The Hog Times
Built by friends, for friends, for fun.
June 2025
Dear Hog Family,
WELCOME
Welcome to the Hog Times – Vol V.
In this edition we cover a myriad of different elements which we hope you will find informative ahead of your next trip to the South West of Ireland or may inspire you to visit for your first trip in 2025.
Brady Sherwood our Director of Golf on Page 6 shares his knowledge for consistent improvements on the golf course by focusing not only on mechanics but also on course awareness and smart play. On Pages 8-9 we detail the inspiration behind our new Starters Hut on the 1st Tee and Page 13 features current availibility updates for accommodations for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Looking forward to seeing you across the fairways at Hogs Head Golf Club this Summer.
Relax and enjoy the updates.
Warm regards.
Rory O’ Sullivan General Manager
PRO TIPS
by Brady Sherwood
PGA Director of Golf
Improve Your Game and Enjoyment.
Golf is a lifelong sport, offering both challenge and reward. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, small adjustments in mindset and strategy can make a big difference—not just in your score, but in how much you enjoy each round. As golf professionals, we’ve seen that the most consistent improvements come from players who focus not only on mechanics but also on course awareness and smart play.
Here are my five professional tips to help elevate both your performance and enjoyment on the course:
MEET ROBEAR: The Guardian of Friendship
In a lush, hidden corner of our club, where nature and camaraderie thrive, lives a unique and steadfast companion: RoBear. Crafted from vibrant green foliage and standing proudly amidst the wild, RoBear is not just a sculpture— he’s a symbol of friendship, unity, and good times.
1. Play to Your Strengths
Rather than trying to mimic a pro’s game or hit shots you aren’t comfortable with, focus on what you do best. Choose clubs and shot types that suit your natural abilities. Confidence in your strengths leads to more consistent and enjoyable play.
2. Prioritize Smart Course Management
Before each shot, assess the safest and smartest option. Consider hazards, wind, and pin placement. Sometimes laying up short of trouble is wiser than taking a risky approach. Thinking your way around the course often beats aggressive play.
3. Practice with Purpose
Instead of hitting bucket after bucket at the range, practice specific skills—chipping from different lies, putting from varied distances, or hitting a consistent 80% swing. Targeted practice helps build real oncourse confidence.
4. Learn the Greens
Putting is where good rounds become great. Spend time reading slopes and understanding green speeds. A solid pre-putt routine and better green reading can dramatically lower your scores with little change to your swing.
5. Enjoy the Round
Remember, golf is as much about the experience as it is about the score. Enjoy the scenery, celebrate good shots, and don’t let bad holes ruin your day. A positive mindset often leads to better results—and makes every round more fun.
By focusing on these principles, our Hogs can get more out of every round—both in performance and enjoyment. Golf is a game of improvement, but it’s also a game to be enjoyed.
Legend has it that RoBear was brought to life through the collective spirit of friends who dreamed of a space built by friends, for friends, for fun. His cheerful presence and grounded stance remind us of the core values that shape our community—loyalty, laughter, and lasting memories.
RoBear stands watch as members gather to share stories, laughter, and moments of connection.
Whether you’re celebrating a win, enjoying a quiet conversation, or just soaking in the good vibes, RoBear is there—rooted, steadfast, and always welcoming.
OUR NEW STARTERS HUT
Eight miles from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of Iveragh Peninsula you will find the island of Skellig Michael, one of the most enigmatic and remote sacred sites of all Europe.
Little is known about the origins of the Celtic monastic settlement. Local lore associates it with St. Fionan, the Kerry saint, while other sources suggest that the first monks could have been Coptic Monks fleeing Roman and Byzantine persecution in the 6th century.
The first known historical reference to the island comes from the end of the 5th century when the King of Munster, pursued by the King of Cashel, fled to Skellig. Another early mention of Skellig is found in the Annals of Innisfallen from 823 AD, which says: “Skellig was plundered by the heathen and Eitgal (the abbot) was carried off and he died of hunger
on their hands.” From the early 9th century, the Vikings repeatedly pillaged the monastery, killing many of its inhabitants. The monks endured, however, and legends tell that in 993 AD, the Viking Olav Trygvasson, who later became the king of Norway and introduced Christianity to that country, was baptized by a hermit on Skellig Michael. The site was finally abandoned sometime in the 13th century and many of the monks moved to the monastery of Ballinskelligs on the mainland.
The small cluster of six ‘beehive’ huts, two oratories and small terraces are located 714 feet above sea level, after a steep climb of 600 stone steps. Facing southward and sheltered from the winds, the site was favoured by hermits and monks wanting to live far remote from normal life.
Construction of the New Starters Hut which was commissioned by Gail Alvarez who was inspired by the ancient Bee Hive Huts from Skellig Michael.
COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS INTO IRELAND
For those traveling via private aircraft, Kerry Airport remains available for your convenience throughout the season. Our Hogs Head fleet of ground vehicles and helicopters awaits you and your guests for in-country and airport transfers.
Flights to / from Shannon
Flights to / from the USA: Boston, New York, Chicago.
Flights from Europe: London, Paris, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Naples, Budapest, Malta.
Flights to / from Cork
Flights to / from Kerry
Flights to / from Europe: Zurich, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels, Barcelona, Bordeaux, Milan, Rome, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester.
Flights to / from Europe: Dublin, London Frankfurt, Manchester, Normandy, Brittany, Alicante.
Flights to / from Dublin
Flights to / from the USA: Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Nashville, Indianapolis.
Flights to / from Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary.
Flights to / from Europe/Rest of World: London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Milan, Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Barcelona, Stockholm, Geneva, Brussels, Lisbon, Helsinki, Dubai, Istanbul, Doha.
HH AIR UPDATE
The newest addition to our fleet, our second Gulfstream GV, has been an exciting addition for the 2026 season. This aircraft is equipped with global satellite Wi-Fi and of course our signature Maize and Blue livery. Our Hog Air aircraft are ready and waiting for our Hog family for a convenient and efficient mode of transport into and out of Kerry Airport the 2026 golf season. For those interested in
reserving an on-demand charter or simply a few seats on one of our aircraft as always, please reach out to our Hog Air team at amaircraftservices@a-m-inc.com should you have any additional specific questions. The Team is still accepting requests for full and shared charters along with any Tournament travel for the 2026 season.
2025 AVAILABILITY UPDATE
The 2025 golf season is in full swing! For those of you who have yet to plan your 2025 escape to a sun-soaked Hogs Head, we strongly encourage you to contact Erin Fitzgerald and our Concierge Team. Rest assured, there remains pockets of availability during certain periods for the remainder of the season as noted below:
• Tuesday July 1st – Monday July 7th: Spend the 4th of July in our piece of paradise, celebrate Independence Day - Irish style.
• Sunday July 20th – Monday July 28th: The end of July comes to life following our back-to-back tournaments! The long days continue and one can enjoy a late evening round in the summer sun.
• Tuesday August 26th – Wednesday September 3rd: Enjoy the last days of summer and a few rounds of golf now that schools and colleges have returned. Spend time in Hog Heaven just as the summer comes to a close and right before the Labor Day holiday.
As always, availability is not limited to the above dates. For those Hogs with specific dates and/or time periods in mind, please reach out to our Concierge Services Team at your soonest convenience.
THE GRAPE
Every great meal deserves a great glass of wine. Over the past few years, we have been diligently tending to our cellar to ensure that we offer our guests variety and value in our restaurants and rooms.
Head Sommelier, Alton Scott, joined the team in August 2024. Since then, he has been busy sourcing the best vintages from the best vineyards. With over 30 years in the industry from Retail to Michelin rated restaurants, Alton has developed a deep knowledge and passion for wine.
Value is at our core for our members, which is why the majority of prices on our list would rival your local wine store. Remarkable producers such as Gaja, Raveneau, Littorai, Chateau Rayas and Mouton Rothschilds can be found to name but a few.
… AND THE GRAIN!
Whiskey is at the fore in our bars. Whiskey’s origins trace back to ancient distillation practices in Mesopotamia, later refined by Irish and Scottish monks around the 15th century. These early spirits, known as “uisce beatha” or “water of life,” evolved into the whiskey we know today. In Scotland and Ireland, distinct styles developed — Scotch and Irish whiskey. The craft spread to America in the 18th century, birthing bourbon and Tennessee whiskey.
Our list of libations is ever evolving from large behemoths like Bushmills, Irish Distillers and Mitchells & Sons Spot collection to more artisan and local producers such as Killowen and The Liberator. We carefully craft the list to offer a whiskey to everyone’s taste.
In Jack & Bills Halfway House, we have created a Frozen Irish Coffee Milkshake for guests looking for a pick me up for the back 9. The best accompaniment to one of our grilled to order smash burgers
PROSHOP
When you arrive to the Pro Shop you will be greeted by some new faces, Jennifer, Molly and Shauna but please don’t worry you will also see the familiar faces of Leanne, Gerardine, Orla and Emily. The team is excited to welcome you and show off the new collections.
For June we have expanded the colour selection, for both ladies and gents, on the stunning Greyson Koko hoodie. This piece, is a wool and cashmere blend which gives a wonderful, snuggly, and cosseted feel.
There are some new belts coming from the very talented team at Smathers and Branson – we are eagerly awaiting this delivery.
The team is ready and waiting to help you explore our new collections, to ensure you and your loved ones are ‘Hogged Up’.
TIES
Our stunning Hog ties are handmade in London, they are 100% silk. A mini-Hog is scattered across the tie with a larger Hog at the bottom. These ties are available in navy and a beautiful racing green.
The Hog branded Yeti tumblers help you take on the day, whether you would like your coffee kept hot or your ice-cold drink kept ice cold.
Our Yeti tumblers come in black, navy, white and turquoise.
TASC HOODIE
This is one of the teams’ favourite products. TASC use sustainable materials and this super soft, light weight hoodie is made of bamboo and organic cotton. It has a fitted hood, thumbholes at the cuff and no shoulder seam to annoy you. We have this in a variety of colours, including this heathered sage green.
HOLDERNESS & BOURNE, SULLIVAN SWEATER
The Sullivan sweater has snap-button closure, soft fabric with diamond quilted print on the fabric. This is a wonderful product that works on the golf course and also at the 19th!
YETI
GAIL’S SPA MUSCLE
RE-ENERGISE
(60 minutes / 90 minute)
Soothe aching muscles with our targeted “Muscle Re-Energise” treatment.
This therapeutic experience combines heated Himalayan salt stone massage with deep tissue techniques to alleviate tight, tense muscles.
The unique properties of Himalayan salt, rich in magnesium, penetrate deep into the muscles, promoting natural recovery and easing tension.
To further enhance the benefits of magnesium, the treatment concludes with a refreshing magnesium spray to accelerate muscle recovery for you to take home.
This Magnesium spray is specially blended and exclusive to Gail’s Spa.
A little bit about us…
The best bit of advice I’ve ever received?
This would be from my grandad. I was lucky to have him living with us for nearly 8 years. My grandad was awarded an MBE for his services during the war – he was such a character so I may be paraphrasing slightly.
‘Jennifer, do what you love, be with who you love, surround yourself with a small group of people that will go to war with you and always protect you. Life is too short to waste. If you are ever in doubt have a brandy (grandad’s tipple of choice) and ask yourself, ‘What would grandad say – you know the answer’’.
In another life I would have been?
A mum
The last book I read in the past year?
Ina Garten’s biography.
We are a real foodie family. I was bought up by my Mumsie to cook from scratch; if we aren’t talking food, cooking, creating recipes we will be watching cooking programmes. We love Ina and her husband Jeffery.
Jennifer Hillyard
Pro Shop Manager
The last piece of music I listened to?
I’m not sure. I was most likely in the gym so it would have been Bon Jovi
The thing I could not do without?
My Mumsie
A place that is important to me?
Cape Canaveral, Florida – this is my home away from home, my happy place.
What is your favorite thing about living in South West Kerry?
The scenery and food (also the wine at Dooleys)
What do you enjoy most about Hogs Head Golf Club ?
It has been so lovely to meet the Hogs over the last 5 weeks, they have given me such a warm welcome. However, the most enjoyment I get is from working with the girls in the shop – they are very special ladies, their work ethic is incredible and such fun to be around.
Caelan McCarthy Senior Duty Manager
The best bit of advice I’ve ever received?
“You get what you work for not what you wish for” from my uncle, Martin who lived by this motto and ran a very successful coach and transportation business.
In another life I would have been?
A Pilot
What’s your favourite car?
BMW M5 F90
The last piece of music I listened to?
Superman by Morgan Wallen
The thing I could not do without?
Pizza
A place that is important to me?
“Mike Murts” - The best bar in Cahersiveen.
What is your favourite thing about living in South West Kerry?
The Weather, Four Seasons in one day.
What do you enjoy most about Hogs Head Golf Club ?
No two days are the same, I like the variety and I love meeting all the Hogs and working with a diverse group of people from all over the world.
ST FINIAN’S NATIONAL SCHOOL GOLF CLASSIC
In April this year prior to our seasonal opening we hosted a Golf Classic Fundraiser for St Finian’s National School in Waterville. 30 teams participated and the proceeds of the day went to acquiring 17 Educational Chromebooks for the School to aid with the development and learnings of all 110 pupils who attend St Finian’s. Education in such a small rural part of Ireland is integral to our future development
Pic L-R – Rory O’ Sullivan General Manager, David O’Leary Principal St Finian’s National School, Brady Sherwood Director of Golf and David Daly Golf Superintendent join some of the children of St Finian’s National School with the Chromebooks.
2025
at Hogs Head Golf Club and there is a huge desire to protect and nourish learnings as much as we can and we were delighted to host the event. It was so rewarding to play an active role in the sustainability and evolution of community life in Waterville and we could not think of a better cause to support than St Finian’s National School.
Hogs Head Team
Interesting things TO DO
IN THE AREA
Kerry Dark Sky Reserve
Did you know that Hogs Head Golf Club sits in the middle of the Dark Sky Reserve the only Gold Tier Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere? We can arrange a tour given by Aoibheann Lambe on the property subject to weather conditions and availability. Aoibheann, an archaeologist and leading specialist in petroglyphs, is particularly interested in the association between astronomy and prehistoric archaeology. Trained as a Dark Sky guide by University College Cork in 2014, she is the director of the annual Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival and manager of the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve.
Skellig Coast Dark Sky tours take place throughout the year and have a duration of c. 1.5 hours. Using a fun intuitive technique developed by Aoibheann, teaches people how to identify the best-known constellations in the northern hemisphere and how to find planets, galaxies, star nurseries and black holes in the night sky. Tours can start as late as 11pm in June and July! Those who stay up late into the early hours on clear summer nights get fantastic views of the Milky Way. Contact the Concierge Services Team to make a booking.
Heritage Hills Farm Waterville
Looking to experience the life on an Irish farm. Heritage Hills farm provides farm tours with sheep herding and alpaca feeding on a third generation working farm only 10 miles from Waterville. Get up close with the animals.
Oileán Adventures
Hiking tours with a guide
Hiking tours around Ballinskelligs, Cahersiveen and Valentia Island can be arranged with a professional guide approx. 3-4 hours in duration. Explore the flora and fauna of the area while hiking the rugged landscape learning about the folklore, geology and history.
