Whether they are scattered about or condensed in their herd, it always seems as though the sheep in fields throughout the Irish countryside are exactly where they’re supposed to be. As if they had been intentionally placed in their positions. Hell, maybe that’s exactly what happened. After all, this is my first time in Ireland.

This week I found myself taking a break from following professional golf and instead embarked on a week-long journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland. Plenty of towns were visited, people met, and photos taken. It is the latest European excursion I’ve been lucky enough to take in recent years and each one makes me want to get back on a plane and return as soon as possible. But unlike my first two trips across the pond, this one finally included some golf. Over the last four days, I had the opportunity to play six courses: Portstewart, Castlerock, Ballyliffin (Glashedy Links), North West Golf Club, Portsalon, and Portmarnock. And while I have pages of notes and ramblings that I jotted down immediately after playing each of these venues,  it feels best to not overreact to my first links golf experiences. There isn’t a benefit in me being the latest of umpteen people telling you that this style of golf changed my perspective on the sport or that the culture surrounding golf in the UK and Ireland is as different as others have told you in the past. I’m sure aspects of those sentiments are certainly true, but my gut tells me that the lasting impressions of this trip will have far more impact than initial reactions. Great golf courses aren’t easily digestible, and those feelings are further complicated by new environments. 

For now, what I will say is that the people who have come before me aren’t wrong. There is something special about playing golf in true dunesland. I’ll also say that slugging pints of Guinness in a Dublin bar while watching Luke Littler file away nine-darters certainly did not subtract from this Irish golf experience. It’s important to add a little local flavor to any golf trip after all.

There will be plenty of material to come from this trip. But like a properly poured draught stout, we’re going to give the golf impressions a little time to come together. Stay tuned.