If you play the game of golf with any sort of regularity you'll know that there are different factors that make your round more or less enjoyable.
Company is one, as a bad playing partner can really stink up the entire experience, so it's always best to get a group you know won't ruin the atmosphere. The weather is another one, as wind and rain can amplify the frustration when things don't go to plan, and lastly, you've got the course.
Typically, due to the work week or school, most golfers can't get out until the weekend, so it's a given that Saturday or Sunday rounds will be heavily populated, and that brings us on to the first reason why a mid-week game of golf is the best way to go.
Less traffic on the course means a steady pace and less stress.
Tipperary hurlers Pat Fox and Séamus Callanan taking it handy there.
We've all played in front of an aggressive wannabe pro, or behind a group taking their sweet time and lining each putt up like it's to win a major. Whether you're worrying about where that maniac's drive is going to land, or considering skipping a hole or two to overtake the slowpokes, a quieter course is more conducive to an enjoyable time.
If you can manage to escape the office or get a day off, there are few better ways to spend it than room to pace yourself on a course.
Especially if you're not a regular player and are less confident, the extra time and relaxed atmosphere are a big help.
It's just significantly cheaper
If you look around for offers on green fees, you can play some absolutely sensational courses around Ireland for next to nothing.
Prices are obviously going to be higher on the weekends, and you can grab some cracking offers on voucher sites if you've got the flexibility to book a mid-week tee time. Carton House in particular are offering some amazing mid week deals at the moment, which you can check out below.
The knowledge that your friends and colleagues are doing something far less enjoyable
That smug, satisfying feeling that your colleagues are coop up in an office or stuck in a lecture while you're basking in the clang of titanium echoing aroud the countryside, it's tough to beat.
Snapchats and Instagram posts to rub it in are par for the course as well.
You can dedicate your weekend to watching sports, including golf
If you're someone who needs to get a round in every week, then stacked weekends of sport can make that a problem. Whether it's rugby, or a big Premier League game, or even a golf major in our timezone, it's never good to have to check the scores after every other hole if you're out while it's happening.
Play mid-week, finish in time for some Champions League action, and have your weekend free to binge on more live sports.
Having a round planned makes the work week easier to digest
If you're playing on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon, it's a much easier target to aim for than holding out for 5pm on a Friday. Even if you don't have the whole day off, having something to look forward to makes a big difference.
That's not to say you even have to shut off from work, which brings us onto our next point..
But it can still be about business if needs be
Deals get done on the golf course. This is a fact.
If you can take hold a meeting while making your way around the local golf club, everyone's happier. It's OK if you feel a little bit like Tony Soprano.
Getting a chance to chat to the older members in the clubhouse.
So if you've managed to make it out for a round during the week, you're fortunate, as there are many more golfers day-dreaming about the very thing you're doing. The only other people on the course and around the club will be a few serious solo flyers, and the retired folk who love the game.
Getting to know the long-serving members at your golf club is a very good idea. For the younger lads, it's vital to let them know you're not an eejit, and they're always good for a yarn about a famous person who played there before.
Carton House are offering some amazing deals for mid-week golf at the moment, including:
Bed & Putter from €100 per person sharing.
This offer includes overnight accommodation with full Irish breakfast for two people sharing and golf on either the Montgomery or the O’Meara course, subject to availability.
Book Here
Tee & toast from €35 per person
This offer includes golf on either the Montgomery or the O’Meara course - subject to availability with complimentary full Irish breakfast on arrival.
(Minimum Two People) Book Here
