Ireland is seen by many to be the spiritual home of bucket-list golf.

So why is it becoming almost impossible to actually play?

In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Smurfit — former Director of Golf at The K Club and one of the most connected voices in Irish golf — to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes.

Episode Links: Sharon's Website, Sharon's Instagram, Subscribe to Sharon's Newsletter, Talk Golf Ireland

From sold-out tee sheets and soaring green fees to the “links bias” shaping Top 100 lists, Sharon gives us an insider’s view of modern Irish golf: who benefits, who gets squeezed, and why availability — not price — is the real battleground.

We also dive into:
• What it’s actually like running a Ryder Cup venue
• Celebrity moments (including Seve casually in the pro shop)
• Why some world-class courses never make the lists
• Hidden gem Irish courses worth your time
• The future of women’s golf in Ireland

If you’re planning an Ireland golf trip — or wondering whether the boom has gone too far — this episode might change how you see it.

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