An Emerald Odyssey: In Search of the Gods of Golf and Ireland - Hardcover

Paul J. Zingg

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1905172567 ISBN 13: 9781905172566

Publisher: The Collins Press, 2008

Synopsis

There are many ways to uncover the history and culture of Ireland. Paul J. Zingg was beckoned by the golf courses and finds them a magnificent blend of landscape, history, mythology and mystery. Coastal Ballybunion, Portmarnock and Royal County Down echo Ireland's isolation, and their severe, elemental nature can lead one to invoke heavenly assistance. Near Waterville Golf Links Staigue Fort speaks of early invaders and Penal times are recalled by the mass rock below the twelfth green. It was the Black Watch Regiment who brought golf to Lahinch in 1892, where the goats have acted as a barometer. The Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has the best combination of setting, history and natural history, where the tenth hole is called Heaven s Own Reflex. At Druid's Glen in Wicklow at the twelfth, among a grove of sacred oaks, are the remains of a druid altar. In contrast, Mount Juliet and The K Club represent what money can do to the land. Along the way he encounters the spirit of Eddie Hackett, first Irish golf architect, Christy O'Connor Sr, the caddie Chuckie O'Connell a lost ball is captured by the gods and Pat Ruddy, journalist and course designer. Kinsale's Old Head Links, where the main casualties are adjectives and golf balls, represents the new Irish economy and value system. This journey through Ireland's landscape and culture provides a fresh perspective on golf in Ireland and on Ireland.

About this title

Product Description:

Paul Zingg finds the golf courses of Ireland to be a magnificent blend of landscape, history, mythology and mystery. Near Waterville Golf Links, Staigue Fort speaks of early invaders. At Druid's Glen, Wicklow, at the twelfth hole, among a grove of sacred oaks, are the remains of a druid altar. A fresh perspective on golf in Ireland and on Ireland.

Review:

Paul Zingg's book is an appropriate testament to the Irish game, which is still played as it was 200 years ago. --Greg Norman

You will enjoy reading him and then taking regular breaks to muse and enjoy life and golf as never before. --Pat Ruddy

About this edition

• Publisher: The Collins Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1905172567
• ISBN 13: 9781905172566
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192