The Armchair Golf Architect

Golf is a remarkable sport for building lifelong friendships and bridging the gaps between generations. I’ve been fortunate to forge some amazing friendships which were it not for golf, I don’t think would have ever been possible!

Back in 2007, I was a guest at The European Club courtesy of the late Loyal D. Goulding (RIP). Loyal was a distinguished business and golfing figure who was my seconder at Cork GC. For those of you who haven’t visited The European Club, stop what you’re doing and start planning a visit.

The European Club is Pat Ruddy’s brainchild and was founded the year I was born! (1987) It is nestled away in Brittas Bay, Wicklow which is a short drive from Dublin, Ireland. It is one of the most outstanding golf courses that I’ve played as well as being one of the most difficult. For a relatively new course, it has achieved so much and is firmly established among Ireland’s more venerable links courses as well as sitting inside the Top 100 Courses in the world.

Fun Facts:

– Tiger Woods holds the course record of 67 which he set in 2002 the week before the Open Championship in Muirfield after already winning the Masters and US Open. Although, the calendar Grand Slam didn’t happen – it was safe to say Tiger brought his “A game” to Brittas Bay.
– Padraig Harrington won the Irish PGA Championship at the European Club in 2007, 2008 and 2009 which was held the week before the Open Championship. Padraig would win the Open at Carnoustie in 2007 and at Royal Birkdale in 2008.

Following my first visit to the European Club, I was very lucky to be introduced to Pat Ruddy who joined us for dinner and drinks. Given his fondness for my host, Loyal, I was extended an extra warm welcome.

Pat is a most gracious host and raconteur who generously gifted me a copy of his then most recent publication, 50 Years In A Bunker. At the much younger age of 20, I was most appreciative of the gift but after reading it, it went onto one of my book shelves and wasn’t given much more consideration.

It would only be in 2020 during the Covid pandemic during a long lockdown without golf that I would reread it. The story behind the European Club is amazing and should you be lucky enough to visit, make sure to say hello to Pat.

Pat would very kindly send me some further reading (all inscribed and treasured in my growing golf library). This very unlikely friendship sparked my curiosity for course design and the history of the game. Like any architecture, beauty is in the eye of the beholder:

There is many ways to play golf, not necessarily has to be Pinehurst or Augusta or St. Andrews. You can ... you can, build your own golf course by using your imagination. That's all - simple as that.... and you can have fun!

Seve Ballesteros (Seve the Legend - BBC) Tweet

As I continue my reading and studying of golf architecture and history, I have little aspiration to be more than an armchair architect. The ability to combine my love of golf while raising funds for some great charities is something that I never envisioned but is something that I’m most grateful for.

I look forward to updating you all in the near future.

PS: Pat Ruddy’s books are available for order directly here.

The Armchair Golf Architect

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The Armchair Golf Architect

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