golfers guide to ireland 2014

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SERVING THE GOLF INDUSTRY FOR 23 YEARS FULL GOLF COURSE AND ACCOMMODATION INDEX STARTS ON PAGE 92
GOLFERS GUIDE TO
Detailed map of courses in this region on next page
EAST The PAGE 25
LEINSTER was for all intents and purposes the recreational playground for many of Ireland’s literary giants notably Goldsmith, Beckett, Joyce, Kavanagh, and Behan, all of whom left their literary imprint there in times past. Its history goes back to the Vikings and any day of the week you hear of some archaeological dig or other uncovering remnants of its early past. Leinster occupies the eastern quarter of the island of Ireland with Dublin, the country’s capital, it’s largest city. If you take a compass, place its point in Dublin and draw a 60 mile radius semi-circle - you now have a broad outline of the area covered by the province. In many ways Leinster is a microcosm of all the delights you can find in Ireland - and all within a 60 mile radius of Dublin’s air and sea ports. Leinster’s golf ranges over traditional and modern, from links to parkland. The quality of golf is superb. The Irish and European Opens, and Irish PGA and Golfing Union of Ireland amateur championships have been hosted by clubs in this region. But not only that, the 2006 Ryder Cup was played at the K Club in Co. Kildare. Leinster region a great choice of courses to play! Counties in the East / Leinster: Carlow,
Dublin,
Kildare,
Laois,
Longford,
Louth,
Meath,
Offaly,
Kilkenny,
Rosslare Golf Club, Co.Wexford.
CORK
DONEGAL
DUBLIN
KILKENNY
LAOIS
LEITRIM
LONGFORD
MEATH
OFFALY
WATERFORD
WESTMEATH
WICKLOW
LONDONDERRY
FERMANAGH
DOWN
MONAGHAN
KERRY
KILDARE
LOUTH
TheWest Region Page 66
SOUTH The PAGE 49
AS any Munster man will tell you, well those from Cork anyway, Cork City is the ‘real’ capital of Ireland. In the Irish way of things it’s influence that’s important. And as any Dublin man will tell you with half his city populated by Corkmen, Cork City influence wins hands down, ergo, the ‘Real ‘Capital. Limerick, Munster’s other ‘city’, oversees the point where the River Shannon, meets the Atlantic Ocean. Limerick and its Shannon estuary has always been a focal point for travellers to, from and within Ireland. It has been building aviation bridges since the first Atlantic seaplanes noisily spattered and splashed their comings and goings at nearby Foynes. And rugby ? Well that’s the religion in these parts. The province of Munster covers the bottom quarter of the island of Ireland. If you take a line between Waterford and just south of Galway City, everything below lies in Munster. And some fabulous golf too - Lahinch, Doonbeg, Ballybunion, Tralee, Killarney, Waterville, Adare, Fota Island, County Tipperary Golf and Country Club in Dundrum names which conjure the exotic in Irish Golf. But there is much more to this impressive selection of Munster’s golf. Some 89 clubs are distributed throughout the province, each with its own character and story to tell. The range includes links, coastal heaths and parklands which will both challenge and enthral.
Counties in the South / Munster: Clare,
Cork,
Kerry,
Limerick,
Tipperary,
Waterford.
Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club, Co. Clare.
Cork Golf Club, Co. Cork.
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Co. Kerry.
WEST The PAGE 67
THIS is the wildly beautiful western quarter of Ireland. It includes counties Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. It is noted for its extravagant beauty, its mountain, sea, and lake scenery often criss crossed with tiny fields and bright dry stone walls The Atlantic’s gigantic surf tossed waves crash along the province’s western shoreline, while the River Shannon flows gently along its eastern in land boundary. A dramatically indented coastline is home to the province’s formidable array of links – Connemara,Carne, Enniscrone, Strandhill and Co.Sligo. This fistfulof 5 are as spectacular and challenging as any in anypart of Ireland. Co. Sligo is home to the West ofIreland Amateur Open Championship while Enniscroneplayed a bridemaid’s role in this regard a couple of years
ago.There is parkland golf here too and popular courses include Castle Dargan, Westport, Oughterard, Athlone and Portumna. A triangular shape with points at Galway, Sligo and Portumna broadly locates the province of Connaught. Enjoy !
Counties in theWest / Connaught: Galway,
Leitrim,
Mayo,
Westport Golf Club, Co. Mayo.
Ballinrobe Golf Club, Co. Mayo.
Connemara Golf Club, Co. Galway
NORTH The PAGE 75
THE top quarter of the island. A line drawn between Sligo town on the west and Dundalk on the east coast almost defines the southern boundary of this 9 county province. It includes the counties – Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Monaghan and Tyrone. Of these 5 have a coastline boundary which has provided ideal links terrain for some of Ireland’s most celebrated links – Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Portstewart, Ballyliffin, Portsalon, Rosapenna, and Donegal, Ardglass and Castlerock. Some of the greatest golfers have honed their skills on theses courses such as, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell to name but a few. This is a great time to visit, to climb on its merry-go-round and enjoy. The thing about Ulster is that it is so compact that you can easily compass your way around its towns and cities, its shops, restaurants, theatres and ‘watering places’ which are only too willing to entertain. There are over 120 golf clubs in Ulster with the newest, a Nick Faldo master piece at Lough Erne, Fermanagh, now taking centre stage. A great selection of courses to play. Great courses await . . .
Counties in the North / Ulster: Antrim,
Armagh,
Cavan,
Donegal,
Down,
Belvoir Park Golf Club, Co. Antrim.
Rosapenna Golf Club, Co. Donegal
THE NORTH REGION – ULSTER
78 Golf course entries
THE EAST REGION – LEINSTER
THE SOUTH REGION – MUNSTER
THE WEST REGION – CONNAUGHT
92 Map of Ireland showing location of golf clubs
94 Golf course & accommodation index
Page 2 Introduction
4 Local information
6 Golfing Getaways - Some of Greg Allen’s favourite places
12 Ireland’s Great Golfing Challenges - Kevin Markham
18 Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards
20 ‘The’ .. Ambassador ....Paddy O’Looney
21 Curtis Cup - Ireland 2016
22 New Era - Confederation of Golf in Ireland
COMPLETE MAP OF IRELAND ON PAGE 92 GOLFERS GUIDE TO IRELAND 2014
2 PROMOTING IRISH GOLF SINCE 1992 GOLFERS
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IRELAND 2014
Golf in Ireland Golf has become one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in Ireland. With over 420 golf clubs, Ireland has 30% of the links courses in the world, some in the Top 100, as well as top championship Parkland courses. Choose from links courses where the sea fresh breeze invigorates your game or pick an inland jewel with interesting lake or river shots.Whatever course you choose you are assured of a warm welcome and an enjoyable experience all year round.
Green Fees There is great value presently, most clubs have special rates for groups, sometimes based on inclusive green fees and club house catering arrangements. Green fee reservations can be made direct to the selected golf clubs and look out for Golf passes (Discounted Golf Prices) / Special offers on clubs websites.
Caddies and Caddy Cars Caddies are available at the most popular championship clubs and prior booking arrangements are recommended. Caddy (pull) cars can be hired at most clubs and cost about €3 per round.
Motorised Carts / Golf Buggies Many courses offer motorised carts. It
is recommended to enquire on availability prior to making reservation
and book a buggy if required.
Weather Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, which is ideal for golfers. However, it is advisable to pack your waterproofs as
rain and sunshine are all part of the Irish
climate.
Dress Code While it is advisable to check with the individual club, smart casual is the accepted uniform for golfers. Jeans and trainers are frowned upon and in some of the more traditional clubs a jacket, collar and tie are insisted upon when using the dining room, so do check in advance.
Soft Spikes and Handicap Certificates A good proportion of golf clubs now have a soft spikes only policy, so do check in advance. Also, handicap certificates are becoming the accepted norm, so if you have one from your club, bring it along.
Currency / Credit Cards Main stores, hotels and restaurants in Ireland will accept the majority of credit cards/laser cards. However, it is always advisable to carry some € (euro) and in Northern Ireland £ (sterling), many smaller accommodation establishments such as B&B’s and guesthouses may not accept credit cards/laser cards.
IrishWhiskey No visit to Ireland would be complete without at least “sampling” some IrishWhiskey. Whiskey – spelt with an “e” in Ireland - is said to have been invented in Ireland as far back as the 6th century and since then it has been part of the landscape, culture and history of this country. IrishWhiskeys are in many ways very different to their Scottish and American cousins, they are superbly smooth and the selection and diversity reflect not only the Distillers’ age-old expertise, but also Ireland’s heritage and unspoilt countryside.Why not combine your stay in Ireland with an evening spent sampling some of those wonderful whiskeys in the company of an IrishWhiskey Expert who will combine knowledge and expertise with plenty of stories and Irish humour. Log on to www.irishwhiskeyevent.com for more information.
GOLFERS GUIDE TO IRELAND 2014 Annual - Published by
Portside Publications Limited, 7 Cornelscourt Business Centre, Cornelscourt, Dublin 18, Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 289 7750. Fax: +353 1 289 8229.
Email: [email protected].
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the
compilation of this brochure. Portside Publications cannot
however accept responsibility for errors or omissions but
where such are brought to our attention, future publications
will be amended accordingly.
Contractual arrangements are made with the owners of
premises and courses. Any complaints should be addressed
in the first instance to the owners of the premises. Failing
satisfaction, contact a Tourist Information Office. In the
case of an alleged overcharge, the receipt should be
presented. Don’t forget to write to the owners with your
comments on the general service you experienced. Your
compliments and your constructive criticisms will be taken
seriously to ensure an even better product next year.
The information in this publication may not be distributed,
copied, stored in a computerised system, or used in any
form for commercial or promotional purposes, or for any
purpose whatsoever, other than by the publisher or those
contracted to provide services to the publisher.
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EMT LINBUDARBMPLEEMT LINBU, DARBMPLE
GUIDE TO
IRELAND 2014
Ireland, there is golf for all on the Emerald
Isle. To help you select the clubs of your
choice the courses are set in alphabetical
order in each region, giving details of the
services available at each.
at the time of going to press, it is advisable
to contact the clubs in advance for
confirmation of exact fees and dates.
The accommodations listed in this guide
have been submitted by approved premises
only. The rates quoted in the
accommodation section of this guide are
per person based on two people sharing a
twin or double room, on a bed and
breakfast basis. Self catering
rental unless otherwise stated.
There are a selection of restaurants listed
in this guide, the standard of food in most
establishments is very good and ask about
“Early Bird” / “Specials” / ‘Value Menus”.
They are located after the accommodations
listings in the relevant sections.
Golf Course Information Symbols explained:
Course Type (Parkland, Links) Number of Holes Par of course Club shop
Driving range Club hire Caddy hire Buggy hire Soft spikes only
Accommodation Information Symbols explained:
Number of bedrooms TV in bedroom Full bar licence Swimming pool Gym Spa
Conference facilities WiFi available Free car parking Evening entertainment Travel agent booking
Course on-ste Arrange hire of clubs Arrange tee-times
Tennis on-site Angling facilities (nearby / on-site) Horse riding (nearby - on-site)
Restaurant Information Symbols explained:
Vegetarian dishes Gluten free Service chargeSCGF
80
18
7218
222
When phoning counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh or Tyrone from overseas, insert your local international access code
followed by 44 and delete the zero in front of the local area code. For the rest of Ireland the same format applies, but replace 44 with 353.
The Europe Hotel & Resort, Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry T: 064 66 71300 E: [email protected] W: www.theeurope.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheEurope
Host venue of the 16th National Golf Tourism Conference & 2013 Gala Irish Golf Awards
Official Hotel of the Irish Open 2010/2011
CartonHouse This is one of the most progressive and innovative resorts in Europe that has two distinctly different championship courses one of which, the Montgomerie, has staged the Irish Open on three occasions in 2005, 2006 and 2013. The sister O’Meara course staged the Irish Amateur Open in 2004 in which a still growing young teenage Rory
McIlroy shot 67 in the final round less than a week after his 15th birthday, to claim a top ten finish.
So in just over ten years, Carton House Resort has already something of a storied history although the estate itself has a distinctly longer one stretching back more than two centuries.
The evolution of Carton House from a
There are very few elements of the downturn over the past five to six years that we can point towards as a ‘positive’ but for the international visitor or someone looking to take a golf holiday
at home, the radical adjustments in the golf economy mean there has probably never been such good value on such a wide scale in so many Irish resorts. It was a point hammered home to me recently while I was on a break in Portugal where, as luck would have it, the weather was more typical of theWest of Ireland than theWestern Algarve. It gave me a fresh appreciation for the Irish golf holiday experience which is less dependent on weather (for reasons we all know about and prepare for) and thereby has to be judged in the context of what’s on offer both on and off the course, and often long into the night. For the most part, Irish golf resorts offer a more rounded experience than almost anywhere in the world and often one which lasts as long after the round is finished, as anyone could wish for. In Britain, there are many resorts and great courses comparable to what’s on offer in Ireland but in truth, you generally pay more for the privilege. North America, Asia, Australia and South Africa offer high quality but again often at a price so while Ireland remains as competitive as it is right now, it can draw in more of the middle- spend golfer looking for value and quality with the added bonus of enjoying the very special experience of playing golf in Ireland. As long as the course, clubhouse and accommodation standards are upheld in these still difficult trading times, the resourcefulness that has been shown in the last five years will surely stand to the industry here when the hoped-for sustained recovery is upon us. Thankfully, even through tough times, there are still many great places to stay and play in Ireland and here, in no particular order, are some of the very best.
GUIDE TO
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Ph ot o: M ax w el lP ho
to gr ap
Carton House, Co. Kildare
relatively run down stately home when it was bought by the Lee Mallaghan in 1977, to modern resort has been nothing short of extraordinary and bears the mark of a passionate family business. I remember visiting the estate and seeing the golf course development plans for the first time in 2001 and when told of their ambitions for the almost completely flat land at the front of the estate, I could never have envisaged what would eventually become the Montgomerie Course – an audacious take on the inland links genre of design.
Montgomerie was there that day and the passion he brought to that project shone through in the eventual execution of the plans and the ‘Monty’, which has subsequently staged three Irish Opens, is a unique, daunting and terrific test of pure shot-making.
The O’Meara course is on a different kind of land which has true parkland credentials and wends its way over undulating ground with many sylvan features until you reach the 14th, 15th and 16th which are as enjoyable and beautiful a stretch of inland holes as you will find in Ireland.
The re-routing of the first and eighteenth holes has bolstered and beefed up the O’Meara course to the extent that it is widely tipped to stage an Irish Open soon.
While in the area: Play Luttrellstown Castle. Since the redesign of the course in 2007 by Donald Steel and Tom McKenzie, the fine original routing has been heavily remodelled and grown some muscle to elevate it into the elite category of Irish parklands. Onamedium/luxury budget: Stay in Carton House, a unique four star hotel that blends a bold modern structure with the old house in a truly innovative seamless way and has real luxury touches and a relaxed welcoming ambiance. For fine value quality accommodation: The Courtyard, Leixlip
CastlemartyrHotel andResort I passed through the town of Castlemartyr last April and had heard a great deal about Ron Kirby’s inland links and how authentic it
was, but had kept putting a visit on the long finger. So I planned a stay in the hotel in late summer, played the course twice and found that it exceeded my expectations.
It is unlike any other inland links that I have experienced because it truly looks like a course by the sea but with slightly softer and more generous amounts of grass under foot on the fairways and greens.
It is a very smart use of the land from the relatively gentle opening short par four to the tough finishing stretch over the closing three holes. Throughout is a varied, fair and always interesting challenge, offering respite on occasion like the short par four 9th while then immediately testing you to the utmost on the very next hole, the difficult long winding par four 10th, which is one of the best on the course.
There’s good food in the ultra modern clubhouse and the hotel offers old world charm with ultra modern touches in the opulent rooms.
While in the area: Cork City is only 20 minutes away and you approach it from the east driving from Castlemartyr so Cork Golf Club on Little Island is a must play. OnaMediumand Luxury budget: Stay in Castlemartyr. For fine value accommodation: Midleton Park Hotel and Sundown House B &B Kilmountain.
GOLFERS GUIDE TO IRELAND 2014 INDEX STARTS ON PAGE 92
PROMOTING IRISH GOLF SINCE 1992 7 GOLFERS
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Mount Juliet The Mount Juliet experience begins as soon as you drive through the gates. Even before this Jack Nicklaus course became the benchmark for standards of greenkeeping and excellence, there was something about the atmosphere of Mount Juliet that set it apart.
The hotel and clubhouse both possess a relaxed luxurious feel and the golf course, with its wide fairways and big greens manages to cater for most standards while also being challenging enough to stage three Irish Opens, two AmexWorld Championships and a Shell Wonderful World of Golf.
The most beautiful parts of the course run from the tree-lined second to the
Mount Juliet, Co. Kilkenny
watery fourth hole while on the back nine, the par three 14th and the closing two holes are great examples of trademark Nicklaus design features that can also be seen in his home course at Muirfield Village in Ohio.
Mount Juliet opened in 1991 when the economics of the country were challenging enough and the golf resort model in Ireland was relatively untried. That may be one of the reasons it has come through the recession in good health.
Playing Mount Juliet is an experience rather than a day’s golf. The clubhouse, hotel and even the practice ground are set in true sylvan beauty. If you love golf in Ireland, this is a must play experience.
While in the area: Play nearby Gowran, a fine parkland, which wends its way in and around the racecourse. It was designed by Jeff Howes, who also had a strong hand in the construction of Mount Juliet. Just fifteen minutes down the road is Kilkenny Golf Club which is a fine example of a traditional Irish parkland course. OnaMedium/ Luxury budget: Stay at Hunter’s Yard/Rose Garden Cottages/ Mount Juliet House. For fine quality value accommodation: Stay at nearby Abbey House, Jerpoint.
AdareManor I had heard about Adare Manor many years before I eventually played it for the first
“Irish golf resorts offer amore rounded
experience than almost anywhere in the world”
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time in 2001. By the time I finished the round, I was astonished that such a grand scale tree-lined course existed in Ireland. It felt as though one of the great American parklands had been transplanted in County Limerick.
Before playing Adare, I had always gone with the received wisdom that in Ireland, we do links courses especially well, but playing Adare made me feel that we had an inland course to rival our links ‘royalty’ in terms of challenge, design and natural beauty.
What makes Adare particularly special is that it’s one of those rare layouts that starts well and then gets better and better, culminating in the truly dramatic par five 18th with the green set beneath the Manor walls, guarded by an ancient Cedar of Lebanon with the daunting River Maigue separating the fairway from the wide but shallow putting surface.
The rolling terrain of the 13th hole through a tunnel of trees is probably my favourite parkland par four in Ireland and the drive off the 9th tee with the Manor in the background is one of the great vistas in Irish golf.
Adare has staged two Irish Opens and two JP McManus Pro Ams and has been lauded by many of the best players in the world with good reason. It is one of a handful of Irish parklands which bear comparison to the very best resort courses in the world.
While in the area: A wonderful trio of links courses, Doonbeg, Lahinch and Ballybunion are all within roughly an hour’s drive. OnaMedium/Luxury budget: Stay in a group in the cottages near the clubhouse or in one of the luxury serviced houses near the 7th fairway. Some of the competitive golf packages make the
extraordinary 160 year old Manor House a viable option even on a ‘medium’ budget. The Dunraven Arms is a great alternative. For fine quality value accommodation: Fitzgerald’sWoodlands House Hotel
KClub Mention the words ‘K Club’ in golf company outside of Ireland and it is clear it has achieved a recognition level as one of the places to stay and play in Ireland. That status was hard-earned. From the staging of European Opens every year from 1995 to 2007 and of course the Ryder Cup match of 2006, the K Club has earned its stripes.
This is a resort which has been ranked in top ten in the world in a CNN poll. There are two completely different looking layouts – the treelined Palmer (or Ryder Cup course as it is generally referred to) and the much more open but no less challenging Smurfit Course.
It’s hard to believe that both were built on predominantly flat land. Great
earthmoving work and tree planting was needed to create the Palmer which has matured superbly over the twenty or more years of its existence into the undulating leafy beauty it is today.
Even more land movement was required on the Smurfit course which is built on more open country and thereby its definition owes a great deal to the tall grasses off the fairway along with high mounding and a major water feature to the right of the 7th hole.
While it remains a five star product, the K Club is now a relatively affordable treat and few courses on either side of the Atlantic which have staged the Ryder Cup in the last 30 years are as well-priced in terms of green fees and packages as the Palmer.
Given the historic nature of the Ryder Cup matches played there, it is a truly special experience to walk in the footsteps of Europes’ heroes of 2006.
While in the area: Play Killeen Castle which is within half an hour’s drive. It’s a Jack Nicklaus signature course which staged the Solheim Cup in 2011 and is a true five star golf experience at a reasonable price. Also, within half an hour’s drive is the excellent Seve Ballesteros/Jeff Howes designed Heritage course in Killenard County Laois, which is a 5 star resort with a golf academy on site. Ona Luxury Budget: Stay in the K Club and check out their packages which offer real value for what you will experience. For fine value quality accommodation: Lawlor’s Hotel, Naas
Fota IslandResort Since it last staged the Irish Open in 2002, Fota Island’s smart and varied layout has matured beautifully and bears comparison
Adare Manor Resort, Co. Limerick
The Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club, Co. Kildare
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to the very best parkland courses in the country.
Golf has been played here for over a century but it was only in 1993 that the current routing came into existence under the design of Christy O’Connor Junior and Peter McEvoy.
A substantial upgrading in 1999 under the eye of Jeff Howes involved serious re- working of the green complexes and it reached a standard which enabled it to stage two successful Irish Opens in 2001 and 2002.
It has an open aspect in places which helps instill confidence in the novice golfer and yet the excellent varied routing allied with those fine green complexes makes it much harder to score on than would readily be anticipated.
The sylvan beauty of the surroundings, the cosy nature of the clubhouse, the chic modern five-star Fota Island hotel and the informality of the ambiance makes it one of the great long term or short term stays in the Irish landscape of golf resorts.
There are 27 holes here, with the Deerpark 18 forming the traditional Irish Open course.
Within 300 metres walk of the clubhouse is an excellent golf academy.
While in the area: Play Cork Golf Club at Little Island. This Harry Colt gem is just about as good a member-owned parkland course as you will find in Ireland with the shoreline, a quarry and strong movement in the land offering a varied routing. A substantial upgrading of the course almost two years ago, which involved the rebuilding and reshaping of the bunkers has substantially enhanced this
great traditional Irish parkland beauty. Medium/Luxury budget: Stay at the Fota Island resort. For fine value quality accommodation: Commodore Hotel Cobh.
FaithleggHouseHotel andGolfClub It’s a personal viewpoint, but I always tend to favour the look of a golf course right outside the front of a hotel. In Faithlegg, the 18th green and first tee are within yards of the facade of the old house which dates back to 1783.
Over 200 years later, in 1993, the resort opened with a deceptively gentle looking parkland golf course which has strong enough design elements, courtesy of Patrick Merrigan’s fine greensites, to stage the Irish Ladies Open twice in 2000 and 2001 - the former event being won on a modest total of 6 under par by eight-time European Solheim Cup player, Sweden’s Sophie
Gustafson. Faithlegg is blessed with rolling terrain
which sweeps down to the River Suir Estuary and a features many grand old trees. It has matured very well in 20 years and is now a great example of what a resort course should be – playable for all handicaps but challenging for very good players, thanks mainly to the slick undulating greens.
The Hotel is at the upper end of the four star range and has a destination restaurant, the award winning Roseville Rooms.
Onamedium/Luxury budget: Stay in Faithlegg House For fine value quality accommodation: For groups especially, Faithlegg own self- catering houses.
DruidsGlen Is there a better or tougher par four hole in Ireland, or indeed anywhere in the world than the devilishly difficult dogleg 471 yard 13th, in Druids Glen? Is there a prettier parkland par three in Ireland than the 12th?
When Druids Glen was opened, it hit the ground running with the announcement of an Irish Open to be staged there within a year of the completion of construction. Built on a site of great potential, the budget was large and the scope of Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddoick’s design was extensive. The cost alone of blasting a swathe of granite to create the 13th hole is reported to have come in at £300,000.
In truth, Druids Glen has a lot more going for it than simply a number of spectacular holes. It is eminently playable for the most part by a wide variety of handicaps and although there are some severely difficult tee shots, most notably on the 13th
Faithlegg House Hotel, CoWaterford.
Druids Glen, Co.Wicklow.
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and 17th, the enjoyment factor is one of the highest you will find on any course in Ireland and that is largely down to the emphasis on strong greenkeeping standards and also the imaginative planting of shrubs, gorse and flowers which are framed by the high number of mature old trees on the site.
Still not 20 years old, Druid’s Glen gets better year on year and it is an extraordinary large scale parkland creation.
The resort also has the robust, muscular and even more challenging Druid’s Heath set on more open exposed land. Its interesting design on a fine site is like a hybrid of heathland and parkland. From the first shot to the last it is a relentlessly uncompromising tough and demanding challenge.
While in the area: Play the European Club which is simply one of Ireland’s very finest links courses and has a worldwide reputation for excellence. Also take in the fine 36 holes at Powerscourt which has two long, challenging fine courses. The East Course is arguably Peter McEvoy’s best creation while theWest Course is designed by David McLay Kidd, of Bandon Dunes fame. Onamedium/Luxury budget: Stay in the Druids Glen resort For fine value quality accommodation: Chester Beatty Inn, Ashford.
Ballyliffin Arriving in Ballyliffin is like no other experience in the golfing landscape of Ireland. The two courses, lying side by side, look like they should be miles apart because
while Glashedy is carved out through high dunes, the Old Links moves more naturally and sympathetically with the undulations of the land and a flat lie is a rare thing on its lumpy bumpy fairways.
If you are a 36 hole-a -day golfer, this is pretty close to golf nirvana for links traditionalists.
While Ballyliffin is not not strictly a resort, the link-up in terms of golf and accommodation packages with the nearby four star Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa makes this one of the great destination golf venues in the country.
The Inishowen Peninsula has a relaxed easy vibe about it that is unique, even by Donegal standards.
The influence of Pat Ruddy is again evident here with his Glashedy design among the most admired in his considerable portfolio. It is less extreme in terms of penalty than his designs at the European or Sandy Hills and it is a joy to play.
And so too is the Old Course which was lengthened and subtly re-modelled in the last ten years by Faldo Design with a strong input from Sir Nick himself. It now stretches to around 7,000 yards from the back tees and is probably among the most under-rated courses in the country.
Onamediumaccommodation budget: The golf packages at Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa. For high quality value accommodation: McGrory’s Culdaff.
Rosapenna Golf has been played in Rosapenna since the
end of the 19th century when Old Tom Morris was commissioned to lay out a links on the shores of Sheephaven Bay. A hotel was built shortly afterwards and the course was then modified by Harry Vardon and James Braid.
It possesses quite a history especially by comparison to most Irish resorts which are, for the most part, barely twenty years old.
Rosapenna has survived two wars, economic depressions too numerous to count and the burning down of the original hotel in 1962 to emerge as one of the most robust resorts in Ireland in spite of it’s relatively remote location.
The Casey family bought the property in 1981 and it has grown and developed significantly with the addition of the Sandy Hills course along with substantial adjustments and improvements to the Old Tom Morris Course.
Sandy Hills is a severe but eminently fair challenge and is really a wonderful golf experience. Bring your very best golf though because this is a course with few bail-out options. The hand of Pat Ruddy’s design is strongly evident here and there are reminders of themes present at Ruddy’s world-renowned European Club inWicklow.
Recently, the Caseys have purchased the 36 hole St Patrick’s complex just two miles away meaning there is the potential that the resort could have 81 holes at some point in the future because nine holes of the original Old Tom Morris course have been preserved.
While in the area: Play Portsalon which has been re-designed by Pat Ruddy. And, although it’s a bit of a
Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal.
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drive, don’t miss Narin and Portnoo which is understated, underrated and utterly unmissable. Onamediumbudget& for fine value aswell: Stay at the Rosapenna Hotel
Glasson When Glasson opened almost 20 years ago, it was regarded widely as a project that owed more to a dream than a realistic ambition.
In 1993, Tom Reid turned his farm by Lough Ree into a golf course with the help of Christy O’Connor Junior whose design, which was aimed at maximising the wonderful views of the lake, comfortably stands the test of two decades.
It is no longer a hidden gem. It has twice hosted a European Challenge Tour event and in 2011 was recognised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association as their Resort of the Year.
The hotel, which incorporates the 230 year old farmhouse, is both homely and comfortable and there’s a sense that the staff cannot do enough for you. It is a truly family run business and it is all the better for it.
While in the area: Play Mullingar, one of the finest of Ireland’s parklands, designed originally by the legendary James Braid. Onamediumbudget: Stay In the Glasson Golf and Country Club.
The golf/accommodation packages are among the most competitive you will find.
MountWolseley This is one of Christy O’Connor Junior’s strongest designs and has matured well over the years. MountWolseley looks and feels every bit as challenging in places as the best of Ireland’s resort parklands which is a testament to the quality of the rolling landcape, the strong design and the ambition of the Morrissey family who own the resort. The muscular varied challenge of the front nine evolves into a rolling back nine which features two of the best holes on the course, the par 3 11th over water and the short par four 14th through a tree-lined valley.
The course begins and finishes in front of the hotel and it effectively wraps around the main building - a feature which makes avid golfers chomp at the bit to get out there and play it as soon as they arrive.
While in the area: Carlow, just ten miles faway, is a must-play course. Before the arrival on the Irish golf landscape of high budget commercial parkland resorts in the early 1990’s, Carlow was widely regarded as the finest inland course in the country. Having played it recently, it has lost none of it’s lustre and quality of design. Onamediumbudget: Stay at MountWolseley which has some
very attractive golf packages.
HiltonTemplepatrick When David Jones and David Feherty came together for an all-too-brief golf design partnership, they combined to produce this excellent parkland resort course which has a capacity to surprise and keep a golfer’s concentration on edge from a deceptively easy looking first hole all the way to a fine risk and reward par 5 18th. It has big, firm and fast greens which roll all over the place without ever being overcooked in terms of undulation.
It’s seriously and consistently challenging, even from the forward tees and it’s always interesting with lots of variation.
While in the area: Nearby Belfast has some of the best parklands on the island of Ireland. None are better than Malone, which is, for many, the best of its kind in Northern Ireland. Not far behind in terms of challenge and charm are Belvoir Park and Royal Belfast. OnaMediumbudget: Stay on site at the Hilton, which has a fine pool and an excellent gym used by many of Northern Ireland’s top GAA, rugby and soccer teams.
See pages 18 and 19 for The Golfers Guide to Ireland
Awards
MountWolseley Spa & Country Club, Co. Carlow
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Ireland’s Great Golfing Challenges IIreland’s golf Challenges are not exactly a
secret and yet they are rarely discussed during the regular weekend golf round. I
have yet to figure out why, for this is a remarkably entertaining yet competitive environment for golfers of all abilities. You play many of Ireland’s finest courses over three or four days and the green fees are a fraction of their usual price.
Go as a three ball to the north west, as a fourball toWaterford, or gather a gang together and head for the events in the north. You could find yourself playing on Royal County Down, Lough Erne, Enniscrone,
Ballyliffin or The Heritage, to name a few. You play for prizes of course – theWest Coast Challenge’s pot is €10,000 – although there is a distinct feeling that winning is secondary to the pure thrill of playing some of the best courses in Ireland… if not the world.
You can play alongside friends, family or strangers, and there are many stories of how new friendships have been formed and rekindled on the fairways, year after year.
The blueprint dates back to 1967, when James Brolly (Eglinton Hotel), Dai Shields (Carric-na-cule Hotel), James McCabe (Dillon Bass Ltd., Portadown) and Steve Mitchell (Secretary of NE Golf Alliance) came together to create an event that involved 200 golfers. The sponsor was McCabes of Portadown, known as Remy Martin, and the
company donated £300 plus miniatures to all players. The Troubles made things difficult over the years, but hard work saw the tournament attracting ever greater numbers of tourists to Northern Ireland. In 2000, 1,040 golfers (820 of whom were visitors) took part, making it the largest amateur golfing event in Europe. The name of the event may have changed (Remy Martin, The Black Bush, and Bushmills Malt Causeway Coast Golf Tournament), but the spirit of the event has always remained the same.
It took some time for the idea to blossom in Ireland, but several Challenges have cropped up to offer their verdant fairways and greens to the world’s golfers… and that is what makes these such outstanding events: golfers from across the globe come to play here, boosting our economy and bringing a buzz to local communities. Just ask anyone who has played in the Dunmore East Classic where the entire village of Dunmore East hosts some 300 golfers – many from the UK, Canada and South Africa – with restaurants and bars full to bursting point at night.
The golf format varies between three and fourballs but they are all Stableford. It means that everyone has a good shot at winning something.
And then there’s the value on offer: the Coasts of Down Links Challenge costs £115, while theWest Coast Challenge costs €125. It’s unbeatable value and it’s the perfect opportunity to have a few days away with people whose company you enjoy… not to mention the hospitality of your hosts, wherever you decide to head.
Try one. You won’t know what you’re missing until you do.
Atlantic Coast Challenge 2014 will be this tournament’s fourth year. The Atlantic Coast Challenge (ACC) ensures that golfers can roam Ireland’s northern shoreline from east of Belfast (Kirkistown Castle) to the western tip of the island (Carne). That’s a stretch of 26 links, among them some of the most acclaimed golf courses in the world.We are spoiled for choice.
The ACC courses stretch across the coastline of counties Sligo and Mayo. They may not have the instantly recognisable name or reputation of the Royals, but these courses are big… big in thrills, big in drama and big in heart. There are no taller dunes than at Carne, few courses boast as many remarkable holes as Enniscrone and you’d be hard pressed to beat the views of Drumcliff Bay and Benbulben at Rosses Point. This is a
place of breathtaking landscapes and sparkling hospitality… and that’s just the golf courses. It makes this an unforgettable golfing experience, which may explain why the Challenge attracts golfers from as far as the USA and China.
“The opportunity to play these three top links courses is second to none, and the dates should be imbedded in every golfer’s diary.What’s more, it’s superb value for money and great craic, too,” says David O’ Donovan, General Manager, County Sligo Golf Club.
DETAILS Competition Format: Teams of three: Singles and Team Stableford. Date: 7 – 9 July 2014 Cost:€139 Accommodation Options: Broadhaven Bay Hotel/Talbot Hotel in Belmullet; Diamond
By Kevin Markham Author of Hooked: An Amateurs Guide to the Golf Courses
of Ireland.
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Coast Hotel/Ocean Sands Hotel in Enniscrone; Glass House Hotel in Sligo. Prize Fund:€2,500 More details:+353 97 82292, [email protected]
Carne Golf Club Now a 27 hole destination, Carne has stamped its credentials on world golf thanks to designers Eddie Hackett and Ally McIntosh, and the passion and commitment of the people of Belmullet. Giants must have romped across the mighty dunes of Belmullet, making the designers’ job that much easier. These dunes are truly enormous, overshadowing you for much of the round and creating holes that are jaw- dropping in their ambition and so natural in feel.
Enniscrone This is another of Eddie Hackett’s gems, rolling along the shores of Killala Bay. The dunes here are mesmerising and they are home to an enthralling test of links golf. At times it is terrifying – you will need all your wits about you – but it is never less than inspiring, and starting at the 12th there’s a spectacular run for home.
Rosses Point/County Sligo Rosses Point dates back to 1894, and is host to the annualWest of Ireland Championship. Little has changed over the years and Rosses Point has the most interesting variety of holes and changes of pace of any links on the island. It also has stunning views with the mighty Benbulben ever-present. The changes in style call for smart shot-making, especially on the back nine.
CausewayCoastChallenge A trip to our island’s most northern stretch of golf courses, along the Antrim coast, promises a golfing extravaganza that mixes wonderful links golf with stunning views. From Castlerock the Inishowen Peninsula rises to the north-west, while Ballyliffin is poised on the peninsula itself, playing host to Ireland’s two most northern links. Portrush has the Donegal mountains and seascapes of rocks and castle, while the Glens of Antrim and distant Scottish mountains are visible on a clear day from Ballycastle.
Now in its 47th year, this is the oldest Challenge in Ireland, and Europe too. The tournament accommodates 850 golfers and boasts its own App and a Hole-In-One
teaser (the prize is a trip to the US Masters). It also has one particularly rewarding extra for golfers from outside Northern Ireland… you can enjoy a practice round on three of the courses included in the price. The format requires your four ball to split up so you play with unknown golfers… which creates friendships and stories that cross continents and last for years. Raymond, the tournament organiser, confirms this:
“It’s the camaraderie and craic of meeting old friends from years gone by, and people come back time and again.We have two golfers who have been coming every year for the last 30 years. There’s just this great atmosphere as golfers from around the world are reunited. That’s why this tournament has stood the test of time.”
It is also worth factoring in the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Bushmills Distillery… which order you choose to visit them in is up to you.
DETAILS Competition Format: Teams of four: Singles and Team Stableford. Date: 2 - 6 June 2014 Cost: £150 Accommodation options include: The Lodge Hotel, Bush Town Hotel, Ramada Portrush, and plenty of private accommodation. Prize Fund:Approx £4,500. More details: www.causewaycoastgolf.com, [email protected]
Ballycastle With its stunning views and interesting mix of holes, Ballycastle offers golfers a very different experience to the other three.
There are links holes here for sure (Hog’s Back is a violent beast), but they are squeezed between parkland and headland holes. The holes up to and down from the headland promise the most thrilling shots of the day.
Ballyliffin (Old) Ballyliffin boasts two of the best links on the island. The Old plays through the lower dunes, over crumpled fairways and deep bunkers. Bump and run is the soul of links golf, but here it may cause angst as balls wander off fairways and away from greens at will. It is thrilling golf nonetheless and not as tough as its more muscle-bound sibling (Glashedy), which makes it a friendlier challenge. The format at Ballyliffin will be a shotgun start – which should liven up proceedings.
Castlerock Castlerock is a brilliant links of erratic dunes, intriguing shapes and remarkable holes. The par three 4th – Leg O’ Mutton – may be the hole they talk about, but I’ve always been intrigued by the 12th with the large whale buried in the fairway. It changes pace constantly so you rarely settle into a rhythm. Be sure to ask the locals for a drop of Bishop Daly’s Special Brew.
Royal Portrush (Valley) The wild rose bushes behind many of the greens on this low-lying, fast-paced links create tempting but threatening backdrops. This is no place to run through the green, nor is it a place for the faint-hearted. The Valley may not carry the reputation of the Dunluce course (see below) but drifting beneath the high dunes which wrap around
Carne, Co. Mayo
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this short course promises a different links test.
CoastsofDownLinksChallenge If County Antrim has its Causeway Coast Challenge, then County Down is well able to match it. The opportunity to play Royal County Down (RCD) is an amazing enticement when you consider the Challenge entry fee of £115, but there is an element of qualification that also adds to the thrill of this particular event. For you will only play one of the world’s greatest courses if you score well over Ardglass and Kirkistown Castle golf clubs on the first two days. There are also live scoreboards in the clubhouse (and online), so you’ll know whether you’re going to make the cut. But even those who don’t still get to play RCD… if just the Annesley links. It may only be a par 66, but it’s a terrific little links and, by criss-crossing its bigger sibling a few times, it’s a cruel reminder of what might have been.
DETAILS Competition Format: Singles Stableford. Two qualifying rounds, followed by a round at Royal County Down. Date: 23 - 25 April 2014 Cost: £115 Accommodation Options: Slieve Donard is recommended due to the last day qualification system. Other options in Newcastle also available. Prize Fund:Over £2,000 More details: contact one of the clubs.
Ardglass Ardglass is a links/seaside/headland gem, with possibly the most dramatic salvo of opening holes on the island… ably assisted by the line of canons pointing you towards the 1st green, set in a rocky turret. Holes 10, 11 and 12 are thrilling, set across from the Coney Island made famous by Van Morrison. And the clubhouse is worth the visit alone.
Kirkistown Castle Make no mistake, Kirkistown Castle may only be a par 69 but it is a lethal links. There are two hillocks which host greens and tees in glorious fashion, and from here you will get a great perspective on the rest of the course. It is worth studying because there are few places to hide on this James Braid- designed course. Play straight.
Royal County Down Royal County Down can be summed up in one word: heaven. This is a links experience that settles in the soul, combining beauty and danger with magical scenery (Mourne Mountains) all day long. The blind 9th is often hailed as one of the world’s most enthralling golf holes, but there are many others, too. Unique features, such as the bearded bunkers, only serve to emphasise how special this place is. Now all you have to do is qualify.
DunmoreEastClassic The Deise county has been hosting the Dunmore East Classic for 22 years. Unlike links courses, which can give you such a wind-battering golf education, Tramore, Waterford and Faithlegg golf courses are more gentle and colourful affairs, coasting between avenues of trees, over streams and alongside rivers. Dunmore East Golf Club, the fourth course for 2014, slides across a headland overlooking Dunmore East fishing village.
The tournament is centred, quite literally, in the fishing village of Dunmore East. Here, golfers enjoy legendary evening hospitality and entertainment, and it is this that gives the Challenge its distinctive personality. Over the years the organisers have learned how best to package the event, combining golf, food and accommodation.
“The Dunmore East Golf Classic is offering five nights’ accommodation for the price of four to attract new and regular visitors to stay and play, both on and off the golf course. Our evening 'Apres Golf’ nights are world famous for their fantastic ambience and boisterous singalongs. It all emphasises our ' Great Golf - Great Craic'
Tramore, Co.Waterford.
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motto,” says event organiser, Tony Boland. Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are
stuffed to the gills with regular visitors from the UK, the US, Germany, Canada and South Africa. By all accounts, the atmosphere around the village makes this more of a jamboree than a golf tournament.
DETAILS Competition Format: Teams of four: Singles and Team Stableford. Additional Singles tournament on 26 April at Waterford Castle Golf Club. Date: 27 April - 1 May 2014 Cost:€299 (4 dinners & 4 rounds of golf). A 5 night stay with 4 dinners & 4 rounds of golf costs from €399. Accommodation is based mainly in the village of Dunmore East, ranging from the Haven Hotel to B&Bs and self-catering. Other options are also available. Prize Fund:Over €10,000 inWaterford Crystal More details: [email protected], Tel: +353 87 9389574
Dunmore East Golf Club Dunmore East slips back and forth across fairly open, wind-rattling ground before descending to the signature cliff top holes. Here you’ll encounter a spectacular backdrop with the village and sea below, and shots that require real bravery.
Faithlegg This lazy parkland is defined by its estate
location and the River Suir. The start and finish are awash with mature and elegant oak trees, which provide space and grace in front of the 18th century mansion/hotel. The middle of the course is more open and undulating, with the addition of river views, old stone walls and more big trees.
Tramore Tramore is an easy-paced, rhythmic layout that roves through dense trees with lots of variety and shape to holes. Of all the courses it requires the most discipline as trees get a touch too close, but smart golf will reap great rewards.
Waterford Waterford Golf Club dates back to 1912, and there’s a classic parkland air about it. It is a short par 71 and its easy tree-lined rhythm is a pleasure to play. The back nine takes you slowly up the slopes to the highest point that is the 18th tee and all the views that offers.
Great Irish LinksChallenge ‘Great’ sums it up in every sense of the word. This challenge plays over three of Ireland’s most highly acclaimed links courses – Ballybunion, Doonbeg and Lahinch – and promises five star treatment from start to finish. Entry costs €620 and our American golfing friends make up roughly 80% of the field. Indeed, when the tournament was first played in 2010, American Football legend, Dan Marino, was among the competitors and he returned in 2011. Other famous
names include Darrius Rucker (of Hootie & The Blowfish fame) and Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics.
The renowned Lodge at Doonbeg is the centre of attention, with its multitude of awards (e.g. Conde Nast Traveler’s Number 1 Resort in Europe 2013) making it almost as big an attraction as the Greg Norman- designed golf course. Competitors enjoy transportation to the courses, daily prizes at each venue and nightly entertainment.
Ray Kearney, Marketing Manager at the Lodge, acknowledges the wonderful response the tournament has received:
“The Great Links Challenge is now in its fourth year and it has been a runaway success. The level of entry right from the outset has been fantastic and that, coupled with the relaxed format of the event, has made it one which everyone loves. For many participants it is the cornerstone tournament of their year."
DETAILS Competition Format: Teams of four: Stableford Fourball Betterball. Date: 11 – 14 May 2014 (Welcome Reception on the 11th) Cost:€620 Accommodation Options: The Lodge at Doonbeg as well as numerous others, including Vaughan Lodge Hotel, The 19th Lodge and self catering options. Prize Fund:Crystal prizes are awarded to daily and overall winners. More details: www.greatirishlinkschallenge.com
Doonbeg, Co. Clare.
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Ballybunion The Old Course, cherished by TomWatson, has explosive dunes and a sea-swaying rhythm that tees off at the 6th hole and never lets up. It is not that long, which makes it manageable, but the par threes are tough. The mesmerising back nine delivers a sweet rollercoaster ride, including the par four 11th – one of the world’s best holes.
Doonbeg Doonbeg is the glamour resort it was always built to be, winning countless international awards. The sensational links weaves through picture-perfect dunes and takes you to the sea frequently – nowhere more telling than on the brilliant par four 6th, the lethal par three 14th, and the 9th green at the farthest curve of Doughmore Bay.
Lahinch Lahinch sits alongside Ballybunion with its reputation, seaside town and staunch advocates. It has the added bonus of a pair of goats who predict the weather and a rhythm that proves almost hypnotic. You visit the coastline early, with the Old Tom Morris holes (Klondyke and The Dell) starting the most tantalising stretch of holes.
GreatNorth Links The north of the island hosts three excellent challenges and the Great North Links is one of them. This challenge sees you playing the mighty Royal Portrush (Dunluce), Ballyliffin (Glashedy) and Portstewart (Strand). The challenge is very popular with golfers from Sweden and the UK… Ballyliffin even has a dedicated page in Swedish on its website.
“The tournament was set up because these three courses are seen as destinations
of choice by golfers everywhere. It also fits in well with the clubs at this time of year to offer great value for money,” says John Farren, Ballyliffin Manager.
There’s the added attraction that these three courses have four further courses between them… just in case you’re worried about not playing enough golf. And then there’s the stark beauty of Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point, a short drive north of Ballyliffin.
DETAILS Competition Format: Teams of four: Singles and Team Stableford. Date: 8 – 10 October 2014 Cost: £175 Accommodation Options: See www.ballyliffingolfclub.com Prize Fund: TBC More details: Tel: 074 937 6119, [email protected]
Ballyliffin (Glashedy) The stark beauty of Glashedy Rock, rising out of the Atlantic, combines with the roughly hewn mountains to give Ballyliffin a raw air and one that is matched by the Pat Ruddy-designed course. It bears all of his hallmarks, combining elegance with danger. Golfers must approach greens with care for bunkers are deep and perfectly positioned.
Portstewart (Strand) Few would argue that Portstewart’s front nine is among the best on the island. You are thrown straight into a landscape known as ‘God’s Own Country’, where valleys and tall dunes help to create holes that are truly tantalising. The new clubhouse is magnificent, as are the views over the 1st tee from its balcony.
Royal Portrush (Dunluce) Designed by H.S. Colt in the 1930s, this masterpiece combines a world-class reputation with some of the country’s finest holes (5 and 14 most notably). The Dunluce has an air of greatness and an aura of invincibility which will inspire you all day long. Be patient as club selection is the key on holes where you can almost always see what lies ahead.
TheWestCoastChallenge TheWest Coast Challenge will enjoy its 28th year in 2014. This four day tournament has become an annual pilgrimage for golfers from Ireland, England and Scotland. It plays along the dazzling coastline and rolling seascapes of counties Sligo and Donegal, with an accompanying blaze of fresh north west breezes and stunning landscapes. Covering Bundoran, Enniscrone, Donegal and Strandhill, it mixes in four very different links courses, from the quirkiness of Strandhill to the muscle of Donegal. The format sees you playing with different golfers over the four days. It has created long friendships with golfers returning year after year to reunite with friends. It’s part and parcel of the Challenge’s overriding spirit, and one that extends further than you’d expect: some 18 to 24 golfers from Ballybofey Golf Club make this an annual outing to raise funds. During the tournament they run a ‘book’ on their scores with all winnings donated to a county Donegal charity.
“We have donated over €8,000 in the past ten years, which is a great achievement, and a great credit to all the lads,” says Alister Henderson.
Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.
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DETAILS Competition Format: Teams of three: Singles and Team Stableford. Date: Early May 2014, with pre- competition reception. Cost:€125 (TBC) Accommodation Options:Hotels in Bundoran include The Great Northern, The Holyrood, and Allingham Arms. The Diamond Coast Hotel is in Enniscrone. Prize Fund: over €10,000 More details: www.westcoastchallenge.info
Bundoran Famous for Christy O’Connor Senior hitting ‘every-club-in-the-bag’ to one of the par threes, Bundoran can be a terror of a links on a windy day. There’s no place to hide (apart from behind the Great Northern Hotel) on a bumpy, open golf course that will teach you the art of links golf – pure and simple.
Donegal Donegal is one of those beautiful, idyllic and unspoiled Irish locations, tucked away on the isolated Murvagh Peninsula. The views are spectacular and, equally spectacular, is the links course that glides effortlessly through and over the dunes. Donegal is often discussed in terms of its length, but this is a very playable course.
Enniscrone See above.
Strandhill There is something of the genius about Strandhill – a design and quirkiness that makes this short course one of the most fun and intriguing to play. That is in no small part down to the members who designed the course over 80 years ago. Don’t let the par 69 fool you, for Strandhill is a stern test.
FiveFurtherChallenges The Carlow International Golf Classic is in its second year. Bunclody, Carlow and MountWolseley are three impressive but very different parklands, where Carlow is the grand dame. The price of €149 (tbc) includes three rounds of golf, three meal vouchers and one gala dinner in early September. The prize fund is €7,000.
www.carlowtourism.com/golfclassic
The Heart of Down Golf Tournament (two rounds played over Ardglass and Spa, before the top qualifiers play Royal County Down) has yet to be confirmed for 2014. The Donegal Links Classic plays over Ballyliffin (Old), Rosapenna (Old Tom Morris) and Portsalon. The event takes place from 26 – 28 May 2014, with individual team Stableford events. Cost €100 for visitors.
www.ballyliffingolfclub.com
The Laois International Golf Challenge is an intriguing mix of four County Laois golf courses. The four day event, from 19 – 21 May 2014, plays over The Heath, Portarlington and Portlaoise, with the Seve Ballesteros Heritage course providing the final round. Cost €100 which includes nightly entertainment programme.
www.golfirelandmidlands.com
For a brilliant touch, that combines links with parkland, try the Lough Erne & Links Challenge from 21 – 23 July 2014. Teams of four play over the glamorous Lough Erne, the elegant Donegal, and the thrilling Narin & Portnoo. Entry costs €140. www.donegalgolfclub.ie or 074 9734054.
The variety and quality of courses is astounding when you consider that many of the above venues regularly feature in Ireland’s Top 100 courses, with some making theWorld’s Top 100. Similarly, the value is remarkable and the price to enter some of the Challenges is less than the price of playing one of the clubs at regular rack rates. And while the quality of the courses and the value for money have to be highly commended, there is one other thing that makes such Challenges so attractive – and that’s the people who organise them, the people who play them, and the people who welcome you to their region of Ireland with open arms.
Ballybunion, Co. Kerry
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Ulster Region: Royal Belfast Golf Club
Overall Winner Powerscourt Golf Club Connaught Region:
Westport Golf Club
Munster Region: Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
Ulster Region Royal Portrush Golf Club
Munster Region Ballybunion Golf Club
GOLFERS GUIDE TO IRELAND ~AWARDS Best
Parkland Course
Best Links Course
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Lahinch Golf Club
Dromoland Castle
Ballina, Co. Mayo
Ulster Region Roe Park Resort
Overall Winner Carton House
Overall Winner Dundrum House Golf Club Connaught Region:
Ballinrobe Golf Club Munster Region: Douglas Golf Club
Best Hidden Gem
Midland & West Region Glasson Country House Resort
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I n the mid 1990s, when Jean kennedy Smith was US Ambassador to this country, I happened to attend an early-
morning media gathering at Iveagh House in Dublin. Though it had to do essentially with the impending Columbia space shuttle mission, there was a fascinating golfing dimension.We were informed that through the influence of Paddy O’Looney, the Chief Executive of Swing, astronaut Lt Col Jim Halsell would be carrying on board a pennant incorporating the logos of nine Irish golf clubs. All of which we greeted with a quiet smile. It was typical of the sort of exposure O’Looney achieved for golf tourism in the South-West of this fair land, from the time he took over at the helm of SWING in 1986, until his retirement in 2011.
Prior to that, I had got to know him when he competed in various amateur championships, going back four decades ago. At a time when Connacht were very often cannon-fodder for the other provinces, I remember O’Looney competing in the annual interpros as a member of Connemara GC in 1974, ‘75 and ‘76. During that period, he won five of the 16 matches he played for Connacht, which was a fairly decent return in the circumstances.
It was while working in the hotel industry in theWest that he met and married Joey on October 5th 1973 and they’ve been together ever since, celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in October 2013. And typically mischievous, Paddy decided that Napoleon was the only appropriate name for their large, lovable English sheepdog, given that Josephone happened to be the lady of the house. Napoleon was golf- trained, naturally, and lived to the grand old age of 16. They made a great trio in the Liscannor Golf Hotel where I happened to take my family on holiday one year in the early 1980s. Indeed Joey and I still laugh about the time when, in an attempt at occupying the children on a rainy day, I put a film called ‘Porkys’ on the hotel video, thinking it was aWalt Disney production, perfect for children. Fortunately, it had not reached its more lurid segments when I realised my mistake and quickly replaced it with more innocent fare.
When Denis Brosnan of the Kerry Group decided to launch SWING as a promotional vehicle for golf in the SouthWest, O’Looney became its inaugural Chief Executive. And it proved to be an inspired appointment, given his popularity throughout the industry in this country, his enduring skill as a category-one player and his insight into the tourism industry, especially the lucrative, US market. He could talk the talk.
Like the occasion in 2000 when he and Manuel Pinero shared memories of Bing Crosby during a competition for delegates attending the Third World Golf Tourism Congress at Montecastillo, Spain. It was where Pinero, as a local golfing icon, presented the prizes, along with the mayor of Jerez. The winner happened to be the former Connacht interprovincial, with the admirable, gross score of level-par 72 and the runner-up was none other than Victor Garcia, older brother of Sergio, who was reigning Irish Open champion at the time. With regard to Crosby - O’Looney recalled to Pinero how, as a 15-year-old juvenile member of Portmarnock, playing off five, he had the good fortune to meet the Old Groaner who was visiting the club along with his Irish manager, George O’Reilly. Some years later, in 1976, Crosby played golf in another European capital - for the last time. It so happened that his playing partner in Madrid had been Pinero, when he died of a heart-attack after the round. "Not surprisingly, Manuel still remembered every detail of that sad occasion," O'Looney recalled.
In July 2007, O’Looney spearheaded the 21st anniversary of Brosnan’s vision in bringing together the leading five golf clubs of the South-West - Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee, Killarney andWaterville - under one
marketing umbrella.
Over those years, SWING generated about €22 million in green-fee revenue for its member clubs, in conjunction with other leading Irish facilities. And from a marketing standpoint, confidence in the quality of their product was reflected in the slogan: "Come and experience the flavour of how we enjoy our golf in Ireland at your golf club today”.
A measure of the change from the modest, 211 rounds generated by SWING back in 1986, was that it could boast more than 20,000 rounds for the 2006 season, with a significant increase for the opening months of 2007.
Then there were the invaluable comments from two world figures whose words O’Looney got permission to use in marketing material. Tiger Woods said: “A whole new world was opened for me by the wonderful links courses of Ireland’s southwest. Mark O’Meara and myself were really taken by the warmth of the Irish hospitality. Wherever we went, people seemed genuinely pleased to see us, not simply as visiting golfers, but as new-found friends.” O'Meara said: “In 1998, the SWING courses helped me realise the dream of a lifetime, when I went on to capture the British Open at Royal Birkdale. So, I could hardly give them a greater recommendation. Golf in the Emerald Isle took on a special appeal for me from the time I competed in the Irish Open at Portmarnock in 1987. Later, at venues such as Waterville, Ballybunion and Lahinch, the welcome has always been wonderful.”
Indeed his contribution to Irish golf tourism has been richly significant. So, at the end of a productive career, it is especially sad that well-earned retirement has not been kind to Paddy, who has been the victim of a series of health set-backs in recent years.
His many friends in golf, here and beyond these shores, will wish him a change of fortune.
Dermot Gilleece
Paddy O’Lonney
GUIDE TO
IRELAND 2014
DUN Laoghaire Golf Club has been selected to host the 2016 Curtis Cup Match between Great Britain &
Ireland and the United States of America. Following a rigorous review of possible
venues, the Ladies’ Golf Union (“the LGU”) selected Dun Laoghaire to host this prestigious international event.
The Curtis Cup is the best known team trophy for lady amateur golfers and is organised by the LGU when it is played in Great Britain & Ireland.
The first Curtis Cup Match was played in 1932 at theWentworth Club in England, and was won by the American team. The match was last held in Ireland in 1996, when it was played on the Killeen Course at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. This year’s match at The Nairn Golf Club in Scotland attracted a large and noisy crowd of home and international spectators.
Dun Laoghaire’s selection for the 2016 match was announced during the
closing ceremony. “We are delighted that the next home Curtis Cup match will be held in Ireland in 2016,” commented Shona Malcolm, CEO of the LGU. “Dun Laoghaire Golf Club submitted a very compelling bid for hosting the 2016 match. The quality of the course and top class facilities at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, coupled with the commitment and enthusiasm of the club’s team, convinced us that we were selecting a great venue.”
A number of the best courses in Great
Britain & Ireland were considered as part of a competitive bidding process. In being selected, Dun Laoghaire Golf Club joins an esteemed list of previous host venues which include Royal County Down, The Old Course, St. Andrews, Royal St. George’s, Muirfield, and Royal Liverpool.
The 27-hole championship course at Ballyman Glen, on the border of counties Dublin andWicklow, was designed by the renowned course architects at Hawtree Limited. The 102-year-old club moved to
Ballyman Glen in the summer of 2007 from its original 18-hole home in the Dublin suburb of Dun Laoghaire. The course is complemented by a 5-star clubhouse, Golf Academy, Driving Range and extensive practice facilities.
Dun Laoghaire Golf Club is a Members club, with over 1,200 members, including Men, Ladies and Juniors.
Curtis Cup comes to Ireland in 2016
GB & I Curtis Cup Team 2011 Nairn, Scotland. Photo Carol Fell.
The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI), the Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU) and the Professional Golfers Association (PGA)
join together to form the Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI).
The CGI is a new organisation, purpose of which is to help advance the sport of golf on the island of Ireland, for the future. The CGI will complement the work of the associations as well as providing a necessary combined approach to certain key strategic areas in the future development of golf in Ireland. The CGI, which is a not for profit organization and the objectives are
Create and implement a development plan for golf in Ireland.
Respond to the investment requirements of the two Sports Councils, who are seeking one single application for golf. Provide an organisation to interact with the Olympic Council of Ireland which wishes to deal with only one body. Provide support and a "spiritual home" for aspiring Irish tournament professionals in the early years of their careers.
Specifically, there is important work to be done to stop the decline in membership of golf clubs and to start the re-building process after the economic hardships of recent years. The key to this will be to bring a new focus to the game and the business of golf clubs on the island of Ireland.
The CGI announced the appointment of
John Roche as its Director of Golf and Business Development and will be responsible for drafting and implementing a plan for the promotion and development of golf in Ireland. John Roche is an active member of Bray Golf Club and incoming 2014/15 President.
The GGI will engage with various stakeholders, including Affiliated Golf Clubs, the R&A, Irish Sports Council, Sports Council
of Northern Ireland and other industry bodies and then launch its plan for the promotion and development of the sport in early 2014.
The Associations have chosen Redmond O'Donoghue to be Chair of the Confederation for the next three years. Mr. O'Donoghue has been a senior business figure in Ireland for many years; additionally, he has been close to golf through his roles as Chairman of Bord Failte (1999-2001) and as Chairman of Failte Ireland (2008 - to date).
Mr. John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council said: "This is a very welcome and very positive development for golf in Ireland. The success of the work of the associations is at its most visible in the world class performances by Irish golfers on the international stage - particularly during the past six or seven years. The CGI will build on this outstanding success story and help to provide additional strategic direction for the sport, throughout the whole island".
Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport added: “I am delighted to welcome the establishment of the Confederation of Golf in Ireland. I commend the Golfing Unions and the Irish PGA on their vision and initiative in bringing the Confederation together. This is a major step forward in the strategic development of golf in Ireland. The CGI will support the work of the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golf Union and the Professional Golfers Association and build on the success of Irish golf across Ireland and Internationally. I wish all involved with the new venture every success”.
New era in Irish Golf Confederation of Golf in Ireland ~ CGI
John Roche
"I was very impressed by the openness and willingness of the key organisations in the sport of golf to engage in such a positive way to create the new CGI. It's important to point out that the CGI will, in no way, dilute or weaken the autonomy of the three member organisations; it will work in a complementary way to address common objectives and challenges. I very much look forward to chairing the CGI and to working with John Roche and the Board Members to advance the cause of Irish golf in the coming years".
RedmondO’Donoghue
Ireland’s Number 1 Golfers Guide
GUIDE TO
IRELAND 2014
Published Since 1992 Ireland’s No. 1 Golf Guide www.golfersguide.ie
GUIDE TO
IRELAND 2014
Full Membership and Five-Day Membership available
Golf Societies and Corporate Outings
Welcome All Year Round
EAST The
Goldsmith, Beckett, Joyce, Kavanagh, and Behan, all of
whom left their literary imprint there in times past. Its
history goes back to the Vikings and any day of the week
you hear of some archaeological dig or other uncovering
remnants of its early past. Leinster occupies the eastern
quarter of the island of Ireland with Dublin, the country’s
capital, it’s largest city. If you take a compass, place its
point in Dublin and draw a 60 mile radius semi-circle - you
now have a broad outline of the area covered by the
province. In many ways Leinster is a microcosm of all the
delights you can find in Ireland - and all within a 60 mile
radius of Dublin’s air and sea ports. Leinster’s golf ranges
over traditional and modern, from links to parkland. The
quality of golf is superb. The Irish and European Opens,
and Irish PGA and Golfing Union of Ireland amateur
championships have been hosted by clubs in this region.
But not only that, the 2006 Ryder Cup was played at the K
Club in Co. Kildare.
Counties in the East / Leinster: Carlow,
Dublin,
Kildare,
Laois,
Longford,
Louth,
Meath,
Offaly,
Kilkenny,
Westmeath,
Wexford,
Wicklow.
PAGE 25
Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club, Co. Meath. Rosslare Golf Club, Co.Wexford.
Druids Glen Golf Club, Co.Wicklow.
GOLFERS GUIDE TO
26 THE EAST REGION / LEINSTER – MAP OF GOLF COURSES
DUBLIN
KILKENNY
LAOIS
LONGFORD
MEATH
OFFALY
WESTMEATH
WICKLOW
KILDARE
Courses are referenced on
page 27
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this map, because of the small scale of this map, position of courses are a guideline only. Please contact us if you notice any errors so we may correct them in future issues. The information on this map is correct at the time of going to press. © January 2014 Portside.
GOLFERS GUIDE TO
Palmer Course K Club. Co. Kildare
Map Ref. Golf Course E1 Dundalk Golf Club E2 Carnbeg Golf Club E3 Ballymascanlon Golf Club E4 Killin Park Golf Club E5 Greenore Golf Club E6 Ardee Golf Club E7 County Longford Golf Club E8 Seapoint Golf Club E9 County Louth Golf Club E10 Townley Hall Golf Club E11 Ballinlough Castle Golf Club E12 Headfort Golf Club E13 Royal Tara Golf Club E14 Navan Golf Club E15 Moorpark Golf Club E16 Bellewstown Golf Club E17 Laytown & Bettystown E18 Glasson Golf Club E19 New Forest Golf Club E20 Mullingar Golf Club E21 Delvin Castle Golf Club E22 South Meath Golf Club E23 County Meath Golf Club E24 Glebe Golf Club E25 Knightsbrook Golf Club E26 Killeen Castle Golf Club E27 Ashbourne Golf Club E28 Mount Temple Golf Club E29 Moate Golf Club E30 Esker Hills Golf Club E31 Tullamore Golf Club E32 Castle Barna Golf Club E33 Edenderry Golf Club E34 Moyvalley – The Champions Club E35 Rathcore Golf & Country Club E36 Kilcock Golf Club E37 Black Bush Golf Club E38 Killeen Golf Club E39 Highfield Golf Club E40 Carton House – Montgomerie E40 Carton House – O’Meara E41 Celbridge Golf Club E42 Knockanally Golf Club E43 Castlewarden Golf Club E44 K Club, The – Palmer Course E44 K Club, The – Smurfit Course E45 Millicent Golf Club E46 Curragh Golf Club, The E47 Clane Golf Club E48 Bodenstown Golf Club E49 Woodlands Golf Club E50 Palmerstown House Golf Club E51 Pine Trees Golf Club E52 Birr Golf Club E53 Portarlington Golf Club E54 Cill Dara Golf Club E55 Dunmurry Springs Golf Club E56 Newbridge Golf Club
Map Ref. Golf Course E57 Craddockstown Golf Club E58 Naas Golf Club E59 Mountrath Golf Club E60 Abbeyleix Golf Club E61 Rathdowney Golf Club E62 Heath Golf Club, The E63 Heritage Golf Club, The E64 Athy Golf Club E65 Kilkea Castle Golf Club E66 Rathsallagh Golf & Country Club E67 Tulfarris Golf Club E68 Baltinglass Golf Club E69 Old Conna Golf Club E70 Woodbrook Golf Club E71 Bray Golf Club E72 Powerscourt Golf Club – East E72 Powerscourt Golf Club –West E73 Dun Laoghaire Golf Club E74 Charlesland Golf Club E75 Glen of the Downs Golf Club E76 Greystones Golf Club E77 Delgany Golf Club E78 Kilcoole Golf Club E79 Djouce Golf Club E80 Vartry Lakes Golf Club E81 Druids Glen Golf Club E81 Druids Heath Golf Club E82 Roundwood Golf Club E83 Wicklow Golf Club E84 Blainroe Golf Club E85 Glenmalure Golf Club E86 Macreddin Golf Club E87 European Golf Club E88 Coollattin Golf Club E89 Woodenbridge Golf Club E90 Arklow Golf Club E91 Leinster Hills Golf Club E92 Killerig Golf Club E93 Carlow Golf Club E94 MountWolseley Hotel & Golf Club E95 Tara Glen Golf Club E96 Seafield Golf & Country Club E97 Ballymoney Golf Club E98 Courtown Golf Club E99 Castlecomer Golf Club E100 Kilkenny Golf Club E101 Gowran Park Golf & Leisure Resort E102 Callan Golf Club E103 Mount Juliet Golf Club E104 Mountain View Golf Club E105 Borris Golf Club E106 New Ross Golf Club E107 Bunclody Golf Club E108 Enniscorthy Golf Club E109 Wexford Golf Club E110 Rosslare Golf Club E111 St. Helen’s Bay Golf Club
Map Ref. Golf Course Golf Clubs in the North Dublin area DubN Balbriggan Golf Club DubN Balcarrick Golf Club DubN Balheary Open Golf Club DubN Beaverstown Golf Club DubN Castleknock Golf Club DubN Clontarf Golf Club DubN Coldwinters Gold Club DubN Corballis Golf Club DubN Corrstown Golf Club DubN Deer Park Golf Club DubN Donabate Golf Club DubN Elmgreen Golf Club DubN Forrest Little Golf Club DubN Hollystown Golf Club DubN Hollywood Lakes Golf Club DubN Howth Golf Club DubN Island Golf Club, The DubN Luttrellstown Castle DubN Malahide Golf Club DubN Open Golf Club, The DubN Portmarnock Golf Club DubN Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links DubN Roganstown Golf & Country Club DubN Royal Dublin Golf Club DubN Rush Golf Club DubN Silloge Park Public Golf Club DubN Skerries Golf Club DubN St. Margaret’s Golf & Country Club DubN St. Anne’s Golf Club DubN Sutton Golf Club DubN Turvey Golf Club & Hotel DubN Westmanstown Golf Club Golf Clubs in the South Dublin area DubS Beech Park Golf Club DubS Carrickmines Golf Club DubS Castle Golf Club DubS Citywest Hotel & Golf Resort DubS Dublin City Golf Club DubS Dublin Mountain Golf Club DubS Edmondstown Golf Club DubS Elm Park Golf Club DubS Foxrock Golf Club DubS Glencullen Golf Club DubS Grange Castle Golf Club DubS Grange Golf Club DubS Hazel Grove Golf Club DubS Hermitage Golf Club DubS Killiney Golf Club DubS Leopardstown Golf Club DubS Milltown Golf Club DubS Rathfarnham Golf Club DubS Slade Valley Golf Club DubS South County Golf Club DubS Stackstown Golf Club DubS Stepaside Golf Club
Map reference in this colour denotes a links course.
GOLFERS GUIDE TO
28 THE EAST REGION / LEINSTER
ClubAdministrator: Elaine Spillane [email protected] 01 841 2229 18 Hole parkland course 15 mins from Dublin Airport. Challenging course in warm friendly environment providing visitors with a relaxing and memorable day’s golf.
Full catering facilities available, excellent quality and service. Green Fees:Monday - Tuesday €25; Wednesday - Sunday €35; Visitors: Everyday Opens: See Website Location: Located about 20 miles North of Dublin City, the course is easily
accessible being just off the M1. Length: 6,069 metres Golf Pro: Nigel Howley Bar Snacks / Lunch / Dinner available
Signature Hole 6th, Par 3, 161 yds, Index 15 Lovely par 3 from an elevated tee the green is protected by water front left and a bunker back left to catch the long tee shot. Pick the right club off the tee to set up a good birdie chance.
7218
DubN N
€25€3
Manager:Michael Leonard [email protected] 041 988 2757 Spectacular new 18 hole course, all weather USGA greens, flanked by the River Bradden to the North, the course runs along the top of the Hill of Crockafotha. A great challenge to all levels of golfers. Green Fees:Monday - Friday €10;Weekends & Public Holdiays €20. Visitors: Welcome everyday Opens: See website Location: Located 25 miles North of Dublin & 6 miles South of Drogheda.
Turn off the M1 at Drogheda South and Julianstown exit. Length: 6,700 yards Golf Pro: Sid Baldwin Bar Snacks / Lunch available
Signature Hole 8th, Par 3, 235 yds, Index 3 A beautiful and challenging down hill par 3 with amazing views from the tee, played down to a challenging green with water on the left and trees to the right and back.
7218
E16 N
General Manager: Patrick Bradshaw [email protected] 0404 68168
Blainroe Golf Course is set on parkland terra

golfers guide to ireland 2014

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