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The Father-Son Trip of A Lifetime – Golf, Bonding & a Trip That Will Never Be Forgotten…

This article was written by the CEO of ClickitGolf – Jeff is an avid golfer, golf enthusiast, and one hell of a business partner.
BACKGROUND:
In this article, we walk you through the type of golf trip that enforces that coveted father /son relationship, moreover, the kind of trip that can significantly change lives and relationships forever. I assume we have your attention… Great, Mission #1 accomplished ✅ – Keep reading to see how it all went down!
In all honesty, and after some reflection, I am doing this as much for me as I am for you, my readers, so THANK YOU! I will truly re-live this trip and the memories we made every time I read this piece. Also, unselfishly, I hope it inspires… Inspires you to do something similar with someone special in your life sooner than later. It doesn’t have to be golf – it can be hiking, camping, tennis, pickleball – shoot – pick your narrative really! Whatever your heart desires, make it happen – it will undoubtedly bring you closer to someone you share a similar passion with. So… In the words of Phil Knight… “Just Do It”.
It seems these days we blink and another year goes by. You know what they say…each day wasted, is one that we can never get back. With that, I decided that this was our Summer. It was weird how it happened. We looked at each other after dinner one night, and as if we both had an out-of-body experience mind melt, we just knew It was on! Furthermore, my ClickiGolf partner had been pushing me to do it and thought our readers might enjoy experiencing it right along with us. So we did, we kept a journal and took pictures. This article is the direct outcome of making a dream a reality. Ready – Let’s go!

INTRODUCTION:
Recently, I embarked on one of those trips of a lifetime with my 18-year-old son Andrew. Both being avid golfers, we journeyed to Ireland to play five of the most famous golf courses in the world. Now, he may have the old man’s number now, but just a few short years ago, I could give him 5 a side and feel comfortable. Dylan said it best… The times they are a-changin’ – and boy – was he right then and oddly enough those words seem to resonate even more so now…
We all have that “bucket list” we want to check off during our life. I am so lucky to have just checked off one of the boxes. You know, the one you dream of, but deep down aren’t sure will ever really happen. Well, this one, I have been dreaming of for decades – and I’ll be damned, even as I write this, on the plane back from Ireland, I am questioning if it was real or all some sort of elaborate visceral lucid dream… OUCH – the flight attendant passed me with her cart filled with tonic water and bags of peanuts. I have an aisle seat, my right elbow was just bumped by said snack cart, and the tingling in my “funny bone” is letting me know – HOLY SH*T – this trip WAS REAL! I digress…
Itinerary: a 12-hour transatlantic flight to a far-off land. Just a dad and his only son embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Our goal: Taking off for the iconic golf heaven named Ireland. This will be the kind of golf trip that will kick start one person’s life & college career while simultaneously bookending a significant chapter for the other. A proud father and now, a new empty nester… Thank you for taking this journey with me. Here goes…
HOW IT CAME TO BE:
A little background – I’m an 8 handicap and my son is a 1 handicap and played high school golf in Florida; Andrew did receive some offers to play college golf at various d2 and d3 schools, but has chosen to study hard and hopefully meet some cute college co-eds! (I hope in that order).
We had planned this trip over 18 months ago because getting onto these courses is extremely difficult (especially following Covid-19) when many golfers were forced to cancel travel and rebook the following year.
I am very fortunate to be happily married for 30 years and have 3 great children. My wife also loves golf and my oldest daughter, now 26 was a competitive golfer in high school and now plays for fun when she finds the time. Initially, we would have opted for a “family trip” to Ireland however my middle child, Lexi (age 23) has no clue how to hit a golf ball. I still love her but why couldn’t she learn golf instead of tennis when she was a kid? Thus, the rationale for the father/son trip!
As I learned, there are 2 regions of Ireland for golf – (1) the North and (2) the South. Although not horribly far by car (around 6 hours), most golfers will pick one region of Ireland and then plan a follow up a follow-up trip to return.
We chose the Southern Region and booked these 5 courses:
- Old Head Golf Links
- Tralee Golf Club
- Hogs Head Golf Club
- Ballybunion – The Old Course
- Waterville Golf Club
Andrew did want to travel to the North to play 2 very famous courses (1) Royal County Downs and (2) Port Rush – both courses considered top 10 in the world. However, it wasn’t in the cards for this trip so it gives us the best excuse to hopefully go back in the future.
THE COURSES AND OUR RANKINGS:
Old Head ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– called the Pebble Beach of Ireland. And it certainly was. We were blown away by the views. Our caddie at Old Head (and candidly at every course) was beyond incredible.

Tralee ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – I hadn’t really heard of this course in depth prior to the trip. What a course. Maybe the most beautiful back 9 on Earth. Built into the water on every hole.

Waterville ⭐⭐⭐⭐– One of the oldest courses in Ireland and the home of the Irish Open a few years back. Just a month earlier, Adam Scott and Shane Lowry played there. As we’re checking in with the starter, a very friendly Irish gentleman about 80 years old says “Andrew – you look like a good golfer?” Andrew quickly says “You look pretty good yourself” as you just get a different energy and can somehow tell that this guy was “a player.” We started talking and we introduced ourselves (I’ve trained Andrew you always take your hat off, offer a firm handshake, and look the person directly in the eye). “Nice to meet you says Lee Higgins”. I thought to myself, I remember that name somehow…but how…who was this Lee Higgins character – ? click to find out – crazy story! After a lengthy conversation, we learn that Lee Higgin’s, now 81 years, home course is Waterville Golf Links, won 6 times on tour and was runner-up 5 other times. And, for a really cool trivia fact – Higgins set the world long-drive record in 1984 hitting a ball 634 yards on the runway at Baldonnel Military Airport in Dublin.


Hogs Head ⭐⭐⭐⭐– Candidly, I had never heard of this course prior to making our trip but my golf travel agent had highly recommended it and was so excited that she got us on. A billionaire from the USA who attended the University of Michigan (the alma mater of my oldest daughter) built this course. It was truly incredible and because of the “Michigan connection”, I spent more money than I should have on all the blue and maize logoed items in their pro shop! Hoags Head is located just a few minutes from Waterville Golf Club.

BallyBunion Golf Club ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– Ranked one of the top courses in the world and I can see why. Tom Watson considers this his favorite course in the entire world. My son being a 1 handicap, wanted to play the tips vs. my typical yardage which is my distance on my home course. The Caddie says to Andrew – play your dad’s tees! You will have a lot more fun. And he was absolutely right! With the windy conditions and tricky terrain, this was the way to go! The caddies are always right. It’s crazy – Like ALWAYS! – They have knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation. Without them, we both agreed we would have shot 5+ strokes worse on every round.


THE WEATHER:
My Rainsuit – all I heard prior to leaving was “be prepared” for the rain. I have become quite spoiled as I live on a golf course and with just the site of a few drops of rain, “I’m done” and happy to go back to my house and have a catch with my dog. However in Ireland, with the cost of the greens fees, we’re playing 18 holes even if it’s a monsoon. I purchased a VJUS rainsuit – it cost more than my wedding celebration but I was prepared for the elements. Plus I brought a really cool umbrella that wouldn’t turn upside down even in winds up to 1,000 mph. I also had 2 rain gloves and brought 2 pairs of golf shoes in case mine were soaked from the prior day. Guess what? It never rained in 7 straight days. Not one drop. Zero. The caddies said “lads – you got so lucky.” My rain suit is now hanging and unworn in the back of my closet.
THE CADDIES:
They were the best on so many levels. (1) I think I would have lost a million balls without their eyes; (2) You must trust them implicitly which I learned very quickly. One caddie had a bottle of bourbon in his pocket and on every hole took a quick sip. My son quickly stopped drinking his water and now is a connoisseur of bourbon To recall a funny caddie story: – I carry a 4 iron which I hit about 190 yards – but I’ve recently started using my 4 hybrid which I hit more often. My drive on the 14th hole at Tralee was in the middle of the fairway leaving me the perfect 4 iron. The Caddie now knowing my game perfectly after prior 13 holes pulls out the 4 iron. I said “I don’t hit the 4 iron”; his immediate response without taking a breath was “Why the Fu** am I then carrying your 4 iron?” I felt slightly embarrassed and of course, hit the 4-iron onto the green. We got a good laugh, drank a bit more, and started walking down the fairway. He said, “I’ll pull out which club you should hit from now on – no need for you to look at which club it is – just hit it – Trust me, Lad”. He was right. What an amazing and cool guy, he was making our round even better and so much fun!
DRIVING:
Driving in Ireland – This was my first trip to Ireland. I loved the people; I loved the scenery. I loved the golf. I hated one thing -the driving!! Because we were just a 2-some, we opted to save some money and rent a car (vs. a typical group of 8 or 12 golfers) who will rent a van for the week with a driver. In short, I have never been so scared in my life driving on these roads. Driving on the “other” side of the street was ok and relatively easy to learn (except for all the roundabouts). However, on these tiny backroads where most of the courses are located, they say 2 cars can fit, (like in the USA,) but I can assure you…ONLY ONE CAR fits even somewhat comfortably. Each time a van, bus, or truck passed me, I had to veer to the shoulder to stop from being hit. BONUS: I did get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully Andrew could figure out google maps and contacted an AAA-type company that eventually got us a new tire and back on the roads. My 2 cents – get a driver! It will save you the stress of driving in a foreign land and save you some grey hair while trying not to die abroad. If you do drive – give yourself a good 30 min buffer as to when you leave for the tee time. Trust me, you WILL need it.
REFLECTION:
As I reflect on our trip, it was without question, the trip of a lifetime I had hoped it would be…….. Having my only son, Andrew, alone for a week of golf, laughs, dinners, drinking, and just strengthening our “father/son friendship was one of the most special experiences of my life. It gave me a stark reminder not to blink – they grow fast…way too fast these days. So if you are close to having one of yours go off to school or just looking to re-kindle that relationship with a child, loved one, or just some of the old crew of golf buddies. There is no time like the present. It’s a gift – hence the term “the Present ?” As cheesy as it sounds when I proof this, I chose to keep it. It’s real. Cherish every moment…
CHEERS
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Sweating It Out: Guide to Playing Golf in the Summer Heat Without Melting Into the Fairway
Learn from Ty Webb on how to play in the heat of the summer without melting into the fairway.

Hey there, sun-soaked swingers of the sticks. Ty Webb here, and today we’re talking about summer golf — you know, that magical time of year when your golf ball flies farther, your shirt clings tighter, and your sunscreen budget could bankrupt a small country.
Playing golf in extreme heat isn’t for the faint of heart… or the faint of hydration. Once the temperature climbs above 90°F, the fairway turns into a frying pan, your putter grip feels like it’s been left in the oven, and you start questioning whether that hazy mirage in the distance is the green or just your sanity evaporating.
The key to summer golf survival? Hydration, shade, and pacing yourself like you’re in a pro-am with a three-hour lunch break. Don’t just drink water — drown in it. Wear light, moisture-wicking clothes (unless you enjoy the sensation of golfing in a wet wool sweater). And for the love of Arnie, apply SPF like you’re frosting a cake.
Now, I know what you’re thinking — “But Ty, won’t all this caution kill my competitive edge?” Not at all. Summer heat golf is all about strategy. Tee off early to beat the worst of the sun, embrace a slower swing to conserve energy, and always, always pick the cart with the best cup holder-to-seat ratio.
And when the last putt drops and you’re peeling yourself off your shirt like a human fruit roll-up, remember: every blister, every sunburn, every suspicious tan line is just proof that you survived the ultimate challenge — golf in summer heat.
So, keep your cool, keep your game sharp, and I’ll see you out there… probably hiding in the cart’s shadow between shots.
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The Unwritten Rules Every Golfer Should Know About Etiquette
Learn the essential golf etiquette rules that will make you a welcome playing partner on any course. Master these unwritten rules of golf.

There’s an old saying in golf that the game reveals character, and nowhere is this more evident than in how a golfer conducts themselves on the course. Golf etiquette isn’t just about following rules – it’s about respect, consideration, and preserving the traditions that make golf the gentleman’s (and gentlewoman’s) game it has always been.
I learned this lesson early in my golf journey during a round at a prestigious private club where I was a guest. I was so focused on trying to play well and impress my host that I completely forgot about basic etiquette. I walked across putting lines, failed to repair ball marks, and generally acted like someone who had never set foot on a golf course before. My host was gracious about it, but I could tell I had embarrassed both of us. That experience taught me that how you play golf is just as important as how well you play golf.
Golf etiquette exists for practical reasons. It keeps the game moving at a reasonable pace, protects the course conditions for everyone who follows, and ensures that all players can enjoy their round without unnecessary distractions or frustrations. But beyond the practical aspects, etiquette is what separates golf from other sports and maintains the unique culture and traditions that make the game special.
The beauty of golf etiquette is that it’s largely based on common sense and consideration for others. If you approach each situation by asking yourself, “What would I want other golfers to do in this situation?” you’ll usually arrive at the correct etiquette choice. However, there are specific guidelines and traditions that every golfer should know, whether you’re playing your first round or your thousandth.
Understanding and following proper golf etiquette will make you a welcome playing partner at any course, from your local municipal track to the most exclusive private clubs. It shows respect for the game, the course, and your fellow golfers. More importantly, it helps ensure that everyone can enjoy their round and that the course remains in good condition for those who follow.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential elements of golf etiquette, from the moment you arrive at the course until you shake hands on the 18th green. These aren’t arbitrary rules designed to make golf stuffy or intimidating – they’re time-tested guidelines that help everyone enjoy the game more fully.
Starting Your Round Right
The first tee sets the tone for your entire round, and proper tee box etiquette establishes you as a considerate golfer from the very beginning. Arriving at your tee time is the foundation of good golf etiquette. Being late doesn’t just affect you – it can throw off the entire day’s schedule for the golf course and create delays that ripple through every group behind you.
Plan to arrive at the course at least 30 minutes before your tee time. This gives you time to check in, warm up, and be ready to play when your time comes. If you’re running late due to circumstances beyond your control, call the pro shop immediately to let them know. Most courses will try to accommodate you if they have advance notice, but showing up 10 minutes late without warning is inconsiderate to everyone involved.
The honor system on the first tee is traditionally determined by handicap, with the lowest handicap player teeing off first. However, many casual groups simply decide among themselves or use a random method like flipping a tee. What matters most is that everyone agrees on the order before anyone hits.
Once the teeing order is established, maintain it throughout the round unless the group decides to play “ready golf” to speed up pace. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor on the next tee. In case of ties, the player who had the honor on the previous tee retains it.
Silence during others’ shots is perhaps the most fundamental rule of golf etiquette. When someone is preparing to hit or is in their swing, everyone else should be quiet and still. This means no talking, no practice swings, no rattling of clubs or tees, and no movement in the player’s peripheral vision. The concentration required for golf is intense, and even small distractions can significantly affect performance.
Position yourself appropriately when others are hitting. Stand where you can see the shot but are not in the player’s line of sight or directly behind them. Generally, this means standing to the side and slightly behind the person hitting. Never stand directly in front of someone who is hitting, even if you’re well out of range – it’s distracting and potentially dangerous.
Be ready to play when it’s your turn. This means having your club selected, your ball teed up, and your pre-shot routine ready to begin as soon as the previous player has finished and moved away from the tee. Waiting until it’s your turn to start thinking about club selection or to begin looking for your ball is a sure way to slow down the group.
Keep your practice swings to a minimum and take them in an appropriate location. One or two practice swings are usually sufficient, and they should be taken to the side of the tee box, not directly behind the ball where they might damage the tee area. Some golfers take so many practice swings that they’re tired before they actually hit the ball.
Keeping the Game Moving
Pace of play is perhaps the most critical aspect of golf etiquette, and it’s where many golfers unknowingly create problems for themselves and others. A round of golf should take approximately four hours for a foursome, though this can vary depending on course conditions, difficulty, and the skill level of the players.
The key to good pace of play is being ready to hit when it’s your turn. This preparation begins while others are playing their shots. Use the time while others are hitting to assess your lie, select your club, determine yardage, and plan your shot. By the time it’s your turn to play, you should be ready to step up and execute.
Walking or riding efficiently between shots is crucial for maintaining pace. If you’re walking, move at a brisk pace between shots. If you’re riding in a cart, follow cart path rules and position the cart so you can quickly access your clubs and continue to the next shot. Don’t drive the cart to one player’s ball, wait for them to hit, then drive to the other player’s ball – this wastes valuable time.
The “ready golf” concept has become increasingly popular as a way to speed up play without sacrificing the traditional honor system. Ready golf means that the player who is ready to hit goes ahead and plays, regardless of who technically has the honor. This is particularly useful on par-3s where everyone is hitting from the same tee, or when one player is significantly delayed in getting ready.
Lost ball procedures can significantly slow down pace of play if not handled properly. The rules allow five minutes to search for a lost ball, but in the interest of pace of play, many golfers limit their search to two or three minutes. If you think your ball might be lost or out of bounds, play a provisional ball to save time. This allows you to continue play without having to return to the tee if your original ball isn’t found.
Be aware of the group behind you and let them play through if you’re holding them up. If the group behind you is consistently waiting for you to clear before they can hit, and there’s a gap between your group and the group ahead of you, it’s courteous to invite the faster group to play through. This is especially important if there’s a significant skill difference between the groups.
When playing through, do so efficiently and courteously. Thank the group that’s letting you through, play quickly, and don’t hold up their play any more than necessary. Once you’ve played through, maintain an appropriate pace so you don’t create the same problem with the next group ahead.
Respecting the Most Delicate Areas
The area around the green requires special attention to etiquette because it’s where the course is most delicate and where small inconsiderations can have the biggest impact on other players’ experiences. The putting green is the most carefully maintained part of any golf course, and it deserves special respect and care.
Never walk across another player’s putting line. The line between a player’s ball and the hole is sacred territory in golf. Walking on this line can leave footprints or create small depressions that can affect the roll of the ball. Always walk around putting lines, even if it means taking a longer route to your ball or the flagstick.
Repairing ball marks is not just good etiquette – it’s essential for course maintenance. When your ball lands on the green, it often creates a small depression called a ball mark. Use a ball mark repair tool or a tee to gently lift the depressed area back to surface level, then smooth it with your putter. A properly repaired ball mark will heal within 24 hours, while an unrepaired mark can take weeks to recover and may leave a permanent scar.
The general rule is to repair your own ball mark plus one other that you find on the green. This helps ensure that the greens remain smooth and true for everyone. Some golfers make it a habit to repair several ball marks on each green, which is greatly appreciated by course maintenance staff and fellow golfers.
Flagstick etiquette has evolved with recent rule changes, but courtesy remains important. Players can now leave the flagstick in while putting, but if someone requests that it be removed, honor that request. When tending the flagstick for another player, hold it firmly to prevent it from rattling in the wind, and remove it promptly once the ball is struck.
When removing the flagstick, place it gently on the green where it won’t interfere with anyone’s line or be in the way of foot traffic. Don’t drop it or throw it, as this can damage the green. Replace the flagstick carefully when everyone has finished putting, ensuring it’s straight and properly seated in the hole.
Be mindful of where you place your golf bag or cart around the green. Keep them off the putting surface and away from the next tee to avoid interfering with other groups. Many courses have designated areas for bags and carts near each green – use these when available.
Being the Golfer Others Want to Play With
Golf etiquette isn’t about being stuffy or overly formal – it’s about being considerate, respectful, and helping everyone enjoy their round. When you follow proper etiquette, you’re contributing to the positive atmosphere that makes golf special and ensuring that the traditions of the game continue for future generations.
The golfers who are most welcome on any course are those who understand that golf is as much about how you conduct yourself as it is about how well you play. You don’t need to be a scratch golfer to be a great playing partner, but you do need to be someone who respects the game, the course, and your fellow players.
Remember that golf etiquette is learned through experience and observation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about proper protocol in a particular situation. Most golfers are happy to help newcomers learn the ropes, and showing that you care about doing things correctly is always appreciated.
The next time you’re on the course, pay attention to how your actions affect others and how you can contribute to everyone’s enjoyment of the round. Good etiquette becomes second nature with practice, and once it does, you’ll find that you enjoy the game even more because you’re playing it the way it was meant to be played.
Blog
Happy Gilmore 2: Back on the Tee, But Does It Swing?
Adam Sandler swings back into hilarious chaos with “Happy Gilmore 2,” packed with outrageous comedy, wild cameos, and plenty of nostalgic fun

Hey there, golfers and movie buffs! Ty Webb here, back with my impeccable swing and my even better taste in cinema. Today, we’re teeing up “Happy Gilmore 2,” the long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s beloved golf comedy. But is it a hole-in-one, or does it hook hard into the trees?
Right off the tee, it’s clear “Happy Gilmore 2” knows exactly who it’s playing for. Adam Sandler returns as our favorite hockey-player-turned-golfer, now battling middle-aged stiffness, overly enthusiastic influencers, and a golf industry that’s somehow gotten even wilder. Reviews have generally agreed—while the film isn’t exactly Oscar bait, it delivers exactly what fans expect: plenty of laughs, outlandish scenarios, and a nostalgic nod to the original.

One of the best parts? The cameos. Oh boy, the cameos. There’s Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), still smug, still hilarious, and still can’t putt to save his life. Then you’ve got appearances from Tiger Woods, Bill Murray (whose comedic timing remains impeccable), and even a surprise drop-in from none other than Bob Barker’s hologram, ready for round two against Happy.
The story itself is as outrageous as you’d hope. Happy gets drawn back into the competitive golf scene by a ridiculous yet irresistible premise: saving his beloved grandma’s retirement home again, now threatened by—you guessed it—a sinister corporate developer played delightfully over-the-top by Will Ferrell. The jokes land like a bucket of range balls, frequent and sometimes wildly off-target, yet somehow, that’s exactly why it works.

Critics agree the film isn’t about nuanced storytelling or thoughtful character development. It’s about watching Happy unleash his signature wind-up drive (still absurdly effective), laughably bad putting technique, and seeing Sandler gleefully poke fun at modern golf culture. Whether he’s navigating influencer-driven golf apparel or battling robotic caddies gone rogue, Happy’s misadventures remain true to his lovable, chaotic spirit.
In short, “Happy Gilmore 2” isn’t trying to win awards. It’s here for laughs, nostalgia, and to remind us that sometimes golf isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. So, grab your popcorn, practice your running swing, and prepare yourself for another ridiculous round with Happy. Just remember, the price is wrong if you don’t have a good time.
Catch you on the fairway (and at the movies), my friends!
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