Walking links Courses

[Bogeygolfer55]

Trying to plan trip to Ireland later this year. Plan on walking has always been a dream to play links golf there,will I need to pack full set of clubs or will partial set do the job.

[James the Hogan Fan]

I don't know what courses you plan on playing, but I would personally bring a full set. These are "every club in the bag" courses and I think you'd regret not having the full arsenal with you. I've noticed in Europe pull carts are often available for cheap or free, you might be inclined to contact your intended courses to be sure; caddies may also be available.

When I did my English links golf adventure, I was glad to have a full bag.

[Chanceman]

We planned to walk every course in Ireland as well but discretion rules so you may want to take a cart on courses like Ballyliffin and Enniscrone which are very hard to walk..

[Hawkeye77]

What's the dilemma? Is it that you don't usually walk? Get out and walk seems like the sensible plan. Don't want to be walking for the first time all season once you get there. Other than that issue, can't imagine why you would want to take less than your normal complement of clubs. Plus you should be putting them on a trolley anyway.

[LukeDonaldsTiger]

Depends on your fitness level, but especially when you’re there to take in the views, layout and whole experience, walking is the way to go.

I‘m an active hockey player turning 40 this year, and I always walk, with a full set and a lightweight stand bag. Last summer, we went to Scotland and played 36 almost every day for seven days straight. My feet hurt and my consistency suffered, so we strategically took a cart on especially hilly courses. Helped a lot. It’s frowned upon when you don’t have a medical condition, but we explained and they made an exception.

If you have back problems, a cheap push or pull trolley is available at any European course. Bring rubber straps to secure your bag, most of them are either super simple without straps or they are in bad shape. My bag kept rolling or sliding off in Scotland and Portugal, that would have been an easy fix if I had known that in advance.

Finally, I’m a believer in „you play different golf when walking“. And links golf is synonymous with walking IMHO.

[jvincent]

Assuming you are already a walker bring your full set and a decent carry bag. Use a push cart/trolley as much as you can, especially if you are doing 36 a day.

The nice thing about courses over the pond is that they are, for the most part, laid out with walkers in mind.

[davep043]

I'll agree with most on here:

Take your full set, in a reasonably lightweight bag

Take a trolley, for 4 or 5 euros (or pounds in Northern Ireland)

Take a couple of bungee cords with you to secure your bag on the trolley.

Take 2 pairs of good waterproof shoes. Its going to rain at some point, you want dry shoes the next day.

Have a great time!

[Roadking2003]

You don't need any more clubs in Ireland than you do anywhere else.

If you are comfortable with less than 14 clubs at home, you will be comfortable with less than 14 in Ireland.

I highly recommend using a caddie, especially if you have doubts about your ability to walk the courses. For some of us, a pull cart (trolly) can be hard on your back.

BTW, most of us would score just as well with only 10 - 11 clubs.

[Serenity Now]

I would suggest buying a Sunday type stand bag (Ogio Cirrus, Sun Mtn 2.5 etc) and only taking 10-12 clubs. I am 56 and in good shape. I did this and carried my bag for 36 a day at Bandon (did 54 one day!) & last summer at Lahinch. Doing it again next month at Bandon and then Western Ireland this August. It fits better in your travel bag for one (easier to stay under 50lbs and avoid surcharge from airline) and walking those hilly links courses is way easier carrying than dragging those pull carts.

With the wind and the type of courses, you hit so many knockdowns and runners you can eliminate a few clubs and the only thing you will notice is how light your bag is

 

take at least 2-3 Paris of comfortable golf shoes (Ecco Biom Gore Tex til I die) and change your socks every round. Also, spend the money on good rain gear & don’t forget rain gloves. It will last for 10-15 years Embrace the conditions & have a blast. Nothing better than links golf. Nothing!

[ivygynonc]

why wouldn't you bring a full set in a walkable bag and then if you feel the need, leave a few clubs in the car or hotel? When I went, I agree it is fun to have all the clubs and try to hit different shots. but we used caddies and I did not have to tote it! I think you could get away with two woods, a long iron minus one of them, and then most of the rest. maybe 3 wedge set and not a 4 wedge set if you play that.

 

[az2au]

It seriously isn't very hard to walk and carry clubs on links courses. Full bag for an adult male is a couple of extra lbs. If you can't carry for some reason then get a caddie. Pull carts are a waste of effort. They generally don't have those fancy push carts which are decent.
I might be an outlier but I walk and carry 95%+ of all rounds I play, year round. Probably take a caddie in 4% of the rest. I'm almost 48 years old. It isn't that hard and links courses make it easier.
In contrast to my friend @Chanceman I've played 20+ rounds at each of the three courses he lists (Enniscrone, Ballyliffin Old and Ballyliffin New) and find them very easy to walk.

[Bogeygolfer55]

I guess I was not clear in my post . I walk almost everytime I play, but have never played links or in the wind was curious if needed full set to play all the shots need. Thanks

 

[Hawkeye77]

That's easy - take whatever your normal set is. No reason at all to take fewer clubs than you would normally play if you aren't used to using a set with fewer clubs.

[az2au]

Yep. I didn't really understand the question. I don't know why links golf would mean less clubs. I take a 1 iron that I have instead of my 3 wood but honestly I don't think that matters all that much, it is just fun to hit.

[Ranso007]

Ive done it both ways, full set and 10 club set. There are for sure some courses where you don't need a full set and there will always be a time when you have a short set and are between clubs. If you plan on taking caddies it won't matter, just take the full. The courses can be a bit tricky to walk when the wind picks up.

[tiderider]

you can play any course in the world with 10 clubs, and play it well ... i walked with 10 yesterday ... don't always, but like to wear my back out ... you just don't need 14, imo ... but, gonna take a push cart, might as well take 14 ... but you can carry 10 and be absolutely fine if you know how to hit a 75 % shot ...

[Chanceman]

Yes but you are very healthy 48yo !! Not so easy when you are 70. But I will grant you the Glashedy course at Ballyliffin was easier than it looked: