Ireland Caddies (Which Courses?)

[hlca]

I'm visiting Ireland in late August and have booked 5 rounds at Island, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Bantry Bay, and Old Head. Having spent quite a bit of money on greens fees already, I was hoping to limit my use of caddies and just hire trolleys instead.

 

Which courses are caddies the most necessary? I assume on a non-links course like Bantry and maybe even Old Head, I could do without. Would you all agree with that? Of the links courses, I was thinking getting a caddie @ Lahinch and maybe one other course...Any suggestions?

[shortstop20]

Of your list, I have only played Ballybunion and Lahinch.

 

That being said, I would not want to play either of them my first time without a caddie. You won't know where to hit it.

[AuldPLO Swiss Golftrotter]

I played Lahinch, Ballybunion and Old Head with caddies. I would definitely do the same if I ever play again the first two.

[davep043]

I'm visiting Ireland in late August and have booked 5 rounds at Island, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Bantry Bay, and Old Head. Having spent quite a bit of money on greens fees already, I was hoping to limit my use of caddies and just hire trolleys instead.

 

Which courses are caddies the most necessary? I assume on a non-links course like Bantry and maybe even Old Head, I could do without. Would you all agree with that? Of the links courses, I was thinking getting a caddie @ Lahinch and maybe one other course...Any suggestions?

In particular, take a caddie at Lahinch. There are two holes with completely blind shots over tall dunes. Ballybunion would be the other suggestion. No matter what, make sure you have a course yardage guide, they'll help you to understand just what you're seeing. Besides, they make good souvenirs.

[4Par]

Let’s not forget the Devil’s Pit at Lahinch.... caddy required.

 

The other reason for caddies is tracking down your ball when it strays from the fairway. You will lose track of where you are after climbing over and around dunes. The Caddies generally know exactly where the search should take place as you walk off the tee.

[imakaveli]

Played BB without a caddie, not many blind shots so you will be fine. The hole maps they give you are pretty c**ppy though

[TerpFangolfer]

One difference I have noticed from Ireland to Scotland/England is that in Ireland you can hire a single caddy to do double bags - was ideal when my brother and I were playing as a 2-some. So far none of the Scottish course have that available.

 

We used caddies on all our rounds in Ireland - BB, Waterville, Dooks & RCD (definitely needed at RCD!)

[hlca]

Ahhh...I sucked it up and requested caddies at the Island, BB, Lahinch, and Old Head. I asked for Jr. caddies where offered. I figured I might as well make the most of the trip...

[puttnforthe8]

Ahhh...I sucked it up and requested caddies at the Island, BB, Lahinch, and Old Head. I asked for Jr. caddies where offered. I figured I might as well make the most of the trip...

 

While I may be in the minority(biased having lived there for many years), I don't think you need caddies....I do think you should save some $$ and have a nice meal by skipping them at Old Head...you have zero need there.

 

The other ones will enhance your experience.

[meroj]

Good idea hiring the caddies. I've played multiple rounds at Lahinch, Old Head and BB and if you're going to drop the money for the cost of the round, you may as well give yourself the best chance to enjoy it. The benefit of the caddie is not only guiding you on blind shots, they can be VERY helpful in helping you pick a line off the tee and adjusting for wind. If you get the right caddie, the stories and conversation can make the fee worthwhile.