DESTINATION GOLF 2022
Roe Park
Rosapenna ( Old Tom Morris )
Today ’ s course combines Old Tom Morris with new Pat Ruddy , who designed a new nine holes in 2009 . These form today ’ s front nine away from the sea . The dunes here are bumpy and low , allowing Ruddy to create plenty of deception , especially on green approaches . Old Tom ’ s classic holes ( with plenty of Colt and a sprinkling of Braid and Vardon ) snuggle up to Sheephaven Bay , behind the resort ’ s hotel . These are so natural and fluid , and they use the landscape to perfection . You only have to look at the greens to appreciate that .
Co . Armagh
From the clubhouse you will get an inkling of the sort of golf course you ’ ll be playing . Gentle swells , heaving trees , fine routing … they all combine to make this little known course a very worthwhile destination . At times you ’ ll be amazed by the setting because this is on the edge of Armagh town , yet many of the holes are completely immersed in trees and peacefulness . Co . Armagh is also old and , on this landscape , that means big mature trees and holes gliding between them . There are water features , but not too many , and the finishing stretch is what is affectionately known as a card-wrecker .
Roe Park
The course wraps easily around the hotel starting down by the River Roe , playing over gentle parkland terrain before coming up and through the hotel grounds … literally . The glorious par three 6th rises steeply through the heart of the buildings to a turret-like green . The remaining 12 holes find a steadier rhythm with water and gorse and trees looping around Mullagh Hill . It is an airy course perfect for confidence golf but the tantalising and short par four 15th will stop you in your tracks … go for glory or play safe ? Roe Park ’ s location , close to the north coast ’ s revered links , adds to the attraction .
Spa
This is a tidy , often turbulent parkland in the heart of Co . Down . It starts as it means to go on with a sweet and straight par four between the trees , rising to a flag that tempts you from the tee box . There is plenty of wild woodland scattered over fine flowing countryside and it gives Spa a certain elegance . From the clubhouse look down the 9th and 18th , which sit in parallel , and you ’ ll appreciate the shapes Spa throws at you . Both holes descend into a deep dip before rising quickly to the green . The par three 2nd and 17th are two of the highlights , but this is a strong parkland from start to finish .
138