Shipping Up To Dublin: Luke & Mike's First Golf Adventure

Last Friday there was nothing on the orientation schedule so Mike and I thought it would be a fantastic idea to go golfing somewhere scenic. We decided on a course called Howth Golf Club. Howth itself is a rounded peninsula to the north of Dublin with spectacular views of the Irish Sea, Dublin Bay, and the city. We left our dorm at 8am and took two busses (Dublin Bus is loving our business thus far on the trip). It was hilarious to carry our golf bags through downtown to make our bus connection. We got many confused looks from the locals wondering why anyone in their right mind would lug their sticks through the city center. Life's an adventure! Two hours into our trip, the bus driver let us off at the wrong course. We climbed this huge hill on the way to the clubhouse, only to take a taxi back down to find the right place. Once we got there, Mike and I were amazed by the beauty of Howth. It was a crisp, clear, and windy day. The course is built into a hill, so the views only got better as we walked higher and higher. The actual golf was far different than we are used to in the states. Mike and I lost many a ball in the overgrown rough and also underestimated how hard the grass was in the fairway-our shots continued to roll for a great distance. Frankly, we were too blown away with the beauty Howth to get too frustrated about the quality of our golf. Lastly, people we met on the course were as friendly as they could be. I remember this older gentleman giving us tips on the course and enthusiastically reacting to the weather we had that day. The people here are fabulous; as friendly as they can be. However, I might comment on the incredibly intimidating speed at which the three elderly women played behind us. Thankfully they only played nine. It was an excellent adventure indeed!