19th Hole
Exploring Ireland: Where to golf, drink and stay on the Emerald Isle. Pt. 5. Parknasilla Golf Club, Kerry
In these series of articles, I will be taking you around the Emerald Isle providing you with great golf courses to visit in some of the loveliest spots in Ireland. I’ll also be highlighting the best and most authentic Irish bars in these spots, as well as places to stay, eat and how to get there. Whether you’re taking a golfing holiday to Ireland in 2019 or are interested in doing so sometime in the future, I’ll make sure to let you in on the best places to spend your time.
In Part Four of our Exploring Ireland Series, we travelled to Bearna Golf Club in Galway. Now it’s time to move down the west coast and into County Kerry to explore the south coast of the country.
One of Ireland’s most famous tourist destinations, “The Kingdom” as locals call it, is well known for its impressive mountains, lakes, and great food, while it was also a favorite destination of legendary actor Charlie Chaplin. Whether it’s quiet countryside, gourmet feasts or all night sessions that you’re after, Kerry will certainly not disappoint.
Parknasilla Golf Club, Kerry
Picking a 12-hole golf course when there are so many great options for golf breaks in this county (Waterville Golf Links, Kenmore GC, Tralee GC etc.) may seem strange, but with its beauty, location, value, and great mix of holes, Parknasilla GC gets the nod.
The course is located a few minutes from Paknasilla Resort itself (which we’ll get into later) and features a mix of both narrow tree-lined fairways, as well as wider ones. The smart blend at times allows you to open your shoulders, and at others makes it necessary for you to dial back and hit a dead-straight tee shot, knowing full well that if you don’t, you’ll find yourself in the woods. The hilly course will also test your club-selecting skills, while the sloped greens, at least when I was in town, are perfect to putt on.
The course offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Kerry Mountains, while with its lush green fairways and colorful vegetation, the track provides you with the perfect setting to enjoy your golfing day out.
The 12-hole course features two par-5s and one par-3 and can also be turned into an 18-hole course. While parts of Kerry are known for its hustle and bustle, you’re guaranteed a relaxed vibe around Parknasilla. Twelve holes will cost you around $25, while to play 18 the rate is $30.
Undoubtedly this course is one of the best bang for your book tracks in the area.
Food & Drink – Crowley’s Bar/Parknasilla Resort
There are bundles of bars in Kerry hosting lively music sessions if that’s your scene, and you won’t have to look far to find them. However, I’m taking a different tact for this part of the series.
In the town of Kenmare sits Crowley’s Bar, which is approximately a 25-minute drive from the Parknasilla Resort, and it’s a bar which will provide for a very different and authentic experience.
For starters, when I visited, the pub didn’t even have a till, so don’t bother taking your card out in this joint. You grab your drink and just chuck your money into a box and get on with enjoying your pint. You won’t find any tv’s here, and it truly is a joy to tuck into a pint of Guinness in front of one of the many open fireplaces at this little gem.
No thrills, no food and few tourists, Crowley’s is an old school bar that is all about drink, conversation and friendly locals who will give any visitors from abroad the red carpet treatment. In the evening you’ll also be able to enjoy live music, so don’t think you’ll be missing out on a good traditional music session should you decide to visit this bar.
While Crowley’s doesn’t provide food, Parknasilla Resort sure does, and its Pygmalion restaurant is the place to be after hitting the fairways. The restaurant is located in a large, stunning room within the complex, and offers up an excellent three-course meal including tea or coffee for $45 per person.
Where To Stay
Parknasilla Resort of course. If you’ve seen Yorgos Lanthimos’ film The Lobster, then you’ll know all about the beauty of this hotel and its surroundings. The film starring Colin Farrell was filmed in the resort, and it genuinely is as beautiful in person as it appears on the big screen.
The luxury hotel features an excellent spa, tennis courts, walking trails and more, and will provide you with the perfect spot to explore all that Kerry has to offer. A double room costs in the region of $140 per night.
Besides golf, there’s plenty to do in Kerry. I’d certainly recommend a visit to Killarney National Park which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Snow-capped mountains and waterfalls are just some of the highlights of the park.
The Dingle peninsula is also a beautiful area that is worth visiting should you ever find yourself in The Kingdom. With bars and restaurants galore, it’s one of the best spots in the county and a boat ride out to see “Funghi the Dolphin” is a great option if you have kids, or are just into dolphins in general!
How To Get There
If driving, then Kerry is around a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Dublin. The closest international airport to the county is Cork airport, which is 90 minutes away. The area’s popularity means that its accessible from pretty much anywhere on the island through public transport.
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19th Hole
Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open
As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.
Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.
If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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19th Hole
Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.
- RELATED: ‘There were a number of red flags’ – Ludvig Aberg reveals why he turned down multiple LIV offers
One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:
“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.
Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”
And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
- otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech. He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly. Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy. He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for. There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind. World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
- konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.
Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”
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19th Hole
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Over the past year or so, PGA Tour star Patrick Cantlay has taken a great deal of criticism for his pace of play.
Now, Cantlay is once again under fire for a questionable decision he made on Sunday at the RBC Heritage.
After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, whose ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.
On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.
Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and return to chip and putt on Monday morning.
Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision-making.
Can’t believe my eyes watching Patrick Cantlay why on earth would you hit your second shot then mark your ball absolutely crazy, maybe says a lot ?
— Ian Woosnam (@IWoosnam) April 22, 2024
Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 Monday morning.
Following his round, Cantlay explained his decision to wait to hit his third shot the next morning:
“I really did want to finish last night, so I felt like if I could get the ball up there maybe in an easier spot, maybe I would have finished, but as I got the ball up near the green, I realized it would be easier to finish this morning. That’s what I decided to do.”
GolfWRX has reached out to Patrick Cantlay’s management team for a response to Woosnam’s comments.
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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