Nicklaus Turns Up At Greencard Ireland Event!

We were based at the Portmarnock Links Hotel, situated on the Bernard Langer designed Links course and just a short drive to the scenic town of Malhide. This would feature later in the week, but the first challenge was to take on the Island golf course. Located only around 15 – 20 minutes from the hotel, this wonderful track had been the venue of a qualifying round for the Open Championship, just two weeks before our visit. As a few members of the Greencard group approached the clubhouse there was a figure on the putting green that looked remarkably like one of the greatest players to every play the game. It turned out to be Jack Nicholas’s son, the resemblance was uncanny and there were a few nervous faces until they realised he wasn’t part of our competition!

The first hole on the Island course is quite a daunting drive with heavy rough on each side of a tight fairway. There were quite a few of these throughout the round! The forecast for the day was breezy with the chance of showers. Well the wind was certainly blowing and this made conditions very tough for scoring. Despite a brief but heavy rain shower during the day, nothing could detract from the pleasure in playing in this truly magical setting. It was a great way to start the week. However, it was no surprise that there was only one score, belonging to Ian Robinson which broke the 30 mark. There was no question that the most popular score of the day was 29, which was scored by Godfrey Horsford, John Shearan, Peter Roe, Patrick Vaulkhard and Jackie Carter.

Portmarnock Links Hotel: Our base for the 2014 Greencard Irish Tour Event

The following morning the sun was shining as we arrived for the second round at Portmarnock Old Course. There is no doubt that this is a special place in the world of golf and a walk through the club house looking at all the memorabilia on display is a must. Back to the present day and it was the turn of Kevin Shearan to use all his experience to secure the best score of the day with a 34, one better than his son John and Patrick Vaulkhard. Christine Fisher also had a great day finishing the day with 32.

At the half way stage local boy John Shearan shared the lead with Patrick Vaulkhard with 64 points. Kevin was just one behind with Christine lying one further back. Ian Robinson was still in the mix with 58.

The third round was played on Portmarnock Links. As mentioned above this course was designed by Bernard Langer and is a really great test of golf. The bunkers certainly need to be avoided if a high score is to be achieved. John Shearan’s round definitely fell into this category as he finished with 38 points, which secured his position at the top of the leaderboard with one round to go. Patrick was trying his best to keep the pressure on and another solid round of 35, ensured he was just three points behind the leader. Ian had moved up into the final group with an excellent 36. Meanwhile Christine had done enough with 28 to ensure that she was the last member of that final fourball.

Portmarnock Links

The final round was played at Co Louth (Baltray). This is another fine example of links golf. The weather had certainly played its part in ensuring that the week had been so enjoyable and with the exception of one heavy shower on the first round the sun had continued to shine. The last day was no exception and the sun shining coupled with the backdrop of the Irish coast was simply breath taking.

Christine Fisher certainly enjoyed the day as she came home with 38, which proved to be the highest score of the day, and secured a position of third overall. Godfrey Horsford had a great time and his 34, which included back to back birdies, confirmed his qualification for the finals week in November. John Ward rediscovered his form and he enjoyed another solid round. His 33 points was enough to move him into sixth position. As the final putt of the week dropped we waited to see if John had been caught. Ian had a wonderful front nine that he played to level par, it reduced John’s lead to just 2 shots at the turn. However, he ultimately fell away slightly on the back nine.

County Louth Golf Course: Scene of the Final Round

John’s consistent play throughout the week proved to be enough to claim the victory by five shots from Ian. Congratulations to John for a great win and also to Ian, as although he didn’t quite manage to take the victory, his second position guaranteed his qualification to the finals.

2014 Greencard Tour: Irish Event Winners: from left Christine Fischer, John Shearan (winner), Ian Robinson

This really was a wonderful week of golf. The courses were magnificent, the weather was excellent and we can’t wait to return to Ireland in 2015 where we will playing course around the beautiful town of Kilkenny including a round at Mount Juliet Golf Club – ironically designed by our old friend Jack Nicklaus – but unfortunately we can’t guarantee he or any of the Nicklaus family will be able to join us again next year!