It's alway sunny the first day of a golf trip to Ireland

Considering all the hurdles it takes to get here – a ride to the airport, two planes, customs, a rental car – I’d call my first day in Ireland a success.

I didn’t get the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow but I did get the perfect shot of the clubhouse at Portmarnock Golf Club above.

I hopped right off the plane and played the very cool Portmarnock Hotel Links Course, a place I knew nothing about that is right next store to the more famous Portmarnock old course. As my threesome and caddie finished our round, it began raining heavily. Once again perfect timing. After a pint in the clubhouse, my group parted ways.

I headed over to Portmarnock Golf Club to see the Old course for the first time. It was sunny and pleasant, not at all what I expected from looking at the harrowing forecast. I played photographer for a bit and walked the back nine to get some shots. It geared me up for my round tomorrow morning.

I would write more, but my body and brain’s a mess. I’m bushed after sleeping about two hours on the overnight flight from JFK Kennedy Airport to Dublin and then going out to walk 27 holes. I’ll sleep good tonight with a belly full of seafood chowder, prawns and Guinness. Links golf, unpredictable weather, good seafood, great Guinness. Only in Ireland, my friends.