Thank you Robin and Ally for organising a terrific event. Delightful golf, meals, accommodation and probably most memorable of all, the craic and meeting and enjoying the company of posters and others, some I'd met before, some I'd not. A few PM's will be sent over the next few days.
Some thoughts on the courses -
Mulranny - a real surprise. Rural and rustic and mowed/nibbled by sheep and only 9-holes but so what? Damn fine terrain, holes and routing, frequently very severe green complexes and a wonderfully scenic location. I reckon it should be compulsory for would-be architects, constructors, shapers and the like to visit and study Mulranny.
Carne - I'm biased as I loved the place, all 27-holes of it, on my previous visit and am even more fond of it following this trip of several plays. As to any shortfalls, I would suggest these are essentially conditioning and mowing line related on the newer and epically routed 3rd-9 and could be relatively easily overcome with a bit of desire, some more money and a corresponding increase in manpower etc plus some help from the weather, which has over several months now been pretty unkind. Wonderful location, numerous epic holes, fine 27-hole routing etc. Carne is additionally a very friendly place with a unique almost mystical atmosphere. I shall return and recommend others to visit asap.
Enniscrone - I liked this course, tough and somewhat split-personality that it is, even severe in some places, on my previous visit and still consider it under-appreciated in comparison to other more famous links. The conditioning was excellent. Later edit - the revised 2nd green is much better than what was there before. Well done Clyde!
County Sligo/Rosses Point - I didn't play the Champioship course so can't comment on the changes made since my previous visit when, although I liked it, I perferred both Carne and Enniscrone to CS-RP. I did play the 9-hole Bomore course though. Very flat terrain, quite a few ditches, lots of gorse, a great dogleg par-5 and some good green complexes. I wouldn't drive a long distance to just play the Bomore but if nearby with the odd hour or so to spare or as a warm-up before playing the Championship course it's worth playing. A thoroughly nice relief course to have for young juniors, novices and those getting on in years or with limitations. If the land is available more clubs should have second courses like the Bomore.
Strandhill - a real surprise. Much better than I'd expected, pretty hilly too, and very good conditioning. Some terrific holes and great mogul terrain in many places, like the wonderful par-5 5th hole. Great scenic views. I'd like to play this course again, especially when more than just the bunker upgrades Ally is hoping to introduce to the course are completed.
Great trip.
Atb