Women & Golf's Kim hosted a trip to Powerscourt in County Wicklow, here she looks back at three day visit to Ireland
It really was a no-brainer when we received an invitation from Sarah McCooey, the Lady Captain of Powerscourt Golf Club, for Women & Golf to attend the club’s Invitational Showcase day for their women members. Sarah, along with the committee at Powerscourt PLC, wanted to put on an event which would highlight the benefits playing golf has for women and showcase the wonderful facilities available at their club.
The golf club forms part of the Powerscourt Estate owned and run by the Slazenger family of tennis sporting goods fame. Set in County Wicklow countryside, with stunning views of the Sugarloaf Mountain, it boasts two golf courses – the East and West – a 5-star hotel, magnificent gardens voted third best in the world by National Geographic, and its own distillery. Something for everyone!
Day one at Powerscourt
Together with Women & Golf members - Kath Bale, Kathie Mabberley, Rosemary Monaghan, Caroline Nicholson and Eileen Sheppard - flying in from various parts of the UK into Dublin, we made the 40-minute journey to the privately owned Powerscourt Springs Health Farm. As well as its spa and treatment rooms, there are numerous local walks and hikes available to unwind after a busy day. And not to missed is a visit to the stunning Powerscourt Waterfall just a short drive away.
The first night we convened in the Enniskerry Inn in the centre of the town and sampled the local hospitality, good food and a dash of wine(!). Together with Sarah and Audrey Brennan, whose help made the trip to Powerscourt possible, we enjoyed making new friends and looked forward to what lay in store for us over the following two days.
Day two - a garden tour and taking on the East Course
The Invitational Showcase day started with our group arriving at the impressive Powerscourt Golf Club clubhouse.
After a quick recce of the Pro Shop in preparation for some retail therapy, we made our way across the estate for a complimentary tour of the simply stunning Powerscourt Gardens. Alex Slazenger, family member and Head Gardener made time in his busy schedule to give us a fascinating tour.
The beautifully manicured gardens, magnificent statues, ornamental lakes, a sunken Japanese garden, beautiful flowerbeds and plants are a wonderful place to lose yourself in nature and something not to be missed.
After a delicious lunch back at the clubhouse with compliments of the Powerscourt Ladies’ Club, W&G members and over 60 women members made our way to the tee for our round on the East Course.
Designed by talented golfer and Walker Cup captain, Peter McEvoy, the East Couse offers a challenging mix of golf on its (mostly) wide fairways and some tricky, two-tier greens. Unfortunately, the weather had its say too, with the rain and wind making the challenge even more difficult than it already was to score.
However, we were delighted that W&G members, Caroline and Kathie were in the winning team and were awarded with a €100 voucher to spend in the Pro Shop – thank goodness for the earlier recce!
It was a pleasure to attend the post round dinner where W&G members mingled with Powerscourt women members and enjoyed hearing from Sarah Slazenger, Head of the Powerscourt Estate, Rosemary Tully, President of Golf Ireland, and Sarah McCooey about how important it is to break down the perceived and often real barriers for women to play golf and encourage more into the game.
Day three - time to tackle the West Course
On day three the W&G group reconvened on the West Course. Designed by David McLay Kidd, it’s a traditional parkland course which meanders its way around mature trees, lakes, stunning views and offered a good challenge for all of us.
Split into two groups of three we played a best two scores from three competition with thankfully no rain and less wind. A bonus for all of us! Kath, Eileen and Caroline came out on top but we all thoroughly enjoyed the course and stunning scenery.
After lunch back in the clubhouse, and helping Caroline and Kathie to spend their winning vouchers, we made our way back to our accommodation and had a well-earned rest and prepared for our return journeys the following day.
If you’re looking for a venue with great golf and great hospitality for a group of golfers, then Powerscourt Golf Club should be on your wishlist. It really does have something for everyone.
For Women & Golf, a new venue, new friendships, lots of fun and some fantastic memories. Powerscourt – we’ll be back!
Interested in attending future Women & Golf events or hosted trips? Drop an email to me to register your interest [email protected]
