Located in the seaside town of Downings in County Donegal, lies the Rosapenna Hotel. It is bordered on one side by the Atlantic ocean and on the other by its two 18-hole championship golf courses. Whilst Greencard has visited the west coast of Ireland on previous occasions, this is the first time that we have held an Irish golf event in this area.

The reason we chose Rosapenna was the challenge of playing some great courses amidst spectacular scenery. Of course, you expect the weather to be a little iffy even in July but it is well worth the experience of coming to this part of the world.

The golf programme included the usual four rounds of individual stableford, with one round on Old Tom Morris, one round on Portsalon and two rounds on Sandy Hills Links. As we headed into the tournament all eyes were on John Shearan who had won the previous two Greencard Irish events at Kilkenny in 2015 and Portmanock in 2014 – could he make it the Triple Crown and take the win across some of the best links courses in the country?

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS

The opening round was played on Old Tom Morris Links course. This was designed by Old Tom Morris and at the turn of the 19th century and became a place of Irish golf pilgrimage for some of the greatest golfers of their time. Among those to follow were Harry Varden and James Braid. They went on to add length and detailed bunkering but left alone the wonderful natural greens.

In 2009 the new Strand Nine opened at Rosapenna to replace the original back nine. They have matured and settled into what is now the Old Tom Morris Links to provide a seamless connection between each nine.

The weather forecast was not looking promising for the day. It was going to be tough to score well, having to overcome the challenges of both the course and the elements.

Melvyn Fern took the early lead with a tremendous 33 points, one ahead of local(ish) boy, John Shearan. Neil McGarva was one further back on 31 and Janette Roe was the leading lady of the day with 30 points.

ROBINSON FINDS HIS BEARINGS AT MAGNIFICENT SANDY HILLS

The following morning we played the second round on Sandy Hills Links. The course opened in June 2003 and has steadily risen up the rankings of the world’s top golf publications and comfortably sits inside the Top 25 courses in Irish golf. Each hole is spectacular and the views across the Old Tom Morris Links toward the beautiful Sheephaven Bay will salve any wounds inflicted by this incredible golf course.

The weather had certainly improved from the previous day and although there was the odd small shower, there was nothing to detract from taking on the challenge of this great course. Ian Robinson had a great day. Once he had understood where everything was, there was no stopping him. His tremendous 37 points rocketed him up the leaderboard into third position and just three points off the lead.

SHEARAN “QUIETLY” MOVES INTO TOP SPOT

John Shearan had another solid round, his 35 moved him into top spot, at the half way stage, with a total of 67 points. Melvyn’s 32 ensured he was only two behind John and still very much in the hunt.

Meanwhile, a frustrated Neil McGarva had slipped down the field after breaking his putter early on in the round, resulting in him having to use his 3 wood to putt. Jackie Carter and Janette Roe were both on 58 points and 9 off the lead.

The next day the rain returned, but it was only light and didn’t spoil playing the Portsalon links in Donegal for our third round. Golf has been played here since the     1880’s. Nestled under the Knockalla mountains and stretching along the magnificent Ballymastocker beach, a true test of links golf presents itself. Currently ranked in the top 25 courses in Ireland by Golf Digest, Portsalon continues to progress, with the 2014 Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, guiding further improvements. Indeed in his opinion the 2^nd hole is one of the finest in the world.

THREE IN ROE AT THE TOP OF PORTSALON

Mark Stacey, Peter Roe and Janette Roe all shared the best score of the day with 33 points. This would move Peter and Janette into the last fourball for tomorrow’s final round. Mark was delighted to have recovered his recent form after a challenging first couple of rounds. Meanwhile the leaders were finding it tough going with both Ian and John scoring 28 and Melvyn slipping slightly out of contention with 24.

JOHN SHEARAN CAUSES STIR WITH BATHTIME RUMOURS

So going into the final round, John had a three point lead from Ian. Janette was one further back, whilst Peter and Melvyn were still in touch, but would have to have a superb round to make up the six point deficient to the leader. There were rumours John was going to take a bath that night and excitement grew, he may not make the final round. However, at the last minute he went for the safety option of a shower, guaranteeing that he would be taking his place on the first tee for the last round!

NEW PUTTER HELPS McGARVA TOP FINAL ROUND

The good news was that we woke to sunshine and were assured that the waterproofs would not be required. The final round took place on Sandy Hills Links. When we approached the first tee, it was clear that the wind was had changed direction from the previous round here and as a result, we would be facing new challenges on the course.