Autumn is here and so too Golfest as Fota Island gets into the Oktoberfest spirit.  Now in it’s second year, Golfest will be run on more than a dozen separate dates in October.  For €59 golfers can enter the Oktoberfest competition and also avail a special meal after their round.  Embracing the tradition of Oktoberfest the menu features chicken schnitzel, bratwurst with a sourdough baguette or venison hotpot. Dinner is served with a pint of Chieftain IPA, finishing off the Oktoberfest experience for golfers.  All competitions will be held on the Deerpark course which successfully hosted the Irish Open in 2014.  The best score registered at the end of the month will win the top prize of a custom fit set of Callaway Apex Irons.  Dates and times are available throughout October and bookings can be made online or by contacting the Pro Shop in Fota Island.  The competition starts next week with times available on Thursday and Friday.  Last year the resort ran a similar event, with a top prize of a trip to Munich for the overall winner.  Despite a huge number of entries and stiff competition, the top prize went to Billy O’Donovan from Dunmore Golf Club.

Golfest available on the following dates:

October 5th, 6th, 8th
October 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th
October 23rd, 25th and 26th
October 27th to 30th

Fota Island has stood the test of time when it comes to winter golf and is as playable in winter as it is in summer.  Over two decades of extensive investment over in drainage and sanding programmes have resulted in a wonderful year-round playing surface.  When the work of the large greenkeeping team is added, it means that the three course configuration in Fota is always presented in top class condition.

Fota Island Resort, has been the host venue for the Irish Open on three separate occasions and there are hope locally that the showpiece European Tour event cold return to Cork in the next few years.  While the 2018 event has been confirmed for Ballyliffin, hopes are building that Fota Island will be included in a shortlist of venues for the 2019 staging.  With Royal Portrush hosting the 2019 Open Championship, it’s likely that the Irish Open will be staged in the south of the country.