Inside the Ropes of the Rick Shiels Collaboration
Hi everyone, Aaron here from mygolfGroup Travel. With the golfing season wrapping up, we've been reflecting on some of the standout moments from this year. One highlight that truly stands out is our incredible collaboration with Rick Shiels. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and share the story of how this partnership with the renowned Rick Shiels came to life.
Pictured from left to right: Rick, Eoin Francis (Managing director), Aaron Howard (Sales Manager and Head of Inbound Travel),
How it began
It all began in January this year at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, where I initiated a collaboration with Rick Shiels. It's incredible to think that it all started with a single social media post. During the PGA Show, Rick shared a post asking for recommendations and expressing his interest in a golf tour in Ireland. We reached out to his team and arranged a quick chat at the show. This opportunity allowed me not only to create a bucket-list golf tour for him but also to experience playing alongside him.
Putting together the perfect package
Back at the office over the next few weeks, our team worked together to craft an unforgettable bucket list golf trip for Rick. We secured tee times at some of the world's most prestigious courses and arranged for him to relax in style at the most luxurious hotels across Ireland. Every detail was meticulously planned to ensure this would be a golf experience. Just like we do with all our clients.
Rick’s arrival to Ireland
When Rick arrived in Ireland, he didn’t waste any time—he was scheduled to head straight to the tee box at Royal County Down on Monday morning. However, with 25mm of rain pouring down that day, plans had to be adjusted. However, that doubled the fun for Tuesday, as he ended up playing Royal County Down and Ardglass, with a long 36 holes!
The Donegal adventure
After a day like that, it’s fair to say that Rick thoroughly enjoyed the luxury of staying at the Rosapenna Golf Resort that night, resting up for the next day's challenge on one of their three championship courses, St. Patrick's Links. The newest of the World's Top 100 golf courses, it is a spectacle like no other. While in the town of Downings, everyone visits the Harbour Bar for a creamy pint, and Rick is no different.
Up next: The prestigious Royal Portrush
However, there was no time to lose, as Rick teed off next at Royal Portrush, alongside head professional Gary O’Neill, who even played in the 148th Open Championship at Portrush back in 2019. The result of that match remains disclosed, but we enjoyed some refreshments afterward to prepare for the final round.
Wrapping up in Portstewart
Finally, the last course of this incredible journey was the stunning Portstewart—a perfect way to wrap up the trip. Some have you may have seen my mullet flowing in the breeze that day (less of a breeze, more of a gale). I very much enjoyed teeing it up (and hitting it past) the man himself. Although he got the better of me in our £10 match, I was the real winner, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and memories that I will have forever. Although, I certainly hope he will give me a shot at redemption, who knows what the future holds...
Rick's Bonus Trip
Rick enjoyed his trip so much that he decided to come back and squeeze in another two courses. The Glasheedy Links at Ballyliffin and Green Castle Golf Club.
A little bit about where Rick played:
First stop: Royal County Down
Royal County Down is consistently rated as one of the top golf stops globally. It is one of the most scenic links in the setting of the Mourne Mountains and looks over Dundrum Bay.
That same day: Ardglass
Ardglass is an 18-hole course that hugs the Northeast of Ireland and provides stunning views as well as a unique course layout.
Our Donegal swing: Rosapenna
Located in Northwest of Ireland, Rosapenna is a premier golf destination hosting three of the finest links golf courses in Ireland.
Next stop: Royal Portrush
Royal Portrush is a world-class golfing experience that is on the backdrop of the Giants Causeway, it is described as one of the most fun golf courses that you will find.
Finally: Portstewart
Portstewart hosted the 2017 Dubai duty-free Irish Open which was won by Jon Rahm described the course as 'amazing' and ‘one of the one most beautiful course that I have ever seen, if not the most’.
The bonus trip
Ballyliffin
Ballyliffin is regarded as one of the finest links complexes in Ireland hosting two prestigious courses; The Glasheedy Links and the Old Links.
Green Castle:
Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of the Inishowen Peninsula lies the stunning 18-hole links course called Greencastle Golf Club.
I hope that Rick’s trip can inspire you to book that dream bucket list holiday for next year. With Portrush hosting the Open next summer, courses are already in high demand, so we strongly encourage you to enquire now to create unforgettable golf experiences together in 2025.
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