Friday meant an early start from the Ballymascanlon Hotel ("Ballymac" for short) in anticipation of our longest bus ride of the trip. After two and a half hours from Dundalk to Portrush, Co.Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland, the bus arrived at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

We were met by Graeme Beatt, course manager since November, 2014. He explained the upcoming changes to the course in anticipation of their hosting either the 2019 or 2020 British Open (announcement Tuesday.) Check out his turf blog here.

Everyone enjoyed the course and knowing of its significance in golf history.

Non-golfers toured Dunluce Castle, The Giants Causeway and a number of other local sites. All of these attractions were close to the course and allowed for a leisurely day.

Some photos from Royal Portrush:

Serious bunker. Photoshop magic reveals Mark Kachmarek in there, hitting out (or attempting to).

Fescue, heather and a bit of gorse.

Construction of a new tee in anticipation of The Open.

Not sure what Joel Kachmarek is contemplating there, but it looks serious. Counting his strokes? :-)

Joan Colleran, Jorge Croda and Mark Fuller with their caddie (l).

Jon Kiger with Scott Schukraft and Mike Cook.

Joel Kachmarek, Cheryl Crowther and Mark Kachmarek, with their caddie.

Matthew Tacilauskas flanked by Tom Gosselin and John Gosselin.

Upon arrival back in Dundalk, twelve travelers attended the Dundalk Football Club (SSE Airtricity League Premier Division champions) match versus Galway United at Oriel Park. The group met the legendary Lilywhite (team nickname for their white jerseys) player and radio commentator John Murphy, who welcomed the group with an on-air announcement. The game ended in a 0-0 tie.

(Dundalk FC photo)

Matt Crowther and Kas Kachmarek (father of Joel and Mark) compare notes in the Lilywhite Lounge at halftime.

Next up: Nine hole scramble friendly golf event at the Ballymascanlon home course. Then off to Dublin for a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and checking into the Radisson Hotel.