The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry is a golf enthusiast’s paradise...
GOLF has spiralled in recent years to become one of the most popular leisure activities and nowhere more so than Kerry. With over nine ‘18 hole’ courses incorporating links and parklands, and a further seven ‘9 hole’ courses to choose from, it’s no wonder the county continues to prosper as a prime destination for golf.
Golf courses vary in terms of membership rules, green fee rates and availability, but one thing they all have in common is stunning scenery and their own character. This combination of 18 and 9 hole courses is also more time conducive allowing people to spend whatever time suits on a golf outing - be it a day or weekend trip.
Golf tours and outings are incorporated into much larger social occasions these days that help spread business to every sector as a few drinks and an evening meal are also enjoyed. Accommodation providers also benefit as a weekend away is usually the norm when planning golf trips.
If you’re a regular golfer then you won’t mind the weather. The advice for the novice is to dress appropriately as downpours and gales are all part of it. Golf purists tend to be a pretty homogenous lot in that they seldom break with the course they regularly play in. Outings are a great way to sample the undulations, fairways and greens that are unfamiliar to your game.
Golf societies and members now make it their business to tour as many courses as possible: it’s added fun, a break from the norm and you may even finish up improving your overall game as you’ll be out of your comfort zone, learning to golf more on instinct than familiarity.
Planning golf outings means you must also check out the best rates available. Many courses offer special rates for certain days in the week and at different times in the day. You should also book travel and accommodation well in advance. Local coach hire is the most obvious one here but if you’re planning a tour in peak season you might want to consider booking now. Same applies to accommodation. A golf outing is only as good as you make it, so start planning now.