Twenty soldiers, spouses play classic links during Emerald Isle visit
(BALLYBUNION, Ireland) – Ballybunion Golf Club – Ireland’s fabled 36-hole golf links – announces 20 wounded U.S. servicemen and their spouses played the Old Course today during an 11-day tour of the country.
The trip, organized by the Folds of Honor Foundation, is being completely underwritten by Irish companies and governmental entities as a small token of thanks for the sacrifices made by the American servicemen and their loved ones. Golf has played a major role in the healing process for these soldiers, all of whom have an inspiring story to share.
“We were quite humbled by the invitation to host these incredibly brave men and women,” says Vari McGreevy, General Manager of Ballybunion Golf Club. “Their perseverance over tremendous odds offers lessons for all, and their visit to our country exemplifies the close bond shared by the American and Irish people.”
The Folds of Honor Foundation is dedicated to aiding families of American military killed or disabled in the line of duty through scholarships and other assistance. It was founded by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 pilot, golf course owner, PGA professional and USGA member. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided more than 3,500 educational scholarships to military families across the United States.
For more information about the Folds of Honor Foundation: www.foldsofhonor.org, 918.274.4700
For more information about Ballybunion: www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie, (011) 353.68.27146.
About Ballybunion Golf Club
Meandering through fescue-covered dunes along County Kerry’s rugged Atlantic coastline, Ballybunion presents the quintessential Irish golf experience.
The Old Course
Ranked consistently in the world’s top 20 courses by GOLF Magazine, the par-71, 6,802-yard Old Course radiates majesty and charm. Beautifully contoured fairways fuse with a blanket of grassy dunes to fashion a classic test of links golf. The Old Course has mesmerized guests for decades, a tribute to its embodiment of the game’s greatest traits. The 402-yard No. 11 hole is widely heralded as one of the finest par 4s in the world, while the long par-3 15th is both remarkably scenic and treacherous.
The Cashen Course
Opened in 1984, the Cashen Course was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones. Situated on an even more dramatic parcel than its sister layout, the par-72, 6,306-yard course is one of the most challenging in Ireland. Bold and flirtatious, it requires acute precision off the tee and into the greens. Wildly undulating with breathtaking views throughout, the Cashen Course is consistently rated among the best modern layouts in Great Britain and Ireland by Golfweek.
Getting There
Shannon Airport (SNN) is 1-1/2 hours from Ballybunion Golf Club and offers non-stop service from New York (JFK and Newark), Boston and Toronto. Dublin Airport (DUB) is 3-1/2 hours away with non-stop flights from New York (JFK and Newark), Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, Toronto, Montreal and more.
Contact:
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3509
sreynolds@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
www.twitter.com/buffalocomm
