Irish Hickory Challenge 2027

**Please note the Itinerary below is for the Hickory Tournament. Additional destinations available for non-hickory Golfers. - Contact us personally by phone to discuss.

Note: IRISH HICKORY GOLF CHALLENGE OPEN Tournament Limited to 54 Golfers..

While courses were selected based on play with Hickories.

***Hickory playset rentals available with advance notice***

Cost:

Irish Hickory Challenge Open

(Sept 30-Oct 5)

* Dates are tentative - We may possibly adjust a few days Oct 3-Oct 8

(including 4 rounds of Golf, Sight Seeing, cultural experiences, 5 nights accommodation, local transportation to and from hotel/courses Two meals Daily, Gala Awards Dinner, Welcome reception and Tournament fees)

€2199

Plus Non-refundable Deposit €1000

Total €3199

*Note all guests have a private room.

*Non-playing guest (sharing room with golfer) ADD €900

ITINERARY

Arrival Day - Thursday September 30

Because most flights from North America travel overnight and arrive in the AM. We suggest that all guests arrive a day early to acclimatize and relax. You are free to explore and sightsee in Dublin and area on this day. Hotel Accommodation is included for this evening. Airport Hilton or similar. Full tour begins tomorrow.

Suggestions:

Epic The Irish Emigration Museum (optional)

14 Henrietta Street Tenement Museum; Trinity: Book of Kells; Grafton Street;

Dublin Bus Tour (optional)

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Day 1 - Friday October 1* Warm up - DAY 1

Breakfast Included

Travel to Buncrana

Optional Practice round- Buncrana Golf Club -Oldest 9 hole Links in Ireland

Evening: Welcome Event - Irish Hickory Golf Challenge Open

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DAY 2-Saturday October 2*

7:30 AM - Breakfast included

10:00 AM - North West Golf Club - St. Andrews of Ireland International Scramble -

Scramble mixer with Golf Ireland members, international participants. (included post round meal and pint in Clubhouse)

Late Afternoon Sight seeing

Evening Pub Night

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Day 3 - Sunday October 3*

7:00 AM -Breakfast included

10:30 AM Ballyliffin - Old Course

Championship Round 1

Post Round Meal and Pint.

Afternoon Sight Seeing TBD

Evening Entertainment at hotel.

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Day 4 - Monday October 4*

7:00 AM -Breakfast included

10:30 AM - North West Golf Club or Ballyliffin Old Course TBD

Championship Round 2

Post Round Meal and Pint

8:00 PM Final Awards and celebration. Hotel

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Day 5 - Tuesday October 5

7:00 AM -Breakfast included

Check out hotel

Transportation back to Dublin Airport or Derry Airport if needed.

**We have scheduled this event to allow for folks to also attend the World Hickory Open in Scotland. Available Flights out of Derry, Belfast or Dublin.

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FAQs

How many people will be on the tour?

Typically between 12-20 golfers. This gives each group a great diversity of personalities, but is not overwhelming.

We also do our best to vet our guests. The magic of our trips is that each guest who joins wants to have the time of their lives! That positive energy drives the experience, we just facilitate that experience.

What if my spouse doesn’t golf but wants to come for the vacation?

Absolutely. There is a small premium for non-golfing guests staying in the same room as a golfer. Their itinerary includes additional tours and excursions while golfers are on the links. 

What does that entail? Depending on the Tour destinations, and number of non-golfing guests, it could include spa treatments, shopping excursions, art, and other local cultural excursions.

What's the difference between each trip?

While each trip follows a similar format; they are all unique in that we play different courses, visit different towns, and see different sights. There is some cross-over, particularly with Belfast and Dublin, however the nature of repeat business and returning guests is that we need to not just rinse and repeat, but offer a fresh perspective crafting an itinerary that hits just the right note  based on our guests' needs and requests. 

Why Ireland?

Ireland has close to 400 golf courses. Unlike the US and Canada, all courses are accessible – there are not purely private clubs. We are dedicated to providing you a genuine Irish golf experience that is affordable. In addition, we can almost guarantee rain and wind for the complete experience. That’s how good we are!

Can I just meet up with the tour on the first day in Dublin?

Yes, however to avoid disruption, we encourage guests to arrive the day prior to the actual trip commencement. We have included this night's accommodation in our fees. Please note all transportation must leave on-time. Out of respect to all, please be prompt.

My flight to Dublin is delayed… now what?

Luckily, we have accounted for this! You are likely arriving a day before the actual trip. This will give you time to acclimate and see a few sights. Should an unexpected delay happen, we will adapt. We will either send someone to pick you up to join the tour in progress, or let you know how to catch up with us easily and most economically. Please note any additional costs due to late arrival, regardless of reason, is the responsibility of the individual(s).

I can only eat a specific diet. Can that be accommodated?

You are not alone. Most of the restaurants, golf courses, and hotels we patronize have menu options that can accommodate different diets. As each person and establishment is unique, we cannot promise you’ll like everything :)

I’m not a big drinker. Is this the right tour for me?

Neither are we. You can take in all the sights, including pubs, and music and drink as little as you like of soft drinks, alcohol or dairy products. There is a brilliant non-alcoholic Guiness to enjoy ;)

I’m not a great golfer. Is this the right tour for me?

This is not a Pro Tour. The courses are challenging, likely more challenging than most you have played. We are here to experience and enjoy.

We do ask that you:

1) Hit from appropriate tees.

2) Maintain a pace of play. Max strokes of Double Par on any hole. After that pick up and proceed. The average scores range from mid 80s to high teens. This trip is for all!

Why do I need a caddy?

We provide Forecaddies. This means while you are responsible for your own bag, the Forecaddie will give you direction on where to hit, help find your ball, and provide valuable course knowledge. Trust us, this is a must. Should you wish to have a private caddie, that can be arranged at an additional cost.

Why do I have to pay ahead for tips?

Most tips are included in your cost, however, there are a number of services that operate on a cash basis only. These include the caddies, tour guides, and bus drivers etc. Some folks actually over tip while others do not tip at all. To eliminate the burden and awkwardness, we collect a tip fund. It is a reasonable amount from each guest to cover those expenses, making it fair and equitable for all.

It's easier for me to pay in CAD/USD, is that ok?

No. But - it is possible - however, you must understand that the rates posted are actually not the real value of the currency exchange. There is a buy and sell rate. Often between 5-6 cents per $ spread. What you might think $100 buys may in fact be far less when bank rates and fees are calculated. We highly recommend using a multi-currency card like WISE. This will allow you to pay in which ever currency you choose at the best rates with minimal transaction fees. 

I’m no longer able to go on the tour? What is your refund policy?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund. Please realize that we must pay in full long before the tour starts. However, you can substitute at anytime. Please understand we must withhold $500 because there is in fact a great deal of work that goes into all this.

I have to leave the tour early. Can I get a refund or credit for that portion?

Again, unfortunately all hotels, meals, transportation, and activities are pre-paid. To that end, we cannot refund or credit as that is not extended to us.

Can you create a custom tour?

We are pleased and well equipped to offer custom itineraries requiring arrangements for golf, accommodation and local transportation but more over, non-golf experiences. In this we rely on the support of our many friends, hotel and golf club partners. We can create relaxed or precise itineraries that satisfy every expectation and need.

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