St. Patrick's Day brings back fond memories of golf in Ireland, Guinness and corned beef in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Suddenly, I’ve got a hankering for Guinness and corned beef and cabbage. Must be St. Patrick’s Day.

Oh, the memories are fond.

I’ve been across the pond twice to play golf in Ireland. And both times, the weather was pretty much miserable. It was cold. The wind was blowing, the rain was coming down sideways in sheets, and we played 36 holes a day. We were in heaven.

When we get weather like that here in the Houston area, we don’t leave the house, much less play golf.

But it’s different over there. You expect it. You dress for it, and you know the semi-cold draught and Ireland’s wonderful soups and breads are waiting in the clubhouse.

A few years ago, a group of us went over to play a match ? Yanks vs. Brits at Ballybunion’s Old Course.

It was blowing so hard that you had to aim your tee shots into the Atlantic Ocean to bring them back in the fairway. You hit 3-irons into the wind from 100 yards. Keeping it on the tee was darn near impossible. Putting was an adventure as well.

A couple of guys in our group broke 80. Unbelievable. Not me, of course.

Recently I found a place in Scottsdale, Ariz., called O’Donoghue’s. Check out the story I wrote on GolfArizona.com.

Owned by an Irishman, you’ll not find a better shepherd’s pie anywhere. And the Irish Sliders - corned beef and sauerkraut on little sourdough buns - are perfect with O’Donoghue’s perfect pour.

Makes me hungry just thinking about it.