit the website to see some stunning golf course photography.)
The Castle All-Ireland Father & Son tournament will enjoy its 57th outing in July, 2017. After weekend qualifying (there were 500 golfers from 100 clubs in 2016) it becomes a knock-out tournament for the rest of the week.
The St. Anne’s event is a similar format. Now in its 17th year it takes place in August and is a foursomes event, played over a week.
The one-day Dooks event certainly holds an attraction for those unable to commit to a week long cauldron of competitiveness, so head south west and enjoy the golf clubs and the famous Kerry welcome.
Accommodation options: Bianconi Inn in Killorglin, and Towers Hotel in Glenbeigh. Eat at Jack’s Coastguard Restaurant.
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