GolfGuru Niall

Greetings golfers! I'm Niall and this my blog about my true love...GOLF! I've been a passionate golfer since the age of 11 and I want to share my current and past golfing affairs! Follow me for my weekly adventures and endeavours. Don't hesitate to contact me if you are in need of any golfing wisdom! Your GolfGuru - Niall

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The fact that the worlds very best golf course according to Golf Digest Magazine is right here in the island of Ireland is incredible to think.There are over 38,000 golf course in the world and it is our very own Royal County Down that comes out on top. Host of the Irish Open in 2015.

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Looking for that perfect mix of challenging and scenic?

Look no further than Lough Erne Golf Club in County Fermanagh.

Tucked away beautifully between the scenic and beautiful Northern Irish lakes.

14 holes bring these lakes into play, so pack wisely and bring lots of golf balls!

Only 2 hours from Dublin by car.

Interestingly, Rory McIlroy managed to drive the green on the 411 yard Par 4 11th hole during the courses opening event. A scarily impressive stat and an equally impressive course to match!

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I checked the weather forecast when I woke up in the morning only to see my phone give the real feel temperature as, what could only be described, as a some what chilly -8 degrees. The lack of golfing in the previous 6 weeks was enough of a reason to still give it a go. 

I arrived armed with 4 layers in an attempt to keep warm.

Despite this, it quite simply felt incredible to be back out on the golf course again after a long absence. Hopefully next weeks golfing adventures don’t bring such baltic conditions! 

P.S. Don’t confuse the sun in this photo for warmth!

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EAGLE TO -> Lahinch Golf Club

When I arrived I found out that Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson played practice rounds here before heading to play the British Open. After hearing this this I knew I was in for a treat.

A unique golf course and a very unique experience because we were blessed with 23 degree sunshine throughout the round. 

A 2 hour drive from Dublin, nessled on Ireland’s stunning West Coast. 

Come on down to Ireland’s rugged West Coast to experience this breathtaking beauty for yourself. Bring your friends too as great deals can often be found in this stunning region. 

Quite simply stunning views with a golfing challenge to match.

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Fact of the day:  Ranked as the 29th best golf course in the world and for good reason too!

Playing partner comments: “The Guinness will go down nicely after that!”

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EAGLE TO -> Rosapenna Golf Club

Another Donegal gem with everything you could want from a golf course. Natural, sand dunes, sea views, challenging and picturesque beyond belief. 

Get down here now if you are in the area! This is quite simply an opportunity too good to turn down. 

So there's a bit of a theme here, the weather in Donegal is (to put it lightly) not good! After driving 50 minutes from our apartment, I was hopeful of a minor miracle that the wind and rain would subside..at least for a few minutes. 

The notoriously friendly Donegal natives kept up their reputation and kindly offered us a discounted price to play later that evening when the weather was to be "good." 

Thankfully I still packed my wet gear and warmest jacket and we managed to play this hidden gem on Ireland's northern coast. Challenging and difficult but an absolute beauty all the same. 

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Fact of the day: 4 time major winner, Rory McIlroy won the 2005 Irish Amateur Championship here.

Playing partner comments: "Wind and challenging courses are exactly why I made the journey to Ireland."

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EAGLE TO -> Portsalon Golf Club

A great way to start off your Irish golfing adventure, as it is not quite as penal and challenging as other courses in the area. 

Redesigned by former European tour player and Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley.

Located along the impressive Fanad peninsula offering remarkable beach and mountain views.

I almost couldn't believe it when I saw the views here. The pictures quite simply don't do it justice. So beautiful that I decided it was still worth playing despite the gale force winds and almost tsunami esque weather! 

Don’t miss out on this gem!

Great course, great area, great people, great price...bad weather!

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Fact of the day: County Donegal contains 1/10th of the worlds links courses and this is an absolute beauty.

Playing partner comments: “They weren’t joking when they told me Donegal was wet!”