Irish Golf Desk

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And if the hole was 15 inches wide? Royal Tara to experiment

Brian Keogh

You too can feel like Rory McIlroy. The 15 inch cup certainly speeds up the game.

Shaving a golf hole that's just four and a quarter inches in diameter is one of the most frustrating feelings in golf. But if you've ever wondered how much fun — and how much quicker — the game might be if it was 15 inches in diameter, you now have your chance.

John Byrne, the PGA professional at Royal Tara Golf Club in Co Meath is running a nine-hole competition with a 15" cup this Friday, 19 September.

"It certainly makes the game easier," says John. "I have over 200 golfers now booked to play. The response has been amazing. It's only nine holes and open to anyone holding a GUI handicap.

"I've tested it on 220 members who played in my Professionals Prize to the members and EVERYONE loved it. I only had one hole-out that day, so nine holes should be great craic if nothing else.

"It's great for kids, beginners and dormant golfers looking for something fun. The other day I had a two-handicapper and his non golfing wife in the store. He hit three putts from 25 ft and missed all three. She holed three out of three. The we're rolling around the green laughing.

"It's also great for golfers who are time poor. I had two guys play nine holes in a buggy in 40 minutes.

How can you possibly miss? Royal Tara's John Byrne with one of his 15 inch cups.

"Taylormade are backing this under their Hack Golf Programme in the US and score wise, they reckon it's four shots easier per nine holes and there's no messing about inside 10 feet.

"I think it's a massive benefit to the game as it helps juniors or beginners get their first par or birdie. Golf's problem is guys compare themselves to scores shot on tour every week.

"That's obviously unrealistic but we still compare. This event helps guys get closer to that dream score of breaking par. 

"I'm a member of an affinity programme with Taylormade called Tmag Staff. That's my connection. We have had a massive response and it's generated great interest on social media."

Check the 15" cup in this video. http://www.golf.com/video/could-15-inch-cup-save-golf

It may not be too late to play Royal Tara on Friday.