Lahinch Golf Club & Pons Asinorum

I played the Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland in September 2024.

On the 17th hole I discovered the hole was named "Pons Asinorum." I asked the caddies (Rocky & Olly) what that meant. Not only did they not know what it meant, they never even knew the hole had that name. Despite caddying there for many many years.

I was also unfamiliar with the term "pons asinorum." The first dictionary definition I read said "the point at which many learners fail, especially a theory or formula that is difficult to grasp." So I thought maybe it meant the hole didn't look difficult but actually was. Another definition is that it is a "stumbling block."

Deeper into the definition I found that it is also a geometry term for the proposition that "the angles opposite the two equal sides of an isosceles triangle are equal." Also I found that the literal translation is that is is an "ass's bridge." Maybe the golfer is the ass and this is the bridge or hole we are going across on the way to the 18th and final hole? There is no actual bridge on the hole.

Reviewing the layout of the hole it does have a split fairway. So I believe the most likely explanation for the name is that both approaches on either side of the fairway offer an equal angle in to the green.

Review of Lahinch: 17/18 (one point taken off for slow pace of play)
Review of Lahinch caddies: 100/100.