2011 Ireland Tour Ridger International. Featuring the 11th Ridger International at Shannon Golf Club Ireland Tour. Credits.

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1 Credits As publisher and editor of this book I would like to thank the following tour members for their contributions: Photographs: Colan Braun, Joe Buckley, Henk Denboer, Bob Desrochers, John Donald, Les Duncan, Wally Jackson, Don Loeppkey, Bob Massey, Bob Ramsay, Mark Tokle Text: Wally Jackson, Aidan O Brien, Bob Ramsay I would also like to recognize the committee members for their hard work in organizing the 2011 Ireland Tour: John Braun, Aidan O Brien, Joe Pare, Bob Massey and Bob Ramsay I wish to encourage members to keep alive the traditions of the Ridger Cup and the Ridger International. A special thank you to Aidan O Brien for hosting the continuing commitment to golf and competition on both sides of the pond. Bob Ramsay 2011 Ridger International The above picture is taken from the balcony of the clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole and the 1st tee at Shannon Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland. Shannon Golf Club officially twinned with Pine Ridge Golf Club in To activate the twinning a competition between the clubs was initiated. The competitive tournament is played in a format similar to the Ryder Cup with foursomes, fourball, and singles competitions. In 2011, Shannon Golf Club won back the Ridger International Shield, the designated trophy, with a decisive victory. Golf, drink, camaraderie and competition seem to be the winning formula that brings the two clubs together every three years for the Ridger International. All who have been privileged to play sincerely hope this tradition continues for many years to come! 2011 Ireland Tour 2011 Ireland Tour Featuring the 11th Ridger International at Shannon Golf Club Brad Borgstrom Garry Bowles Colan Braun John Braun Joe Cunningham Henk Denboer Bob Desrochers John Donald Les Duncan Tony Fitzpatrick Colm Hayes Rick Hetherington Wally Jackson Chad Kenwood Graham Kinley Arthur Lakomski Tour Members Don Loeppky Darryl Manchulenko Bob Massey Pat McAvoy Drew McIvor Glenn McIvor Padraig McNicolas Tony McRedmond Aidan O'Brien Joe Pare Ken Porco Dave Puhach Gary Purtill Bob Ramsay Mark Tokle Peter Wheddon Other Courses Played Portmarnock Golf Club Doonbeg Golf Club Lahinch Golf Club 2011 Ireland Tour hosted by Aidan O Brien

2 2011 Ireland Tour 2011 Ridger International The above picture is taken from the balcony of the clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole and the 1st tee at Shannon Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland. Shannon Golf Club officially twinned with Pine Ridge Golf Club in To activate the twinning a competition between the clubs was initiated. The competitive tournament is played in a format similar to the Ryder Cup with foursomes, fourball, and singles competitions. In 2011, Shannon Golf Club won back the Ridger International Shield, the designated trophy, with a decisive victory. Golf, drink, camaraderie and competition seem to be the winning formula that brings the two clubs together every three years for the Ridger International. All who have been privileged to play sincerely hope this tradition continues for many years to come! 2011 Ireland Tour Featuring the 11th Ridger International at Shannon Golf Club

3 2011 Ireland Tour Featuring the 11th Ridger International at Shannon Golf Club

4 Tour Itinerary Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011 (Travel) Travel to The Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 (Golf) Play Ardglass Golf Course Monday, Sept. 5, 2011 (Golf) Play Royal County Down Golf Championship Course Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011 (Travel and Golf Day) Travel to and then play Royal Portrush Golf Course Dunluce Links Travel to and stay at Ballyliffin Lodge Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 (Golf) Play Ballyliffin Golf Course (The Old Links) Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 (Travel) Travel to the Oakwood Arms in Shannon, County Clare Friday, Sept. 9 & Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 (Ridger International) Play the 2011 Ridger International at Shannon Golf Club Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 (Travel back to Winnipeg) Options Friday, Sept. 2, 2011 Play Portmarnock Golf Course in Malahide Sunday, Sept, 11, 2011 Play Doonbeg Golf Course Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 Play Lahinch Golf Course 2

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7 Portmarnock Golf Club On the shores of the Irish Sea was the starting point for the early arrivals of the Emerald Isle golf tour. On a mild day with a typical prevailing westerly breeze, the foursomes set out with hopes of scoring a few Euros in the Team Stableford competition. Most players agreed it was an enjoyable course, providing newcomers with an early taste of pot bunkers and the links-style rough. 5

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10 Ardglass Golf Club A rugged, wind-blown test of golf where Tiger once found 3 of the best starting holes on the planet. A bright, sunny day upon arrival at the centuries old castle-become-clubhouse, soon turned blustery and cool at tee-time. Some truly memorable holes on the coastline were the topic of discussion over pints with fish and chips - many still drying off after heavy rain during the final few holes. 8

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14 Royal County Down Golf Club Set amongst heather and mounds, picturesque mountains in the background, on a mild, windy afternoon, the scores and competition took backseat to an excellent golf experience. Some proclaimed it the best layout they have played - others were simply amazed that caddies found most of the wayward balls. And for those who strayed off the fairway, they found fresh, tasty blackberries. 12

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19 Royal Portrush Golf Club Another one of the great Irish links courses at the most northerly point of the island. The home of Darren Clarke British Open champion, and a few lucky members of the group chatted with him briefly coming off the course and in the clubhouse. On the tee, everyone donning rainsuits as the wind and rain hit the group as forecast one local said the worst he had seen in 20 years. Eight groups went out four groups completed the grueling adventure standing up was a chore. Wind gusting to more than 50 mph and horizontal rain stinging the face persisted throughout. 17

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22 Ballyliffin Golf Club Another windy day on the northern shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Gusting at times to 50 mph, the wind seemed less severe on this beautiful coastal community where Nick Faldo designed a challenging layout. Everyone finished 18 today and while rain-suits were needed at times, brief periods of bright, sunny skies provided some relief. On the ocean holes, players stopped to snap photos of 15 foot waves crashing towards a long, sandy beach, where a few locals jogged and strolled. Once again, post-game pints were a welcome respite from the on-course challenges. 20

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26 Travel Day The departure from Ballyliffin was accompanied by a few long faces, some showing signs of the revelry the night before as everyone contemplated the six-hour ride to the south. The first rest stop in the County Donegal was the town of Donegal which sits at the mouth of the River Eske and Donegal Bay overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains. The surroundings were so picturesque that many used up the twenty minute break snapping photos while others made a quick stop at the bakery and the ATM machine. Back on board, those looking for a change of pace decided to launch into a game of Hearts. For those who just couldn t get enough of the rolling Irish countryside, they resumed their steady gaze from their comfortable seat. And it s no wonder that most preferred this pastime Ireland boasts 40 shades of green throughout its pastoral landscape. Perhaps best known for its coastal beauty, Ireland offers equal splendor in its inland hills, with postcard visions of rolling pastures and ancient stone fences. At the halfway mark, the group enjoyed a lengthy break from the winding highway, pausing for lunch (and a pint) in another quaint Irish village. For the last leg of the travel day, the excitement of the upcoming competition and the promise of warmer, rain-free days in Shannon were the only reasons they needed to venture to the dark zone and pour a glass of their favourite beverage. After all, this was Ireland, and when in Ireland, do as the Irish do. 24

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30 2011 Ridger International Home Team Continues Tradition In 1996 an agreement was mutually reached whereby Pine Ridge GC and Shannon GC entered a formal twinning. This agreement further ensured that members of good standing at Pine Ridge GC would become non-voting members at Shannon GC thus entitling them to full playing privileges. A reciprocal agreement was extended to Shannon GC members. This proposal was passed unanimously at the Pine Ridge Annual General Meeting held in December To activate the twinning a competition between the clubs was initiated. A competitive tournament would be played in a format similar to the Ryder Cup with foursomes, fourball, and singles competitions. The winner would retain the Ridger International Shield which is the designated trophy. Since 1996 Pine Ridge GC and Shannon GC have alternately hosted the event on a tri-annual basis. Shannon GC has hosted the event in 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2008 and was the host again in Pine Ridge GC has hosted the event in 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, and will host again in No visiting team has ever won the competition. Over the years there have been close matches however victory has always eluded the visiting team. The twinning of Pine Ridge GC and Shannon GC has been a huge success. Participation in the Ridger International event has grown steadily over the years. Lasting friendships between individuals in both clubs have been established and are ongoing. Those who have joined us in Ireland have been impressed with Ireland s beauty and hospitality. The magnificence of the golf courses, especially Shannon, and the warmth and generosity of the management and members of our sister club epitomize the tradition of golf. And once again our visit to Shannon in 2011 was eagerly anticipated by the committee and members of Shannon GC. We were hoping to break with tradition and be the first visiting team to win in 2011 and retain the Ridger International Shield. However... In this year s competition two warm, mainly sunny days greeted the team for the traditional competition with our Irish brethren. For the newcomers, the parkland layout, similar in many ways to Pine Ridge was a very enjoyable experience, and for those here before, it was a joyous reunion with their Shannon friends. Our gracious hosts ensured we were well lubricated, and then proceeded to kick our butts on the golf course to retain the International Shield. The Canadian team didn t seem to mind, and a good time was had by all. A huge thank you to Gary Purtill for providing the buggies for the competition and Chad Kenwood for providing the dinner wine and the liquid refreshments for the remainder of the evening as well as the fabulous travel bags! Thank you to Logie, Aidan O Brien and Joe Pare for organizing all the competitive matches for the two days. All matches were played with sportmanship and friendship for the entire 2011 Ridger International. International Committee Members: Aidan O Brien, John Braun, Joe Pare, Bob Massey, Bob Ramsay 28

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41 Doonbeg Golf Club With gale-force winds forecast, a smaller group made the bus trip to the scenic coastal golf course at Doonbeg. Despite being greeted by a humorous foul-mouthed woman posing as the starter, the Greg Norman layout was another excellent golf experience, even though it was another challenge to keep spinning golfballs on the property. It rained and the winds blew, but everyone completed the round, including many who were still feeling the effects of the ceremonial dinner and awards at Shannon the night before. 39

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44 Lahinch Golf Club Even fewer players made the one hour trip to the legendary Lahinch golf links. For the three groups who finally decided to tee-off in winds gusting from 50 to 80 mph, as the others watched from the warm, calm surroundings of the clubhouse, conditions were so severe that one unfortunate soul was nearly blown off the first green into a gully - he packed it in. Another called it quits after the second hole. Four half-crazed, hardy golfers continued and in the end said they actually enjoyed the day. More pints consumed...more stories told...and memories to last a lifetime. 42

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