DESTINATION GOLF 2022
Strandhill
Co . Sligo
A links which sits out at the end of Rosses Point , commanding sensational views over Drumcliff and Sligo bays , distant mountains and , most dominant of all , Benbulbin – the flat-topped mountain creates a daunting backdrop . And if the seting is majestic , then so too is the golf course . Laid out over a dunescape of contrasting rhythms , this is where the acclaimed Harry Colt created 18 intriguingly individual holes . Indeed , there are almost three courses in one , such are the changing landscapes : in places it is flat , in others it is bumpy and unpredictable and in still more it is steep , even mountainous . But they all combine beautifully and it is all on show from the tee .
Strandhill
The sea squeezes this stunning links on two sides . Riders of the waves prefer the west , while riders of horses favour the south . You ’ ll see them from a course that hugs the water but also rises up the dunes in the centre , sending holes scattering down the bumpy slopes to some severely undulating , natural greens . There ’ s no magic design formula ( the members did much of it ), which works in Strandhill ’ s favour because holes like the 5th , 13th and 15th are off the charts for sheer fun and adventure . The smart clubhouse sits at the top , too , showing off much of the course . Appreciate it for what it is … an absolute gem and a quirky one at that .
Galway Bay
“ Holes like the 5th , 13th and 15th are off the charts for sheer fun and adventure .”
The setting for Galway Bay couldn ’ t be more idyllic . The land flows down to the sea from the highest point ( the clubhouse ) and views spill across the water to Galway City and The Burren . The course has been designed to resemble a links and the barren , aesthetically shaped landscape definitely has links features : bunkers are often revetted and the glorious , raised greens are open and accessible to bump-and-run . There are two loops of nine touching the sea on two sides and with its superb levels of maintenance and wide fairways , Galway Bay is very playable for all .
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