You know you are going to experience something pretty fantastic when the golf club is celebrating their 125th year, and I must admit that from the moment I arrived at Dooks Golf Links, the club, the staff and the course did not disappoint for a single moment. After joining Stephen of Buffalo Communications and the other journalists (Gary, Tod, Mike and Jeff of various publications around the United States) at the Shannon Airport bright and early (before 7:00am), we began the two plus hours of travel further southwest towards the town of Tralee.
Michelle (General Manager) and her entire team at Dooks were all ready to showcase the many reasons this club is so special to the local members and guests, as well as their growing number of international members. Joining the quintessential Irish bartender inside the clubhouse, the group enjoyed hearing more about the club from the excitable bartender and Michelle, and was instantly intrigued by both the history of the club, and the promising future. Enjoying great company, along with a delicious latte and warm scones, was an ideal way to begin the golf journey along the coast of Ireland.
Once on the course, it was impossible to balance the golf game with simply wanting to take-in the views that extended for miles. Each step showcased another “perfect” photo opportunity, and the course condition was sublime. My caddie, James, was a true professional; and having spent his entire life in the immediate area, he was a wealth of information about the course, surrounding areas, and life in general in this part of Ireland. Though the golf game could have been a few strokes better, the views could not have been more stunning, and there were absolutely no complaints after a fantastic afternoon.
Though a somewhat unassuming clubhouse, the staff at Dooks are certainly one-of-a-kind. We were able to stay and enjoy dinner at the restaurant… and simple hamburgers and hotdogs, this was not. With a dynamic menu mixed with fresh seafood, meats and vegetables; the inventive meals, divine desserts and traditional Irish Coffee enhanced a nearly perfect day at Dooks.
To sum it up, you go to Dooks for the amazing golf, but don’t forget to allow time to enjoy a latte at the bar and end the day with a special treat from the Chef… making Dooks an opportunity to participate in a true Ireland golf experience, and not simply a round of golf.
