June 21, 2012

The California Golden Bear women's golf team continued their tour of the golf courses of Ireland, playing Killeen Castle on the fourth day of the trip. Senior Daniela Holmqvist sent this report from the road.

We woke up to the sound of rain this morning at our hotel in Temple Bar. However it was not really hard motivating yourself to get ready as we were headed to play Killeen Castle.

Yes, going somewhere that has "castle" in it's name would be a drive for many. However for me and my teammates it was the thought that we would get to play the 2011 Solheim Cup Course. Killeen Castle is also the home of the Ladies European Tour Event 'Irish Open', an event that I hope to get to play in the near future.

We were greeted by some great people, lead by Head Golf Professional, Paul McCanny who are lucky to be able to call Killeen Castle their work place. Aside from the great experience playing the course, we all know that today meant war on the course. War in the sense that the "Nor-Cal team" was on top of the leaderboard with 2 points to the "Euro Team" with 1 point and the "Freshies" (Freshman) are yet to win a point.

The course was is in absolutely great condition and the fact that there is a stunning castle overlooking the Nicklaus designed course made the experience unforgettable.

We played approximately the same tees from which the Solheim Cup was played.

For me it meant a lot to play Killeen Castle as I have heard so many great things about the course. But also to have watched some of my Swedish friends winning the Solheim cup there last year made it even more special to actually play. Appropriately team Europe did win today's match with 2 under par to the Freshies team with 1 under and NorCal with 1 over par.

It was an absolutely great and challenging day, an experience that I think we all will take with us. Tomorrow will be our last round of golf and also the last day for the Ireland team competition. The last round will be played at Portmarnock, a very famous links course.

Please check back in tomorrow to read about the final day of the Irleand trip and to find out what team will win the prestigious match play between NorCals, Europeans and Freshies.