Just a quick update on the Ireland boys this Thursday morning. Michael reported early today that the wireless connection at the hotel was down, which explains why we had no pictures or reports yesterday. They played Old Head yesterday and Dooks on Tuesday. I'm sure there are plenty of pictures and stories to report from their adventures at both courses. I will be certain to pass them along when I get them.

Today they are at Tralee, which is the Arnold Palmer course that has received so much acclaim. Pictured here is the view from the second tee box. The beach you see is the beach on which the 1970 David Lean movie Ryan's Daughter was filmed. (Ok, you Movie Trivia buffs--can you recall the plot and the stars? Someone won an Oscar for their work: does anyone know who?) It was also used for portions of the not-so-great 1992 Far and Away with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Perhaps it is better left as a backdrop for a magnificent golf course!

Tralee is an Arnold Palmer-designed course and is the fourth incarnation of Tralee Golf club, which was founded in 1896. Palmer and Ed Seay began designing this latest version in the early 80s. Barrow Point, the strip of land in Barrow on which the course was laid out, is a mixed geographical bag. It has some very high dunes, wide white beaches, inlets and according to the travel folders, "some of the most eye-popping scenery of mountains and ocean you will see in all of Ireland."

So we will all look forward to pictures and tales of their golfing prowess not only at Tralee, but Old Head and Dooks as well. I checked the weather at Tralee today, and once again it appears they are blessed with partly sunny 63-degree skies. Those Golf Gods--who knew they would be so nice to our Wachesaw Boys?