This golf vacation to Ireland is coming fast. In just about twenty days I’ll be swinging my golf clubs up and down on the Irish links. My golf traveling buddy, Noreen, spent most of last weekend practicing her packing! I have to laugh. I usually pack my bags about two hours before leaving home, though I must admit, for this trip I have been thinking a bit ahead. Especially about a few essentials. The weather in Ireland can be pretty shifty. Cold and damp in the morning, warm and breezy by mid-day and back to thunderclouds by late afternoon—you have to think layers. Lots of layers. And a waterproof hat. I have a DryJoy cap and a Tilley Hat I could bring. No golf umbrella. That’s just one more thing to lose.

I’ve been reading a bit of travel books and listening to those who have played golf in Ireland before. One thing they do recommend is to bring an extra pair of golf shoes. The first pair is sure to get wet and soggy at some point and you need at least 24 hours to let them dry out while you wear a second pair. So I dug about in the closets and found an old pair of golf shoes I can bring. They are still in pretty good shape but the soft spikes need to be replaced. They are totally shot! Perhaps that is why I was slipping and sliding and swaying at the end of last season?

One other thing I’ve heard from previous travelers: Bring your own golf balls. Apparently golf balls are outrageously expensive in Ireland. Don’t know why. But I will pack a dozen with the high hopes that I won’t lose them all. That may be optimistic. On a new course with lots of brooks and ponds, my balls always like to swim. Maybe I’ll bring two dozen just in case.

One thing I know I don’t need to bring is a road map. Thankfully we will be escorted by the women who run the redtees.ie tour group and they are doing all the driving. I was nearly squashed in a head-on car crash on one of the narrow back roads of Kilkenny the last time I was on the old sod. Sorry… when it comes to near death experiences, I prefer alternatives to the cow paths they call roads. (Apologies Ireland, no insult intended.)

Perhaps I should take a cue from Noreen, and begin to pile up the essentials near the suitcase. At least I should make a list.

To all readers of this blog: I would really appreciate any advice you might have to give about what to bring, carry, leave at home, etc. Post your ideas in the comment area below. And thanks in advance.