DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
ULSTER
Warrenpoint
Kirkistown Castle
James Braid redesigned this quiet links on the eastern coastline of Co . Down in the 1930s . He was the perfect man for the job as Kirkistown Castle ’ s landscape played into the master designer ’ s hands . He employed his trademark deception around the green , punitive bunkering and oodles of subtlety . It may not feel big or long ( par 69 , 6,167 yards ) but expect to be tested with hard to gauge fairways . Seven of the par fours measure over 400 yards and well-bunkered greens always present problems . Holes play over two levels : low , bumpy terrain and across a high exposed ridge , which promises some stunning drives and approaches , as well as views across the rest of the course .
Warrenpoint
Three par fives in the opening four holes make for a top-heavy start at Warrenpoint . Stretched over mostly flat terrain they do , however , present strong scoring opportunities … something you will want to avail of as the holes which follow are more difficult , have greater shape and restrict wild driving . And yet it is a short course so prepare to play intelligent golf between colourful , often intrusive trees . The club has produced several international players and , given the demands of the course , it is little wonder . The run of holes from 11 to 15 , in the farthest corner , is what you will cherish most .
Massereene
There are many strong parklands in Northern Ireland , but Massereene ’ s shape and intrigue give it an extra layer of quality . Add in its modest length ( par 72 , 6,400 yards , middle tees ), small greens and lots of doglegs and you have a course that becomes a strategic golfer ’ s cornucopia . And that ’ s before mentioning the trees , many of which have been growing here since the club was formed in 1895 . They like to squeeze fairways and elbow doglegs . The 1st hole sets the tone as it doglegs right , around trees , before rising sharply to a green perched on a ridge . A sweetly paced course that will put manners on you .
Hilton Templepatrick
From the back tees , Hilton Templepatrick is a beast of over 7,000 yards – a result no doubt of its championship ambitions when it was opened in 1999 – but from the mortals ’ forward tees it measures 6,200 . Regardless , this is an expansive parkland affair behind the Hilton hotel and it flows over a gentle landscape . There is lots of water and the estate ’ s mature trees have been used to give character throughout the course … with many more trees planted since opening . The five lakes , stream and river may be the most prominent features but you will undoubtedly remember the remarkable and very inviting green complexes .
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