Which courses should I carry or use a Trolley, Electric Trolley, or Caddy when I go to Ireland?

[dazedniteman]

I am just under a month from a solo trip to Ireland where I'll be golfing 8 straight days. I'm playing the following courses, in order:

 

Day 1 (Arrival day): European Golf Club

Day 2: Carne (all 27 holes)

Day 3: Enniscrone

Day 4: County Sligo golf club

Day 5: Portmarnock golf club (9 holes) [St Patrick's Day]

Day 6: Portmarnock golf club (18 holes)

Day 7: Royal Dublin Golf

Day 8: Trump Doonbeg

 

I normally walk my course at home, but I also only golf twice a week and my course is only moderately hilly on the back 9. I've never golfed with a caddy before and I've also never used an electric trolley. 

 

For those of you who have golfed any of the courses above, what method of playing would you suggest given the terrain I might expect - carrying, using a trolley, electric trolley, or a caddy? I'd like to use a caddy once, and at most twice (if necessary), so any course that would benefit greatly from a caddy's advice given any potential blind shots I'd love to know. 

 

Thanks in advance! I can't wait to go.

[El Gringo]

That many days on the trot, get an electric trolley every day if possible. If not, a 3 wheel pusher will do. Book the electric trolleys, they often sell out. Buy yardage books each day. You should be fine. 

[hammergolf]

4 hours ago, dazedniteman said:

I am just under a month from a solo trip to Ireland where I'll be golfing 8 straight days. I'm playing the following courses, in order:

 

Day 1 (Arrival day): European Golf Club

Day 2: Carne (all 27 holes)

Day 3: Enniscrone

Day 4: County Sligo golf club

Day 5: Portmarnock golf club (9 holes) [St Patrick's Day]

Day 6: Portmarnock golf club (18 holes)

Day 7: Royal Dublin Golf

Day 8: Trump Doonbeg

 

I normally walk my course at home, but I also only golf twice a week and my course is only moderately hilly on the back 9. I've never golfed with a caddy before and I've also never used an electric trolley. 

 

For those of you who have golfed any of the courses above, what method of playing would you suggest given the terrain I might expect - carrying, using a trolley, electric trolley, or a caddy? I'd like to use a caddy once, and at most twice (if necessary), so any course that would benefit greatly from a caddy's advice given any potential blind shots I'd love to know. 

 

Thanks in advance! I can't wait to go.

 

Day 1 (Arrival day): European Golf Club They don’t have caddies, but a course guide and trolly will be fine

Day 2: Carne (all 27 holes) EXTREMELY hilly course. Caddy isn’t a must but would help, electric trolley would be good

Day 3: Enniscrone A few hills and blind shots. Caddy isn’t a must but would def help on quite a few holes. 

Day 4: County Sligo golf club No need for a caddy and trolley is fine

Day 5: Portmarnock golf club (9 holes) [St Patrick's Day] Flat easy walk, trolley or carry

Day 6: Portmarnock golf club (18 holes) Same

Day 7: Royal Dublin Golf Flat easy walk, trolley or carry

Day 8: Trump Doonbeg Relatively flat walk with few blind shots, Caddy isn’t necessary but will be helpful, trolley

[dazedniteman]

Thank you both for great advice and suggestions. It's much appreciated.

[hammergolf]

1 hour ago, dazedniteman said:

Thank you both for great advice and suggestions. It's much appreciated.

You’re welcome. Have a great trip! Enjoy the last 5 holes at County Sligo. One of the toughest finishes in golf. You are in for such a treat as Carne and Enniscrone are just AMAZING…

Edited February 24, 2023 by hammergolf

[AltC]

Walk and carry every day - if you can - that’s the way golf is intended to be played! Have a great trip.

[AltC]

And sorry to be pedantic but a “Caddy” is a container for tea -  whilst a “Caddie” is a golf companion who carries clubs - gives advice - tells jokes (filthy normally) and is the salt of the earth generally!! Enjoy!

[Chanceman]

I got lost somewhere on the Carne back nine as it was blowing and raining heavily at the same time. A caddie would have been great. It’s a very tricky layout with 3 nines intertwined. So that would be my retrospective advice. 

[hammergolf]

10 hours ago, Chanceman said:

I got lost somewhere on the Carne back nine as it was blowing and raining heavily at the same time. A caddie would have been great. It’s a very tricky layout with 3 nines intertwined. So that would be my retrospective advice. 

As much as I love Carne, they definitely could use better signage to navigate between holes.