DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
MUNSTER
Shannon
Dundrum House
This is such a peaceful estate setting for a golf course with the Multeen River sliding gracefully through the Co . Tipperary landscape . Big trees dominate and the course ’ s designer , Philip Walton , did a wonderful job using the natural features to create this impressive par 72 course . It starts calmly , easing you in , but after three lakeland-style holes Dundrum House really begins to hum . This is when the river comes in to play and it is a danger on tee shots and approaches alike . One of the undoubted highlights is the tenth , where a stand of three regal oaks dominates the fairway and the river runs along the right hand side .
Clonmel
Set in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains , high above the town , Clonmel is a hillside parkland that embraces its natural charms … just as so many Eddie Hackett courses do . Woods are everywhere and border much of the course , revealing a mountainscape at one end and views over the River Suir valley at the other . In between are some bumpy fairways , slippery greens and strong changes in elevation . The par three 14th is an exceptional par three , hitting into the heart of a mountain from a high tee , while the 13th is Index 1 , with a sharply sloping rightto-left fairway . Expect plenty of entertaining shot-making .
Shannon
Tucked away behind the airport , this lovely club is a parkland of dark corridors , unforgiving trees and a sweet dose of the Shannon Estuary at the farthest point . The course flows so easily over the level terrain and it is the subtle doglegs and the trees which will test your nerve . Brawn is not always the answer here . The par threes are all strong , especially the long 17th beside the estuary . It is the only hole where trees can ’ t ruin your card … that ’ s left to the estuary , which you must cross .
Castletroy
This is a quality suburban parkland on the outskirts of Limerick city . It may not have acres of space , but it uses smart design and routing to provide an invigorating test of golf . And , at 6,000 metres , it is longer than you might expect . The 2006 renovations have proved a big success with new bunkering , water features and sparkling new greens elevating the course ’ s reputation and challenges considerably . Today ’ s course slides comfortably back and forth between the trees , with some high tee box settings offering terrific tee shots – particularly on the back nine .
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