Since my first day here in the Emerald Isle, it has been a daily activity to look across the Belfast Lough. The view itself has plenty to offer, however one part always captures my attention…the Hollywood Golf Club. A highly respected golf course and also the home track to Rory McIlroy, it is safe to say I have been eagerly awaiting my first opportunity to play.
Luckily today it so happened that I had a free afternoon and immediately I asked one of the golf Victory Scholar’s if she would like to play. Fortunately we were both on the same page and next thing you know I was on my way to check off one item on my bucket list.
I am happy to say that my anticipations were not let down in anyway. Just driving into Hollywood you realize your going to somewhere special. Nike everything in the clubhouse, a brand new golf learning facility in the works of construction, and an extravagant shrine of Rory and his accomplishments; this is what would capture your eyes at first but once you step on the course you forget all about that. I have never played golf in Ireland but now I understand why it is constantly talked about. Calling for a much different style of play due to the crazy weather conditions of on/off rain and heavy winds, it also is just relaxing to go out and enjoy the naturalness of the surroundings.
As usual it was another great day in the books, although Kristen unfortunately beat me in match play with 2 holes left. Being given 8 strokes, this DIII guys could not keep up with the Siena skill level, but soon enough I will make my comeback hopefully on the likes of my next bucket list course, Royal Port Rush.
Cheers,
Matthew
